How to Block Drafts and Fix a Drafty House

It happens to the best of us – you’re cozy with a good book when suddenly, you feel it.

That annoying draft creeps through your home, making everything just a little less comfortable. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

Many homes suffer from drafts, but the good news is that there are ways to identify where they’re coming from and how to stop drafts for good.

Our RetroFoam dealer network helps homeowners nationwide identify and fix drafts throughout their homes. That said, let’s dive into some common culprits and solutions for a drafty house so you can stay warm and comfortable year-round.

How to Identify Drafts in Your Home

Before you can fix drafts in your house, you need to find them.

Here are a few simple tests to locate those pesky air leaks.

The Smoke Test

One of the easiest ways to detect air movement in your home is with an incense stick or match.

• Light the match or incense, then blow it out.
• Hold it near windows, outlets, and doors.
• If the smoke moves instead of rising straight up, you have a draft.

The Touch Test

Sometimes, you can simply feel where the cold air is seeping in.

• Take off your socks and walk around – are certain areas of the floor colder than others?
• Run your hand along your walls, baseboards, and outlets. If they feel noticeably cooler, air could be leaking inside.

The Thermal Camera Test

If you can access a thermal imaging camera, you can pinpoint temperature differences throughout your home.

This tool will visually highlight where cold air is getting in.

Get a Professional Energy Audit

An energy audit performed by a professional can identify air leaks throughout your home and provide expert recommendations for fixing them.

Common Drafty Areas and How to Stop Drafts

Now that you know how to find drafts, let’s talk about how to block them.

Insulating Walls and Outlets

If your walls or outlets are cold to the touch, chances are they lack proper insulation.

• Use foam outlet gaskets: These are simple pads placed behind the outlet cover to block drafts.

• Apply canned foam insulation: This is great for sealing small air gaps around outlets and light switches.

• Upgrade to foam insulation: Adding injection foam insulation like RetroFoam can seal your walls completely, stopping drafts at the source.

Attic Insulation

A poorly insulated attic allows warm air to escape, which can cause ice dams and damage to your roof.

• Add spray foam insulation: This creates an air seal to stop warm air from escaping and prevent ice dams from forming.

• Check attic vents: Ensure they’re properly sealed to prevent unnecessary airflow.

Crawl Space Insulation

Just like the attic, your crawl space can be a major source of drafts.

• Insulate the crawl space with spray foam: This helps block cold air from rising into your home.

• Seal any gaps around the floor: If your floors are cold, it’s likely due to air leaks from below.

Windows and Doors

Windows and doors are common sources of air infiltration.

Here’s how to fix drafts in these areas.

• Check window seals: If your windows are old or have visible cracks, they may need replacing.

• Use caulk: Apply caulk around window edges to seal small gaps.

• Replace broken panes: Any cracks or broken seals will allow cold air to enter.

• Install weatherstripping: Apply weatherstripping around doors to eliminate gaps.

• Use a door sweep or draft stopper: This prevents air from sneaking in under exterior doors.

Creating an Air Seal to Stop Drafts for Good

While minor fixes help, the best way to ensure your home is truly draft-free is to seal the building envelope.

Spray foam insulation in your attic and crawl space, along with injection foam in your walls, will create a continuous air barrier, keeping your home comfortable and energy efficient.

If you’re tired of dealing with drafts and want a long-term solution, check out our Find a Dealer page to connect with a RetroFoam dealer who can help you seal your home properly.

Key Points

• Use smoke, touch, and thermal imaging tests to find drafts.
• Insulate walls and around electrical outlets with foam insulation.
• Ensure your attic and crawl space are properly insulated.
• Seal windows with caulk and replace damaged panes.
• Use weatherstripping and door sweeps to block drafts around doors.
• Consider foam insulation to seal your entire home for maximum comfort.

Related Articles

What Causes an Uncomfortable Home?

How to Stop Drafts from Around Windows

How to Stop Drafts from Electrical Outlets