Weatherstripping and draft sealing in Chattanooga
We replace worn weatherstripping and door sweeps and seal the gaps that let outside air and bugs into your home.
$79 for one hour of small fixes and a full-home checklist with photos.
- Insured
- Uniformed local crew
- Photo report after every visit
- Upfront pricing
Weatherstripping is the flexible strip around the edge of a door or window that seals it when it closes. A door sweep does the same job along the bottom. Both wear out. Foam goes flat, rubber cracks, and sweeps drag until they tear. When that happens, you can feel air moving around a closed door.
Fortress replaces weatherstripping and door sweeps, adjusts doors so they close tight against the seal, and fills small gaps around trim with caulk or foam. We work in homes across Chattanooga, Hixson, Ooltewah, Collegedale and the nearby Georgia towns. It is a simple bit of home maintenance in Chattanooga that can make a room feel less drafty in winter and less muggy in summer. We do not work on heating or cooling equipment itself.
Signs you have a draft
- You feel air moving around a closed door
- Daylight shows under or around an outside door
- Weatherstripping that is flat, torn or missing
- Bugs getting in under a door
- One room that always feels colder or warmer than the rest
- Window sashes that rattle when the wind blows
How we seal it up
- Check each outside door and window for leaks
- Pull worn weatherstripping and install new
- Replace door sweeps and adjust thresholds that have dropped
- Adjust strike plates and hinges so doors seal tight
- Seal small gaps around trim with caulk or foam
- Put insulating caps on outdoor faucets before winter
Why drafts are worth chasing down
Air leaks around doors and windows are a common cause of drafts, especially in older homes. Federal energy-saving guides note that sealing leaks with caulk and weatherstripping is often one of the lower-cost ways to cut heating and cooling loss. Results vary from house to house, so we will not promise a number on your bill.
Chattanooga has hot, humid summers and winters with real cold snaps. A leaky door lets in muggy air in July and cold air in January. Gaps also give insects and moisture a path inside. Weatherstripping does not last forever. Depending on the type and how often a door is used, it may need replacing every few years. Checking it twice a year keeps small gaps from turning into a steady draft.
Weatherstripping shows up in two visits. The Summer Tune-Up includes weatherstripping and door sweeps, and Fall Prep includes sealing drafts and putting insulating caps on outdoor faucets before the first freeze. On the $139 a month plan, this work fits in your 3 hours, with strips and sweeps billed as materials. The $79 Fix-It Hour can handle one or two problem doors.
Weatherstripping and drafts questions
How do I know if my door is leaking air?
On a windy or cold day, hold the back of your hand near the edges of the closed door. If you feel moving air, there is a leak. You can also look for daylight around the frame or under the door. Another simple test is closing the door on a sheet of paper. If it slides out easily, the seal is weak there.
Is weatherstripping the same as caulk?
No. Caulk seals gaps that do not move, like the seam between window trim and the wall. Weatherstripping seals parts that open and close, like a door against its frame. Most homes need both, and they wear out on different schedules. We check each one and use the right fix for each gap.
Will new weatherstripping lower my energy bill?
It can help, but we cannot tell you by how much. Savings depend on how leaky the house was, its size and how you heat and cool it. What most people notice right away is that a room feels less drafty and a door closes more firmly. For questions about the system itself, talk to a heating and cooling pro.
Often on the same list
Add weatherstripping and drafts to your list.
Tell us what needs doing when you book. Your tech starts on it during your Fix-It Hour and adds anything else to your home checklist.
Book your $79 Fix-It Hour
