Air leakage is basically the measurement of air that passes through a window or door. It is also sometimes referred to as air infiltration. Professionals usually get this measurement prior to window or door installation, and they ensure that this air leakage rating is maintained with the replacement doors or windows.

In this article, Renewal by Andersen® of Louisville and Lexington shares more information on air leakage. We also briefly discuss a few ways you can fix excessive air leaks.

Air Leakage Ratings

Air leakage rating is calculated by getting the amount of air that passes through a window or door in a span of a minute. This is then divided by the total area of the window or door. Typically, this measures on a scale of 0.1 to 0.3, with 0.1 representing the lowest amount of air that passes through. When shopping for patio doors or windows, keep this range in mind as products with this rating are generally considered energy-efficient.

How to Fix Air Leaks

If drafts occur in your windows or doors, it’s best to call a professional to deal with the root of the problem. For doors with air leaks, experts usually solve the issue by replacing the weatherstripping. There are different kinds of weatherstripping that you can choose from. There’s foam-type tape that’s easy to install and that can also be reinforced with staples in case it gets loose. Felt is another option as well. It’s easy to install, but it’s not very durable. But if the drafts are coming from the bottom of the doors, you may have to replace the threshold gaskets instead.

Renewal by Andersen of Louisville and Lexington provides a wide array of windows and entry doors that suit varying requirements. To know more about our products and services, simply call us at (859) 629-4649 or fill out our contact form.

Air Leakage and Windows: What You Need to Know