Basic Facts About Air Leakage

Air leakage is the amount of air that passes through replacement doors or windows. It is also sometimes referred to as air infiltration.

Today, Renewal by Andersen® of Louisville and Lexington explains what you need to know about air leakage and how to fix excessive air leaks.

Air Leakage Ratings

An air leakage rating is calculated by determining 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 is measured 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 near 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. Foam-type tape is easy to install and can also be reinforced with staples in case it comes loose. Felt is another option, which is easy to install but not very durable. However, 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 learn more about our products and services, simply call us at (859) 629-4649 or fill out our contact form.