Drafts From Cracks Around Replacement Windows‏

Q. How do I fix the cracks

I had someone look at it last year - he was actually here to install 6 new replacement windows

When I showed him the cracks he said he did not know how to fix but I could replace those windows.

Like NO!- that window is a bow window that would have cost me thousands - that I don't have. Any suggestions on a fix?

I am thinking to get clear silicone and use sparingly where I see the gaps - and then maybe for the winter line the shelf of that window area with a thick decorative blanket and close off with insulated drapes in the evening?

A. I would recommend a latex or acrylic caulking, not silicone.

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Drafts From Recessed Light Fixtures

Q. I have a recessed light in the kitchen - last winter there was a draft coming through the house and going out or in that area the electrical working of the light is into the crawl space of the attic - yes I can get up there but not if to toss a woolen blanket over the whole thing or just pile insulation on top of it some sort of gray metal box

I was told I cannot cover up that area because when the light is on - the heat needs to be able to escape. Any suggestions?

A. Recessed lights have to be rated "IC" by UL labs if you want to put insulation around them. If they are not rated "IC" you could have start a fire by placing insulation around them.

Your choice is to replace the current fixture with an IC rated fixture, if the one you currently have is not IC rated.

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Drafty Door & Baseboards

Q. We just bought our first single family and have lived here 2 months now. I fear our energy bills will be huge, as every wall seems to be drafty. Not really the windows, which are Andersen and only about 4 years old or so. They seem to be ok. What do you recommend to seal up the leaks where the floors and walls meet? Also, the front door isn't properly sealed. We bought a "Dennis Comfort Seal Magnetic & Compression Door set", but my husband says we need to return it b/c we have to have a professional come in and draft-proof the door. I think he's wrong. It's a regular door, it has a window in it, not sure how else to describe it. Will this kit work? Can I do it myself? I'm 5ft tall 95 lbs and never done this before.

A. The draft between the floor and walls sounds like there is no insulation behind the baseboards. Remove a baseboard and take a look, you can use the expanding foam insulation or put some fiberglass in - don't crush the fiberglass as it is the air that is the insulator. If they are small cracks you can use caulking.

The door insulation kit is easy to install, follow the instructions. It should work and stop the drafts.

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