What people keep running into with weatherproofing
Complaints tagged weatherproofing, each raised by more than one person. One-off posts are not included.
25 recurring problems · 143 people · 16 forums we read
Raised more than once
Most people first.
- 31Should I use foam or caulk to seal gaps in exterior walls?Homeowners dealing with pest infestations struggle to choose between materials like foam, caulk, or netting because they are unsure what will actually block the openings in stucco and brick. Without a reliable way to securely close large gaps, pests continue to get inside and leave droppings, rendering temporary fixes ineffective.
- 13Best way to seal gaps around pipes under the sink?Sealing holes around sink pipes blocks pests and improves appearance, but homeowners worry that materials like expanding foam will interfere with pipe access or cause expansion issues above a crawl space. This uncertainty prevents people from safely closing the gaps without risking future plumbing complications.
- 11Gap around furnace b-vent after roofingRoofers often leave an open gap between the double-wall B-vent and the surrounding roof jack, which lets light and potentially water through. Standard caulk should not be used here because furnace vents get too hot; instead, you need a high-temperature rated storm collar and silicone flashing designed for gas vents to properly seal the opening without creating a fire hazard.
- 11How to fix gaps under door jambs after new flooringRemoving old flooring or changing plank thickness often leaves exposed gaps and subfloors under door frames that are difficult to make look right without experience. Depending on the size of the gap, homeowners can either fill them using wood filler or Bondo, or glue in custom-carved wood inserts before painting or staining.
- 7How to patch a gouged EPDM rubber roofEPDM roof repairs involve conflicting methods and products like liquid roof repair pastes or standard patches, leaving it unclear which technique actually stops leaks permanently. This confusion prevents homeowners from reliably fixing damage themselves without risking further water intrusion.
- 7Which type of weather stripping should I use for old windows and doors?Older houses often have windows and doors that no longer seal properly because the rubber gets dry and worn out. Choosing between options like foam, brush, or replacement seals can be confusing when trying to fix drafts and restore a proper fit.
- 7Water leaking under exterior door thresholdRainwater gets behind the siding and travels down to pool beneath the threshold even when flashing and weather stripping are properly installed. This hidden moisture can eventually rot the subfloor and joists if the source—such as a clogged gutter or water running along the foundation—isn't found and stopped.
- 5Exterior metal utility pipe rusting after one yearSurface oxidation on newly installed outdoor utility lines is usually a minor cosmetic issue rather than a structural hazard, provided the metal wall remains thick and intact. However, standard rust removers like CLR often fail on heavy exterior corrosion, leaving homeowners stuck trying to find stronger removal and prevention methods.
- 5How to seal a gap under a glass doorGaps under glass doors let in pests like spiders and leave openings vulnerable to leaks. Standard fixes like caulk are difficult to line up neatly, making it hard to seal the opening without ruining the appearance.
- 5Are outdoor TVs worth it or can you use a regular TV?Dedicated outdoor televisions cost an insanely high amount of money, but standard indoor TVs struggle with dim daylight visibility, heavy rain, and humidity that causes vertical lines. Moving a regular television inside and outside to protect it from the weather requires dragging a heavy setup over sliding door tracks every time, making it an exhausting hassle.
- 5How to fix a gap behind an outlet faceplateChanging an outlet often rips off the silicone putty used to shape uneven surfaces, leaving no secure way to attach the faceplate without a gap. Additionally, oversized box holes can prevent traditional outlet screws from holding the cover properly.
- 4How to stop heat loss through an attic hatch or open carportHeat escapes when there is no physical barrier separating an insulated home from open spaces like a carport. Common fixes like spray foam or relying on gravity to hold an attic door down often fail to create a tight seal. This allows hot air to leak directly into interior closets and leaves extreme cold or hot spots around the access hatch.
- 4how to keep cold air out of mesh windowsStandard window mesh offers zero thermal insulation, allowing freezing drafts to pour straight through into the room. This makes it impossible to maintain indoor temperatures during cold weather without sacrificing the bug protection that the mesh provides.
- 4How to seal a gap under a garage doorSettling, crumbling concrete, or missing seals create gaps beneath garage doors that let in rainwater and mice. Fixing the problem requires installing a new bottom door seal alongside a threshold seal on the floor to properly block the opening.
- 3How to stop cold drafts coming through a sliding glass doorPoorly sealed or misaligned sliding doors let in freezing air that turns an entire room into an icebox, leaving noticeable gaps even when the door appears closed. This draft makes it impossible to keep the space warm without blocking off adjoining doorways or constantly fighting with faulty hardware.
- 3Why does my car window get stuck on the weatherstripping?Interior weatherstripping wears down to the rubber in sections and flops over as the window rolls down, creating friction that blocks movement. This physical obstruction makes the window fail to operate correctly even when the electrical switches, fuses, and regulators are fully functional.
- 3How to route and hide cables in the atticWhen a home lacks a crawl space and has limited exterior options, the attic becomes the main route for camera and minisplit cables. The challenge is hiding the wiring so it looks nice, while also dealing with concerns about condensation and ambient temperature differences.
- 2How to caulk baseboards with no room for a caulking gunTight clearance under baseboards makes it impossible to fit a standard caulking gun to seal out cold drafts. This prevents homeowners from blocking airflow and keeping out dust and pests in narrow spaces.
- 2Is water draining from under siding normal after heavy rain?Water coming out from under siding after a heavy downpour leaves homeowners unsure if weather-sealing is working or if moisture is trapped inside the walls. This uncertainty makes it difficult to know whether the drainage is a normal runoff pattern or a hidden defect requiring immediate intervention.
- 2Best outdoor caulk for hot climates that won't melt or crackStandard acrylic caulks fail quickly under extreme heat and intense sun exposure, leaving gaps around wood, brick, and window frames. Choosing the right sealant requires balancing product durability with the specific materials being joined, preventing homeowners from wasting money on fixes that quickly deteriorate.
Comes up alongside
Topics that keep appearing on the same problems — not topics with similar names.