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How to Inspect Windows and Doors for Air Leaks — Dubuque, Iowa

Complete checklist with climate-adjusted recommendations for Dubuque, Iowa

Overview

Hold a lit incense stick near windows and doors — smoke movement indicates air leaks.

DIY FriendlyEasy~60 min

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Choose a windy day or create negative pressure

Air leak detection works best on a windy day. Alternatively, close all windows and doors, turn off the HVAC, and turn on all exhaust fans (kitchen, bath, dryer) to create negative pressure that pulls outdoor air through leaks.

2

Light an incense stick or use a smoke pencil

Hold the incense near the edges of each window and door frame. Watch the smoke trail — if it flutters, blows sideways, or gets sucked toward the frame, you have found an air leak.

3

Test all four edges of every window

Slowly move the incense along the top, bottom, and both sides of each window sash. Also check the joint where the window frame meets the wall — caulk failures here are common.

4

Check exterior doors and thresholds

Run the incense along the top and sides of exterior door frames. Then hold it at the bottom — a draft under the door indicates the sweep or threshold needs replacing.

5

Do the dollar bill test on doors

Close a door on a dollar bill. If the bill slides out easily with no resistance, the weatherstripping is not making good contact and needs replacement.

6

Inspect and replace weatherstripping

Peel off any cracked, compressed, or missing weatherstripping. Clean the surface with rubbing alcohol, let it dry, and apply new self-adhesive foam or V-strip weatherstripping.

7

Re-caulk window and door frames

Use a utility knife to remove old, cracked caulk from the exterior of window and door frames. Apply a fresh bead of exterior-grade silicone or polyurethane caulk and smooth it with a wet finger or caulk tool.

8

Verify the fix

After sealing, repeat the incense test on the areas you repaired. The smoke should now flow smoothly without deflection. Mark any remaining problem areas for follow-up.

What You'll Need

Tools

  • - Incense sticks or a smoke pencil
  • - Lighter or matches
  • - Utility knife
  • - Caulk gun
  • - Rubbing alcohol and rags (for surface prep)

Materials

  • - Self-adhesive foam weatherstripping (various widths)
  • - V-strip (tension seal) weatherstripping for double-hung windows
  • - Door sweep or replacement threshold seal
  • - Exterior-grade silicone or polyurethane caulk

Cost Estimates

DIY Cost

$15 - $40 for weatherstripping, caulk, and incense sticks

Professional Cost

$200 - $450 for a professional energy audit with blower door test

Safety Tips

  • Keep the incense stick away from curtains and other flammable materials.
  • Open a window briefly after testing to ventilate incense smoke if it bothers you.
  • If using spray foam around windows, use minimal-expansion foam (window and door formula) — standard foam can bow the frame and prevent it from opening.

When to Call a Professional

Call a professional for a blower door test if you want a precise measurement of your home's air leakage rate, or if you suspect air leaks in walls and ceilings that you cannot reach.

Pro Tip

On double-hung windows, the meeting rail (where the two sashes overlap in the middle) is the single biggest source of air leaks. Add V-strip weatherstripping along the meeting rail for an immediate improvement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Testing for air leaks with the HVAC running — the system pressure masks leaks. Turn it off first.
  • Using standard expanding foam around window frames — it can bow the frame and jam the window. Use low-expansion window and door foam only.
  • Applying new caulk over old deteriorated caulk — always remove the old bead first for a proper seal.
  • Ignoring the lock mechanism on windows — when locks are engaged, they pull the sash tighter against the weatherstripping for a better seal.

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Dubuque Housing Market

Median Household Income

$64,985

Median Home Value

$193,100

Median Rent

$943/mo

Homeownership Rate

64.8%

Population

59,271

Median Year Built

1962

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates

Fair Market Rents — Dubuque

Studio

$774/mo

1 Bedroom

$841/mo

2 Bedroom

$1,077/mo

3 Bedroom

$1,450/mo

4 Bedroom

$1,807/mo

Source: HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents — Dubuque, IA MSA

This Task Appears On

Summer Home Maintenance Checklist

Related How-To Guides

How to Check for Pest Entry Points Around Your Home

Inspect foundation, soffits, and roof for gaps. Seal with caulk, steel wool, or expanding foam.

How to Winterize Exterior Faucets and Sprinklers

Disconnect hoses, shut off interior valves to outdoor faucets, and drain the lines.

How to Reverse Ceiling Fan Direction for Winter

Set fans to clockwise (looking up) on low speed to push warm air down from the ceiling.

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