Mission Possible: Winterizing Your Hampton Roads Home on a Budget
Is your house committing a crime against your wallet?
If you live in Norfolk or Virginia Beach, you know the drill: One minute it’s 65 degrees, and the next, a winter chill cuts right through your hallway. But here is the secret most homeowners miss: That chill isn't just "weather"—it’s money escaping through the cracks in your doors.
As we head into the Hampton Roads winter season, I’m issuing you a mission (should you choose to accept it): Stop the drafts. Save the cash.
The $15 Fix That Saves You Hundreds
You don’t need a contractor or a massive renovation budget to lower your heating bill this year. In fact, the most effective tool against energy loss costs less than a lunch at a Ghent cafe.
It’s called weatherstripping, and ignoring it is like trying to heat your house with the windows down.
According to energy experts, air leaks around windows and doors are a primary cause of high utility bills in older homes—something we have plenty of here in Historic Ghent, Colonial Place, and Larchmont.
Your Mission Checklist: 3 Steps to a Warmer Home
Phase 1: The "Spy" Test How do you know if you have a leak? You don't need high-tech gadgets.
The Light Test: Wait for a sunny day and close your exterior doors. If you can see sunlight peeking through the edges of the door frame, you are losing heat.
The Paper Test: Close the door on a piece of paper. If you can pull it out easily without it tearing, your seal is too loose!
Phase 2: The Gear Head to your local hardware store (we love our local spots in the 757!). You are looking for adhesive foam tape or V-strip weatherstripping.
Cost: Usually under $15 per roll.
Difficulty: 1/10. If you can put a sticker on a piece of paper, you can do this.
Phase 3: Execution
Clean the door frame thoroughly (dust is the enemy of adhesive).
Measure the top and sides of the door frame.
Cut the foam tape to size.
Peel and stick it snugly against the "stop" (where the door hits when it closes).
That’s it. You just winter-proofed your entryway in less than 15 minutes.
Why This Matters for Hampton Roads Homeowners
Our winters in the 757 are unique. We get that damp, bone-chilling cold that seeps into everything. Because our humidity stays higher than other regions, keeping your indoor air stable isn't just about warmth—it's about preventing moisture issues and mold, especially in crawl spaces and basements.
Jennifer’s Pro Tip: If you are thinking of selling your home in the spring, inspectors check this. A well-maintained door seal shows buyers (and inspectors) that this house has been loved and cared for. It’s a tiny detail that builds massive trust.
Mission Status: ACCOMPLISHED
Don’t let the winter winds win. Take 15 minutes this weekend to check your doors. Your furnace (and your bank account) will thank you.
Do you have a "drafty spot" in your house that you can't figure out? Drop a comment below or send me a message on Instagram @JenniferDawnRealtor. I’ve seen it all, and I’m happy to help you troubleshoot!
