Cold Weather Protection: 5 DIY Home Repairs to Win Winter

Winter can take a toll on your home long before the season is over. Prolonged cold and dry conditions often cause seals to stiffen and joints to loosen, creating small gaps that allow cold air and moisture in. 

When it comes to protecting your home, the Flex Seal Family of Products does more than waterproof. From sealing air leaks to reinforcing weakened areas, these weatherproof sealants and adhesives are designed to stay flexible and dependable in cold conditions, helping your home stay comfortable and efficient throughout the winter season. 

Here are five practical winter repairs you can do now to help keep your home protected from cold-weather damage.

1. Stop Drafts with Flex Seal Draft Tape 

Gaps around windows and doors allow cold air in and pull warm air out, making it harder to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Over time, this can lead to increased energy usage and additional strain on your heating system. 

Flex Seal Draft and Insulation Tape blocks drafts quickly by filling gaps while adding an extra layer of insulation. It installs in minutes, works immediately, and is removable and reusable, making it a simple seasonal solution for cold-weather air leaks. 

How to do it: 

  • Clean and dry the surface around the window or door frame 
  • Measure and cut the tape to fit the gap 
  • Apply the tape, pressing firmly to ensure full contact 
  • Layer the tape in corners or wider gaps for added insulation 

Flexpert Tip: Do a dry fit to ensure correct sizing before removing the adhesive backing. 

2. Reattach Loose Trim or Panels with Flex Glue 

Low indoor humidity during winter can cause wall panels, trim, and baseboards to shift or pull away from surfaces. These gaps can worsen as temperatures fluctuate, impacting the appearance and value of your home. 

Flex Glue is a strong, weatherproof adhesive that creates a secure bond without nails or screws. It grabs quickly and holds on tight, and remains flexible, allowing it to move with your home as conditions change. 

How to do it: 

  • Clean dust and debris from both surfaces 
  • Apply a thin bead of Flex Glue to the back of the trim or panel 
  • Press firmly into place for about 15-30 seconds 
  • Allow 24-48 hours for Flex Glue to fully cure 

Flexpert Tip: For bigger jobs, try Flex Glue in a cartridge. 

3. Seal Cracks and Corners with Flex Caulk 

Cracked or hardened caulk is a common sign of winter wear, especially around windows, sinks, and backsplashes. As materials contract, old caulk can pull away, allowing cold air in and creating conditions for condensation.

Flex Caulk is designed to stay flexible through temperature changes and extreme cold, helping seals stay intact in areas where movement is most common. 

How to do it: 

  • Remove any loose or damaged caulk 
  • Clean and dry the area thoroughly 
  • Remove the tab and Snap & Save cap 
  • Apply a smooth, even bead of Flex Caulk 
  • Smooth the bead and allow 24 hours for full curing 

Flexpert Tip: You can adjust the bead size with Flex Caulk’s Trigger Flow nozzle. Turn it down towards “MIN” for a thinner bead, or crank it up to “MAX” for a thicker bead. 

4. Reinforce Ductwork and Insulation with Flex Super Wide Duct Tape 

Unsealed ductwork and insulation gaps allow heat to escape, particularly in basements, crawl spaces, and attics. Cold temperatures can weaken existing adhesive seams, forcing your heating system to work harder than necessary.

Flex Super Wide Duct Tape is a powerful adhesive designed to cover larger areas. Its thick, rubberized backing creates an airtight seal on metal, plastic, and insulation surfaces, making it an excellent choice for quick ductwork repairs. 

How to do it: 

  • Clean the surface to remove dust or residue 
  • Cut the tape to length, allowing extra coverage 
  • Apply from the center outward, pressing firmly 
  • Overlap strips slightly for continuous coverage 

Flexpert Tip: Flex Super Wide Duct Tape is removable, repositionable, and can be torn by hand (vertically and horizontally), so there’s no waste. 

5. Patch Brittle or Cracked Surfaces with Flex Tape 

Cold temperatures can weaken materials like plastic vents, exhaust covers, and exterior panels, leading to cracks or fractures that worsen with continued exposure.

Flex Tape provides a fast, dependable fix by forming an airtight, waterproof seal that holds strong even in cold weather. 

How to do it: 

  • Clean and dry the surface completely 
  • Cut Flex Tape to size, allowing for overlap 
  • Peel the transparent backing and apply, smoothing any air bubbles 
  • Press firmly to activate the adhesive 

Flexpert Tip: Flex Tape gets stronger with time and pressure. 

Cold weather doesn’t wait, and neither should essential home repairs. The Flex Seal Family of Products are here to help you seal and protect during the final stretch of winter. Stock up on the reliable, DIY repair solutions you need to keep your home strong, all season long.