Best and cheapest way to fix drafts from floors

Question

My apartment is older and has cement floors with carpet without padding. The carpet is worn down to where I'm basically walking on cement. Before I ask my cheap landlord and his stupid handyman to fix it. I want to know how it should be done, the right way.There's nothing but cold air that comes in on the floors and there's spaces between the floor and the baseboards. I can stand in my kitchen, which is linoleum, and feel the cold air coming from under the stove. It's on the outside wall.

So how should it be fixed so I can stop freezing and feel like I'm standing outside? I'm about ready to tell him to rip this carpet up and if he isn't going to put padding down, then clean the cement and let me paint it or tile it or something. I'm afraid I would be just as cold doing that though. Lots of air through my front door too. Thank you.

SLS Construction & Building Solutions LLC · Answer

The first step is airsealing around all the penetrations whether with foam, caulk, backing rod, etc...). If the baseboard is off (or it is raised above the flooring enough) then also seal the framing to the concrete with an elastomeric (strechy) caulk. Caulk around all moldings. While on the topic you may also wish to consider adding an interior storm - http://www.hometalk.com/diy/repair/windows/interior-storm-window-one-option-amp-a-diy-how-to-717495 You may also wish to check around as many utilities and other organizations do offer programs to help landlords improve their properties energy efficiency which they may not know about As for carpet versus tile - the carpet will actually keep your feet warmer thus making you feel warmer. If you do go with tile or... consider buying a few throw rugs to go over them

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

The padding will do nothing to stop the air flow from around the edges of the apt. The drafts from behind the stove and cabinet area is exactly the same. To help you can use clear caulking so it blends with the wood and floor seal any gaps at the base of the wall and floor intersection where they meet. You can see the drafts if you use CAREFULLY a incense stick. The smoke will show you exactly where the air is entering. What is happening is air is being pulled into the home as it exits out the roof. This is the basis of energy loss. When we do home sealing this stops as soon as we air seal the attic. I doubt your landlord will do anything for you if you pay for the heat. However if he pays for it, he can save as much as 30% on his energy bills if he air seals the apartments. You may want to suggest that to him if that is the case. 
As far as the door, you can purchase door seals that will either slide along the bottom of the door to act as a door sweep, install a door sweep or put a rolled up towel or purchase one of those snake shaped animal door seals that are pushed against the door to stop the draft.

Nancy Jenkins · Answer

Many years ago, decades my mother came up with idea using scrap sheets, she sewed them into tubular and stuffed with batting you use for pillow making, measure doors and window sills then close ends and put at doors and window sills.

Kletta · Answer

Thank you for your replies. Helps me a lot.

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