Weatherstripping for windows and doors might appear as a minute detail. However, it’s an incredibly important component for overall comfort and energy savings–especially for the fall and winter seasons. With both Farmers’ Almanacs anticipating a cold and snowy winter season for 2023-2024, now is the time to think about drafty windows and how you can remedy the situation.
If you’re wondering how to tell if your windows are drafty, there are simple ways to identify the issue before it impacts your home’s energy efficiency.
When your windows and doors are performing below industry standards, weatherstripping failure might be part of the problem. Learn why weatherstripping for windows and doors is so critical, and the reasons why quality counts for this product.
Save Energy in the Fall with Weatherstripping for Windows & Doors
The purpose of weatherstripping is to prevent air leaks and drafts. When windows and doors are not properly blocking air leaks, you can lose a significant amount of energy. Inefficient and drafty windows by themselves can lose up to 40% of your home’s energy. Meanwhile, much of your home’s energy is lost through gaps in windows and doors. Even the smallest gaps can lose energy!
The graphic below demonstrates some of the common points where heat escapes through a window. Weatherstripping can help stop some of this air infiltration in some parts of the window:
Overall, weatherstripping your windows and doors can help you save up to 20% on your energy bills.
Where is Weatherstripping Installed?
The placement of weatherstripping for windows and doors is pretty straightforward. Weatherstripping is installed on the top of the upper sash if it’s movable. It’s also installed on the bottom of the lower sash.
If the top sash is movable, such as a double hung window, it will have weatherstripping installed as well. The placement of weatherstripping also depends on the type of the window.
When it comes to entry doors, weatherstripping is installed on the door and another piece goes on the top of the door jamb and the side.
Don’t Forget the Door Sweep
Another important aspect of blocking drafts with entry doors is the door sweep. The purpose of a door sweep is to stop energy loss through the bottom of the door and the threshold.
Not only does the door sweep reduce energy loss, but it also helps to block noise and light from coming through the bottom of the door.
What are the Types of Weatherstripping?
While all windows and doors need weatherstripping, there are a surprising amount of different types to choose from. The Department of Energy gives an extensive list of 14 types of weatherstripping to use in your home.
But what are the most common types of weatherstripping used for residential windows and doors?
- V-strip weatherstripping: Also known as a tension deal, this is a durable plastic or metal strip that is folded into a V-shape.
- Felt weatherstripping: This product is sold in rolls which may be reinforced with a metal strip. This is an inexpensive choice that may only last a year or two.
- Foam tape: Made from closed-cell foam, this has a sticky back that can be beneficial for irregular size cracks and openings.
- Door sweeps: These are typically made from plastic, aluminum and stainless steel while fitted with a strip of nylon, plastic, or sponge brush.
- Tubular rubber/vinyl/silicone: These are placed at the base of doors and windows and can be installed as a peel and stick or fasten with screws.
What is the Best Type of Weatherstripping?
Keep in mind that some weatherstripping for windows and doors is better than others. For example, the felt weatherstripping doesn’t offer a long lifespan. This means that you may need to replace this type of weatherstripping frequently.
With our window and door products, you can expect the following:
- High-end precision-engineered triple weatherstripping. This helps block air and reduces drafts that you’ll experience during cold and windy fall days.
- A heavy-duty cam sweep helps lock and hold the sashes on our windows, which further blocks the cold, wind, and rainy fall weather.
- Our doors come equipped with energy efficient Q-Lon weatherstripping. Installed along the top and sides of the door, this weatherstripping is engineered to stop drafts in their tracks.
- Entry doors with windows and side lites come are engineered with high-performance window trim.
Save Energy this Fall with New Replacement Windows & Entry Doors
Don’t forget that a window or door’s performance is only as good as the installation. If the windows and doors are incorrectly installed, even the best quality weatherstripping won’t make a difference.
Wondering what your home will look like with new windows and doors? Ask us how to see your home in 3D for free with your free in-home design consultation and estimate.
