Q: What is weather-stripping and should I apply it to my windows and doors to get my home ready for winter?
A: A weatherstrip, or weather-stripping, is a strip of material used to cover the joint of a door or window and the sill, casing, or threshold. Homeowners often apply weather-stripping to stop drafts, rain, snow, and cold air from entering their home.
You could use weather-stripping to stop drafts around your windows and doors if you’re looking for a temporary and inexpensive way to stop drafts, decrease energy waste, and save money on your energy bills (Did you know that drafty windows and doors contribute to up to 40% of your high energy bills?). Weather-stripping, unfortunately, is not a long-term solution for stopping drafts because its materials simply don’t hold up long term.
There are many different types of weather-stripping that you can buy at your local hardware store and choosing the right one can drive you crazy. To help, I’ve outlined the pros, cons and installation tips of 4 weather-stripping options to help make your home warmer this winter.
Types Of Weather-Stripping
1. Self-Adhesive Foam is made from open or closed-cell foam- sold in different widths and thicknesses.
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- Pro: Best option for irregular-size cracks and closed-cell foam is an effective sealer. Has scored well in wind tests
- Con: It loses its grip over time and pulls away from the windows/doors. It is not easy to install and needs to be replaced often. Very ugly and visible. Greenhouse gas emissions produced during manufacturing-not green friendly product
- Install: Cut to length, peel back and stick where needed.
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2. Tubular Rubber and Vinyl Gasket versions come attached to a mounting strip. Used more for doors.
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- Pro: Effective air barrier as by pressing against these gaskets, the door forms a seal. The flanges on the tubes can be stapled into place
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- Con: They are ugly and visible. They are more difficult to install as well as can become dry/cracked losing their effectiveness
- Install: Peel and stick or staple in place
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3. Spring V-Shaped aka tension seal-is a spring strip that opens to bridge gaps.
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- Pro: Very effective as well as a durable invisible option
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- Con: Tends to crack, bend out of shape and come loose. Alignment is critical
- Install: Cut to desired length then peel and stick, or install with finishing nails
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4. Nail-In copper weather stripping comes with pre-punched holes.
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- Pro: Is one of the better and more secure ways as it uses nails to keep it in place
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- Cons: Can be tricky to install-usually needs professional installation
- Install: Interlocking pieces need to be placed around perimeter and must be notched with a router
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Weather-stripping Application Tips
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- Needs to be applied to clean, dry surface with temperatures above 20°F.
- Make sure you apply snugly against both surfaces and tight in the corners as the material needs to compress when the window or door is shut.
- For doors, do the entire door jamb and it needs to be one continuous strip.
- For windows, make sure it doesn’t interfere with the operation of the window.
Are Your Windows & Doors Properly Sealed and Insulated?
- Look for invisible gaps and holes in and around your windows & doors.
- Take a lighter and hold the flame close to your windows and door frames. If the flame flickers, there’s air flowing through – You’ve Got Drafts!
- If you have a temp gun (or call us, we can let you borrow ours…) you can find drafts, thermal leaks and where heat is escaping. They show where dramatic temperature differences are located. You can easily pinpoint drafts and diagnose if your windows and doors are not insulated properly. Can you tell I love this tool?
Weather-stripping can be a cheap and easy fix to seal air leaks around windows and doors. If you’re still concerned about your home being properly insulated for winter, don’t hesitate to contact us at 978-304-0495. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about weather-stripping, windows, and other exterior home improvement projects.
