Weather-stripping

An effective way to improve energy savings in your home.

The longest lasting type of weather-stripping is tension strips, both metal and plastic. Tension strips are relatively inexpensive and can be used for nearly any type of door and window joint, including that difficult spot where the two sashes of a double-hung window meet.

Weather stripping is a cost effective way of improving the energy efficiency of your home. The different types of weather-stripping vary in cost, durability, ease of installation and invisibility.

Plastic self adhesive tension strips are easier to install than metal ones, and are almost as durable.

Re-inforced strips…

You can use reinforced strips and tubular gaskets with all types of doors and windows. Their major drawback is their visibility, since they are attached directly to the frame. Vinyl reinforced strips are quite durable. Reinforced felt and foam strips and tubular gaskets will last several years. The foam strips and gaskets will fill gaps in irregular surfaces, whereas the vinyl and felt strips will not. The vinyl and foam reinforced strips cost about the same as tension strips. Felt strips and lower quality gaskets are less expensive.

Self adhesive strips…

You can install self-adhesive foams quickly and easily. They are not visible under window sashes and in door jambs, and can fill gaps in irregular surfaces—but self-adhesive foams don't always stick well. It's best to use these foams where they will be held in place by compression. Self-adhesive foams should not be placed between sliding parts. They are subject to abrasion and may be difficult to remove when worn. They vary widely in price and durability.

Felt strips…

You can use non-reinforced felt strips much like non-reinforced foam strips. Felt strips are more resistant to abrasion than foam strips, and will last several years. But they absorb water and should only be used where they dry quickly. Felt strips are inexpensive and can be easily installed with a staple gun, using rust-proof staples.

A new type of weather-stripping is a magnetic gasket which can be used with metal insulated doors. It forms a tight seal like the seal on modern refrigerator doors.

Special weather-stripping is used to seal large gaps at the bottom of a door. You can use door sweeps, door bottoms or thresholds.

Door sweeps attach to the inside face of a door that swings in or to the outside of a door which swings out. They work well and are easy to install.

Door bottoms attach to the bottom of a door to fill the gap between the door and the threshold. Two types can be used. Those with an "L" or "U" shaped channel are more visible, but easier to install.

Thresholds with a vinyl or rubber gasket work well. Their only drawback is that their gaskets wear down quickly if the doorway is used constantly.

For more information on weather-stripping contact your local county Extension office.