Weatherstripping!!
The idea behind weatherstripping is to make sure there are no air leaks around the windows and doors in your house. By weatherstripping your windows and doors you can keep cold winter drafts of air from coming into your house. It is very useful to do this especially when the seasons start to change because when cold air comes into your house, your heat is also escaping to the outside. In the long run, weatherstripping will save you money that could be leaking down through tiny gaps around those movable joints. You may also want to consider window insulation from Campbell Window Film as well as an extra layer of insulation to keep heat in the home.
How do I determine the amount of weatherstripping I will need?
• Add the perimeters of all windows and doors
• Add 5% – 10 % to contain any waste
• Consider that there are various different depths and widths of weatherstripping
Before applying:
• Detect air leaks (consider getting a free home energy assessment to find these nooks & crannies!)
• Assess your ventilation needs for indoor air quality
Some Things to Keep in Mind:
• Choose a type of weatherstripping that can withstand the friction, weather, temperature changes, and wear and tear of that particular location.
• Weatherstripping in window sash must contain sliding panes to match your windows’ movement– either up and down, sideways, or out.
• Choose weatherstripping that will seal well when the door or window is closed, but allows for easy opening.
Different Types of Weatherstripping:
• Felt and open-cell foams – inexpensive, susceptible to weather, visible, and inefficient at blocking airflow; but may make them valuable in low-traffic areas
• Vinyl – slightly more expensive, holds up well and resists moisture
• Metals – (bronze, copper, stainless steel, and aluminum) last for years and are affordable (nice for older homes as opposed to vinyl that may look out of place)
Common Weatherstripping:
• Tension seal • Felt
• Reinforced foam • Tape
• Rolled or reinforced vinyl • Door sweep
• Magnetic • Tubular rubber and vinyl
• Reinforced silicone • Door shoe
• Bulb threshold • Frost-brake threshold
• Fin seal • Interlocking metal channels
A Few Helpful Links:
• How to Weather Strip Your Door
• How to Install Weather Stripping Around a Door
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