This simple, quick, and effective procedure keeps the inside air in, and outside air out.
Weather stripping is an easy and cost-effective way to save money on your energy bills. It will also improve the comfort of your home by reducing drafts.
And the great thing is, many homeowners can install weather stripping on their own!
Most modern doors already come with pre-installed weather guard features. But unfortunately, they can rip, compress, bend, or wear out over time.
However, attaching new weather seals is far cheaper and faster than installing a whole new door.
There are different types of weatherstripping to choose from. That’s why Blain’s Farm & Fleet is here to help you figure out which kind is best for you and your home.
Proper weatherizing requires two components: weather stripping and the door sweep.
Weather stripping fills the door frame (the top and sides of the door). The sweep fills the gap between the door and the floor.
Blain’s Farm & Fleet offers a variety of metal, foam, felt, and plastic products for weather stripping.
Adhesive-backed foam is one of the least expensive weather stripping options. It’s also very easy to install compared to other types.
Available in rubber and plastic varieties, adhesive foam seals out air when compressed by the door closing.
Additionally, these strips provide a cushioning effect, which dampens the noise from slamming doors.
However, this type of stripping is not a permanent solution. It only lasts for one to three years before the foam loses its resiliency.
Spring metal strips (single or V-shaped) are available in various metal finishes, such as bronze, copper, aluminum, and steel.
Spring metal stripping fits into the tracks around the edges of the door and uses tension to create a seal.
This kind of weatherization option is also available as a modified version with self-adhesive spring metal, with a peel-and-stick backside.
This looks and functions similarly to the spring metal strips but is faster and easier to install.
Silicon is particularly well suited for battling the elements, because it is durable, soft, and retains its shape.
Select a type of door weatherstripping that will withstand the friction, weather, and temperature changes for your home.
When applied to the door bottom or threshold, weather stripping can erode as a result of dragging and foot traffic. Weather stripping must fit just right and form a good seal when the door is closed. It should also permit it to open easily.
Choose the appropriate product for each door’s location, and also consider durability when comparing costs.
Felt and foam tapes are simple to install and inexpensive, but more susceptible to weather and airflow.
However, the speed and ease of applying these materials makes them suitable for infrequently utilized doors.
Vinyl, which is more expensive, endures well and resists moisture.
Metal weatherizing is likely to last for years, while still staying affordable. But it’s more difficult and time-consuming to put in place.
On the style side, metal weather strips can also serve as an accent piece in older homes. And modern materials like foam may not look as visually pleasing.
You can use more than one type of weather strip to seal oddly-shaped or irregularly worn-down doors.
Your new or improved weather sealant will only take a few hours and dollars. And it will keep you warm and snuggly in the winter and cool in the summer!
For more tips and buying guides, check out our Tools & DIY Blog.
