Every homeowner has energy efficiency in mind as it contributes to your overall energy costs.
Weather stripping can help aid energy efficiency by ditching the drafts and sealing gaps where the outdoor elements can enter your home. There are many types of weather stripping available for windows and doors. Read on for a more detailed breakdown of what weather stripping is.
Mulling Over Materials
Like windows and doors, weather stripping also comes in a variety of materials that each have pros and cons. From felt to plastic and foam, each material boasts a different purpose, insulation value and lifespan.
- Foam Tape: Available in varying thicknesses, foam tape is ideal for installation on doorframes or window sashes. Being sold with a sticky back, you simply will just need to cut to length and remove adhesive covering, adhering where needed.
- Felt: While a very inexpensive material, felt stripping is not known for its longevity and only lasts a season or two. Also, you may want to note that installation requires a staple gun or finishing nail to hold the product in its desired location.
- Plastic Stripping: This material is quite common if you have sliding or hung windows. It is formulated into a ‘V’ shape that opens to seal any gaps. Be aware that this weather stripping may require finishing nails to be secured in place.
Weather Stripping Doors
Expand your home’s defense to the outdoor elements by adding additional weather guards to your doors. While foam or rubber stripping along the sides may help to guard against drafts, installing a V strip on the top edge of your door helps to eliminate gaps between the door and the frame, especially if your door is out of square. What more can you do? Adding a door sweep is another alternative option to seal out undesired elements. A door sweep is made out of plastic or aluminum and is fitted with a vinyl or sponge like strip that acts as a filler to seal the space between the door and the bottom of the frame (threshold).
Weather Stripping Windows
Due to the variety of window type, shape and functionality, weather stripping principles may vary. It is always best to consult your window professional before tackling any DIY weather stripping projects as you do not want to risk damaging the frame, glass or functional elements of your home’s windows.
When in doubt, contact Beverley Hills Windows and Doors or stop in at one of our showroom locations and we’ll be happy to discuss all your weather stripping and window needs.