The first tip that we provided was caulking, which is the best method for sealing cracks, gaps, or joints less than 1-quarter-inch wide in various places throughout your home or building, including around windows and door frames. Our second trip for winterizing your home or building is replacing or installing weatherstripping to seal air leaks around movable joints, such as windows or doors.
Weatherstripping is usually made of felt, foam, vinyl, rubber, or metal. It is very effective in eliminating or at least significantly reducing air drafts, which ultimately lowers your air conditioning and heating costs. Like caulking, it is easy for home and business owners to do, and if done properly, the money you will save in energy efficiencies will far outweigh the expense of the minimal materials.
Contact American Air, Plumbing, and Electrical to have a qualified technician inspect your home to determine the best course of action to improve your energy efficiencies and the level of air comfort in your home.
How Much Weatherstripping do I need?
Start by adding the perimeters of all windows and doors that are to be weather-stripped, then add another 5-10 percent for waste. Before installation, you will need to select which type of material best fits the job for which it is sealing. Things to consider with each location are weather, temperature changes, and wear and tear. Below is a list of various types of weatherstripping materials and their common uses.
- Felt /Foam – Easy to apply which makes them extremely popular and valuable in low traffic areas. However, the material is susceptible to weather. It’s the least expensive material.
- Vinyl – Durable and able to withstand high moisture conditions. It is slightly more expensive than felt or foam.
- Metals – The most durable material, which should last for several years. Metals such as bronze, copper, stainless steel, and aluminum are very popular in older vintage homes. It is affordable but is more expensive than felt, foam, or vinyl.
Also, it’s possible to use more than one style of weatherstripping to seal an area that has an irregular shape. Something else to consider when selecting the type of weatherstripping material.
Since weatherstripping is being installed to seal air leaks around movable joints, the material must hold up to the type of movement for which it’s intended. Windows and doors slide up and down, sideways, and in and out. One last thing to consider is that the material must seal when the door or window is closed but just as important, it needs to allow it to open freely as well.
