Did you know that up to 15% of the air that your home’s heating or cooling system pumps through your house can escape through tiny gaps around windows and doors if they’re not sealed properly? That’s a whopping portion of your monthly energy bill that’s quite literally ‘flying out the window.’ By using proper weather-stripping to seal up the gaps, however, not only will you potentially be saving on your energy bill but you house will become more comfortable and conditioned air will remain inside. So what’s the best type of weather stripping material for your home? Well with so many different types on the market to choose from, the options can leave you feeling a bit overwhelmed. So Bordner has compiled a quick reference guide for you, courtesy of This Old House to help you make the right selection for your home.
V Strip (Tension Seal):
Durable plastic or metal strip folded into a ‘V’ shape that springs open to bridge gaps. It goes along the sides of a double-hung or sliding window; on the top and sides of a door.
Felt :
Sold in rolls, either plain or reinforced with a pliable metal strip. Though inexpensive, it usually lasts only a year or two. It goes around a door or window sash; in the door’s jamb so that it compresses against the door.
Foam Tape:
Made from open or closed-cell foam, or EPDM rubber with a sticky back. It’s sold in varying widths and thicknesses, which makes it best for irregular-size cracks. It goes on the top and bottom of window sashes; inside door frames.
Door Sweeps:
Flat pieces of plastic, aluminum, or stainless steel fitted with a strip of nylon, plastic, or vinyl or a sponge brush to fill the space between door and threshold. It goes along the bottom of the interior side of a door.
If you’re in the Kansas City Area and would like to learn more about how to improve the efficiency of your home’s windows, doors, roofing and siding, contact Bordner.
Photo Credit: Kristine Larsen
