Weatherstripping is the process of tightly sealing or filling gaps and cracks around doors and windows to prevent air drafts. It’s a simple but effective technique that can improve your home’s energy efficiency, reduce heating and cooling costs, and make you more comfortable by keeping the temperature balanced. Solid weatherstripping is especially important for older homes that have settled over time and created gaps in door and window frames. Still, all homes and homeowners can benefit from this insulation. This guide will walk you through the ins and outs of weatherstripping, from choosing the right materials to step-by-step installation techniques that you can easily tackle with a few simple tools.
Types of Weatherstripping Materials
Here are some common weatherstripping materials, each with varying durability, flexibility, and suitability for specific uses. Read carefully to choose the right weatherstripping for your home and structural needs.
Pro Tip: Tom Silva, This Old House general contractor, recommends kerf-mount weatherstripping for doors with existing slots in the jambs: “Your best bet would be to replace the old material with kerf-mount weatherstripping, which has a barbed edge that fits into those same slots. A vinyl-covered foam flap, such as Q-lon, is available online and at home centers and hardware stores.” He advises pressing the barb completely into the kerf, with the flap pointing toward the jamb, and mitering the ends where strips meet at the top of the jamb for a tight seal.
Vinyl-Clad Foam Weatherstrips
Vinyl-clad foam weatherstripping is a popular option for sealing doors and windows. These strips are made of a foam core with a durable vinyl exterior. The foam is a great insulator, while the vinyl cladding offers protection against wear and tear.
Vinyl-clad foam weatherstrips are easily attached to wood doorstops and are available in various colors. You can match the weatherstripping to your door trim for a seamless look or paint and stain them to blend in with your current color scheme.
Silicone Weatherstrips
Silicone is also a strong and flexible material. It doesn’t need routing grooves in door bottoms or jambs. Barbless silicone weatherstripping sticks to a bead of caulk, making it a quick and easy solution for those who are short on time or have little DIY experience. There are even self-adhesive products available, speeding up the installation process.
Innovative Products
The market constantly creates new weather-sealing products designed for easier installation and improved performance. Some innovative options include:
- Magnetic weatherstripping for metal doors
- Self-adhesive foam or silicone tapes for quick, tool-free installation
- Adjustable door sweeps that can be fine-tuned without taking them off
For a particularly clever adjustable option, consider an automatic door bottom—a device that activates when the door closes. As demonstrated on This Old House, an activator button on the end of the weatherstripping hits the jamb when the door shuts, pushing the seal down to fill the gap underneath. When the door opens, the seal retracts, preventing it from dragging across the threshold and wearing out prematurely. Installation requires routing a dado in the bottom of the door to house the mechanism.
Felt Strips: Why To Avoid Them
While felt strips may seem inexpensive and easy to install, they are generally not recommended due to several design flaws:
- Poor compression: Felt strips don’t compress well, resulting in an ineffective seal.
- Moisture absorption: They tend to absorb moisture, which can lead to mold and mildew growth.
- Dirt accumulation: Felt strips easily collect dirt and debris, reducing their effectiveness over time.
- Not durable: They wear out quickly, requiring frequent replacement.
For these reasons, you should stick to vinyl-clad foam or silicone for the best results.
Pro Tip: This Old House Magazine recommends avoiding felt strips entirely: “Stay away from felt strips; they pick up dirt and moisture and don’t compress enough.” Instead, consider a durable vinyl-clad foam weatherstrip attached to a piece of wood molding, which fastens easily to wood doorstops and can be stained or painted to match your door trim.
Tools for DIY Weatherstripping
For a smooth installation, get all the tools you need before you start. Remember to wear safety gear while working with these materials.
- Measuring tape
- Utility knife
- Scissors
- Screwdriver
- Hammer
- Caulk gun
- Weatherstripping adhesive
- Cleaning supplies (for surface preparation)
Step-by-Step Guide To Install Weatherstripping
Follow these steps carefully to get the best results:
Prepare the Door and Frame
- Clean the door frame and bottom of the door to remove any dirt, dust, or old weatherstripping residue.
- Use a measuring tape to get the length of weatherstripping needed for each side of the door.
- Cut the weatherstripping material to the right length and leave a slight overlap around the corner.
Apply Caulk-Based Weatherstripping
For barbless silicone weatherstripping:
- Apply a thin bead of caulk along the door frame where the weatherstripping will be placed.
- Press the silicone weatherstripping firmly into the caulk.
- Smooth out any excess caulk for a neat appearance.
Install Molding-Attached Weatherstrips
For vinyl-clad foam weatherstrips attached to wood molding:
- Place the weatherstrip against the doorstop. It should make contact with the door when closed.
- Attach the molding to the doorstop using finishing nails or screws based on the product instructions.
- Test the door and make sure it seals properly when closed without having to force it.
Weatherstripping Door Bottoms
Sealing the gap between the door bottom and the threshold is also important for preventing drafts and energy loss. Here are two practical options:
Finned Sweeps
Finned sweeps on aluminum extrusions are a subtle solution for sealing door bottoms. These work best when the gap between the threshold and the door bottom is even:
- Measure the width of the door bottom.
- Cut the sweep to size if necessary.
- Attach the sweep to the bottom of the door using screws provided with the product.
- Adjust the height of the sweep for good contact with the threshold.
Nylon-Bristle Sweeps for Uneven Gaps
Nylon-bristle sweeps are a flexible material for doors with uneven gaps between the bottom and threshold. These sweeps can fit in irregular surfaces for an effective seal. These are installed like finned sweeps, but the bristles are more forgiving in uneven gaps.
Pro Tip: Tom Silva, This Old House general contractor, explains the core principle: “The principle is the same; fill the gaps, so the cold air won’t blow under the door.” He notes there are many options, including sweeps that attach to the bottom of the door and hit the threshold when the door closes, as well as squeegee-style sweeps that rub against the threshold to stop airflow.
Weatherstripping Skylights and Attic Access Points
Skylights and attic areas are often overlooked but can be major sources of drafts and energy loss.
Skylights
Several weatherstripping types work for skylights, including silicone-based seals and foam gaskets.
- Clean the edges of the skylight thoroughly.
- Measure the perimeter of the skylight and cut the weatherstripping to fit.
- Apply weatherstripping around the edges and be sure to fill in any gaps.
Attic Access Points
Attic access points often lack proper insulation and can be a major source of energy loss. Use weatherstripping materials that provide a tight seal to prevent warm air from escaping during winter and cool air from escaping during summer.
- Measure the perimeter of the attic access point.
- Apply adhesive-backed foam tape or silicone weatherstripping around the edges.
- Make sure the insulation is continuous and covers all potential gaps.
Weatherstripping Garage Doors
Garage doors are another commonly overlooked area that can be a significant source of drafts and energy loss. Weatherstripping garage doors can improve overall home efficiency, especially if the garage is attached to the main house.
Bottom Seal
Start with the bottom seal, which prevents drafts from coming in under the garage door.
- Remove any old weatherstripping or debris.
- Measure the width of the garage door and cut the new seal to size.
- Attach the new bottom seal, ensuring a tight fit without gaps.
Side and Top Seals
The sides and top of the garage door should also be sealed to maintain energy efficiency.
- Measure the height and width of the door frame.
- Attach vinyl or foam weatherstripping to the door frame, ensuring it makes contact when the door is closed.
As Tom Silva, This Old House general contractor, puts it: “Just like a refrigerator door needs a good seal to keep cold air in, exterior doors need a good seal to keep cold air out.” That principle applies to garage doors as well—especially when the garage shares a wall with your living space. Over time, seals can rip, compress, bend, or wear out, leaving drafts free to enter.
Choose the Right Weatherstripping for Your Climate
Different climates pose unique challenges for weatherstripping. Consider these factors when selecting weatherstripping materials:
Cold Weather Considerations
In cold climates, choose weatherstripping materials that can stay flexible at low temperatures. Silicone and EPDM rubber maintain their elasticity even in freezing conditions. Avoid vinyl products that can become brittle in extreme cold.
Hot and Sunny Climate Solutions
UV-resistant materials are necessary for hot and sunny regions. Look for weatherstripping labeled as UV-stable or specifically designed for high-temperature environments. Products with exposed vinyl flaps can lose flexibility in hot weather and become brittle when exposed to prolonged sunlight, so don’t use these.
Common Weatherstripping Mistakes To Avoid
Poor installation or incorrect weatherstripping can lead to damage or poor performance. Avoid these mistakes when adding weatherstripping to your doors and windows:
- Using the wrong type of weatherstripping for your specific application
- Failing to clean and prepare surfaces before installation
- Cutting weatherstripping too short, leaving gaps at corners
- Over-compressing foam weatherstripping during installation
- Not adjusting the door hardware after adding weatherstripping
Maintaining Your Weatherstripping
Take proper care of your weatherstripping to make sure it lasts and provides the best protection against the elements. Here are some tips to maintain your weatherstripping:
- Inspect weatherstripping annually for signs of wear or damage
- Clean weatherstripping with mild soap and water to remove dirt and debris
- Lubricate moving parts of door sweeps to prevent sticking
- Replace weatherstripping as soon as it shows signs of deterioration
DIY vs. Pro Weatherstripping
If you’re having trouble applying your weatherstripping, professionals can make easy work of the job. Many hardware stores and home improvement centers offer installation services for the products they sell. However, expect to pay anywhere from $50–$150 per hour, depending on the material and where you’re installing it, according to HomeGuide.
