Improving all weatherstripping types and repairing your existing weatherstripping is an easy and affordable way to make your home more energy efficient. Windows, doors, and other openings around your home with old, damaged or completely absent weatherstripping can leak cool air in the summer and hot air in the winter.
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With a little information about types of weatherstripping that are available and tips on how to install weatherstripping, you can make your house up to 20% more efficient. When it comes to winter home improvement projects, this one pays off.
When planning how to weatherize your home, you will want to consider various weatherstripping types. Weatherstripping comes in a wide variety of materials and styles, each with their own specific uses, benefits, and disadvantages. Let&#;s take a look at the common materials and uses for these readily available types of weatherstripping.
This kind of weatherstripping is made of vinyl, aluminum, or stainless steel. The material is folded into a V-shape that creates spring-like tension when compressed to form a tight seal. Because of its shape, it is also known as V-strip or V-channel weatherstripping. This durable, nearly invisible alternative is good for sealing doors and windows. It does take some skill to install properly, and can make it harder to open and close windows and doors.
Felt weatherstripping is a traditional material that is one of the least expensive ways to seal doors and windows. It is easy to install and comes either plain or reinforced with a pliable metal strip. Unfortunately, it is the least effective and least durable option.
Use it on windows that are not frequently opened and to fill gaps around your home that are not subjected to movement. If you go this route, opt for all-wool felt, as it lasts longer than other types of weatherstripping felt.
Flexible or rigid rolled-vinyl gaskets are a good choice along door jambs, window stops, the bottoms of doors and window sashes. They are a durable and weather-resistant option. When it comes to how to install weatherstripping of this type, the spools are easy to unroll and apply. It is also a moderately priced option.
One drawback of these weatherstripping types is that the material is visible once in place. And over time, the adhesive can break down and the material can peel away.
Foam weatherstripping is a type of compression weatherstripping that comes in tape form or attached to wood or metal strips for reinforcement. Foam tape is a good choice for irregular-shaped corners and cracks. Reinforced foam weatherstripping is good for frequently-used doors and windows. Tape is easier to apply, but it is not as durable. The reinforced variety is a bit trickier to install, but lasts longer.
Door shoes and door sweeps are two ways to seal the gap between a door and the floor. A door shoe is made out of U-shaped aluminum that&#;s fitted with a vinyl insert and attaches around the bottom of the door. A door sweep is a wooden or metal strip fitted with a nylon blade that attaches to the outside of the door.
Both of these options are generally very durable, but they can be difficult to install. You may have to take the door off its hinges and plane it down to have enough space for the weatherstripping to allow the door to open and close smoothly without sticking.
A solid threshold works as a thermal bridge that transfers heat or cold between the outside and inside. Metal thresholds are very durable, however, they are efficient thermal bridges. In this case, efficiency isn&#;t a good thing. In winter, they can get cold enough that water condenses and freezes on them, which can lead to physical damage and mold.
Frost-brake thresholds divide the solid material with vinyl or silicone inserts that create physical divisions to interrupt the flow of heat or cold. Installation takes expertise, but if you live in a place that experiences temperature extremes, installing them might be worthwhile.
Pile weatherstripping consists of dense fibers attached to a metal strip. They are commonly used in sliding windows and sliding glass doors. They are difficult to install, tend to collect dirt, and can become unstuck over time. When properly installed and maintained, however, they are effective.
Various materials used in weatherstripping offer pros and cons that you will have to weigh as you consider ways to save energy in your home. Making the right choices can cut your average home power usage.
Vinyl vs. rubber weatherstripping choices are plentiful. In general, vinyl offers more shape and color choices and provides superior strength and durability. Both materials are flexible and easy to install. Vinyl is less expensive, but is a petroleum product. Rubber is an organic renewable resource, which is appealing to some.
Deciding between rubber vs. foam weatherstripping is a question of trade-offs. Rubber is a natural product, but can be more challenging to install than foam. It is more expensive, too. In extremely cold conditions and in direct sun, rubber can crack and break down. Foam is made from petrochemicals, so if you want only environmentally friendly, green products in your home, foam is not a good choice.
Rubber weatherstripping is more effective, easier to clean and more durable, than felt weatherstripping. It is also more expensive and harder to install. Felt is renewable and manufacturing it is less damaging to the environment. If you are looking for a green option, felt is a good choice.
Now that you&#;ve settled on the types of weatherstripping that work best around your home, the next step is to install it.
Start by doing visual inspection of your doors and windows to see where weatherstripping is damaged, inadequate or missing. Also, check for air leaks around your house to prioritize where to start your project.
You will begin by measuring the perimeters of all of the doors and windows that need weatherproofing. It is a smart idea to add an additional 10 percent to your measurements to account for mistakes. Also consider the thickness and widths of your materials so that you choose the right one for each application.
Replacing weatherstripping around a window is the same process as replacing weatherstripping around a door.
The best weatherstripping in the world cannot overcome old, leaking windows. One of the best home improvements for resale value increases in your home is replacing broken and drafty ones with new energy-efficient windows.
Repairing and replacing weatherstripping tops most winter energy saving tips lists&#;and helps you heat your home efficiently during fall, too. Replacing or installing new types of weatherstripping is a relatively inexpensive and easy task. When it comes to making your home more comfortable and more efficient, it is effort well spent.
Sealing the gaps around windows and doors through weather stripping can help block drafts. This improves insulation, keeping indoor temperature at a comfortable level. However, since there are many types of weather-stripping materials, selecting the best one can take time and effort.
That said, here is an in-depth comparison guide on foam weather stripping vs. vinyl to help you make an informed decision.
Foam weather stripping involves using foam tape to seal gaps around doors and windows. It conforms to irregular gaps and spaces because the foam material can return to its original shape and size after being compressed.
You can find many types of foam weather-stripping materials, including:
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Open-cell foam tape - has a porous texture with good sound-proofing capabilities. It&#;s made of various materials such as felt and Polyurethane (PU).
Closed-cell foam tape - it&#;s denser and tougher, providing better protection against water and moisture. Some materials include neoprene, Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) rubber, and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC).
Vinyl weather stripping involves using rolled vinyl, V-strips, and reinforced strips to provide a permanent rigid sealing solution. It&#;s known for its strength and durability, so it&#;s suitable for sealing areas that must withstand heavy use or exposure, such as exterior door seals.
It&#;s best to seek professional weather stripping services for proper application installation. However, it pays to know more about it. After all, the decision is still yours on which weather stripping you should use for your home.
Vinyl weatherstripping provides excellent weather protection since vinyl has good moisture resistance, helping prevent condensation puddles in windows. Some vinyl weather strips for windows and doors even have UV-resistance properties.
On the other hand, foam degrades faster over time, so it doesn&#;t offer much protection against harsh weather conditions. But, if you only need a quick fix to improve insulation, foam weather stripping is a good choice as it can seal irregular gaps, helping absorb shocks and vibrations. You&#;ll find foam window seals especially useful in blocking the sound of thunder during heavy rainfalls.
Recommendation: Vinyl weather stripping offers better weather protection.
You can use Polyurethane (PU) foam tape and window condensation strips to block drafts and improve insulation. PU foam has a porous structure that can trap air and reduce heat transfer, helping prevent your air conditioning system from working too hard.
However, remember that foam tapes are less durable than rolled vinyl, so they only offer a short-term solution to drafts. For more reliable long-term insulation, choose vinyl weather stripping for doors and windows. Not only do they have high moisture resistance, but they also provide excellent performance in both hot and cold weather.
Recommendation: Vinyl weather stripping provides a long-term solution to improve insulation.
In terms of purpose and application, foam weather stripping is best for sealing irregularly shaped windows and doors, especially in older homes. This is because foam compresses and expands well, offering flexibility.
Plus, foam window seal tapes are available in different thicknesses and widths. So, whether you have to seal the area around your casement window stoppers or double-hung window rails, rest assured you can find one that will suit your weather-stripping needs.
Meanwhile, vinyl weather stripping is best for sealing exterior doors and windows since it&#;s durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions. Specific applications include vinyl &#;V&#; strips to seal door jambs and window sashes.
Recommendation: Choose foam weather stripping for sealing irregularly shaped windows and doors, and vinyl weather stripping for sealing exterior doors and windows.
Installing weather stripping can take time and effort, especially for vinyl. To ensure that all the gaps in your doors and windows are properly sealed, hiring weather stripping services is the way to go.
But, for DIY installation, foam weather stripping is easier because foam tapes have an adhesive backing. You have to peel off the backing and press the foam into place. Plus, you only need a pair of scissors or a sharp knife to cut the foam. When using a foam door seal, just make sure that the surface is completely dry, clean, and grease-free for the adhesive to stick well.
Conversely, vinyl weather stripping has a more meticulous installation process. Your vinyl window weather strips should be correctly aligned to avoid gaps. Moreover, it requires more tools because aside from using a knife to cut your vinyl, you may also need a heat gun to ensure a proper seal.
Recommendation: Foam weather stripping is easier to install.
Although foam tape is available in different thicknesses and widths, it can still be more noticeable than vinyl because foam appears bulky when applied. You might also have difficulty blending foam tape into your existing decor because this weatherstripping material is only available in grey and white.
Meanwhile, vinyl weather stripping offers a sleek appearance. You can fit your vinyl strips to flush against the surface when weatherstripping doors for a more integrated look. Additionally, vinyl strips can be painted to match and blend with your decor.
Recommendation: Choose vinyl weather stripping for a more integrated and sleek appearance.
The total weather stripping cost for foam and vinyl depends on many factors, including the size of the gap you need to fill and the materials you need for the project.
For the materials, both foam tapes and vinyl strips are generally affordable, with $14 for 17 feet for vinyl &#;V&#; strips and $10 for 3 meters for foam strips.
Moreover, you&#;ll also have to consider seal repair costs for your windows and doors, as your weather-stripping materials will likely degrade over time.
Recommendation: Materials for both weatherstripping types are generally affordable, but you must consider other costs like labour and repair.
Weather stripping might seem simple, but installation can be tedious, especially if you have old doors and windows. Let the handyman experts at Airtasker do the work for you. Rest assured, they can install your weather stripping materials correctly and more efficiently to improve your home&#;s insulation and energy efficiency.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Automotive Weatherstrips. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.