Weatherstripping is a traditional way of reducing drafts in doors and windows throughout the house. In winter, it prevents warm air from escaping and cold air from entering. During summer, it keeps the air inside the air conditioner from escaping and being replaced by outdoor heat. The kerf-in is the preferred weatherstripping for pre-hung exterior doors because it is hermetically sealed and can be easily replaced if the weatherstrip is compressed over time.
If your door does not have this type of weatherstripping, you will need to remove the door stoppers, cut a slot along an edge, and reinstall them. The reinforced part of the strips is usually made of metal, with slots for screws; these slots allow you to adjust the stripping so that it fits tightly to windows or doors. To complete any door stripping operation, don't forget the space between the bottom of the door and the wooden or metal door sill. If your budget is tight, your first priority should be to seal joints and holes in the building envelope, place insulation in the gaps around windows and doors, and install weatherstripping. Most new doors now come with this type of weatherstrip and, if you need to replace an existing part on one of your doors, the installation simply consists of cutting the replacement material to size and inserting the weatherstrip flange into the groove on the door stop.
The metal tension strips are durable and, because they are placed between the door or window and the frame, they are hidden when the door is closed. The type of weatherstripping to be used depends to a certain extent on the type of door and frame you have, as well as on how much time and effort you want to dedicate to the task. All of these types of weatherstrips are available at home centers, sawmills, hardware stores, and discount stores; they usually come with full installation instructions and all the hardware needed for quick and easy installation. The tube is the easiest to adapt to older doors and is also the least expensive type of permanent weatherstripping. Sealing gaps around doors and windows can make your home feel warmer and save 10-15% on your energy bills. Start your own weatherstripping project by sealing any gaps around doors or hatches that connect to the attic—this is where pressure and air leaks are greatest.
Close the door, place the weatherstrip on the front of the door stop so that the vinyl bulb is slightly compressed against the face of the door, then nail it into place. Gasket-type weatherstrips have a tubular shape with a rubber-like composition; they are installed along the bottom of a garage door using adhesive, nails or screws to create a seal between the door and concrete floor slab. Vinyl bulb weatherstrips have a strong hollow vinyl strip placed on a rigid piece of aluminum; a complete weatherstrip kit contains two long pieces for sides of door, a short piece for top, and all screws or nails needed for installation. At base of doors/windows; at top/bottom of window frame; at bottom of door; between door & its jamb—these are all places where you can install weatherstripping. Sealing gaps around doors/windows can make your home feel warmer & save 10-15% on energy bills. With proper installation & maintenance, you can enjoy improved comfort & energy savings for years to come.
