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In these situations you can find a variety of weatherstripping choices from any
home improvement store and either replace the old weatherstripping or augment
what is already on the door or window frame.
To check if the
existing weatherstripping is not functioning properly feel around the edges of
the door or window with your hand. If you feel cold air coming through, then you
know you have a weatherstripping problem.
After identifying
where the drafts are coming in around your door and windows, it is now time to
consider the type of weatherstripping for your specific situation.
Types of
Weatherstripping
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Foam
Weatherstripping
The most prevalent type
weatherstripping and easiest to install is foam weatherstripping. Foam
weatherstripping has an adhesive on the back of it. All you need to do is cut it
to length, remove the paper that exposes the sticky surface, and apply it to the
door or window frame. When the door closes or the window shuts the
weatherstripping compresses and forms an airtight seal. Foam stripping typically
has a limited life of a few years, so you will need to regularly check it to
make sure the foam does not remain compressed when the door or window are
opened. If it does stay compressed, then it is time to replace it again. |
Felt
Weatherstripping
Felt weatherstripping is very similar
to foam weatherstripping. You simply cut it to length and then tack it to the
door or window frame with brads. Felt weatherstripping can also be found with an
adhesive backing.
Spring Metal
Strips
Spring metal strips are frequently
used around doors. They are available in a number of metal type finishes and
come in either long strips or rolls. They attach to the sides of the door frame
with small nails (brads). Spring metal strips are a more durable type of
weatherstripping compared to the foam weatherstripping.
There are also metal strips that come
with an adhesive backed surface. These are a little easier to install as again
all you need to do is remove the paper backing off the adhesive coating and then
press the metal strip up against the doorframe.
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Interlocking Metal
strips
Interlocking metal strips come in two
sections. One part fits on the door or window frame and the other on the door or
window itself. When they come in contact with each other, they compress together
to form a tight seal. Interlocking metal strips require some patience and
installation skill as close alignment work is required.
Vinyl Inserts
As what is typically used on portable
air conditioners, accordion shaped vinyl inserts are another type of
weatherstripping. They are used for filling gaps in larger openings.
Caulk
With larger spaces or uneven spaces
it is best sometimes to use exterior grade door and widow caulk. Typical areas
for using caulk are around exterior door and window frames, e.g. where
clapboards butt up against the side of the frame, and around vent pipes and fan
assemblies. To install caulk, just cut the end of the tube at a 45 degree angle,
puncture the inside seal of the caulk tube with a long nail, and then insert it
into a caulking gun. Then simply compress the plunger and apply a bead of caulk
around the door/window frame or vent tube.
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