If you feel cold air seeping in through door gaps or dust entering your house, you may need better seal strips. It’s a simple fix that helps seal gaps, keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, and even blocking out dust, bugs, and outside noise.
Door weatherstripping is material you apply around your door frame to seal gaps and prevent air, water, and noise from entering. Main types include V-strips, felt, foam tape, rubber tubing, metal strips, and door sweeps. Each type is best suited for different doors, for example, foam for house doors, rubber for car doors, and heavy-duty seals for garages. Choosing the right type can keep your home comfortable and energy-efficient year-round.
Now that you understand the purpose of weatherstripping, let’s look at the main types and how to use them around your home, car, or garage.
What is Door Weatherstripping?
Door weatherstripping is a soft material used to fill small gaps in windows and doors, blocking air and water. With good weatherstripping, you won’t feel drafts, hear outside noise, or see light coming through door gaps.
What are the Different Types of Door Weatherstripping?
You can choose from several types of weatherstripping depending on your needs. Here are some of the most common:
- V-strip (tension seal): A thin strip that runs along the side of the door. It’s strong and flexible.
- Felt: This is an inexpensive option for interior doors and is not affected by weather.
- Foam tape: Great for uneven doors. Just peel and stick!
- Rubber or vinyl tubing: Best for outdoor doors because it seals tightly and is long-lasting.
- Door sweep: A long strip attached to the bottom of the door to block air, dirt, and bugs.
- Metal weatherstripping: Strong and durable, but more difficult to install. Suitable for older doors.
Choosing the right type of weatherstripping can make any door seal tightly and last a long time.
Which Type of Weatherstripping is Best for House Doors?
If you’re working on house doors, here are the most effective methods:
- Front and back doors: Use rubber or vinyl strips. They can withstand the elements.
- Interior doors: Foam or felt will work, as you don’t need weather resistance.
- Sliding or French doors: Try V-strips, as they bend easily when the door moves. With proper sealing, you can keep warm air in and cold air out, reducing dust and insects.
What kind of weatherstripping is best for old doors?
If your house is older, the doors may not close properly. Foam tape or felt strips work well here because they easily fill uneven gaps. For a more robust repair, you can use metal-backed rubber weatherstripping.
Clean the surface before applying anything to ensure the tape sticks more securely and lasts longer.
Cabinet Door Seals
You can even use weather stripping on cabinet doors to stop them from rattling or letting in dust. Try these:
- Foam strips for a soft close.
- Rubber seals for a tighter fit.
- Magnetic seals if you want an airtight close (like on a fridge).
These little seals make your cabinets quieter and cleaner.
Auto Door Weather Stripping
Your car uses weatherstripping too! It’s usually made of rubber and lines the car doors and trunk. It blocks out rain and wind noise.
If you hear whistling while driving or see water pooling inside after it rains, your car’s weatherstripping is likely worn out. You can buy new adhesive strips online and apply them yourself—it’s easy and inexpensive.
Garage Door Seal Types
Garages require stronger seals because they encounter dirt, water, and significant temperature changes. Here are some types of garage door seals you can use:
- Bottom seal: Goes under the bottom of the door to block water and insects.
- Threshold seal: Adheres to the ground for extra protection.
- Brush seal: Uses bristles to prevent dust while allowing the door to move easily.
- Vinyl door stop: Seals the top and sides of the door.
If you live in a cold climate, it’s best to use both a bottom seal and a threshold seal.
Specialized Door Weatherstripping
Yes! You can find special weatherstripping specifically designed for soundproofing or security:
- Soundproofing strips: Stop noise between rooms.
- Fire-rated seals: Expand when they get hot to block smoke and flames.
- Automatic door bottom: Drops down when the door closes and lifts up when the door opens.
These devices are great if you want to give your doors a professional look or add security features. Common Materials Used in Different Types of Door Seals
Popular Materials Used in Different Types of Door Weatherstripping
- Rubber: Strong and flexible. Best for outdoors.
- Vinyl: Inexpensive and easy to clean.
- Foam: Very easy to use, but wears out faster.
- Felt: Soft, suitable for interior doors.
- Metal: Durable but more difficult to install.
- Silicone: A premium option that works in all weather conditions.
Choose the material that best suits your door and the weather in your area.
Summary
Door seals may seem insignificant, but they are very effective. They keep your home warm, quiet, and energy-efficient. Taking a few minutes to inspect your doors and replace worn-out seals is inexpensive and easy, and will make your home more comfortable year-round.
If you need door and window seals, please contact us.
