Types of Weatherstripping and Tips for Installation

Weatherstripping is a strip that wraps around windows, doors, and garages to keep nature out of your home. It keeps the temperature outside, keeps snow or rain out, and helps seal air leaks.
Exterior windows and doors require effective insulation to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer. There are a variety of weatherstripping options available, some of which (for sealing doors) can be used together for optimal coverage.
When choosing weather stripping, make sure it fits in its place. Weatherstripping must be able to withstand friction (when doors and windows are opened and closed) as well as wear and tear from temperature and weather fluctuations.
Windows and doors with weatherstripping will make your home feel warmer—with no gaps to let cold outside air in. It also traps the warm air inside for the most perfect and comfortable winter ever.

Here is a brief overview of the most common types of weatherstripping:

V strip is a durable plastic or metal strip. As the name suggests, it folds into a ‘V’ shape. Interestingly, it springs open when it’s bridging the gaps. It’s perfect for sealing the sides of a double-hung window as well as a sliding window, or on the top and sides of a door. It creates a snug seal by pressing against the sides of a crack to block drafts.

Foam tape

Foam tape is made from an open or closed-cell foam or a sticky EPDM rubber. This type of weatherstripping is ideal for irregular-sized cracks as it’s available in varying widths and thicknesses. It’s best installed in the top and bottom areas of window sashes and inside door frames.

The tape is as easy as it gets when it comes to installation. Cut out the desired length and stick!

Reinforced foam/vinyl/silicone

When it comes to closed-cell foam, you also have the option of choosing reinforced foam or vinyl or silicone. All of them are effective sealers. However, keep in mind that the installation is a bit more difficult. It has to be sawed, nailed, and painted. And, it’s quite visible.

Silicone sealing strip

Silicone material has good sealing performance, high temperature and weather resistance, anti-aging and impact resistance, shockproof and waterproof, can fit all kinds of smooth surface materials, can be self-adhesive with adhesive tape, has better sealing performance, and the high-temperature-resistant adhesive will not fall off after long-term use.
Environmental safety, good insulation, small compression deformation, strong resilience, non-toxic,
Silicone sealing strips come in a variety of colors, and can be processed and produced according to customer requirements according to specifications, colors and packaging. The cost of silicone sealing strips is higher.

How do I install weatherstripping?

1. Remove all old weatherstripping

Strip off any old weatherstripping. Installing weather stripping is a great way to cover your windows or doors in winter. If your doors or windows currently have weatherstripping, remove it before placing new pieces. If the old peel-off adhesive is sticky, pull it off with your hands.

2. Clean doors and windows

Clean the door or window frame with soap and water, then dry. This will remove any remaining residue or debris,

3. Measure doors and windows

Measure the top and sides of the door or window frame. Be sure to measure twice to make sure the size is correct.

4. Cut the weather stripping to size

Cut the weatherstripping to almost the same size as the windows and doors. Measure twice and note the accuracy. It’s better for your strips to be a little too long than too short. You can always trim the excess

5. Attach weather stripping to windows and doors

Make sure the weather stripping fits snugly at the corners.
Peel off the backing and press the stripping firmly into place. Once you have the stripping aligned where you want it to go, remove the paper backing from the piece. Run your hands along the piece and apply pressure to secure the sticky side of the stripping to the door or window jamb.
To prevent the stripping from sticking to things it shouldn’t, peel a little bit of backing off at a time as you go, instead of removing it all at once.

6. Test doors and windows

When in place, test doors and windows should fit snugly against the weatherstripping and not be difficult to open

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