Quick and Easy Weatherstripping With DIY Products

Weatherstripping is the process of tightly sealing or filling gaps and cracks around doors and windows to prevent air drafts. It’s a simple but effective technique that can improve your home’s energy efficiency, reduce heating and cooling costs, and make you more comfortable by keeping the temperature balanced. Solid weatherstripping is especially important for older homes that have settled over time and created gaps in door and window frames. Still, all homes and homeowners can benefit from this insulation. This guide will walk you through the ins and outs of weatherstripping, from choosing the right materials to step-by-step installation techniques that you can easily tackle with a few simple tools.

Types of Weatherstripping Materials

Here are some common weatherstripping materials, each with varying durability, flexibility, and suitability for specific uses. Read carefully to choose the right weatherstripping for your home and structural needs.

Vinyl-Clad Foam Weatherstrips

Vinyl-clad foam weatherstripping is a popular option for sealing doors and windows. These strips are made of a foam core with a durable vinyl exterior. The foam is a great insulator, while the vinyl cladding offers protection against wear and tear.

Vinyl-clad foam weatherstrips are easily attached to wood doorstops and are available in various colors. You can match the weatherstripping to your door trim for a seamless look or paint and stain them to blend in with your current color scheme.

Silicone Weatherstrips

Silicone is also a strong and flexible material. It doesn’t need routing grooves in door bottoms or jambs. Barbless silicone weatherstripping sticks to a bead of caulk, making it a quick and easy solution for those who are short on time or have little DIY experience. There are even self-adhesive products available, speeding up the installation process.

Innovative Products

The market constantly creates new weather-sealing products designed for easier installation and improved performance. Some innovative options include:

• Magnetic weatherstripping for metal doors
• Self-adhesive foam or silicone tapes for quick, tool-free installation
• Adjustable door sweeps that can be fine-tuned without taking them off

Felt Strips: Why To Avoid Them

While felt strips may seem inexpensive and easy to install, they are generally not recommended due to several design flaws:

• Poor compression: Felt strips don’t compress well, resulting in an ineffective seal.
• Moisture absorption: They tend to absorb moisture, which can lead to mold and mildew growth.
• Dirt accumulation: Felt strips easily collect dirt and debris, reducing their effectiveness over time.
• Not durable: They wear out quickly, requiring frequent replacement.

For these reasons, you should stick to vinyl-clad foam or silicone for the best results.

Tools for DIY Weatherstripping

For a smooth installation, get all the tools you need before you start. Remember to wear safety gear while working with these materials.

• Measuring tape
• Utility knife
• Scissors
• Screwdriver
• Hammer
• Caulk gun
• Weatherstripping adhesive
• Cleaning supplies (for surface preparation)

Step-by-Step Guide To Install Weatherstripping

Follow these steps carefully to get the best results:

Prepare the Door and Frame

1. Clean the door frame and bottom of the door to remove any dirt, dust, or old weatherstripping residue.
2. Use a measuring tape to get the length of weatherstripping needed for each side of the door.
3. Cut the weatherstripping material to the right length and leave a slight overlap around the corner.

Apply Caulk-Based Weatherstripping

For barbless silicone weatherstripping:

1. Apply a thin bead of caulk along the door frame where the weatherstripping will be placed.
2. Press the silicone weatherstripping firmly into the caulk.
3. Smooth out any excess caulk for a neat appearance.

Install Molding-Attached Weatherstrips

For vinyl-clad foam weatherstrips attached to wood molding:

1. Place the weatherstrip against the doorstop. It should make contact with the door when closed.
2. Attach the molding to the doorstop using finishing nails or screws based on the product instructions.
3. Test the door and make sure it seals properly when closed without having to force it.

Weatherstripping Door Bottoms

Sealing the gap between the door bottom and the threshold is also important for preventing drafts and energy loss. Here are two practical options:

Finned Sweeps

Finned sweeps on aluminum extrusions are a subtle solution for sealing door bottoms. These work best when the gap between the threshold and the door bottom is even:

1. Measure the width of the door bottom.
2. Cut the sweep to size if necessary.
3. Attach the sweep to the bottom of the door using screws provided with the product.
4. Adjust the height of the sweep for good contact with the threshold.

Nylon-Bristle Sweeps for Uneven Gaps

Nylon-bristle sweeps are a flexible material for doors with uneven gaps between the bottom and threshold. These sweeps can fit in irregular surfaces for an effective seal. These are installed like finned sweeps, but the bristles are more forgiving in uneven gaps.

Weatherstripping Skylights and Attic Access Points

Skylights and attic areas are often overlooked but can be major sources of drafts and energy loss.

Skylights

Several weatherstripping types work for skylights, including silicone-based seals and foam gaskets.

1. Clean the edges of the skylight thoroughly.
2. Measure the perimeter of the skylight and cut the weatherstripping to fit.
3. Apply weatherstripping around the edges and be sure to fill in any gaps.

Attic Access Points

Attic access points often lack proper insulation and can be a major source of energy loss. Use weatherstripping materials that provide a tight seal to prevent warm air from escaping during winter and cool air from escaping during summer.

1. Measure the perimeter of the attic access point.
2. Apply adhesive-backed foam tape or silicone weatherstripping around the edges.
3. Make sure the insulation is continuous and covers all potential gaps.

Weatherstripping Garage Doors

Garage doors are another commonly overlooked area that can be a significant source of drafts and energy loss. Weatherstripping garage doors can improve overall home efficiency, especially if the garage is attached to the main house.

Bottom Seal

Start with the bottom seal, which prevents drafts from coming in under the garage door.

1. Remove any old weatherstripping or debris.
2. Measure the width of the garage door and cut the new seal to size.
3. Attach the new bottom seal, ensuring a tight fit without gaps.

Side and Top Seals

The sides and top of the garage door should also be sealed to maintain energy efficiency.

1. Measure the height and width of the door frame.
2. Attach vinyl or foam weatherstripping to the door frame, ensuring it makes contact when the door is closed.

Choose the Right Weatherstripping for Your Climate

Different climates pose unique challenges for weatherstripping. Consider these factors when selecting weatherstripping materials:

Cold Weather Considerations

In cold climates, choose weatherstripping materials that can stay flexible at low temperatures. Silicone and EPDM rubber maintain their elasticity even in freezing conditions. Avoid vinyl products that can become brittle in extreme cold.

Hot and Sunny Climate Solutions

UV-resistant materials are necessary for hot and sunny regions. Look for weatherstripping labeled as UV-stable or specifically designed for high-temperature environments. Products with exposed vinyl flaps can lose flexibility in hot weather and become brittle when exposed to prolonged sunlight, so don’t use these.

Common Weatherstripping Mistakes To Avoid

Poor installation or incorrect weatherstripping can lead to damage or poor performance. Avoid these mistakes when adding weatherstripping to your doors and windows:

• Using the wrong type of weatherstripping for your specific application
• Failing to clean and prepare surfaces before installation
• Cutting weatherstripping too short, leaving gaps at corners
• Over-compressing foam weatherstripping during installation
• Not adjusting the door hardware after adding weatherstripping

Maintaining Your Weatherstripping

Take proper care of your weatherstripping to make sure it lasts and provides the best protection against the elements. Here are some tips to maintain your weatherstripping:

• Inspect weatherstripping annually for signs of wear or damage
• Clean weatherstripping with mild soap and water to remove dirt and debris
• Lubricate moving parts of door sweeps to prevent sticking
• Replace weatherstripping as soon as it shows signs of deterioration

DIY vs. Pro Weatherstripping

If you’re having trouble applying your weatherstripping, professionals can make easy work of the job. Many hardware stores and home improvement centers offer installation services for the products they sell. However, expect to pay anywhere from $50–$150 per hour, depending on the material and where you’re installing it, according to HomeGuide.