Weather Stripping

Alternative-Heating-Info.com

For example, a double-hung window that remaisn closed all winter requires a different
solution than a door that is opened and closed multiple times per day.

When choosing the right material it’s primarily a matter of durability and expense. If you’
re willing or able to spend a little more money up front, you can purchase a more durable
product and replace it less often. The table below will help you choose the correct
weather stripping for each application.

Type

Best Uses

Tension seal: Self-stick plastic or springy
metal folded lengthwise. Seals by pressing
against the sides of a crack to block drafts.

Inside the track of a double-hung or sliding
window, top and sides of door.

Felt: Plain or reinforced with a flexible
metal strip;sold in rolls. Must be stapled,
glued, or tacked. Seals best if staples are
parallel to length of the strip.

Around a door or window (reinforced felt);
fitted into a door jamb so the door presses
against it.

Reinforced foam: Closed-cell foam
attached to wood or metal strips.

Door or window stops; bottom or top of
window sash; bottom of door.

Tape: Nonporous, closed-cell foam, open
cell foam, or EDPM (Ethylene Propylene
Diene Monomer) rubber.

Top and bottom of window sash; door
frames; attic hatches and inoperable
windows.

Rolled or reinforced vinyl: Pliable or rigid
strip gasket (attached to wood or metal
strips.)

Door or window stops; top or bottom of
window sash; bottom of a door (rigid strip
only).

Door sweep: Aluminum or stainless steel
with brush of plastic, vinyl, sponge, or felt.

Bottom of interior side of in-swinging door;
bottom of exterior side of exterior swinging
door.

Magnetic: Works similarly to refrigerator
gaskets.

Top and sides of doors, double-hung and
sliding window channels.

Tubular rubber and vinyl: Vinyl or sponge
rubber tubes with a flange along length to
staple or tack. Door or window presses
against them to form a seal.

Around a door.

Weather Stripping

Weatherizing Your Home

Finding Air Leaks

Caulking and Weather Stripping

Using Caulk

Weatherize the Outside

Weatherize the Inside

Weather stripping seals leaks
around windows and doors by
closing the gap between the
moving parts and the frame.

There are enough kinds of
weather stripping to make your
head spin! Hang in there; it’s not
difficult to figure out what kind to
use and where.

The type you choose should stand
up to the wear and tear, weather
and temperature fluctuation
associated with its location.

< Alternative Heating Info Home