If you’ve ever felt a chilly draft sneaking its way through your windows or noticed an unexpected spike in your energy bills, it’s time to consider installing or replacing weatherstripping. It’s crucial to have both doors and windows securely weatherproofed to keep your home energy—efficient.
Neglecting this simple home improvement task can lead to energy inefficiency, higher utility bills, and a host of other problems. But how do you know which type of weatherstripping is right for your windows? In this guide, we’ll break down the most common types of window weatherstripping to help you make an informed decision for weatherproofing windows!
Benefits of Window Seals
Before we dive into the different types of weatherstripping, let’s highlight the weatherstripping benefits.
- Reduce Energy Expenses: Weatherstripping fills up gaps around the windows and seals air leaks, which can lead to lower energy bills due to lower heating and cooling costs and a more comfortable home.
- Embrace Eco—Friendliness: By reducing energy waste, weather stripping contributes to a more sustainable environment.
- Keep Intruders at Bay: Weatherstripping helps keep the pests from entering the home.
- Keep Out Moisture: It forms a seal against moisture infiltration, preventing mold and mildew issues.
- Prevent Dirt Infiltration: It keeps grime and dirt out, making it easier to maintain a clean home.
- Reduce Noise: Weatherstripping reduces noise, creating a more peaceful living environment.
For optimal insulation for windows, it’s recommended to pair weatherstripping with double-pane windows or triple-pane windows.
Common Types of Weatherstripping
Now that we’ve gone over the crucial weatherstripping benefits, let’s explore the three common types of window weatherstripping: v—strip, felt weatherstripping, and foam tape.
V—Strip
Also known as tension seal or v—channel, V—strip weatherstripping is made of vinyl, stainless steel, or aluminum. The metal V—strips are more effective at preventing air infiltration compared to vinyl ones. As indicated by its name, it’s formed in a V—shape.
They’re installed on the top and sides of the window frame. The opposite side of the V—strip acts as a spring, forming a tight seal when the window is closed. This provides robust window weatherproofing. V—strips are highly durable, even in harsh conditions, lasting up to 5 years.
V—strips are available in an adhesive form for vinyl or nail—on for metals. Nail—on options are optimal for durability, albeit a little more difficult to install. They’re nearly invisible, making them a perfect choice if you’re concerned about aesthetics.
Felt Weatherstripping
Felt weather stripping is a budget—friendly and popular option. It’s made of cotton, wool, and polyester, with wool being the most durable choice. It’s available as either plain or reinforced, the latter being strengthened with a metal strip. Felt weather stripping is stapled around the window sash and compresses against the frame when the window is closed.
While affordability and simplicity make it popular, it’s not very durable and may last only one or two years. It’s susceptible to wear and tear from high traffic and exposure to moisture and harsh weather conditions. Hence, felt weather stripping is best suited for areas with friendly surrounding conditions.
Felt weatherstripping is also quite visible, which can be another disadvantage if you value aesthetics.
Foam Tape
Foam tape, also known as adhesive—backed tape or open/closed—cell tape, is composed of flexible materials like EPDM rubber or open/closed—cell foam.
Foam weatherstripping comes in various widths and thicknesses, making it suitable for handling irregular gaps or small cracks. Self—adhesive forms are easy to install, while reinforced forms require a bit more complex installation involving sawing and nailing but offer better durability. Additionally, they’re affordable, making them a popular choice.
One drawback is that it can affect aesthetics since it’s very visible and not recommended to paint over, as it may weaken the seal. Foam tape is not highly durable, often requiring replacement within a few years.
Get in Touch With Us to Install Weatherstripping & Weatherize Your Home Today
Window and door seals are essential for upkeeping energy efficiency and comfort in your home. There are different types of window weatherstripping available to keep your house insulation top—notch, the common types being v—strips, felt weatherstripping, and foam tapes.
V—strips offer excellent insulation and durability, felt weather stripping is budget—friendly but less durable, while foam tape is versatile but less aesthetically pleasing. So take the time to assess your specific needs and select the weatherstripping that best suits your preferences and budget.
Don’t let drafts and energy inefficiency take a toll on your home. Contact us today for weatherproofing windows. We secure the finest weatherstripping solutions and optimally install the weather seals to ensure energy—efficient houses. You’re one step away from enjoying the weatherstripping benefits for your home!