Weather stripping. You’ve probably heard of it before, but do you know what it is? No, it’s not an innuendo for a side hustle of the X-Men character Storm. Weather stripping is a piece of material that is used to seal openings–doors, windows, vehicle trunks–from the outside elements, particularly water, and keep the interior air inside (which can help save energy and money on heating and cooling your home).
Weather stripping can be made from a wide variety of different forms and materials. We’ll introduce you to all these variations so you’ll know how best to protect your home.
Felt & Foam
These options are inexpensive and easiest to implement. Both are sold in rolls and are easy to apply. While the foam commonly has adhesive for an easy stick, felt weather stripping may not include an adhesive material and will require it to be nailed into the door jamb to remain in place. Something to note is that felt and foam are not recommended if you live in a high moisture area, as these will swiftly deteriorate. With that said, these can make good in-a-pinch options for southern California homes.
Door Sweep
This form of weather stripping is attached to the bottom of the door to cover the gap between it and the floor. Usually, these come in metal or plastic strips that are screwed or nailed into the door, though there are some that can simply be slid into place. A properly installed door sweep will occupy the entirety of the gap between the door and the floor.
V-Seal
A properly installed v-seal is one of the most durable weather stripping options available. It is also one of the most common, due to being very easy to install. To install, you fold the strip into the namesake v-shape down the middle. You will then line it to the inside edges of window and door frames. You can find v-seals with or without adhesive. If you purchase adhesiveless v-seals, you will need to nail it into place.
