In the heat of the summer and the cold of the winter, you can save money on costs when you install weather stripping on a door. The process of installing weather stripping is a simple but effective method of stopping drafts from getting in and pricey air from getting out of your home. The following instructions and tips will explain the choosing and installation process to give any first time installer the confidence to seal up their own drafty spaces.
Which Type of Weather Stripping Do I Use?
The first thing to consider when you install weather stripping on a door is the type of weather stripping you will need, according to This Old House. Each type of stripping has specific applications that may be better in some installations than others. The different types of stripping are:
- V Strip – This stripping is made of either metal or a durable plastic that is molded and formed into a “v” shape. This type of sealant is useful for the tops and sides of doors and along the sides of sliding or double-hung doors.
- Felt – This inexpensive stripping material is sold in rolls and has a life of one or two years. A variation of this stripping has a formable metal strip in the center. This material is useful for filling in spaces in door jambs.
- Foam Tape – Created from cell-foam, this material is sold on rolls with self-adhesive tape on one side. This type of stripping is effective for oddly shaped or sized openings. It is best for the top and bottom of the insides of door frames.
- Door Sweeps – Made from aluminum, plastic, or stainless steel strips fitted with a panel of pliable plastic, nylon, sponge brush, or vinyl, this stripping is effective for keeping out drafts from the inside on the bottom of a door.
- Tube Stripping – These tubes are moldings of vinyl, silicone, or rubber. Using this type of material involves the creation of slot holes or router channels in the door frame.
Materials
The installation for weather stripping on a door of any size is relatively universal. You will find that when you install weather stripping on a door, it is important to organize the tools that you will be using ahead of time. Some of the things you will need are:
- Cleaning agent and rags
- Utility knife
- Hammer
- Finishing Nails
- Measuring tape
- Step-stool or ladder
- Screw driver (for metal strip application)
- Stripping material
Basic Installation
To install weather stripping on a door, the process is simple and easy. Follow these steps to ensure the best results from your weather stripping on your doors.
- Clean all surfaces of the door or jamb that will be receiving the stripping. This is especially important if the stripping has a sticky tape on the back which must adhere to the door or frame.
- Measure the length of the opening that needs the stripping installation.
- Cut the weather stripping to the appropriate length, being aware of the corners where the stripping will meet.
- Adhere stripping to door or frame with the appropriate materials for your unique situation.
- Repeat this until you cover all of the areas of the frame or door.
- Test the stripping for drafts by running a hair dryer on one side of the door around the frame while a second person waits on the inside and feels for any air coming through the new install.
Material Specific Installations
Each of these different types of materials comes with their own specifics when it comes to their installation. It is important to know which materials are best for your individual application when you install weather stripping on a door so that you receive the maximum heating and cooling cost savings.
- V-Strip – This strip is set in place by revealing a sticky strip and adhering the pre-cut piece in place. Finishing nails will keep the pieces snuggly in place for many uses.
- Felt Strip – This soft material is easy to work with but requires re-installation after a few years. Use the utility knife to cut to length and then staple or nail into place around the frame of the door or in the door jamb.
- Foam Tape – This tape is perhaps the easiest to install. Measure the length you need, cut with utility knife, remove protective backing, and stick into place on the door frame or jamb.
- Door Sweeps – This stripping installation requires cutting the materials to door width and sticking into place. The strip is then held into place by driving screws into the pre-designated areas on the strip and adhering to the bottom of the door.
- Tube Stripping – This type of installation requires attaching a metal mounting strip with the insulating material attached to it. Measure the opening to be sealed, cut the material to length, and adhere with finishing nails or screws. Silicone applications of this sort are normally fit into a pre-existing milled grooves.
Regardless of the type of insulation material or technique that you use, your efforts are sure to result in lower heating and cooling costs for your home. The fact that you are installing this type of weather barrier yourself will fill you with pride and great accomplishment, as well as put even more dollars back in in your pocket when you install weather stripping on a door.
