For homeowners who want to make their home more energy efficient, there are many types of weather stripping available for windows. The types of weather stripping vary by material, cost and how long they last. Most of these products can be purchased in any hardware store and put up by a homeowner in a short amount of time. Take a look at a few types of weather stripping that are ideal for windows.
Foam Tape
One type of inexpensive weather stripping used on windows is foam tape. This is a thin strip of durable foam with an adhesive backing on one side. One of the advantages of foam tape weather stripping is that it expands to fit the space. It can prevent warm air from leaving a home and cold air from getting in. This type of weather stripping is available in a variety of lengths and thicknesses. Furthermore, it can be trimmed to fit the specific dimensions of a window and lasts about three years. After that, it must be removed and replaced. It’s not a good idea to paint over foam tape weather stripping because it weakens the material allowing air inside the home.
Rubber
Rubber weather stripping is a lot like foam tape except it is more durable due to its material. There is an adhesive on one side of rubber weather stripping that is removed as it is applied around the edges of a window. This type of weather stripping is available in many thicknesses and can be trimmed to fit the exact measurements of a window. It lasts several years and is relatively easy to put up. Rubber weather stripping is relatively inexpensive.
Felt
Felt weather stripping is an inexpensive option for keeping air from entering or leaving a home, according to the Department of Energy. It must be tacked or stapled into place so it blocks the flow of air. Felt weather stripping is available in many lengths and widths which makes it easy to find the right type for a particular window in a home. It usually lasts about two years before it needs to be replaced.
Caulk
Caulk is available in a plastic tube and can be used to plug up gaps around the edges of a window to block air leaks. Applying caulk around a window takes a little more time than other methods of weather stripping. It’s important to aim the caulk gun in a way that places the caulk in the proper areas without causing a mess. Once the caulk is applied, it stiffens creating a barrier that keeps warm air from escaping a house and cold air from coming in. It’s a good idea to check the condition of caulk around a window after two or three years to see if it needs to be replaced.
Putting up weather stripping can save homeowner money on the monthly energy bill. The task of installing it doesn’t take much time and there are many types of weather stripping available for windows.
Related Resource: Difference Between Aluminum and Fiberglass Window Screens
