Drafts and air leaks may be subtle intruders, yet they are common in American homes. Those seemingly insignificant holes around windows and doors are entry points for outdoor air into your cozy house, and vice versa. While a minor draft may not cause concern, the cumulative effect might result in rising energy expenses and a flood of unwanted exterior contaminants into your living space. Fortunately, a simple solution involves only a few minutes of your time and a small cost: door weather stripping.
It is a simple yet incredibly effective solution. These are strips of unique materials that stick perfectly to your doors and windows, closing gaps and eliminating air leaks. By creating snug seals when doors and windows are closed, weatherstripping prevents the passage of air and any harmful particles lurking outside.
In this informative blog post, we are getting into the nitty gritty of weatherstripping. We’ll look at whether you need one and the several different types available to protect your home. Read it until the end as we learn how to make your home more energy-efficient and pleasant. Let’s dive into it!
Do You Need Door Weather Stripping?
Are you not sure whether you need a weatherstrip or not? Well, let’s sort it out together! Begin by inspecting any areas of your home that may be causing the outside air to come inside. You can learn this on your own using basic ways or with an expert or professional who knows about energy.
If you hire a professional, that expert will be able to tell you exactly where to install weatherstripping easily and will also be able to give you some handy tips that can help you in the long term. Having said that, if you are confident and are willing to try it yourself, there are various more straightforward techniques you can implement to see if your doors and windows need to be sealed in a better manner. Let’s discuss these:
Moisture Test
Let’s give the moisture test a try! You can do this by yourself at any time of day. It works best when it’s cold outdoors, but if you’re looking to save money in the summer, you should try a different test.
The moisture test works as follows: Wet your hand with water, which is at room temperature first. Then, run your palm down the top and bottom edges of your door or window. If your hand feels chilly, it signifies outside air is getting in. It would be best to remember that it is only effective on cold days. If you feel cold, it’s a clue that you need to install a door strip to keep the outside air out.
Flashlight Test
The flashlight test comes next. It’s a two-person job that must be completed at night. So, please get the help of a friend, your child, or your partner (reward them!) and let’s get started.
This technique helps test doors and is considered to be very simple. Now, to do this, first, you need to make sure it’s dark. When it’s dark outside, one individual brings a torch. They then seal the door behind them and beam the torch around the door and surrounding areas. If you can see the light coming in from any place, the seal isn’t good enough. It’s a clear hint that you need door weather stripping to repair it.
Dollar Bill Test
Another excellent test that you can try is the dollar bill test. This one is only for doors, and it requires only a single dollar bill. Now, you must place the dollar bill between the door and the frame. Then, close the door and try to get the bill out. If it comes out quickly, it’s a hint that you might need to apply a strip to make things snug.
Smoke Test
Here’s the final test to check for drafts at home: the smoke test. Light a candle or a match. Hold it behind your door or window, and watch the smoke. If you notice the smoke moving differently due to the air flowing in, you’re probably letting out your money, as well as the comfortable warm/cool air. When that happens, you know it’s time for some weatherstripping.
Types Available
Discovering the numerous weatherstripping options may appear complicated, but it is necessary in various situations. But don’t worry; we’re here to help you in this regard as well.
There are various options available for you. Our research assists you in becoming an expert and making a very well-informed decision.
Felt
It’s a low-cost option that’s not durable. You can buy it in rolls and use it alone or with a metal strip for further support. Felt is useful for doorways. It is adhered or nailed to the door frame. When you close the door, the material is squeezed, and air is kept out. But keep in mind that it is not suitable for damp places. It’s not ideal when there’s a lot of moisture in the air.
Felt is the least expensive and easiest to work with. While it may not last forever, it is helpful for a quick fix. Well, if you’re searching for a simple way to reduce drafts, felt might be the way to go.
V-Seal
V-Seal is an extremely popular option for residential use. When folded in half, it resembles a “V” shape. This makes it easier to fit around the inner edges of doors and windows. It is available with a sticky backing for quick installation or without it, which requires some nailing. If done correctly, V-Seal may last a long time and is an excellent alternative for preventing drafts. It acts as a barrier against outside air!
V-Seal is quite popular since it is simple but efficient. You fold it and place it where needed to prevent air from entering. This is ideal for keeping your home warm while also conserving energy.
Door Sweep
Door Sweep is the weatherstripping king for blocking outdoor air from seeping under doors. You know how there are small gaps at the bottom of doors? Drafts usually come in this manner. That is why door sweeps are here to help.
There are two main types: a metal or plastic strip that screws onto the bottom of the door and a brush or nylon piece that touches the floor (the sweep part). When properly installed, it covers the whole space beneath the door. Some models even slip onto the bottom of the door, eliminating the need for nails.
Foam Tape
It’s similar to felt but better. You use it in the same way that you would with felt. The remarkable aspect is that foam tape is a little fancier. It usually comes with stickiness already applied, making it simple to install. Similar to felt, it is not strong and doesn’t like dampness.
Consider foam tape to be an improved version of felt. It’s better quality while being easy to use. Apply it where you need it, and it will help keep the outside air out. If you want something more durable than felt, foam tape might be the way.
Conclusion
So these were some of the best ways to check if you need a door weather stripping or not. If you need one, you can choose from the mentioned types. Make sure to opt for the one that is best for your house and gives you the results you are looking for.
