When considering home maintenance on Long Island, how often do we think about weatherstripping? This small detail can significantly impact the efficiency of our doors. Drafty and inefficient doorways can lead to energy loss, increased costs and decreased comfort. Here’s what you need to know about weatherstripping and the signs indicating it’s time for replacement.
What is Weatherstripping?
No matter how it looks or what it’s made of, the purpose of weatherstripping is simple: it prevents air leaks. Your doors likely already have weatherstripping in one or more of the following forms:
- Foam Tape: This adhesive tape runs along the inside of the door frame, providing a seal that blocks air from leaking through the edges of the door.
- Metal or Vinyl Strips: These strips are often placed alongside the tops and sides of the door frame. They create a barrier that prevents drafts and keeps the interior environment stable.
- Rubber Gaskets: These gaskets are situated between the door and the doorjamb, which includes the top and/or bottom sections of the door. They compress when the door closes, forming a tight seal that stops air infiltration.
Since energy-efficient door technology has evolved over the years, there may be a weatherstripping material that works even better for your home.
Why Should I Maintain My Weatherstripping?
Maintaining your weatherstripping means these home benefits:
- Energy efficiency: Properly done weatherstripping can lower your heating and cooling bills and support a more sustainable home.
- Comfort: Effective weatherstripping prevents drafts and noise that make homes uncomfortable. You’ll also be able to consistently keep your home at your desired temperature much more easily.
- Protection: High-performing weatherstripping stops dust, pests and weather from getting into your home. Otherwise, you may have to deal with stains or even moldy areas near your doorways due to moisture.
What Are the Signs It’s Time to Replace Weatherstripping on Your Doors?
You want to check your weatherstripping at least twice a year. Expert tip: It’s best to look for the following signs right before Long Island’s winter and summer really take off.
Visible Damage
Watch out for wear and tear in the form of cracks, disintegrated parts or warped, misshapen materials.
Drafts and Leaks
You’ll likely see any door leaks, but drafts may be hard to feel. You can check for drafts by looking at a closed door and seeing if any light comes through. You can also carefully move a lit candle or incense near a closed door and see if the smoke wavers.
Increased Energy Bills
Look out for a sudden rise in energy costs that doesn’t seem to make sense based on your year-to-year trends. Another clear sign is always fighting with your thermostat to keep your home at the temperature you want it to be.
Replacing Your Weatherstripping
The general rule of replacement for door weatherstripping is every few years. How often you use a door can impact this, so entry doors and storm doors will generally require more support than sliding patio doors or hinged patio doors.
The process for replacing weatherstripping generally involves:
- Removing any old weatherstripping by hand, with the help of a putty knife and/or by using tools to remove any nails and/or screws.
- Cleaning and drying the area where the new weatherstripping will go.
- Getting your selected type of weatherstripping to the necessary size (if you’re using foam tape, you can use a tape measure and scissors to cut it).
- Apply the weatherstripping (adhesive types can simply be peeled and stuck on, but other varieties will require screwing or nailing it into place).
Replacing weatherstripping is relatively easy, but what if new weatherstripping isn’t enough? If any of your doors are in too poor of condition, it’s time to consider a cost-efficient door replacement that will offer energy, cost and comfort benefits that new weatherstripping alone can’t.
Have Premium Door Weatherstripping With Window World of Long Island
While it can be easy to overlook, door weatherstripping can keep your home feeling, working and even costing how it should. With Window World doors and windows, you have airtight weatherstripping on all sides and quality craftsmanship that stands the test of time. Schedule your free estimate and learn how you can improve your home today.