weatherstripping the top and sides of doors

When weatherstripping the top and side gaps of a door pay attention to the flexibility and durability of the weatherstrips. The seasonal movements of the door (due to different temperatures) make flexibility important.

Top vs. edge of doors

When sealing the top and sides of doors, weatherstrips can either be attached to the...

1) stop of the door, or to the...
2) edge/jamb of a door.

Weatherstripping the stops is more common, in part because a proper jamb-mounted weatherstripping is more difficult to get (though it tends to last longer).

Preliminary examination

Before applying weatherstripping to a door, take into account possible indirect causes for their gaps (hinges, loose screws, uneven door…) and the several types of materials offered by the market. They are very different from the sealing materials used in the bottom of a door.

Choosing weatherstripping materials

When choosing the weatherstripping materials pay attention to their flexibility. That’s very important, to accommodate seasonal movements of the door, related with temperatures and seasons.

Take also into account the durability of weatherstripping materials. Metal and vinyl V-strip offer both flexibility and longer durability… Materials like tapes/foams are easier to install, and much cheaper, and offer immediate good results, but… they do not offer the same effectiveness after some few months of use, and must be replaced very often.

Metal V-strip

V-strip weatherstripping products are usually installed to the jamb of the door (not to the door stop), and are a very effective option.

V-Strips offer long durability and excellent efficiency, but they aren't so easy to install as other alternatives, besides being more expensive.

There are several types of V-strip, namely metal V-strips, vinyl V-strips and polypropylene V-strips. Metal V-strips, particularly bronze, and vinyl V-strips are the most used.

Self-sticking V-strips are increasing their share, namely because they are much easier to install. They are similar to regular metal V-strips, with the self-sticking feature (a peel-and-stick backing).

Installing V-strip metals

To install self-stick V-strips, begin by cleaning the edge of the door, carefully, removing unwanted grease, residues of paint, etc. Then, cut the pieces of V-strip to the sides and top, taking into account the dimensions of the door.

To begin to apply the V-strip pieces, peel off the backing of the V-strip at one end and press the material in place, peeling and pressing toward the other end.

You may have to drive nails (wood doors) through the weatherstripping to hold it securely. Just pay attention to instructions included in the package.

Other weatherstrips

There are some other good weatherstrips for the door stop, namely magnetic weatherstrips (very difficult to apply to existing doors) and fabric-covered foams, flap weatherstrips and silicone bulbs. These materials provide a much longer durability than foam/tapes weatherstrips, but only magnetic weatherstrips provide a very long lasting.

Adhesive-Backed Tape (Foam and Felt) for doors

Weatherstripping Foam Adhesive tape (foam, rubber…) weatherstrip is a popular alternative for door weatherstripping. It’s easy to apply to the hinge side of the door jamb and to the door stop (the bottom of the door requires a different weatherstripping), and it’s very inexpensive.

The problem with tape products is their durability. Very likely, you will have to replace the weatherstrip each year or each two years (depending on wear).

Installing tape is extremely simple. To get a secure bond, clean the surfaces where the tape/foam is going to be applied. Make sure they are dirt-paint-grease-free.

The application involves peeling off the backing and sticking the tape/foam down. Pay attention to the package instructions.

Images credit: Keep Warm Illinois