Weatherstripping materials for windows and doors

There are a wide set of door and window weatherstripping materials with different lifespans, prices and specific uses: V-strips (V-shape tension seals), adhesive-backed tapes (foams, felts…), gaskets (tubular silicone, sponge rubber and tubular vinyl), magnetic weatherstrips, fin seals... And there are also thresholds, interlocking metal weatherstrips, door bottoms and door sweeps for doors...

Metal, Vinyl and Polystyrene V-Strips Weatherstripping

V-shape metal strip V-strips (also known as V-chanels and V-shape tension seals) are used to bridge gaps...

1) between the door and the door jam

2) in the window sashes of double hung and horizontal sliding windows (they aren't suitable for casement, awning and hopper windows).

V-strips are moderately expensive (prices vary with the material) but offer efficiency, durability and aren't very tricky to install.

V-strips are usually made of metal (bronze, aluminum, copper and steel) or vinyl and polypropylene, and are available in a long strip that should be cut according to the needs, that is, the height of the doors or the height of the window sashes...

Many V-strips come with a pressure sensitive adhesive, but their application may also require finish nails.

Adhesive-Backed Tape/Foam

Weatherstrip Foams Self-adhesive tapes are used both in doors and several types of windows, namely in casement, awning and hopper windows.

Most of these tapes are made from foam or sponge rubber, and come in various widths and thickness, and vary in their sealing strength.

Weatherstripping tapes are extremely easy to install, flexible and sizable, which make them excellent alternatives to block irregular air leaking surfaces: just cut the tape to length with scissors, peel the backing and stick it in place.

The big disadvantage of this weatherstrip is its short lifespan. You may have to replace it every two years or even each year, depending on wear, weather and the place where the weatherstrip is applied (these tapes do not support friction and - due to it - shouldn't be used on the sash channels of double-hung windows).

When applying adhesive tapes, be sure to clean and prepare the surfaces where they are going to be applied, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions concerning minimum outdoor temperature; some tapes will lose their bond at very low temperatures (less than 40-50º F/ 5º-10ºC).

Weatherstripping Felts

Felt weatherstrip materials come in either plain or reinforced rolls (with a flexible metal strip), or in narrow furry strips (pile) to be glued or tacked in place.

Plain felt is fitted in the door jambs (so the door presses against it), to air seal gaps; reinforced felt is also used in windows - and in door jambs - like plain felt.

Installing felt weatherstripping is easy: just cut to length and staple or tack the material into place.

Plain felts have a low durability. Though depending on wear and weather, felt weatherstrip often requires to be replaced every one or two years.

Low durability materials with easy installing

Adhesive backed foams and felts can be excellent in windows, to get a temporary weatherstripping - just for the cold-weather months...

If you just want an extra or seasonal weatherstripping, use an easy to install and remove self-stick foam/felt around the moving parts of the windows.

Gaskets (tubes of sponge rubber, vinyl and silicone)

Gasket weatherstripping silicone Gaskets (in the form of tubular vinyl, sponge-rubber tubes or tubular silicone) are used around doors and windows (namely around casement windows): when the window or door presses against them, they provide a tight seal.

The tubes come with a flange that can be stapled to hold them in place. Unlike weatherstrip felt or tape, these gaskets have a reasonable durability, though dependent on wear: around five years, often.

The ease of application varies. Installation can be tricky in the case of tubular silicone.

Their prices are moderate to high.

Magnetic weatherstrips

These door and window weatherstrips work similarly to door gaskets for refrigerators, and can be very effective. They are used on top and sides of doors, and in double-hung and sliding window channels.

They are relatively expensive, and difficult to apply on existing doors and windows.

Plastic Fin Seal

This weatherstrip involves plastic Mylar fin centered in a dense pile, and it is used in sliding glass doors and aluminum sliding windows.

It's cost is high or at least moderate, and the installation can be tricky, but it is a durable and effective weatherstrip.

Interlocking Metal weatherstrips

Interlocking metal weatherstripping is used to air seal doors.

They are used around the perimeter of the door (top, sides and bottom) and are particularly effective and durable (but also relatively expensive). They involve two pieces of metal that fit together: when the door closes, the two pieces of the interlocking metal provides a very tight sealing.

Installing interlocking weatherstripping isn't easy, and requires the door and the frame to be notched with a router.

Thresholds and door Bottoms and Door sweeps

Thresholds are used in exterior doors, as a raised seal. Thresholds may have weatherstripping built-in, and come in different styles.

Some models are mounted on the door itself, but most aren't.

Common door sweeps involve a flexible flap that seals against the threshold. Other thresholds involve built-in tubular gasket seals that press against the bottom of the door.

See, for more details: Weatherstripping the Bottom of a Door
Images credit: Keep Warm Illinois