May 5, 2021
Homeowners are always on the hunt for building and renovating materials and solutions that ensure the protection of their homes against unpredictable natural disasters and extreme weather conditions. One of the methods that have proven to be effective in this regard is weather stripping.
Weather-Stripping:
Weather-stripping refers to the process of sealing openings around the home to prevent air leaks. Weather-stripping is usually done on movable components like doors and windows but can also be performed for some stationary components.
The procedure serves to protect your home from harmful elements of nature like rain, hail, snow, and wind. These elements are kept locked outside while the home’s interior stays comfortable and unimpacted.
Weather-stripping doors and windows keep your home warm for longer, allowing you to regulate the temperature at a comfortable level. Moreover, weather stripping offers around 10-15% in energy savings.
Weather-Stripping Materials:
You can weather-strip your doors using various materials, each with its benefits and disadvantages.
Foam Tape:
Foam tape comes in many different thicknesses to provide varying levels of insulation. It can be easily installed on windows and door frames. It comes with a sticky adhesive placed on its back, and all you need to do is take accurate measurements before cutting the foam to length.
Felt:
If you’re looking for a cheaper option, felt can be effective, but it won’t provide the same level of insulation as other materials, often only lasting a single season. Felt stripping could be installed using a staple gun or finishing nail.
Plastic:
If your home has sliding or hung windows, you may want to consider plastic stripping. It comes molded into a ‘V’ shape to seal away any openings and can be secured with a few finishing nails.
How to Identify the Need for Weather-Stripping?
Before taking on the project of weather-stripping, homeowners should identify whether their home needs it, which directly depends on its location.
Take a look at exterior door thresholds and examine the rubber and metal components on the plastic or aluminum stabilizers. If these have been worn out by weather, foot traffic, or water damage, there will likely be tears in the rubber components. See if any of these parts are torn or loose.
Furthermore, if you can feel a slight draft coming in, you should consider weather stripping. You can check for drafts using a handheld hair dryer and blowing it around the windows and door frames. Recruit a friend to hold their hands inside and check if they can feel the incoming air.
LEI Home Enhancements ensures your home remains safe from the elements with expert window and door replacement services in Arizona. Get in touch by visiting our website or call us at 480-739-8686 to book your consultation today!