All About Window Weather Stripping

Window weather stripping, also known simply as weatherstripping, is a remarkable home improvement you can make quite affordably, but which can have a significant impact on your home’s comfort and energy efficiency.

This short post will cover all the main points you need to know.

What Is Window Weather Stripping?

Put as simply as possible, window weather stripping is a type of protective, secondary material added to the frame of your window. Once installed, weatherstripping seals the gaps between the window and frame, preventing air from getting in or out and significantly improving the window’s insulation - since windows are weak points in insulation as it is.

Adding weatherstripping to your windows is one of the most effective actions you can take with respect to improving insulation as well as preventing moisture from entering the home, but it has other benefits, too. Some of the main ones will be covered here.

The Benefits of Weather Stripping?

The most obvious benefit of window weather stripping is that it improves the insulative efficiency of the windows by preventing cold air from leaking in in the winter, and hot air from leaking in in the summer (or cold air from leaking out, depending on how you see it).

This in turn will impact your home’s “bottom line.” The less thermal exchange your windows allow, the cozier your home will be in the winter and the warmer in the summer. As a result, you spend less on heating and cooling. For what it’s worth, weatherstripping also incurs less of a strain on your home’s heating and cooling infrastructure, too.

Weatherstripping, therefore, can help eliminate drafts and cold spots, too, making your home more comfortable. Ultimately, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, the simple addition of weatherstripping to your home’s windows (and doors) can reduce heating and cooling costs by as much as 20% per year.

But these are not the only benefits of weather stripping. In fact there are several other lesser known benefits that should be granted greater attention One has to do with deadening noise transmission. If you live in an area with a lot of background noise - such as in a city or by a major thoroughfare - those gaps in the windows will allow noise pollution to enter your home. Weatherstripping helps improve the acoustic properties of your windows by deadening outside noise. For what it’s worth, they make your home more private, too.

Gaps between the window and the frame will also allow pests access to your home. If you don’t like having creepy crawlies - like spiders, beetles, flies and other pests, then weatherstripping is a must. Properly sealing your windows will go a long way towards pest prevention.

Also, weatherstripping will prevent moisture from entering the home. This can be a prime concern in windows in which water occasionally pools during periods of intense precipitation, or as a result of snow or ice melt. By keeping moisture out, you can prevent damage to both the window and your home’s interior.

What Are the Different Types of Weatherstripping?

Now that you understand the surprisingly far-reaching benefits of window weather stripping, let’s take a closer look at some of the different types, as there are many.

• Felt weather strips or a.k.a. Fin weatherstripping, which are made of felt and which may have an adhesive backing, are an antiquated, albeit effective form of weatherstripping. If they lack an adhesive backing they are designed to slide in a groove in the shape of an upside down “T”. Usually felt weatherstripping is sold in rolls and is the most affordable type of weather stripping.
• Foam weather strips, are a more modern solution for window weather stripping. These are pressure sensitive, easy to apply, and among the most popular and versatile of all types of weather stripping. Also, since they are available in different widths and configurations, they’re suitable for a wide range of different windows.
• There is also a type of weatherstripping known as tubular or bulb weather stripping, that is usually made of a hollow tube of silicone, vinyl, or some other form of synthetic rubber. They are usually attached via a mounting strip and set into a pre-milled groove or channel. They are highly durable and suitable for use in high-traffic locations.
• V-strip weather stripping or leaf weatherseals  is also sometimes referred to as tension stripping and is commonly made of polyflex vinyl,. It is folded into a V-shape and springs open as needed to seal gaps. This type of weather stripping is among the most durable and long-lasting of all types.

There are many different materials from which weatherstripping can be made, including wool felt, synthetic felt, synthetic foam rubber (such as EPDM), synthetic rubber, vinyl, silicone, and metal alloys. As is apparent here, each of these different types of window weather stripping is associated with unique advantages and disadvantages. 

Weatherstrip Mounting Styles

There are also a few different installation styles of weatherstripping. The difference is the way they are installed.

• "T" Slot or Slide-In Style Weatherstrip
  • This style weather stripe has an upside down “T” shape at the bottom that slides into a groove on the window or frame in a T-Shaped slot. A T-slot has a distinct cross-section resembling a "T" with a vertical leg. The most common size is a 3/16” “T” but is also available in other sizes.
• Kerf Style
  • A "kerf" weatherstrip fits into a narrow groove or slot, called a "kerf," that is pre-cut into the frame. Kerf weatherstripping is usually simply inserted into the existing kerf. Used primarily in prime wood and clad windows. 
•  Adhesive Style 
  • Adhesive weatherstripping can differ based on the material it's made from (like foam, rubber, or silicone), its adhesive backing quality, the size of the gap it's designed to seal, and its intended application (doors, windows, etc.), with key differences including durability, temperature tolerance, flexibility, and overall sealing effectiveness depending on the specific material chosen. This kind is good for filling irregular gaps and easy to apply. Simply peel off the backing tape and stick in place.

Can You Weather Strip Doors Too? 

Yes, you can absolutely weather strip doors and you should. Weather stripping only your windows is only addressing half of the issue. Doing both your windows and doors will deliver all of the benefits mentioned in this article. 

Tips for Getting Off Old Window Stripping

One thing that you must do if you plan on installing upgraded window weather stripping is to make sure you effectively remove the old weatherstripping, along with any adhesive residue. Removing the residue is absolutely critical to ensuring a weatherproof seal. 

First, remove the old stripping, using a putty knife and pliers if necessary. Once only the residue is left, scrub it away with a sponge and warm water. You may need a little elbow grease, and mild detergents like soap may help loosen it. You may also be able to use rubbing alcohol to break up debris deposits. Either way, once all the old weatherstripping has been removed, thoroughly dry the surface before applying new weatherstripping. 

Here for Window Weather Stripping?

Here for replacement window weather stripping? We have what you need! Check out our collection via the previous link and get in touch with us at 727-386-4629 if you have any questions.