Door and Window Weatherstripping
Lowers Utility Bills Along With Insulation and Radiant Barrier
Nov 13, 2008
These are the two main areas to seal out the elements but other areas, such as the garage door threshold, benefit as well. All weatherstripping should be inspected twice a year and replaced as needed. There are several basic types, the two most common being self-stick foam and a threshold with a vinyl bulb.
A door sweep in good condition is also a great contributor to the energy efficiency of the home. After installing insulation, the following steps will further increase the home's energy efficiency.
How to Install Self-Stick Foam to a Door or Window
This foam is easy to apply, effective, and inexpensive. It can be found at almost all hardware stores and home improvement stores such as Home Depot and Lowes. The only tools and material needed are:
- A roll of foam
- Scissors or a utility knife
- A tape measure
The Procedure for a Door:
- First, take measurements of the across the header of the door frame.
- Cut the length of foam to size.
- Remove the backing to expose the adhesive side and apply the foam to the header, starting at one end and working across to the other side.
- Repeat these steps for both sides of the door frame.
- The procedure for a window is basically the same, but the style of the window will dictate where the foam will go.
How to Install a New Door Threshold With a Vinyl Bulb
This is a bit more work but well worth it. Tools and materials:
- Electric drill
- Hacksaw
- Crow bar
- Door threshold kit
- Caulk gun with caulk
- Tape measure
The Procedure:
Take out the current threshold. It may be necessary to cut it in half with the hacksaw and dislodge it with the crow bar.
- Clean the surface completely
- Measure for the new threshold and cut it precisely.
- Apply a caulk bead where the back of the threshold will be.
- Set the threshold in place.
- Connect the bulb to the threshold with screws.
- After closing the door carefully, push the threshold up to it to ensure a good seal.
- Now, just fasten the threshold down.
Attaching a Door Sweep to an Exterior Door
This is an easy DIY project and will pay for itself in lower utility bills in no time! It's a great project that goes hand in hand with installing a prehung door. Tools and materials:
- Door sweep kit
- Electric drill
- Screwdriver
The Procedure:
First, read the instructions that came with the kit to determine which side of the door it's designed for, front or back.
- Situate the sweep in position, mark the door where the screws will be and predrill the holes.
- Finally, attach the sweep to the door with the supplied screws.
Finally, as winter sets in, it's a good time to consider investing in radiant barrier paint or foil. The attic is cool enough to work in and when summer sneaks up, the electric meter won't spin nearly as fast as it did the past summer.
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