If you find cold air flowing through your doors, or you notice moisture or water seeping inside, it may be time to replace your weatherstrip. Another major reason why weather strips matter is because they seal your home from the elements. There are numerous kinds of weatherstrips you can buy, and all can be difficult to choose based on your requirements. Stepping through this guide, you will learn how to select the proper weatherstrip for your home.

Step 1: Check Your Door

First you should take a good look at your door. The hinged vs. sliding aspect is vital since each requires a different style of weatherstrip. The composition of your door is also relevant because it plays into what type of glue will work best with the weatherstrip that you decide you want to use.

Step 2: Measure Your Gap

Once you have more details about your door, the next step is to measure the space, or gap, around the door and the frame. This gap matters, because if it is too large or too small the weatherstrip may not seal adequately against air and moisture. Then, to get an exact measurement of the gap, use a tape measure. Be sure to check both the height and the width of the gap. Measuring each side of the door as well is critical. In this way, you know exactly how large or small the gap is on either side.

Step 3: Select your weatherstrip type

Now that you’ve measured your gap, it’s time to decide what type of weatherstrip will work best for you. There are a variety of weatherstrips available, including adhesive-backed foam, door sweeps, and V-strip weatherstrips. Each one comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is essential to consider which one you need more; a good one might do the trick in many cases.

Step 4: Select Your Material

The quality of the material your weatherstrip is made from can influence its durability and the effectiveness of its function. Weatherstrips are most often made from some common materials; Vinyl, rubber, silicone, and metal.

Step 5: Much the weatherstrip

Once you have narrowed down the type of weatherstrip and the material that you wish to use, you are ready to install it. Cleaning the area where the weatherstrip will go is a good idea before starting. Clean it with soap and water, and allow it to dry completely. After that, once the surface is clean and dry, measure and mark where you wish to place the weatherstrip. Next, trim the weatherstrip to size with a utility knife.

Conclusion

The center part of the weatherstrip fills the space between a door and door jamb, or a window and a window frame, creating a tight seal that keeps cold air and moisture out. So, here are 8 tips for finding the best weatherstrip for your doors. The main takeaway here is: Measure your gap precisely, pick the friendliest type and best fit material, and get it installed like a pro.