Which Weatherstripping Works Best For External Doors?

Weatherstripping tapes are popular and inexpensive, made of compressible, flexible material, and can be used for doorstops, casement window stops, and double-hung window rails. The best type of weatherstripping depends on factors such as the climate in your area, the tension seal, and the cost of installation.

When considering weather stripping for your exterior door, it is important to understand the various types available, their benefits, and how to properly install them. For example, plain or reinforced felt weatherstrip metal weatherstripping V-Strips (Tension Seal) are highly effective and long-lasting, making it a popular choice for many homeowners. Kerf-in weatherstripping like Q-lon type products are the best for effectiveness and cost, while foam tape may be the best option for easy installation and affordability.

For wider gaps around the door, QEBD825 Weatherstrip is recommended. Low Wick PE650 is suitable for near-perfect installations, and Man-with-Weatherstrip-300×192 QEBD650 is ideal for wide gaps. Weather stripping and door sweeps can also be used to seal air leaks between exterior doors and siding or the home structure. Silicone or silicone-latex caulk is used to protect against drafts and moisture, making it a great choice for those looking to make their home more draft-free.

What type of weather stripping is best for exterior doors?

A V-strip represents a durable and long-lasting option for doors exhibiting tight fits and good condition. The product is suitable for doors with narrow and confined spaces and is straightforward to install and maintain. Another option for doors with tight spaces and good condition is a door gasket, which offers a more easily maintained alternative. Both options are appropriate for doors that are in good condition and have tight fits.

Is rubber or foam weather stripping better?

Sponge tape is manufactured from a closed-cell PVC sponge, which confers enhanced durability and resilience. Rubber tape, on the other hand, is produced from an EPDM rubber compound, offering unparalleled resistance and flexibility in extreme temperatures.

What is the best weather stripping for old doors?

Foam and felt are inexpensive and easy to install weatherstripping materials, but they are less durable and require frequent replacements. Metal is harder but more durable, while vinyl is flexible and suitable for various applications. Silicone is the ideal weatherstripping material due to its durability, softness, and tightness. Silva recommends tubular silicone weatherstripping for the sides and top of the door and a twin-fin silicone sweep for the bottom. Before installing, gather tools, remove old weatherproofing, and prepare the door frame.

What are the three types of door weather stripping?

Weather stripping options include plain or reinforced felt weatherstrip, metal weatherstripping, V-Strips, plastic, aluminum, and stainless steel door sweeps, foam tape from EPDM rubber or closed-cell foam, and rubber weather stripping. Felt weatherstripping, made from cotton, polyester, and wool, is the most common type and is typically applied using glue, staples, and tacks. It is commonly used for windows and doors’ jambs and is commonly found in stores sold in rolls.

How thick should door weather stripping be?

Foam weatherstripping is the most affordable and easiest option, but it doesn’t form a tight seal and is easily damaged. It comes in rolls of different widths and thicknesses and is self-adhesive. It is applied to the inside edge of the door stop, which is designed to close the gap between the door and the stop. Select a foam that is the same width as the door stop’s thickness and thick enough to close the gap. Cut the foam to length, peel off the backing paper, and press it firmly against the door stop.

Compression weatherstripping is a better choice, as it fits between the door and the door stop to seal off air leaks but is easier to adjust and more durable. A type of compression weatherstripping is a semi-rigid, high-density foam strip that mounts into a slot in the door stop. Most new doors come with this type of weatherstripping, and installation is a matter of cutting the replacement material to length and tucking the flange on the weatherstripping into the slot on the door stop.

Vinyl bulb weatherstripping is almost as effective and easier to install. It has a tough, hollow strip of vinyl set in a rigid piece of aluminum. A complete weatherstripping kit contains two long pieces for the sides of the door, one short piece for the top, and all the necessary screws or nails for installation.

How to choose door weatherstripping?

When selecting weatherstripping, consider factors like friction, weather, temperature changes, and wear and tear. For doors, self-stick plastic or springy bronze strips can create a seal by pressing against cracks to block drafts. Flexible metal strips can be used to reinforce the strip, which must be stapled, glued, or tacked into place. Nonporous, closed-cell foam, open-cell foam, or EDPM rubber are also suitable options. These materials should be chosen based on their ability to withstand the elements and maintain a secure seal.

Is felt better than foam weather stripping?

There are four types of weatherstripping: foam, tension seal, v-channel, and felt. Felt is the cheapest but least effective, and it’s not good for moisture exposure. Foam tape is cheap and easy to install, while v-channel or v-strip is durable but more expensive. Tension seals are the most effective but can be difficult to install. Most homeowners choose foam weatherstripping for doors and v-channel weatherstripping for windows, or a combination of both, as they are the easiest to install and most cost-effective.

If you’re weatherstripping windows, combine v-channel weatherstripping with foam weatherstripping. Before applying new weatherstripping, remove the old weatherstripping, either by pulling it off with adhesive or filling in the holes. Clean off any adhesive residue and dirt or debris on the surface.