If you’ve ever found yourself sitting at home feeling a breeze coming from underneath your front door or the side of a window, you know how unpleasant it can be. Those drafts are expensive, too, wasting energy year-round as your air conditioning and heating systems struggle to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home.
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While there are ways to renovate your home to remedy these issues, you may not always have the time, budget, or DIY skills to fix these problems with a big project like installing new doors, windows, or even additional insulation. And that’s not always what’s needed. Window sealing and weather stripping tape can be very effective at closing small gaps in windows and door frames.
While these terms are often used interchangeably by manufacturers, they describe two different but similar products. Both are installed on windows and doors to block out drafts in cold weather and keep cold air in during hot weather. Some tapes also claim to keep water from seeping through windows, too. According to Energy Star, “Air that leaks through your home’s envelope—the outer walls, windows, doors, and other openings—wastes a lot of energy and increases your utility costs.” Some estimates by the Environmental Protection Agency put the monetary value of sealing off the gaps where air escapes your home and adding insulation at “an average of 15 percent on heating and cooling costs.”
Installation of both is simple: Apply the adhesive strips along the surface of a drafty window or door where air is escaping. No tools other than scissors are necessary. Window sealing tapes cover the gaps and a portion of the door or window, preventing them from being opened while they are installed. Weather stripping tapes made from foam fill gaps between windows and windowsills without sealing windows completely, so they can still be opened as needed. To properly fill a gap using foam weather stripping tapes, you must measure the gap you want to fill to be certain that the foam is the right thickness (the same thickness as the gap or a little bigger because these foams can compress).
Paul Hope, a deputy content editor at CR and regular home project DIYer, says window sealing tapes are the “better choice for windows or doors in basements, attics, haunted guestrooms, basically, anywhere you don’t go frequently. For more heavily trafficked spots, weather stripping is the better choice, obviously for primary entry doors, but also for things like a kitchen window, since even in the dead of winter you may want to crack the window while cooking to get rid of smoke.”
When it comes to garage door weather seals, you've got options. The best type for you will depend on your specific door and your climate. Here are some of the most common types of weather stripping:
Rubber: A classic choice, rubber garage door weather stripping is durable and provides a great seal. It's available in a variety of densities, so you can pick the one that's right for your climate. If you live in an area with freezing winters, look for a rubber stripping that's specifically designed to stay flexible in cold temperatures.
Vinyl: Vinyl is another popular pick. It's often less expensive than rubber, and still offers excellent protection against drafts and moisture. Plus, vinyl weather stripping for your garage door tends to be more resistant to mold and mildew than rubber.
Metal: If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, metal weather stripping for your garage door might be the way to go. It's incredibly durable and can withstand heavy use. Look for metal stripping with a rust-resistant coating to ensure it lasts for years to come.
Brush Seals: These are perfect for filling gaps between your garage door and the floor. Brush seals are made up of tough bristles that brush against the ground, keeping cold air out and warm air in. They're a great choice if you have an uneven garage floor, as they can adapt to different heights.
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So why go to the trouble of installing weather stripping for your garage door? Here are just a few of the benefits:
Reduced Energy Costs: By keeping cold air out and warm air in during winter and vice versa in the summer, garage door weather stripping helps your garage stay at a consistent temperature. This means your heater and AC won't have to work as hard, saving you money on your energy bills. If you have a living space above the garage, proper weather stripping is especially important.
Prevents Drafts: A good garage door weather seal blocks drafts, keeping your garage cozy and comfortable. A draft-free space is safer and more pleasant to be in if you use your garage for a workshop or place to hang out with neighbors and friends.
Moisture Protection: Weather stripping keeps rain and snowmelt from seeping into your garage. This helps prevent water damage and keeps your space dry and mold-free. If you store expensive tools or equipment in your garage, weather stripping is a must to protect your investments.
Pest Prevention: Gaps around your garage door are an open invitation for unwanted guests like mice, insects, and even small animals. Weather stripping helps to keep these pests out, protecting your belongings.
Over time, weather stripping can become worn and damaged, leading to gaps and cracks that let in the elements. Regular inspections, cleaning, and replacement when necessary are key to preserving a tight seal. Here are a few tips:
Inspect Regularly: Try to check the stripping a few times a year, or more often if you notice any issues. Look for signs of wear and tear such as cracks, brittleness, and gaps in the seal. If you notice any damage, you may be able to replace just the affected section. However, if the damage is widespread, it may be time to consider replacing the entire stripping.
Clean the Stripping: Use a mild detergent and warm water to wipe down the stripping. This will help extend its lifespan by removing dirt and grime that can cause it to deteriorate more quickly. Be sure to avoid using harsh chemicals, which can damage the material and lead to a shorter lifespan.
Repositioning: If the weather stripping is simply loose or misaligned, you may be able to reposition it rather than replacing it. Try reattaching the stripping using a strong adhesive or caulking. This can be a quick and easy fix that will help restore a tight seal.
Replace as Needed: If your weather stripping is damaged beyond repair, it’s time to replace it. It's an easy fix (and shouldn’t be too expensive) that will make a big difference in your garage's comfort and energy efficiency. Consider replacing your weather stripping every 5-10 years as a preventative measure.
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