Window Maintenance Tips to Extend the Life of Your New Windows

Weather strips for windows and doors play a crucial role in keeping your home energy-efficient and comfortable, especially to protect against extreme weather. They seal gaps, reduce drafts, and prevent water, dust, and pests from entering your space.

These strips also aid in reducing heating and cooling costs, locking in heat and cool air.

Over time, weather strips can wear out. So, it’s important to understand the types available and how often to replace them.

In this blog, we’ll explore window maintenance for extreme weather using weather strips for windows and doors. We will explain what they are, how they can benefit your home, the different types, provide maintenance tips, and give you an idea of when to replace them.

Takeaways

• Weather strips help seal gaps and reduce water and other elements from getting in.
• Lowers energy costs and saves money on your bill.
• There are four main types of weather strips, and the one that benefits you depends on the type of need.
• Replacing weather strips for windows and doors enhances longevity.
• Maintenance can be easy, but you can also get help from a professional.

What are Weather Strips?

Weather strips for doors and windows are materials used to seal gaps around doors and windows, preventing drafts, moisture, dust, and pests from entering the home. They help improve energy efficiency by maintaining a stable indoor temperature, reducing the need for heating and cooling. Furthermore, they are an excellent defense against extreme weather like heavy rainfall, which aids in keeping water leaking indoors.

 

Available in various materials such as foam, rubber, and vinyl, weather strips play a key role in enhancing comfort and protecting the integrity of your home’s insulation. No matter which type you have, regular maintenance or replacement is good for maintaining their effectiveness.

 

If you’ve recently gotten a window installation for your home, you’ll want to understand why weather strips are essential.

Weather Strips for Windows and Doors​: The Benefits

Weather strips for windows and doors offer several key benefits that improve your home’s overall efficiency.

As noted, they help seal out drafts, keeping the temperature inside your home stable, which reduces the need for excessive heating or cooling. This ultimately lowers energy costs. 

Additionally, weather strips prevent water from downpours, dust, and pests from entering your home, keeping the interior clean and comfortable. By improving insulation and soundproofing, they also enhance your home’s security and acoustic quality.

Replacing worn-out weather strips ensures your home stays cozy, secure, and energy-efficient.

Types of Weather Stripping

There are several types of weather strips for windows and doors, each suited to different needs:

Foam

Affordable and easy to install, foam weather strips are effective at sealing gaps but may wear out more quickly.

Rubber

Durable and long-lasting, rubber strips provide a solid seal against drafts and moisture, making them ideal for storm windows. These will also be ideal for harsh weather conditions.

V-strip

A flexible, durable option that is ideal for sealing the edges of doors and windows.

Felt

Traditionally used for older homes, felt strips are simple but less effective at insulating than newer materials.

How Often Should You Replace Weather Stripping?

The frequency of replacing weather strips for windows and doors depends on the material and the level of wear and tear. Generally, it is recommended to check the strips every 1 to 2 years.

Cracks or Drafts? It Might Be Time to Replace

If you notice drafts, visible cracks, or a decrease in insulation, it may be time to replace your weather strips. Damaged or worn weather stripping can significantly reduce your home’s energy efficiency, leading to higher heating and cooling costs.

As time passes, exposure to the elements can cause weather strips to lose their flexibility, leading to gaps that let air and moisture in.

Maintenance Determines Longevity

Poorly maintained weather stripping can lead to significant issues beyond just higher energy costs. Gaps around windows and doors allow drafts to enter, making indoor temperatures uncomfortable, especially during extreme weather conditions like blizzards.

In addition to temperature imbalances, moisture can seep in, potentially causing damage to walls and flooring. This may also cause a mold problem in the future.

Again, it’s important to regularly check and replace weather strips to ensure they continue to provide a tight seal, preventing these problems and helping your home stay protected from the elements.

Proper maintenance extends the lifespan of both your weather strips and your home’s insulation.

Best Weather Strips for Windows and Doors

When choosing weather strips for windows and doors, it’s important to consider the material’s durability and efficiency – especially to protect your home from extreme weather conditions.

Storm Windows

For storm windows, rubber or silicone weather strips provide an excellent seal and long-lasting protection against drafts and water.

Older Doors

For older doors, foam or felt strips work well in sealing smaller gaps, though they may need to be replaced more frequently.

Best Overall Performance

For the best overall performance, rubber or vinyl options are highly recommended, as they offer a solid barrier against air, moisture, and noise.

How to Apply Weather Stripping

Applying weather strips to windows and doors is a straightforward task that can be done with a few simple steps to ensure a snug fit and effective seal.

1. Measure the Gaps: Before purchasing weather strips, measure the gaps around the door or window to ensure you buy the right size. Use a tape measure to determine the length of each side that needs sealing.
2. Choose the Right Material: Depending on the type of door or window, choose the appropriate weather stripping material—foam, rubber, silicone, or felt. Rubber or silicone is ideal for larger gaps and for outdoor conditions, while foam is great for smaller gaps indoors.
3. Prepare the Surface: Clean the area where the weather strip will be applied. Use a damp cloth to remove dust, dirt, and debris, and let the surface dry completely. This ensures a better adhesive bond.
4. Cut to Fit: Use scissors or a utility knife to cut the weather strips to the desired length. Make sure the strips are cut slightly longer than needed to ensure a tight fit. You can always trim any excess later.
5. Apply the Strips: If you’re using adhesive-backed strips, peel off the backing and carefully press the strip into place along the door or window frame. For non-adhesive strips, use nails, staples, or a staple gun to secure them. Make sure the strip is applied firmly with no gaps between the material and the frame.
6. Check for a Proper Seal: After installation, close the door or window and check for any visible gaps. If you find any, adjust or trim the weather strip to fit snugly, ensuring a tight seal.

By following these steps, you can ensure your weather strips are properly applied, helping to protect your home from drafts, moisture, and other weather-related issues.

What If I’m Unable to Apply Weather Strips on My Own?

If you’re unable to apply weather strips to your doors or windows yourself, there are a few options available to ensure the job gets done properly.

Hire a Professional

You can hire a professional installer who specializes in weatherproofing and home insulation. Many companies offer weather stripping installation as part of their window and door services.

DIY With Assistance

If you prefer to try it yourself but need assistance, consider reaching out to a local handyman or DIY expert for guidance. They can help you select the right materials and ensure proper installation, so you get the best performance out of your weather strips.

Home Improvement Installation Services

Additionally, some home improvement stores offer installation services if you purchase the materials directly from them.

Weather Stripping Maintenance

Maintaining your weather strips is essential for ensuring they continue to provide effective insulation and protection. Regular cleaning helps prevent dirt, dust, and debris from building up, which can reduce their performance.

How to Clean Weather Strips: General Tips

To clean, simply use a soft cloth with mild soap and warm water, ensuring you dry the strips thoroughly afterward to prevent mold or mildew growth. Avoid harsh chemicals, as they can break down the material over time.

How to Clean Rubber or Vinyl Strips

For rubber or vinyl strips, applying a silicone-based spray conditioner can help restore flexibility and extend their lifespan. This conditioning prevents cracking and helps keep the material in good condition.

Inspecting for Wear and Tear

It’s also essential to inspect your weather strips regularly for signs of wear, such as cracking, tearing, or compression. You should also check them seasonally, such as if any natural disasters or other extreme weather have occurred.

If any section is damaged, replacing it immediately will maintain the integrity of the seal and ensure your home remains energy-efficient and protected from the elements.

Built to Last, Quality Assured with LegendaryCorp

LegendaryCorp offers top-tier window and door installation services for homeowners, backed by over 50 years of combined experience. We specialize in high-quality, custom-made bi-folding and multi-sliding doors, retrofit windows, and storm protection solutions.

With a focus on energy efficiency, security, and aesthetics, LegendaryCorp provides products designed to enhance your home’s functionality and appearance.

Whether you’re updating an old home or building new, LegendaryCorp delivers durable and stylish solutions with professional installation, ensuring long-term performance and value.

Conclusion

Weather strips for windows and doors are essential for maintaining energy efficiency and comfort in your home.

By understanding the different types of weather stripping, how to apply them, and the importance of regular maintenance, you can ensure your home remains secure, insulated, and protected from the elements and from or during extreme weather.

Replacing worn or damaged weather strips promptly will not only help reduce energy costs but also enhance the overall longevity and performance of your windows and doors.