Weatherstripping on doors plays a big part in energy savings, comfort and soundproofing of a room

We often overlook the simple task of weatherstripping our doors and windows, despite the fact that it can make a huge difference in energy efficiency, comfort and soundproofing of our homes. In this article, we'll explore which types of door weatherstripping are available to help you decide which one fills the need you have.

Know the difference between using weatherstripping and door gasketing for the jambs and headers of the door and using a door sweep at the bottom of the door.

There are three main ways to seal the gaps around your door: weatherstripping, gasketing and using a door sweep. Let’s take a look at each one: 

Door Weatherstripping is designed to seal the space between the door and the frame. There are many different types of weatherstripping available, but most commonly you’ll see felt, silicone or vinyl strips. 

Door Gasketing is similar to weatherstripping in that it also seals the space between the door and frame, but it typically has a more robust design because of the aluminum housing that houses the rubber. It also allows for more functions, mainly in adjust-ability and that can better withstand heavy use. 

A door sweep is a strip of material (usually metal or plastic) that mounts to the bottom of your door and helps to close the gap between the bottom of the door and the threshold. Door sweeps are especially effective at sealing out drafts, dust and pests. Door Sweeps can be comprised as a vinyl brush or as a rubber seal. Additionally they can be mounted to the surface to the door or be a mortised door sweep at the bottom of the door only or as a 'U' shaped door shoe. Generally speaking, weatherstripping and gasketing are best for sealing the jambs and headers of a door, while a door sweep is best for sealing the gap at the bottom of the door.

For the door frame there are options of self adhesive, kerf and metal weatherstripping.

When it comes to weatherstripping door frames, there are three main options: self-adhesive, kerf, and metal weatherstripping. Self-adhesive weatherstripping is the easiest to install, as it simply requires peeling off the backing and pressing the strips into place. 

There are nemerous types of self adheisive weathertripping. Try to choose the highest quality silicone for a long lasting shape and seal. For larger gaps and heavy duty applications a sponge neoprene weatherstrip is optimal.

Another popular weather strip is metal. This is usually a bronze spring metal weatherstripping for a door. This are available with self adhesive or they can be nailed to the door frame. many builders are big fans of the metal weatherstripping.

Kerf weatherstripping requires cutting a groove into the door frame to insert the stripping, while metal weatherstripping needs to be nailed or screwed into place. Which option you choose will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you're looking for something quick and easy to install, self-adhesive weatherstripping is a good choice. If you want something that's more durable and long-lasting, however, kerf or meta weatherstripping may be a better option. Additionally many dors already come with a kerf cutout and you may just be looking at removing the existing weather stripping on the door and replacing with a new and better. Kerf Weather Strip.

The gap at the bottom of the door can use a door sweep or an automatic door bottom

When you think about weatherstripping a door, you probably think about the space around the door where cold air can seep in. But the gap at the bottom of the door is usually a bigger problem. A door sweep or an automatic door bottom can help to seal that gap and keep your home more comfortable and energy efficient. A door sweep is a simple strip of plastic, rubber or metal that attaches to the bottom of the door and hangs down over the threshold. The flexible material will form itself to irregularities in the floor and provide a tight seal when the door is closed. 

An automatic door bottom will create the tightest seal for the gap at the bottom of your door. While standard door seals are good, nevertheless the fact that the door needs to be open and closed requires that the door seal has some flexibility. Not so an Automatic Door Bottom which raises the seal when the door opens and drops it when the door closes. This allows the seal to press down firmly and create a tight seal. It also conforms to any irregularities in your flooring.

When should you use a brush sweep, rubber sweep or door shoe?

There are three main types of door sweeps: brush, rubber and door shoes. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to choose the right one for your needs. Brush sweeps are the most common type of door sweep. They're made of stiff or soft (usually nylon) bristles that fit snugly against the door, sealing off any gaps. Brush sweeps are effective at stopping drafts and keeping out dust and debris.  

Rubber sweeps are similar to brush sweeps, but they're made of rubber (Vinyl or Neoprene, with Neoprene being softer and longer lasting) instead of bristles. Rubber sweeps are easy to install and provide a good seal against drafts. 

Door shoes are 'U' or 'L' shaped and are designed to fit over the bottom of the door, creating a seal that is at the bottom of the door vs. the side of the door of a standard door sweep.Door shoes are easy to install and remove vs. mortised door sweeps that are usually routed into the bottom of the door. They provide a good seal against drafts.

Garage door bottom seals need to be heavy duty.

When it comes to weatherstripping your garage door, the bottom seal is one of the most important parts. A good bottom seal will keep out drafts, moisture, and pests while still being easy to open and close. There are a few things to look for when choosing a bottom seal: Material: A good bottom seal needs to be made of a durable Aluminum housing material that can withstand heavy use and the rubber has to be a heavy duty rubber to withstand the pressure of a heavy garage door closing (do not use cheap vinyl here).