The Benefits of Weather-Stripping In Your Home

A 203k streamline mortgage offers the opportunity to make a home more energy efficient, among other things.  One way this can be accomplished is by purchasing new appliances; most of which are much more efficient than our parents’ appliances.  We’ve covered this option in previous posts.  Another way to improve efficiency is to apply weather-stripping and insulation to your home.  Let’s focus on weather-stripping…

Many older homes, and even some newer ones, have numerous little cracks, holes and spaces through which, in the winter, warm air escapes and cold air enters. In the summer this works in reverse — unwanted hot air enters and air conditioned air escapes.

Air leaks can also damage the house’s insulation, because warm, moist air leaving the house dampens the insulation and reduces its heat-resisting effectiveness. And, of course, all that cold air entering the house means you have to raise the thermostat setting to keep warm. This forces the furnace to work harder and use more fuel to keep indoor air at a comfortable temperature.  Our furnaces and a/c units work hard as it is in Indiana with harsh winters and hot summers!

In homes that have been weatherized, air leaks account, on average, for 30-40% of the heat lost from the house. This is why making a house leakproof through steps such as weather-stripping is the first step one should take to stop energy waste and save on fuel costs.

What exactly is weather-stripping?

Weather-stripping is a narrow piece of metal, vinyl, rubber, felt or foam that seals the contact area between the fixed and movable sections of a joint. Weather-stripping prevents air infiltration around windows and doors by eliminating gaps between the frames and the moving parts when they are closed. All exterior doors, as well as doors leading to an attic or garage, should be weatherized, as should all operable windows.

Material

Most weather-stripping is made of sponge, foam, felt, vinyl or metal, or a combination of materials. These materials vary in cost and durability.

Sponge or foam

Sponge or foam is inexpensive, but not very durable. It tends to deteriorate when exposed to weather and is not suitable for applications where there is friction or abrasion. Neoprene sponge or vinyl foam is more durable than sponge rubber or polyurethane foam.

Felt

Felt is also relatively inexpensive, but not very durable. Do not use felt where it is exposed to the weather or moisture. Felt tears easily and requires care in installation. It should not be used where there is friction or abrasion. All-wool felt is more durable, but is also more expensive.

Vinyl

Vinyl is used in many types of weather-stripping. It is generally a durable product and resistant to moisture. It is usually more expensive than foam or felt.

Metal

Metals, such as bronze, copper, stainless steel and aluminum, are used in weather-stripping. Metal weather-stripping tends to be low cost and durable. Aluminum is frequently used for reinforcing other weather-stripping materials.

Remember, as is the case with all 203K streamline improvements; they must be completed by an insured contractor.

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