Key Questions to Ask When Ordering Weatherstripping

Key Pictures/Diagrams

I-ECO Product Page

Standard Magnetic Weatherstrip (what most people need)

Comes in 3 piece set: 81” magnetic (for lock jamb), 81” compression (for hinge jamb), 40.5” magnetic (for head jamb)

Weatherstrip - how installs into jamb

Corner Seal

Purpose/Function

Weatherstripping seals the door against the lock jamb, head jamb, and hinge jamb. Proper weatherstripping seals against drafts and pests and helps the door close firmly and smoothly. Corner seals (also known as corner pads) are often used in conjunction with weatherstripping to ensure a full seal in the corners.

Material/Construction

For residential doors, weatherstripping is typically made of vinyl coated foam or thermoplastic rubber. Vinyl coated foam is the cheaper of the two materials and so is often used in new construction. On commercial doors, other types of weatherstripping can be found, including brushes or bristles.

Some premium weatherstripping has a magnet embedded in the head and lock jambs. This helps create a refrigerator-like seal with the metal face (or, on some wooden/fiberglass doors, a metal strip on the lock/top edge).

For residential doors, weatherstripping is typically sold in long (~81”) extruded strips. These strips have a bulb portion that compresses and seals when the door pushes against it and a barb portion that allows the weatherstripping to be installed into the kerf (or slot) in the jambs. Most jambs have a ~1/8” kerf. Some jambs (typically steel jambs for some high-rated fire doors) have a wider kerf (~1/4” slot).

Our product offering

Magnetic weatherstripping set (only available in brown)

• Fits wood jambs with 1/8” kerf or slot
• Each set comes with a long magnetic strip for the lock jamb, a long compression (non-magnetic)
• Made of high quality thermoplastic rubber that will form a tight seal in extreme heat/cold and is durable enough to withstand many thousands of door opening/closing cycles
• If ordered in quantities of 2 or more, the head jamb piece will come as a long 83” strip, so that you can install into a double door as needed (if you have a two single doors just cut in half)
• Fits a ¼” gap

High reach weatherstripping (available in white and bronze)

• Same as the standard weatherstripping above except that this has a larger “bulb” portion and helps to seal older doors that may be slightly out of alignment (for example, if you can see medium ~1/16” to ¼” gaps of daylight around the edges of you door – if you see larger gaps than that you should try to adjust your door i.e., by shimming your hinges or the door may need to be replaced
• Fits up to ⅝” gap

Corner seals/corner pads (available in white, bronze, and beige)

• Tucks behind weatherstripping in the corners and helps seal these areas
• Most effective/important in the bottom lock-side corner, as this is where most doors have slight “hard to seal” gaps that let in pests/drafts. However, we recommend that all doors use corner seals on the both bottom corners and on top corners where daylight can be seen after installing fresh weatherstrip
• Multiple corner pads can be used in a corner that still has a gap after a single corner pad has been installed. Corner pads can be stacked vertically along the door jamb or on top of each other to create a single “thick” corner pad

Replacement cycle

We recommend replacing weatherstripping and corner pads every 5-10 years, depending on use (if the door is used more frequently, the weatherstripping should be replaced more often). If you live in a hot/cold climate with high energy costs, we recommend replacing more frequently as weatherstripping is the most economical way to boost the energy efficiency of your home. We also suggest replacing vinyl weatherstripping with thermoplastic rubber, as it will last longer and perform better. Weatherstripping should also be replaced if it becomes frayed or torn (sometimes pets like to chew/scratch weatherstripping and this can necessitate more frequent replacement!).

Installation instructions

A. Weatherstripping

1. Fully open door, pull out your old weatherstrip and set aside/discard
2. Identify the magnetic and compression strips. You have three new pieces (two magnetic, one compression) that will be a perfect fit for wooden jambs with 1/8” kerf (cut or groove). From either end, look at the end profile for a magnetic strip to see if it’s a compression or magnetic piece. The magnetic pieces have a magnetic inside the rubber but exposed at either end of the strip.
3. Start with one of the long pieces (magnetic for your lock jamb, compression for your hinge jamb) and push the flange (thin edge)  into the groove in the jamb down at the sill (or threshold). Since weatherstrip shrinks a little over time, push the weatherstrip down tight against the sill, as this is the point we do not want to leak.  Use a wood block or any other smooth hard object to seat the weatherstrip as you work your way up the jamb
4. Use a utility knife to cut the excess at the top
5. Repeat the procedure for the other vertical jamb, then install the short weatherstrip piece into the head jamb, cutting the excess with a utility knife
6. Now go outside the door, armed with a putty knife.  Close the door and check to be sure the weatherstrip is making good contact all around.  Where it is not, use the putty knife to move the weatherstrip out from the jamb a little to get good contact with the door. 

B. Corner Seal

1. After installing weatherstripping, open door and pull the weatherstripping away (~4-6 inches) from the corner where you are going to install the pad
2. Remove adhesive backing from pad
3. Press corner pad against jamb, tucked behind weatherstripping and with the thinner leading edge pointed towards the door and the thicker portion of the pad nestled behind the weatherstripping (see picture below)
4. Press weatherstripping back into position, using a wooden block to insert into kerf and a putty knife to adjust outwards as needed

Special cases/FAQ

At Window Hardware Direct, we know how important it is to have a properly weather-stripped door. Not only does it help with energy efficiency, but it also helps to keep pests and outdoor elements out of your home. But with so many different types of weatherstripping available, it can be hard to know which one to choose. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about door weatherstripping and help you choose the best option for your home.

What is Weatherstripping?

Weatherstripping is a material used to seal the gaps around windows and doors. It helps to prevent air and moisture from entering the home, which in turn helps to improve energy efficiency and reduce utility bills. There are many different types of weatherstripping available, and each one has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Types of Door Weatherstripping

When it comes to weatherstripping your door, there are a few different types to choose from. The most common types of weatherstripping for doors include:

• Door Sweeps:

These are strips of material that are attached to the bottom of the door to create a seal between the door and the threshold.

• Foam Tape:

This is a type of weatherstripping that is easy to install and affordable. It is made of a foam material that is attached to the doorframe to create a seal.

• V-Strip:

This type of weatherstripping is made of a plastic or metal strip that is shaped like a V. It is installed on the top and sides of the door to create a seal between the door and the frame.

• Door Gaskets:

These are strips of material that are attached to the sides and top of the door to create a seal between the door and the frame.

What is the Best Weatherstripping for Your Door?

The best type of weatherstripping for your door will depend on a few different factors. Some of the factors to consider include the climate in your area, the type of door you have, and your personal preferences. Here are some of the most common types of weatherstripping and the situations where they work best:

1. Door Sweeps - If you have a door that is uneven or has a large gap between the door and the threshold, a door sweep may be the best option for you. This type of weatherstripping is also a good choice if you want to create a seal that is easy to maintain.

2. Foam Tape - If you're looking for a weatherstripping option that is easy to install and affordable, foam tape may be the best option for you. This type of weatherstripping is also a good choice if you have a door that is slightly uneven or has a small gap between the door and the frame.

3. V-Strip - If you have a door that is in good condition and has a tight fit, a V-strip may be the best option for you. This type of weatherstripping is also a good choice if you're looking for a weatherstripping option that is durable and long-lasting.

4. Door Gaskets - If you have a door that is in good condition and has a tight fit, door gaskets may be the best option for you. This type of weatherstripping is also a good choice if you're looking for a weatherstripping option that is easy to install and maintain.

Conclusion

When it comes to weatherstripping your door, there are many different options to choose from. At Window Hardware Direct, we recommend considering the climate in your area, the type of door you have, and your personal preferences when choosing the best weatherstripping option for your home. Whether you choose a door sweep, foam tape, V-strip, or door gaskets, proper weatherstripping can help improve energy efficiency, reduce your utility bills, and keep your home comfortable and free from pests and outdoor elements.