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Weatherstripping & Caulking

Weatherstripping is used to air seal the envelope of a home.  After a blower door diagnostic test has been performed to identify air leaks, various types of weatherstripping are applied to doors and windows to reduce air infiltration.  There are many types of weatherstripping such as foam tape and vinyl gaskets.

Common types and uses of weather stripping:

Tension seal:
Made of Vinyl or bronze, folded along length in a V-shape strip. The shape of the material creates a seal by pressing against the sides of a crack to block drafts.  Tension seals are priced mid-range but provide a durable solution for door sides and top, or window sides and bottom.

Foam Tape:
Closed cell foam tape is inexpensive and relatively simple to install.  Foam tape works well for the top and bottom of window sashes; door frames; attic hatches, inoperable windows and blocking corners and irregular cracks.

Pliable or rigid vinyl:
Vinyl gaskets are attached to metal or wood strips and then applied to door or window stops, top or bottom of window sashes or the bottom of a door (rigid strip only).

Door sweep:
Aluminum or stainless steel with brush of plastic, vinyl, sponge, or felt.  Door sweeps are moderate to high cost, but perform well and last a long time

When selected and installed properly, weatherstripping effectively stops air infiltration around doors and windows.  Regardless of the type used, weatherstripping should fit tightly between the door and jamb when the door closes, however, it should not interfere with the operation of the door or window.

Caulking is a simple way to reduce air infiltration at small cracks and gaps found around the building envelope. Caulking is most commonly applies to cracks around windows and door trim which have been identified by performing a blower door test.

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