Weather Stripping’s 3 Biggest Areas of Benefit
When it comes to doors and windows, weather stripping is out of sight, out of mind. That is, until wind starts howling and your home suddenly has a chill, or the rain starts pouring, and you have a puddle underneath your window. You rarely notice it, but weather stripping plays as big of a role in your home as the door and windows themselves. Here are three ways it makes a massive difference in your home.
Wind: When it’s really blowing outside, air finds a way in your home through the smallest cracks and space. Without weather stripping, the space between a door and its jamb is anything but small, leading to massive drafts, and even noise as the door rattles. Weather stripping seals off air, helping you keep your home more comfortable, as well as helping you save on heating and cooling costs, since the home temperature is more easily regulated.
Water: Just like wind, water will get in through any space it can. Keeping moisture out of your home through windows and doors isn’t important just because water is annoying, it’s also dangerous and can age your home. Windows and doors with damaged or missing stripping can leave puddles that are easily slipped on. And of course, most inside surfaces aren’t able to endure the same abuse as outdoor surfaces. Mold, rotting, and water damage can all be short term or long term consequences of water issues from poor stripping.
Sound: Perhaps the most underrated benefit of weather stripping is the sound factor. Doors will close much more quietly with foam rubber padding in place. And with a tight seal formed, windows and doors don’t have that irritating rattle when there is a wind.
Article submitted by The Foam Factory, an online retailer of open and closed-cell foam products, such as polyethylene, neoprene, and polyurethane foam.
Category: Home Renovation
