How to Inspect Weatherstripping

Inspecting your weatherstripping at least yearly is a great way to keep utility costs down and comfort levels up

A sunlit living room with large windows
Photo: Tierney / Adobe Stock
A sunlit living room with large windows
Photo: Tierney / Adobe Stock
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3. Purchase Any New Weatherstripping and Repair Your Current System

Once you have a list of any weatherstripping you need to replace, it’s time to head off to the store—well, almost. Before making your purchase, consider the following factors to ensure you get the right type of replacement weatherstripping.

  • Area Will this product go in a high-traffic area where doors or windows are frequently opened? Friction and use can cause wear and tear to less durable materials. You may want to invest in a sturdier material for, say, your front door than you might for the back door that will stay closed nearly all winter.

  • Style of Home Rubber or foam products may look out of place in an older home. Metal weatherstripping can enhance the look of older construction.

  • Budget Foam tape is inexpensive but will likely need to be replaced every few years. Metal tension seals and tubular rubber last longer but are more expensive.

  • Ease of Installation Foam tape is easy to install and only requires scissors to cut it to length. Other products may require tools like power drills for installation and take a little more experience to install correctly.

To replace weatherstripping, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the packaging.

  • Foam tape uses adhesive backing to adhere to surfaces. Ensure the surface is clean and free of debris and remnants of old weatherstripping before applying.

  • You’ll apply door sweeps and tension seals using hardware that the manufacturer will usually supply. Using a power drill or power screwdriver, affix the weatherstripping to the door or window.

  • Tubular vinyl and rubber weatherstripping are attached using staples or small tacks or brads attached to the flange or backing on the product.

Should You Inspect Weatherstripping Yourself?

Inspecting and replacing your weatherstripping is a fairly simple DIY project. With a few tips, like those we mentioned above, it should be fairly straightforward to determine what you’ll need to keep your home comfy. 

That said, if you’re not confident you’ll be able to identify weatherstripping issues or apply weatherstripping with an airtight seal, you may want to call in a pro to give you peace of mind. Luckily, if you already have a local handyperson come to winterize your home, this should be a simple thing to add to their checklist.

3. Purchase Any New Weatherstripping and Repair Your Current System

Once you have a list of any weatherstripping you need to replace, it’s time to head off to the store—well, almost. Before making your purchase, consider the following factors to ensure you get the right type of replacement weatherstripping.

  • Area Will this product go in a high-traffic area where doors or windows are frequently opened? Friction and use can cause wear and tear to less durable materials. You may want to invest in a sturdier material for, say, your front door than you might for the back door that will stay closed nearly all winter.

  • Style of Home Rubber or foam products may look out of place in an older home. Metal weatherstripping can enhance the look of older construction.

  • Budget Foam tape is inexpensive but will likely need to be replaced every few years. Metal tension seals and tubular rubber last longer but are more expensive.

  • Ease of Installation Foam tape is easy to install and only requires scissors to cut it to length. Other products may require tools like power drills for installation and take a little more experience to install correctly.

To replace weatherstripping, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the packaging.

  • Foam tape uses adhesive backing to adhere to surfaces. Ensure the surface is clean and free of debris and remnants of old weatherstripping before applying.

  • You’ll apply door sweeps and tension seals using hardware that the manufacturer will usually supply. Using a power drill or power screwdriver, affix the weatherstripping to the door or window.

  • Tubular vinyl and rubber weatherstripping are attached using staples or small tacks or brads attached to the flange or backing on the product.

Should You Inspect Weatherstripping Yourself?

Inspecting and replacing your weatherstripping is a fairly simple DIY project. With a few tips, like those we mentioned above, it should be fairly straightforward to determine what you’ll need to keep your home comfy. 

That said, if you’re not confident you’ll be able to identify weatherstripping issues or apply weatherstripping with an airtight seal, you may want to call in a pro to give you peace of mind. Luckily, if you already have a local handyperson come to winterize your home, this should be a simple thing to add to their checklist.

A woman inspecting the weatherstripping on a window
Photo: ReaLiia / Adobe Stock

3. Purchase Any New Weatherstripping and Repair Your Current System

Once you have a list of any weatherstripping you need to replace, it’s time to head off to the store—well, almost. Before making your purchase, consider the following factors to ensure you get the right type of replacement weatherstripping.

  • Area Will this product go in a high-traffic area where doors or windows are frequently opened? Friction and use can cause wear and tear to less durable materials. You may want to invest in a sturdier material for, say, your front door than you might for the back door that will stay closed nearly all winter.

  • Style of Home Rubber or foam products may look out of place in an older home. Metal weatherstripping can enhance the look of older construction.

  • Budget Foam tape is inexpensive but will likely need to be replaced every few years. Metal tension seals and tubular rubber last longer but are more expensive.

  • Ease of Installation Foam tape is easy to install and only requires scissors to cut it to length. Other products may require tools like power drills for installation and take a little more experience to install correctly.

To replace weatherstripping, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the packaging.

  • Foam tape uses adhesive backing to adhere to surfaces. Ensure the surface is clean and free of debris and remnants of old weatherstripping before applying.

  • You’ll apply door sweeps and tension seals using hardware that the manufacturer will usually supply. Using a power drill or power screwdriver, affix the weatherstripping to the door or window.

  • Tubular vinyl and rubber weatherstripping are attached using staples or small tacks or brads attached to the flange or backing on the product.

Should You Inspect Weatherstripping Yourself?

Inspecting and replacing your weatherstripping is a fairly simple DIY project. With a few tips, like those we mentioned above, it should be fairly straightforward to determine what you’ll need to keep your home comfy. 

That said, if you’re not confident you’ll be able to identify weatherstripping issues or apply weatherstripping with an airtight seal, you may want to call in a pro to give you peace of mind. Luckily, if you already have a local handyperson come to winterize your home, this should be a simple thing to add to their checklist.

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