Check Weatherstripping
Why It Matters
Worn weatherstripping lets conditioned air escape, increasing energy bills by up to 30%.
Quick Guide
- 1
Gather your tools and materials
You'll need: Putty knife, Scissors. Materials required: Weatherstripping tape or foam.
- 2
Perform the check weatherstripping
Inspect and replace worn weatherstripping around doors and windows.
- 3
Verify and clean up
Check that the work was completed correctly and clean up your workspace.
Tools & Materials
Tools
- Putty knife
- Scissors
Materials
- Weatherstripping tape or foam
Community Tips
Weatherstripping fails fastest around entry doors and garage doors where temperature swings are greatest; prioritize these areas first, as heat loss through a single unsealed door can account for 10-15% of annual heating costs. 3M Scotch Weatherstrip Tape ($8-12) performs reliably in these high-traffic zones and accepts paint without degrading.
Adhesive-backed foam strips lose effectiveness within 1-2 years in direct sunlight and humid climates, so avoid applying them to south-facing or west-facing exterior doors where UV exposure is constant. Pre-measure and dry-fit all pieces before removing backing tape, as repositioning adhesive weatherstripping usually compromises the seal permanently.
Replacing weatherstripping costs $15-40 total for an entire home's windows and doors when using standard foam or tape products, making it one of the highest-ROI maintenance tasks; a homeowner typically recoups material costs within one heating season through reduced air infiltration. Frost King E/O Weatherstrip ($6-10 per roll) covers approximately 200 linear feet and eliminates the need for professional sealing services costing $300-600. ---