It’s totally normal for your front and rear entry doors to show gaps between the door slab and frame. Just because you can see outside light peeking in through the gaps, or feel cold air creeping through, don’t start doubting your door. The solution is much simpler: weatherstripping. Weatherstripping completes the seal of your closed door, making it harder for light and air to get in or out and driving up your energy bill.

Unless your front door is brand new, and you’re moving into a fresh home – and even then – your door most likely has weatherstripping. However, not all weatherstripping is the same, even though they all do basically the same job. We’re going to go over the various kinds of weatherstripping, including their different strengths.

In general, the terms weatherstrip and gasket can be used interchangeably, even though they have technically different definitions.

Felt

Felt is a popular material for weatherstripping. Traditionally felt was manufactured from wool and cotton, and it still is. However, polyester has also become a popular material for producing felt. Felt weatherstripping is among the more affordable options for closing door gaps.

Felt weatherstripping comes in varying thicknesses, with some employing an inner layer of sponge or foam. Sometimes a metal strip is used for even more structural durability. Still, felt is one of the least durable kinds of weatherstripping, and should only be expected to last a few years before requiring replacement.

Metal

In terms of durability, metal and felt weatherstripping couldn’t be more opposite. With proper maintenance, metal weatherstripping will last for years and years. Metal weatherstripping, unlike other materials, does not impair the movement of a door, as is sometimes the case when a door slab meets top-mounted weatherstripping; wood doors are able to move smoothly against metal weatherstrips.

Metal weatherstripping works differently from other types of weatherstripping. Most weatherstripping materials are soft, designed to be depressed against a closing door slab to create an airtight seal. Metal weatherstrips have a ”V” shape, designed to flex inward as a door slab closes while maintaining a level of spring that creates an airtight seal. This type of weatherstripping is extremely effective, but a little harder to install.

V-Seal

The “V” shape of metal weatherstripping is also employed by nonmetal weatherstrip designs; usually, when gaskets are marketed as V-seal or tension seal, they have the same shape, but are constructed from foam, rubber, plastic, or other nonmetallic, flexible materials.

Usually, V-seal gaskets are installed on the top and bottom of doors, and come already prepared with a sticky adhesive side. They need only be cut to size for a simple and pain-free installation. While not the most durable, you will most certainly find yourself with plenty left over in case of future replacement needs.

Tubular

Probably the simplest gasket type, and maybe the most common, is the tubular gasket. Made from rubber, silicone, or vinyl, tubular gaskets are made to compress when doors close, creating a tight seal. These gaskets are made to fit into grooves milled along the length of a door frame, or come mounted to rigid strips of wood or metal for easier installation.

Door Sweeps

Door sweeps are technically not weatherstripping, but are nonetheless important (and often necessary) if you want to create and maintain a seal. A door sweep is mounted on the bottom of a door slab and proves a seal by fitting over the threshold, rather than between the slab and threshold. Sweeps can be combined with threshold-mounted weatherstripping for an extra effective seal.

Door sweeps are made from various materials, but most commonly can be found in aluminum, stainless steel, and plastic.

As always, the staff at ETO Doors are more than happy to answer any of your questions, including questions about weatherstripping materials, which weatherstripping type is best for your door, and how to go about removing and replacing old weatherstripping.