Why proper Weather Stripping is so important

When people think about reducing the heat that is lost from their home, they often concentrate their attention on the kind and amount of insulation that is in their home, as well as the windows that they own as well. While it is important to make sure that these areas are as energy efficient is possible, it is also important to look at other ways that heat can be lost.

Although we would never think about opening windows in the middle of winter, we think nothing of opening our doors. We need to in order to go in and out of our homes. A significant amount of heat can be lost not just when we open and close our doors but also just through continual heat loss through the top, bottom and sides of the door.

What is weather stripping and how can it help?
Weather stripping is a piece of material that is placed along the sides, top and bottom of windows and doors. It may be made of materials such as plastic or metal and provides a physical barrier that prevents heat from leaving. There are products which allow you to add a single or double layer of protection against heat loss.

When a door does not have good weather stripping, there will be cracks and gaps around doors and windows. This means that heat can simply leave the home without anything stopping it. If there are enough gaps and spaces a substantial amount of heat can be lost and your heating bills can skyrocket.

How to check your weather stripping
You may often be able to tell that weather stripping will need to be replaced simply by looking and feeling around windows and doors. Look for strips that are hanging off or missing areas where stripping has torn completely away. Feel for drafts or the sensation of air moving around your hand. Either of these can be signs that you will need to repair or replace the weather stripping around windows and doors.rnThis is a repair that can be quite simple to make and the materials are quite affordable. It can be amazing how much money you can spend simply by taking a half hour to make repairs to your doors and windows. You can then settle back and relax knowing that you are protecting your home and making it a greener and more comfortable place to live all at the same time.