Weather Stripping 101

Those little pieces of weather stripping in between your doors and frames play a critical role in keeping your home energy efficient. They also keep unwanted debris and/or moisture from entering your home. Air leaks can make up to 40% of a home’s heating and cooling losses without adequate weather stripping.

The following are the most common places where homeowners use some type of weather stripping:

• Exterior doors (including French doors and sliding patio doors)
• Windows (casement, sliding, awning, and double-hung)
• Attic hatchways
• Doors to nonconditioned spaces (for example, from the house to the garage)
• Garage doors

Take a look at our Sample Reports page to see how often missing or damaged weather stripping comes up. Also, check out Bob Vila’s “Complete Guide to Weather Stripping the House” for more information.