Installing Weather Stripping & Seals

Sealing your home shut can greatly increase energy efficiency by limiting drafts and reduce the amount of cold air that enters. Find out below how both weather stripping and caulking can reduce your energy bills, as well as your winter weather risks. 

Detect Air Leaks

Detecting leaks can be done by feeling for cold air around possible gaps, using a flashlight at night to see if you can see a ray of light on the other end of a possible gap, or by directing a fan at a possible leak to detect if air is being pushed through. Inspect the following areas of your home for leaks: 

• Windows and doors

• Vents and fans

• Plumbing 

• Air conditioners

• Electrical and gas lines

• Mail chutes 

Weather Stripping 

Purchasing Weather Stripping

Weather stripping is an inexpensive way to reduce energy costs during the winter.

Weather stripping is useful for moveable joints, such as windows or doors. Be sure to choose a type of weather stripping that will withstand the friction, weather, temperature changes, and wear and tear associated with the climate you live in. In addition, the type of project will determine what kind of weather stripping you should purchase. Ask your local hardware store for guidance on choosing the correct weather stripping for both your location and project.

Determine how much weather stripping you will need by adding the perimeters of all windows and doors to be weather stripped. Don’t forget to add 5 to 10 percent to how much you need to account for any waste. Be sure to gauge the varying depths and widths to determine what is type of weather stripping is suitable for your needs.

Installation

Before installing weather stripping, read the directions as installation differs for the various types of weather stripping. 

1. Remove current weather stripping and seals, and completely clean and dry the surface area.

2. Apply weather stripping snugly against both surfaces. The material should compress when a window or door is shut.

3. The weather stripping you choose should seal the door or window well, while also allowing it to open freely.

Caulking

Purchasing Caulking 

Buy a high-quality silicone caulking that will be able to withstand the climate you live in. Most caulking come in disposable cartridges that fit in half-barrel caulking guns. If possible, buy a caulking gun with an automatic release to limit the amount of caulking used.

Installation

Keep the caulking gun at a 45 degree angle and try to caulk in one continuous stream.

1. Remove old caulking using a putty knife or a large screwdriver.

2. Clean and dry the surface area completely. If the surface area is not dry, the caulking will seal in moisture.

3. Keep the caulking gun at a consistent angle and caulk in one continuous stream, if possible. A forty-five degree angle is best and will allow caulking to get deep into a crack or seam.

4. Send caulk to the bottom of an opening to avoid bubbles and make sure the caulking sticks to both sides of a crack or seam.

5. Use a putty knife to smooth out the surface and ensure caulking is pushed into the crack or seam.

Note: Sometimes caulking will shrink once it has been applied. If this is the case, you may need to reapply a second bead of caulking for a complete seal.

Additional property protection resources can be found in IBHS’ freezing weather section. Find more details about sealing your home at the U.S. Department of Energy website.