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Caulking and
Weatherstripping
Florida Energy Extension
Service
WHAT IS AN EFFECTIVE WAY TO
TIGHTEN UP MY HOME?
In a well-insulated house, air leaks are
the greatest cause of wasted heating and cooling energy. Caulking and
weatherstripping is an effective way to rid your home of costly drafts, saving
you energy and money.
HOW CAN I DECIDE IF MY WINDOWS
NEED CAULK AND WEATHERSTRIPPING?
When looking for drafts around your
windows, check the outside for any sign of caulking that has cracked or
peeled. A simple draft-checker, made with a piece of tissue paper and a metal
clothes hanger, can detect even small breezes inside your home. On a windy
day, move the checker around the window frame to look for leaks. Loose fitting
windows should be weatherstripped to keep warm air from escaping. The most
vulnerable windows are swinging windows and double hung windows. Some
effective types of weatherstripping are: spring-plastic, metal-backed vinyl
and adhesive-backed foam. Remember to check exterior door frames when doing
outdoor window inspections.
WHAT KIND OF WINDOW
WEATHERSTRIPPING SHOULD I CHOOSE?
Spring-plastic weatherstripping is a
good choice for double pane windows and is durable. This type of
weatherstripping has a self-adhesive backing or can be nailed in place. Metal-backed
vinyl weatherstripping is easily installed and very durable. Generally,
placing this weatherstripping tightly against the window on the outside will
stop air leaks. Adhesive-backed foam weatherstripping is easy to
install but breaks down quickly in the sun and is not very useful for windows
or doors that are opened frequently.
CAN I SEAL A GAP UNDER MY DOOR
WITHOUT REPLACING THE DOOR?
Yes, door sweeps/thresholds are a good way
to seal gaps under exterior doors. A door sweep can be used on a door
with no threshold. Often the sweep made of metal - has a flexible rubber or
plastic edge. The sweep is connected to the door bottom, either inside or out,
depending on how the door moves. A gasket threshold replaces an
existing threshold and can be attached into the floor directly below the door.
This type of gasket wears quickly in high traffic areas. Door shoes have
rubber or plastic gaskets set into a metal bracket. This shoe is affixed to
the door bottom and can be used with any threshold not worn in the middle.
HOW DO I DECIDE IF MY DOORS NEED
WEATHERSTRIPPING?
Weatherstripping around exterior doors can
be checked with a flashlight. From outside the closed door, move the
flashlight slowly around the door edge. A helper inside the house can see
light shining in where weatherstripping is needed.
HOW CAN I SEAL LARGE OPENINGS?
Large openings can be sealed with
insulation, expanding foam or rope caulking. Check for gaps or openings around
all plumbing and electrical entrances. Look under sinks, inside closets and
outside in exterior walls.
Footnotes
1. This document is
EES-305, a series of the Florida Energy Extension Service, Florida Cooperative
Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of
Florida. 2. Florida Energy Extension Service,
Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences,
University of Florida, P.O. Box 110940, Gainesville FL 32611-0940. The Florida
Energy Extension Service receives funding from the Florida Energy Office,
Department of Community Affairs and is operated by the University of Florida's
Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences through the Cooperative Extension
Service. The information contained herein is the product of the Florida Energy
Extension Service and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Florida
Energy Office.
Florida Cooperative Extension Service / Institute of Food and Agricultural
Sciences / University of Florida / Christine Taylor Waddill, Dean
Disclaimer
The use of trade names in this publication is
solely for the purpose of providing specific information. UF/IFAS does not
guarantee or warranty the products named, and references to them in this
publication does not signify our approval to the exclusion of other products of
suitable composition.
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