Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500184
06/24/03

Types of Weather Stripping


Metal (Vis. 1)
Seals by spring tension. Nearly invisible with proper
installation. A good value.
-very effective
-lasts 10-20 years
-moderately easy to install; measure, cut and nail
-used on most wood window channels
-used on door frame top and sides
-installation requires tin snips, hammer, nails, tape
measure

Foam-filled Vinyl Tube (Vis. 1)
Unsightly in some places. Reinforced flange is very
durable. Do not paint the tube gasket.
-very effective
-lasts 5-10 years
-easy to install; measure, cut and nail
-used on window frames
-used on door frame top and sides
-installation requires knife or shears, hammer and
nails or staple gun, tape measure

Hollow Vinyl Tube (Vis. 1)
Unsightly in some places. Reinforced flange is very
durable. Do not paint the tube gasket.
-effective
-lasts 2-7 years
-easy to install; measure, cut and nail or staple
-used on window frames
-used on door frame top and sides
-installation requires knife or shears, hammer and
nails or staple gun, tape measure

Foam Rubber Tape (Vis. 1)
Many widths and thicknesses available. Will not stick to
dirty surface. Clean and dry surfaces before installing.
-effective
-lasts 1-5 years
-easy installation; measure, cut, peel and stick
-used on window top and bottom
-used on door frame top and sides but not where
surfaces slide against each other
-installation requires knife or shear, tape measure

Rigid Metal Strip Tube Gasket (Vis. 1)
Metal strips with slots rather than holes for fasteners
can later be adjusted. Do not paint tube gasket.
-very effective
-lasts 5-10 years
-moderately easy to install; measure, cut, screw or
nail in place
-used on window frames
-used on door frame top and sides
-installation requires hack saw, hammer and nails or
screwdriver and screws, tape measure

Wood Strip Foam Gasket (Vis. 1)
Wood strip can be finished to match door frame. Not
good for warped doors. Do not paint the foam.
-effective
-lasts 1-3 years
-moderately easy to install; measure, cut and nail in
place
-used on door frame top and sides
-installation requires hand saw, hammer, nails, tape
measure

Felt Strips (Vis. 1)
Only good for narrow and even gaps. Comes apart where
rubbing occurs. Do not paint. Not effective when wet.
-least effective
-lasts 1-2 years
-easy to install; measure, cut, nail or staple
-used on wood window top and bottom
-used on door frame top and sides
-installation requires knife or shears, hammer and
nails or staple gun, tape measure

Vinyl/Plastic/Mylar 'V' (Vis. 1)
This works like the spring metal. It's installed flat and
then bent to a 'V' shape, the open end of the 'V' to the
outside of the doors which open inward.
-very effective
-lasts 2-20 years
-easy to install; measure, cut, peel and stick
-used on window channels, sides, top and bottom
-used on door frame top and sides
-installation requires knife or shears, tape measure

This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus, with references from Michigan
Extension bulletin Caulking and Weatherstripping.

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