The average cost of weatherstripping is $283
Weatherstripping costs an average of $283, with prices ranging between $131 and $436.
Costs vary depending on the type of door or window, the materials used, and local labor rates.
Regular weatherstripping replacement is important to maintain energy efficiency.
Hiring a weatherstripping professional ensures correct installation and optimal sealing, preventing drafts, reducing energy loss, and improving indoor comfort.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Weatherstripping costs an average of $283, with most homeowners paying between $131 to $436. However, costs can range from $60 to $950, depending on the amount you need to install, often calculated per linear foot. Regularly replacing weatherstripping is crucial for maintaining energy efficiency, and factors like the type of door or window and selected features can influence overall costs. It's important to budget accordingly and consider hiring a weatherstripping professional to ensure proper installation.
There are several types of weatherstripping to choose from, with prices varying based on materials, durability, and application. Felt is often the most affordable, while magnetic stripping can run up to $20.50 per linear foot.
Type of Weatherstripping | Price per Lin. Ft. |
---|---|
Tapes | $1.47 |
V-strips | $0.25 |
Gaskets | $0.60 |
Door sweeps | $10 |
Magnetic | $20.50 |
Felt | $0.10 |
Fin seal | $0.20 |
Weatherstripping tape, priced at $1.47 per linear foot, is an affordable option that is ideal for sealing irregular gaps around door jambs, window sashes, and door bottoms. It provides a strong sealant that is effective against wind, though it has some drawbacks, including low durability, high visibility, and the emission of greenhouse gases. This tape is easy to cut to size using scissors or a utility knife, and most varieties are self-adhesive, making the application straightforward. For the best results, ensure that surfaces are clean before application.
V-strips, which cost $0.25 per linear foot, are best suited for double-hung window jambs and the tops and sides of doors. They are durable, invisible, and effective but can be difficult to install. These thin, flexible strips of metal or vinyl are designed to conform to gaps, with metal V-strips being more affordable than their vinyl counterparts.
At $0.60 per linear foot, gaskets are best suited for doorstops, window stops, inside window sashes, outside window sashes, and door bottoms. They’re easy to install, low-cost, and self-adhesive, though visible. Gaskets can also be cut to length to fit onto the bottoms of doors and windows.
Priced at $10, door sweeps are best suited for interior and exterior door bottoms. They’re easy to install, adjustable, and effectively reduce carpet drag, though their price may be considered a drawback. Door sweeps are designed to fit onto the bottom of a door and help eliminate under-door drafts.
Magnetic weatherstrips, priced at $20.50 per linear foot, are best suited for doors, double-hung windows, and sliding window channels. They provide an effective seal, though the price may be a drawback for some. These strips fit into the top and sides of your door jambs, creating an airtight seal.
Felt is an inexpensive, easy-to-install sealant that costs $0.10 per linear foot. It’s best suited for door jambs and offers the advantages of being affordable and simple to install. However, it has several drawbacks, including being ineffective, susceptible to moisture, and highly visible. Felt can be easily cut with scissors or a utility knife, and some varieties come with metal reinforcement.
Fin seal weather strips cost $0.20 per linear foot and are best suited for sliding doors and windows. They are durable but can be challenging to install. These weather strips feature piles made of different strands of material, similar to carpet, with a fin in the center that reinforces and strengthens the material. Piled weather strips are an excellent choice for sliding doors and windows.
The cost of weatherstripping varies depending on where you install it. The cost to replace door weather seals varies based on the door type and the weatherstripping materials used. Larger doors and complex installations can increase your overall costs. A local door repair service can replace your door weatherstripping; on average, door repair costs $238, but this varies with the job's scope.
Adding weatherstripping to windows ensures a proper seal, preventing air or heat from escaping your home. Only windows that open and close require weatherstripping. Installers often price per window and may offer better rates when servicing multiple windows simultaneously.
While many homeowners can learn how to install weatherstripping themselves, hiring a weatherstripping professional is often recommended. Professionals have the expertise to ensure a tight seal, providing long-lasting energy efficiency and comfort to your home. Hiring a local door and window pro also helps you avoid potential DIY errors and the costs of fixing them later on.
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Weatherstripping keeps pests out by sealing gaps and preventing their entry. This measure blocks insects and small critters from entering your home through unsealed cracks and helps maintain a secure indoor environment. A solid weather strip installation also contributes to energy efficiency by reducing drafts and maintaining a stable temperature throughout the home.
To stop cold air from entering your windows, you must seal all gaps with high-quality weatherstripping. This action stops cold drafts and helps maintain a warm indoor climate. In addition, insulating windows with window film, re-caulking frames, hanging insulated curtains, and using a draft stopper further reinforce the barrier against chilly air, ensuring a comfortable home environment and reducing heating costs.
Weatherstripping blocks unwanted air infiltration by sealing gaps around windows and doors, thereby preserving indoor temperature control. It conserves energy by preventing heat loss in winter and minimizing heat gain in summer, which lowers utility expenses and enhances overall home comfort. A proper installation establishes a consistent and reliable barrier against drafts.
Weatherstripping is designed to be a permanent fixture when installed with durable materials like interlocking metal or high-quality adhesives. This permanent solution delivers a lasting seal that prevents drafts and moisture intrusion. Its construction is tailored to maintain performance over extended periods, ensuring consistent energy efficiency and home protection in harsh weather conditions.
You should replace weatherstripping when it shows signs of wear, such as missing or damaged pieces, or if you notice air leaking around your windows and doors. Bringing a piece of the old weatherstripping to your local hardware store can help you find the best match among available products.
The lifespan of weatherstripping depends on the material and where it's installed. Main entrance weather strips require replacement every two to three years, V-strips can last about five years, and interlocking metal strips offer lifelong performance with proper maintenance. Regular inspections and proactive maintenance help preserve energy efficiency and prevent drafts.