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| Weatherstripping - To Air Is Human |
 Most homes have numerous little cracks, holes and spaces through which warm air escapes and cold air enters during the winter months. In the summer, it's just the opposite. Unwanted hot air enters and welcomed cool air escapes. All these little drafts of air can make a home uncomfortable in the winter and could cause ill health. Air leaks can also damage the home's insulation, because warm, moist air leaving the house dampens the insulation and reduces its heat-resisting effectiveness. And remember, all that cold air entering the house means you have to raise the thermostat setting to keep warm. This forces the furnace to work harder and use more fuel to keep indoor air at a comfortable temperature.
Even in homes that have been weatherized, air leaks account on the average, for 30-40% of the heat lost from the house. This is why weather-stripping is the first step one should take to stop energy waste and save unnecessary fuel costs.
Weather-stripping is a narrow piece of metal, vinyl, rubber, felt or foam that seals the contact area between the fixed and movable sections of a joint. Weather-stripping prevents air infiltration around windows and doors by eliminating gaps between the frames and the moving parts when they are closed. All exterior doors, as well as doors leading to an attic or garage, should be weatherized, as should all operable windows.
Most weather-stripping is made of sponge, foam, felt, vinyl or metal, or a combination of materials. These materials vary in cost and durability but sometimes the more expensive type will last much longer and ultimately be the most economical. Sponge, foam and felt are inexpensive but not very durable. They tend to deteriorate when exposed to weather or rip from friction and abrasion. Better choices for weatherstripping are vinyl, metal (aluminum, bronze, copper and stainless steel) or some combination of the two. They are durable and resistant to moisture.
Installation is simple and usually done without the need for special tools. You have no excuse to have a 'bad air day'. Seal up those leaks and enjoy your home economically all year long.
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Average Score: 5
Votes: 1
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