When winter arrives, maintaining a pleasant temperature at home becomes a priority. However, many homes have insulation problems that cause heat to escape, significantly increasing energy consumption and, therefore, the heating bill. A simple and economical solution to reduce these heat losses is to Installation of weather stripping on doors and windows.
Weatherstrips are strips of different materials that adhere to door and window frames to seal gaps and prevent air leaks. They improve the thermal isolation and also help reduce the outside noise, the entry of dust and even the presence of insects in the home.
Why is heat lost at home?
Heat from a room can escape through different points in the home. Doors and windows are the main routes of energy leakage, especially if they do not close tightly. It is estimated that between 1999 and 2000 hours of heat is lost. 15% and 25% of the heat generated in a home is lost through these gaps.
This loss of energy forces use more heating to maintain thermal comfort, which increases electricity or gas consumption. The solution is to improve insulation with measures that do not require a large investment, such as the use of weather stripping.
Types of weather stripping for doors and windows
In the market there are different types of weather stripping, which vary depending on the material, design and recommended application. Below we explain the main ones:
- Foam weatherstripping: They are the most economical and easy to install. They are attached with adhesive tape and offer basic insulation. However, their durability is limited (about 2 years).
- Silicone weather strips: They are more resistant and flexible, with a useful life of up to 10 years. price is higher, but they guarantee a better seal.
- D-profile weatherstripping: Designed for casement windows in poor condition, they seal large spaces and improve the air tightness.
- P-profile weatherstripping: Suitable for the sides of sliding or casement windows with large clearances.
- E-profile weatherstripping: They are placed at the top and bottom of the sliding window rails, ensuring a optimal closure.
- Weather stripping with nylon bristles: Especially useful for garage doors or uneven floors as they provide a flexible barrier against air currents.
Advantages of using weatherstripping
Weatherstrips offer multiple expected benefits, among them:
- Savings on heating and air conditioning: They maintain the interior temperature without having to force the air conditioning.
- Exterior noise reduction: They act as an acoustic barrier against traffic or noisy neighbors.
- Protection against dust and insects: They seal gaps through which unwanted particles can sneak in.
- Easy installation: They do not require specialized tools and can be installed in just a few minutes.
How to install weather stripping correctly
In order for the weather strips to perform their function optimally, it is important to install them properly by following these steps:
- Clean the surface: Wipe with a dry cloth to remove dust and then apply alcohol to remove residue.
- Measure the area: Cut the weather stripping tape to the exact size of the door or window.
- Removing the adhesive: Peel off the protective part and stick the weatherstrip little by little, applying pressure.
- Check adhesion: Make sure there are no gaps and press to achieve a strong hold.
If you follow these tips, weatherstripping will stay in place for years, providing efficient insulation and helping to reduce your home's energy consumption.
The best weatherstripping options available
There are numerous brands and models of weather stripping on the market. Below we mention some of the most popular ones. most popular options:
- Vellure: Adhesive weatherstrip 1 metre long and 5 cm wide, ideal for covering gaps up to 4 cm. It also improves the acoustic isolation.
- AiQlnu: Three rolls of polyurethane foam with a total length of 15 metres, designed to seal sliding windows.
- POPYS: Made of flexible silicone, adaptable to any type of door and easy to cut to size.
- Kitchen building: With strong nylon bristles, suitable for doors with uneven floors.
- HomeLax: Double-roll EVA foam and synthetic leather weatherstrip that completely blocks the bottom gap of the doors.
Installing weather stripping on doors and windows is a minimum investment with great benefits. Not only will it help you save on heating, but it will also You will improve the thermal comfort of your home, reduce noise and prevent the entry of dust and insects. With so many options on the market, you can choose the one that best suits your needs and enjoy a warmer, more efficient home.