At its core, weatherstripping is the process of sealing openings such as doors and windows in order to prevent water from entering your home and your air-conditioned air from exiting. The term “weatherstripping” can also refer to the materials used to accomplish this purpose.
Making sure your home’s various openings are sealed is important for a few reasons.
To prevent water damage
Winter and spring are typically wet seasons here in North Texas. Here at Classic Construction, these are the seasons when we perform most of our leak investigations and water tests. Homeowners will report a leak to their property managers after noticing water stains in ceilings or near windows, then the property manager will call us up and ask us to find the source of the leak.
What we typically find as the cause of these leaks is torn, cracked, loose or missing sealant around windows, chimneys, siding, and flashing. In most cases, repairing or replacing this sealant before the rains come would have prevented this damage to the home. This is why it’s important to inspect and replace your sealants at least twice a year: once before winter and once right after spring.
To keep insects out
We all know if insects have the will, they will find a way into your home. Make it harder for them to find an entrance by making sure the caulking around your tubs, sinks, toilets, and plumbing fixtures are tear-free with no gaps. Inspect the siding around your roof and foundation to make sure it is still in good condition and lays close to the home. If the trim around your doors or baseboards are loose, consider sealing these up as well.
To keep your electricity bill down
Most of us underestimate the importance of properly sealed windows and doors when it comes to keeping our electricity bills down. In the winter and spring, loose or missing sealant around windows and doors allows the hot air out and, consequently, can also let the cold air in. This can cause your HVAC system to work overtime just to keep your home at your preferred temperature.
If you’re not sure if your weatherstripping is in good condition or not, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free estimate.Call us today at 972-437-0909.