In this guide

What Is Weather Stripping?

Weather stripping is the process of sealing up air gaps around movable areas on windows and doors. Non-movable areas such as fixed sash windows can be sealed with caulk on the exterior. Areas that move require a material that flexes and moves with it. In most cases, the weather stripping wears out over time due to the movement of the window or door. It then needs to be removed and replaced to ensure no air transfer in the area.

Weather stripping comes in a wide range of materials. Not all of it is suitable for every area. Therefore, if you plan on weather stripping all the doors and windows in your home, you will likely need a few different materials to get the job done properly. In many instances, weather stripping can be installed by the homeowner. Most people hire someone to do this job out. It can be time-consuming and exacting to ensure that all the gaps are filled.

Weather Stripping Price by Material

The average cost for weather stripping materials is $0.16 to $125, depending on the type. Many different materials are on the market that can be used as weather stripping. Some are relatively inexpensive, while others can be costly. Each one can only be used in very specific areas and ways, so it’s common to need a few different materials if you plan on weather stripping more than one area in your home.

Weather Stripping Tape

The cost of weather stripping foam tape is $0.16 to $0.25 per linear foot. This is a self-sticking tape usually made of vinyl. It’s meant to be used on sliding and double-hung windows inside the tracks. In some instances, it can also be used at the top or bottom of a sliding door. Some types can also be used at the top of an exterior door. It’s nearly invisible once installed, making it a good choice for those who don’t want to see the final product.

Felt Cost

Felt costs between $0.25 and $0.50 per linear foot. This material is sold in rolls and may either be plain or reinforced with metal. It needs to be tacked, nailed, or stapled into place, as it is not self-sticking. Felt is designed to go around a window or door. The idea is that when the window or door is shut, it will press against the felt, sealing it into place. It’s fairly easy to install but not very durable long term.

Tubular Weather Stripping

The cost of tubular weather stripping is $0.25 to $0.50 a linear foot. This material can be made of either rubber or vinyl. It’s essentially a long, thin tube that may be open at either end or have a slit along its side. It’s designed solely to be installed along the inside of a door. When the door is closed, it should press against the weather stripping, sealing up the door. It’s a very effective method for stopping air gaps on doors but can be hard to apply.

Tension Seal Weather Stripping

Tension seal weather stripping costs between $0.25 and $0.50 a linear foot. Tension seal, also known as V-seal, is usually self-sticking and easy to apply. It’s most often made of vinyl but can be found in other materials. It’s meant to be installed along the insides of sliding windows, double-hung windows, and sliding doors. It can only be installed on very flat, smooth surfaces. It can make it more difficult to open and close the windows and doors over time.

Gasket Weather Stripping

Gasket weather stripping costs between $0.60 and $1.75 per linear foot. Several types of weather stripping fall into the gasket category. These include reinforced vinyl and reinforced silicone. In gasket weather stripping, the material is made up of two pieces--the gasket itself and its reinforcement, either metal or wood strips. They’re meant to be installed on window and door stops. They seal well but can be difficult to install. They must be cut with a hacksaw to the proper length.

Reinforced Foam Weather Stripping

The cost of reinforced foam is between $1.25 and $1.50 per linear foot. This is a closed-cell foam insulation that is attached to a metal or wood backer. They are designed to be installed on window and door stops. It can also be used at the top of a window sash or the bottom of a door. This is a very effective method of sealing up these areas. It can be difficult to cut and install, however.

Reinforced Silicone

The cost of reinforced silicone is between $1.25 and $1.75 per linear foot. Reinforced silicone is a type of gasket weather stripping. The silicone is backed by either a metal or a wooden strip. It can be installed on either window or door stops. This makes a tough, durable, and very effective sealant. However, it can be extremely difficult to install. Cutting must be done with a hacksaw.

Fin Seal Weather Stripping

Fin seal weather stripping costs between $1.50 and $2 per linear foot. Fin seal is a pile weather strip that has a Mylar fin in the center of the pile. This is essentially made up of several different strands of material, like the pile on the carpet. The fin helps reinforce and strengthen the material. Fin seal is used for aluminum sliding windows and doors. It’s very durable but can be difficult to install.

Interlocking Metal Channels

The cost of interlocking metal channels is between $6 and $10 per linear foot. Interlocking metal channels are designed to be installed around door perimeters. Half of each channel is installed on the door and the jamb. When shut, the channels lock together to form an exceptionally tight seal. This is a very difficult installation. It must be perfectly lined up on both sides to function properly.

Bulb Threshold

The cost of a bulb threshold is between $8 and $30 per piece. A bulb threshold can be made of either vinyl or aluminum. This is designed to replace the existing threshold on a door. It can be combined with weather stripping to be made into different heights. This helps seal the bottom of the door from any drafts. Because of foot traffic, bulb thresholds wear down over time and need to be replaced.

Door Sweep

The cost of a door sweep is between $13 and $20 per linear foot. A door sweep attaches to the bottom of the door. It can be made of rubber, silicone, or vinyl and is flat in appearance. It extends past the bottom of the door and “sweeps” the ground as the door opens or closes, which is what gives it its name. The door sweep prevents air leaks at the bottom of the door, but it is highly visible. Retractable types are available, although they are not as effective at sealing.

Door Shoe

A door shoe costs between $20 and $60 each. Door shoes fit over the bottom of the door. They can either be aluminum or vinyl. An aluminum door shoe attaches mostly to the front. A vinyl door shoe fits entirely over the end. In either case, they seal up the bottom of the door from air leaks. Door shoes can be very difficult to install. They require a precise fit, so sometimes the door itself must be planed before installation.

Magnetic Weather Stripping

Magnetic weather stripping costs between $22 and $25 per linear foot. Magnetic weather stripping works in the same way that a refrigerator gasket does. As the door closes, the magnet in the gasket pulls on it, sealing it shut effectively. This means that you may need to have two parts installed--one on the door and one on the jamb. It can be installed on the tops and sides of doors and in some types of windows. It is very effective at sealing and keeping out air.

Frost-Brake Threshold

A frost-brake threshold costs between $25 and $35 each. A frost-break threshold is made up of many different parts. It has a vinyl threshold, along with a metal-exterior, wood-interior door seam seal. When the door shuts, the frost-brake threshold very effectively seals up the bottom, so no air gets through. You must remove your existing threshold to install it. It can also be difficult and time-consuming to install properly.

Fireplace Draft Stopper

A fireplace draft stopper costs between $25 and $125 each. Fireplace draft stoppers prevent air from escaping your home through the chimney. While the flue is designed to help prevent this, older flues may not seal properly. Draft stoppers can be placed over the opening of the fireplace to seal the entire area. Some can be placed inside the chimney, over the flue. This can be a more invisible solution that helps prevent fireplace drafts.

Weather Stripping Installation Service

The vast majority of the cost to have professional weather stripping installed is in the labor. The cost of weather stripping for most windows and doors is fairly inexpensive, while the actual installation can be time-consuming. Most handymen who install weather stripping charge between $50 and $100 per hour for their work. They may have minimum fees, which means that you can save by having all of your windows and doors done at once, rather than having them done piecemeal. If installing weather stripping for all the doors and windows in a home, the labor cost would be approximately $200 out of the $350 total.

In some cases, weather stripping is fairly easy to install DIY. However, there are times when you may want to have it professionally installed instead. For example, when replacing a door threshold or when needing to weatherstrip all the doors and windows in the home at the same time. A few professionals can handle this service. A handyman can usually handle the weather stripping in most homes and is the most common person for homeowners to call for this service. You can also have a window and door company come out to weatherstrip. This is often the case if you have purchased from them in the past and have a relationship with them. They would know the best materials to use with the products they install. Finally, some companies handle energy improvements for the home. They take care of weather stripping, often as part of a larger job to make your home more efficient.

Weather Stripping Cost by Location

The average cost of weather stripping is $5 to $400, depending on the location. Every area of your home may have some space that requires weather stripping. Anywhere you have a protrusion or opening to the outside, you have the potential for an air gap. That means that you also have an area that could benefit from weather stripping. By going room by room through your home, you can effectively seal up drafts and stop air transfer.

Window Weather Stripping

The cost to weatherstrip a window is between $5 and $10 a window, depending on the size and type of weather stripping. This is the average cost if you have a professional weatherstrip all the windows in your home. The average home tends to have between eight and ten windows. If your home has more or fewer windows or larger than average windows, your costs could be different. These costs do not include any exterior caulking that may be needed.

AC Weather Stripping

The cost to weatherstrip an AC unit is between $15 to $20 per window unit. AC weather stripping is made up of large pieces of cut foam. The idea is to press the foam around the unit to stop any air leaks on the top, bottom, or sides. Typically, if you are having your windows weatherstripped, you can have your AC units done at the same time for the above price. This method could also be used for in-wall units.

Door Weather Stripping

The cost to weatherstrip a door is between $35 and $90 per door. Costs vary depending on the type of door and the type and level of weather stripping you have done. It’s common to weatherstrip around the door. This means the top, bottom, and sides. To accomplish this, you will need at least two types of weather stripping, with a specific threshold or sweep used on the bottom edge. Sometimes, you can have one material installed on the sides, a threshold on the bottom, and a third type on the top. However, this is only recommended for uneven or sagging doors. The better solution is to rehang the door and weatherstrip the top and sides together.

Attic Weather Stripping

The cost of attic door weather stripping is between $35 and $90 per door. While attics should be insulated to help prevent heat transfer, you also need to weatherstrip the door or hatch. Depending on the type of door, you may only need to weatherstrip the edges. In other instances, you may need to weatherstrip the edges and install a large piece of foam insulation on the back of the door. Total costs vary depending on the size and type of hatch. If you have stairs attached to the door, then weather stripping is required around the sides only.

Garage Weather Stripping

The cost to weatherstrip garage doors is between $60 and $85 per door. Most garages don’t have windows installed. This makes the doors the most common area to weatherstrip. Garage door weather stripping can be done with gaskets and door sweeps that are made specifically for garage doors. Several different products are appropriate. Most weather stripping that can be used on a moving or sliding window or door can be used in this instance, although in a larger form. Your garage door installer will be the one installing new weather stripping when the old fails.

Fireplace Weather Stripping

The cost to weatherstrip a fireplace is between $200 and $400. This is the cost for professional weather stripping and sealing of the flue and the chimney. It finds and seals up any potential gaps in the flue or chimney that could be causing drafts. It is possible to purchase a fireplace draft stopper and place it in the opening of your fireplace yourself. This is a temporary and visible solution. If you want something more effective and long-term, you will need to hire a chimney professional. They can evaluate your chimney and seal the appropriate areas to prevent drafts.

Cost to Install Door Weather Stripping

The average cost to weather strip an exterior door is between $35 and $90 per door. Costs vary by the size and type of door and the type of weather stripping that you choose to have installed. The more difficult the type of weather stripping may be to install, and the larger the door, the higher the overall costs.

Storm Door Weather Stripping

The cost to weatherstrip a storm door is $35 to $40 per door. Storm doors benefit from perimeter weather stripping and a door sweep. Storm doors can have many different types of weather stripping installed. Felt and fin seal are common. If a door sweep is installed, it’s typically smaller than those used on exterior doors. The sweep is usually vinyl or rubber and should be made for storm doors specifically.

Hinged Door

The average cost to weatherstrip a hinged door is $35 to $80 a door. Hinged doors can be very simple or very complex to weatherstrip. It depends on the size of the door, how it hangs, and the door’s material. You can use many different materials for this type of door. This includes tape, felt, gaskets, reinforced silicone, and tubular weather stripping. Sometimes, you may need to replace the threshold or add a door sweep. Because hinged doors swing, sometimes interlocking metal channels can also be used.

Patio Door Weather Stripping

Patio door weather stripping costs between $35 and $90 per door. Patio doors come in many different shapes, sizes, and styles. They can be single, hinged French doors, oversized sliding doors, and everything in between. Dutch doors are also common for patios. Some patio doors have storm doors installed over them. For this reason, you may need several different materials and installation styles to weatherstrip this type of door. In some areas, you may have several doors opening to the patio at once, which could mean a different set of costs, depending on how they interact with one another.

Dutch Door Weather Stripping

The cost of Dutch Door weather stripping is between $50 and $80 per door. Dutch doors have special considerations beyond other hinged doors. A Dutch door has a separation between the upper and lower portions. This allows you to open one or both at a time. When weather stripping, you have all the same considerations as another hinged door, and you need to weatherstrip between the two halves. This is normally done with a small sweep made just for Dutch doors. Some Dutch doors have a type of channel weather stripping between the two sections to snap together and not allow any air between them. The rest of the door can be weatherstripped like any other hinged door.

French Door Weather Stripping

The cost of French door weather stripping is between $50 and $90 per door set. French doors come in many different shapes and sizes. The most common, however, is a set of hinged doors that meet in the middle. However, you can find single and sliding French doors. For this reason, you have a wide range of costs associated with weather stripping the doors. Door sweeps are not as common on this style of door. If you have swinging doors, you need some type of threshold. Potentially, you may also need interlocking metal channels between the doors and some felt, foam, or gasket on the sides.

Sliding Glass Door Weather Stripping

The cost of weather stripping a sliding glass door is between $60 and $90 on average. Sliding glass doors need weather stripping for movable windows and doors. This can include tension seal, fin seal, and some types of tape. Depending on where the door has drafts, you may need to seal on all sides. When weather stripping a sliding glass door, it can make the door more difficult to open and close. This is especially true for thicker types of weather stripping. Use the thinnest type that works with your door to ensure it continues to operate normally.

Cost to Install Window Weather Stripping

The average cost to install weather stripping in a window ranges from $5 to $10. Windows often need to be weatherstripped to make sure that they have a good seal and fit inside their frame. This stops air from leaking around them and transferring energy out of your home. Not all windows open or are operational. Those windows will benefit from exterior caulk, not from weather stripping. Only windows that open and close require weather stripping between the stationary and moving sections. Most installers quote based on doing several windows at once to give you the best rates.

Casement Window Weather Stripping

The cost of weather stripping a casement window is between $5 and $6 per window. Casement windows come in several different sizes and configurations. Casements can be single or double windows and may have panels on either side. All of these factors can mean variations in your final costs. Casement windows are crank or push-out windows. This means that they need different weather stripping than either sash or sliding windows. Felt, tape, and some tubular weather stripping can be used with these windows.

Single-hung Window Weather Stripping

The cost of weather stripping a single-hung window is between $5 and $6 per window. Single-hung windows come in a range of different sizes. Because only the bottom sash moves, only this area needs to be weatherstripped. The top section of the window benefits from exterior caulking but does not need weather stripping. Single-hung windows are a type of sash window that slides up from the bottom. They need some weather stripping to allow this action, such as tension seal or tape.

Awning Window Weather Stripping

The cost of weather stripping an awning window is between $5 and $6 per window. Awnings come in several sizes and lengths. Awnings may be installed on their own, or they may be installed alongside a stationary window. An awning window pushes out from the bottom rather than swinging or sliding. It can use felt, tape, or some types of tubular weather stripping to be sealed. At times, the bottom edge may require different weather stripping than the sides to get the best seal.

Double-Hung Window Weather Stripping

The cost of weather stripping a double-hung window is between $6 and $7 per window. Double-hung windows come in a wide range of different sizes, with most coming in all the same sizes as a single-hung window. The difference is that in a double-hung window, both sashes can move rather than just one. This means that the top section can slide down, or the bottom section can slide up. Some can also tilt, making weather stripping more important. They need a type of weather stripping that can handle sliding, such as tension seal or tape.

Bay Window Weather Stripping

The cost of weather stripping a bay window is between $8 and $10 per window. Not all bay windows require weather stripping. Many are stationary and only require caulking on the exterior. Some, however, have sections that can be pushed outward. Those sections each need to be separately weather stripped. Like casement windows and awning windows, there are no sliding components. Therefore, felt is the most common type of weather stripping. However, some types of tubular weather stripping or tape can also be used.

Sliding Window Weather Stripping

The cost of weather stripping a sliding window is between $8 and $10 a window. Sliding windows come in a wide range of sizes. Most are large, with one sliding panel. Some can have two sliding panels. If one side is stationary, then this side only requires caulk, not weather stripping. Only the sliding sections need to be weather stripped. Like sash windows, they need a weather strip designed for this movement, such as tape or tension seal.

Cost to Replace Weather Stripping

The cost to replace weather stripping is around $500, depending on the type of weather stripping you are removing, its location, and the type of weather stripping you are installing. Some self-adhesive materials become harder to remove with time. This means that additional effort is needed in removing them. Other materials may need to be nailed to the window or door frame. This can be difficult to remove. Some small repairs may be required before installing the new weather stripping.

Therefore, labor costs can climb to between $60 and $110 per hour for replacement services, plus the cost of the material. For example, the cost to replace door weather stripping would be between $45 and $115, while replacing window weather stripping would be closer to $8 to $15 a window. This can mean that the cost to replace all of the weather stripping in a home could cost closer to $500, rather than $350 for initial installation.

Caulking and Weather Stripping

Caulk and weather stripping are two very different materials. Caulk is used on the exterior of your home. It’s used to seal up gaps around the frame of your windows and doors. This is an area where energy transfer may occur, so it is important to seal this area up. Weather stripping is for the moving areas of your windows and doors. For the places where the closed window or door may not fit properly, weather stripping fills the gap where air can get through.

Both are important parts of stopping energy transfer in your home. You can use them together if needed. In most cases, exterior caulking is done when the siding is installed or when the windows and doors are installed or replaced. However, it can come loose, so it’s a good idea to check for these gaps periodically and seal them.

How to Choose Weather Stripping

With so many types of weather stripping on the market, it can be overwhelming when trying to determine which one you need. Not every weather stripping material can be used in every instance. So, the first step is determining the types of areas you are sealing. Take a look at your windows and doors. Determine if they swing or slide and what kind of openings they have. Larger gaps need larger pieces of material. Sliding windows and doors need a material that allows movement. This helps you narrow down the types of weather stripping available.

From here, you can decide if you are comfortable using it yourself or if you are hiring someone. If you are installing it yourself, determine what you feel comfortable doing. Some materials are made to self-stick, while others require tools. If you don’t have the tools required, self-stick varieties may be a better fit. If you have a professional install, you may want to ask them what they recommend and let them choose the material for you.

Weather Stripping Repair Cost

If your weather stripping is worn or old, it is not meant to be repaired. Instead, you need to replace it. The cost to replace weather stripping in one door is between $45 and $115 and $8 to $15 for one window. Weather stripping itself is not very expensive. If possible, take a piece of the old weather stripping with you to the store so you can find the best possible match to replace it or let the installer choose the material for you.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Cost to Replace Weather Stripping on a Car

The cost of replacing the weather stripping on a car ranges from $150 to $800. If your car needs new weather stripping, this is not something you can tackle yourself. You need to take your car to the dealership or another qualified repair service. The cost varies depending on the make and model of your car, its age, and the service technician’s experience level.

Home Energy Audit Cost

The cost of an energy audit is $145 to $420. An energy audit looks at all the ways your home may be losing energy, including poor air seal. The audit uses thermal imaging tools to show you the hot and cold spots in your home. Getting an energy audit done first helps you determine if you need to weatherstrip, if you need more than weather stripping, or if your home is already well sealed.