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Weatherstripping Guide (Stop Drafts Fast)

Seal drafts in under 30 minutes: pick the right strip, measure gaps correctly, and install the best fix for your doors and windows.

Evergreen guide Draft sealing Updated: 2026-02-13

Quick Picks (Fastest Comfort Win)

Start with the biggest leaks first (door bottom), then handle smaller gaps around frames.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases.

What you’ll do

Where drafts usually come from

Most homes leak air around doors and windows—especially at the bottom of exterior doors and along frames.

Fastest win: If you do only one thing today, seal the exterior door bottom gap first.

Which weatherstripping to choose

  • Door bottom gap: door sweep (fastest, highest impact)
  • Small consistent gaps: foam tape (beginner-friendly)
  • Edges / sliding surfaces: V-strip (durable flexible seal)
  • Irregular gaps: silicone seal strip (better conforming)

How to measure gaps (don’t guess)

Most “doesn’t work” complaints come from buying the wrong thickness. Measure first.

  • Use a simple feel test (draft + light test) to locate leaks
  • Measure the gap width and the length you need to cover
  • Pick a seal that compresses slightly without preventing doors from closing
Don’t guess thickness: Too thick = door won’t close; too thin = no seal. For the biggest leak (door bottom), start here: Door sweep — see options →

DIY install plan (30 minutes)

  1. Find your worst leak: exterior door bottom and main window edges.
  2. Measure gaps: width, length, and clearance.
  3. Install the door sweep first: quick comfort improvement.
  4. Seal smaller gaps: foam tape on frames and light leaks.
  5. Upgrade edges: V-strip for door/window sides if needed.
  6. Re-check: confirm door closes smoothly and leaks are reduced.
Beginner-friendly: Foam tape is the fastest way to seal small gaps around frames. Foam weatherstripping tape — check price →
For edges: If drafts come from the sides/top of doors or windows, V-strip is often a better, longer-lasting seal. V-strip (V-seal) — view options →
For irregular gaps: Silicone seal strips can conform better to uneven edges. Silicone seal strip — see deal →

Common mistakes

  • Buying without measuring: the most common reason seals “fail”.
  • Over-thick seals: doors won’t latch or will rub.
  • Skipping the door bottom: the biggest leak often remains.
  • Poor surface prep: clean and dry the surface before applying tape.
Tip: If you’re doing this to lower your bill, combine draft sealing with your DIY Home Energy Audit so you focus on the biggest wastes first.

Recommended Products (Specific Picks)

These 4 cover most homes. Measure first, then buy the seal that matches your gap.

Door Sweep

Best for: exterior door bottom drafts (often the biggest comfort win).

Door sweep — see today’s price →

Foam Weatherstripping Tape

Best for: small, consistent gaps around frames. Easy DIY install.

Foam tape — check price →

V-Strip (V-Seal)

Best for: door/window edges and sliding surfaces; durable flexible seal.

V-strip — view options →

Silicone Seal Strip

Best for: irregular gaps and longer edges that need a conforming seal.

Silicone seal — see deal →

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases.

Next steps

FAQ

What is the best weatherstripping for the bottom of a door?

A door sweep is usually the fastest, highest-impact fix for drafts at the bottom gap. Measure the gap first and pick a sweep that matches your door clearance.

Should I use foam tape or V-strip?

Foam tape is easiest for beginners and works well for small, consistent gaps. V-strip is often better for edges and sliding surfaces where you want a flexible, durable seal.

Why does weatherstripping improve energy savings?

Sealing drafts reduces unwanted air exchange, so your heating and cooling system runs less often to maintain comfort.