Weatherstripping & Caulking That Actually Works
If your doorways feel breezy or your AC runs nonstop, it’s time for door weatherstripping Austin, Texas. Sealing air leaks around doors and windows is one of the lowest-cost ways to boost comfort and cut energy costs—especially during Austin’s long cooling season. A focused afternoon with the right materials can stop whistling gaps, quiet the house, and keep dust and pollen where they belong: outside.
Find the Leaks (Easy Candle/Smoke Test)
On a breezy day or with your HVAC running, close exterior doors and windows. Hold a lit candle or an incense sticknear the perimeter—slowly trace around the jambs, sill, and locks. If the flame flickers or smoke pulls toward a seam, you’ve found a leak. Mark the spots with painter’s tape so you can seal them in one pass. Repeat at window frames, baseboards by exterior walls, and the attic hatch; all are common culprits.
Best Door Weatherstripping That Actually Works
- Kerf-in silicone/EPDM gasket: Slides into the door jamb’s kerf groove for a durable, long-lasting seal. Great for uneven frames because it compresses evenly.
- Adhesive-backed foam (closed-cell): Fast and forgiving; ideal for slightly out-of-square doors. Choose high-density foam for better longevity.
- Door sweeps: Install an aluminum sweep with a silicone fin on the interior side to block daylight under the door. For irregular thresholds, use an adjustable sweep.
- Threshold upgrades: A worn, warped, or too-low threshold leaks constantly. Replace with an adjustable threshold to fine-tune the seal against the door bottom.
Pro tip: You want firm contact all around, but not so tight the latch strains. Close the door on a strip of paper; a light tug should remove it with gentle resistance.
Window Caulking (Stop the Sneaky Drafts)
For window caulking, use the right product in the right place:
- 100% silicone for exterior joints (long life, waterproof, flexible).
- Siliconized acrylic latex for interior trim (easy cleanup, paintable).
- Polyurethane sealant where high movement or expansion joints demand extra durability.
Backer rod (foam rope) helps fill wider gaps before caulking so the bead stays flexible. For seasonal rentals or temporary fixes, rope caulk presses into seams and pulls out later without residue.
Materials & Tools Checklist
Utility knife, measuring tape, miter shears or snips, drill/driver, pry bar, caulk gun, painter’s tape, rags, mineral spirits (for silicone cleanup), and fresh blades. When in doubt, bring extra gaskets—frames are rarely perfect, and a mix of thicknesses saves trips.
What You’ll Save
Properly sealed openings can trim cooling loss and reduce hot spots by doors and windows, letting your thermostat work less. That means lower energy costs, less dust, and quieter rooms—comfort you feel immediately.
Thank you for taking the time with me to learn more about what Mr. Done Right, the handyman / contractor does for you.
Sincerely,
Nathaniel Peterson
(AKA) Mr. Done Right
For more information on handyman or contractor work in the greater Austin area (or beyond), please contact your premiere handyman, Nathaniel Peterson, AKA Mr. Done Right Handyman Contractor of Austin, because Mr. Done Right ensures any repairs and/or remodels get Done Right the first time! Call us now for a free estimate! 512-659-8931
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