While you may not think about it often, you rely heavily on your home’s windows and doors to keep you safe and comfortable throughout the year. During the summer, your windows help to seal out excess heat and keep bugs from finding their way inside. In the winter, your entry doors serve as the first line of defense from frigid winter air. The best way to ensure that all entrances to your home are fully secure is a process called weatherstripping.

Simply put, this means that a technician will install a unique material to your windows or doors that creates a seal, trapping furnace heat or air conditioning inside while keeping uncontrolled outdoor air at bay. Below are three things that all homeowners should know about weatherstripping:

• Materials: There are a number of different materials that can be used to help seal up your windows and doors. As a general rule, most solutions are designed using a combination of plastic and rubber because these materials are sturdy and incredibly difficult to penetrate. Your contractor will use either a tape, gasket, or sweep, depending on what you’re weatherstripping. 
• Replacements: The actual process of weatherstripping the entrances to your home is pretty simple. Your technician will take some time to do a thorough scour of the area, removing dust and debris that may otherwise get in the way of a completely tight seal. Then, they’ll measure and fit the weatherstripping material according to the size of the window or door and secure it, checking for cracks or damage. 
• Benefits: Aside from making your home a more comfortable place, weatherstripping provides a myriad of other benefits. If you’ve noticed that your recent utility bills have inexplicably skyrocketed, weatherstripping can help to bring them back down as they allow for more efficient heating and cooling. Weatherstripping is also environmentally friendly for this reason, helping you to conserve energy that might otherwise go to waste. Finally, weatherstripping can even help to reduce some of the outside noise that you hear during a quiet night in. 

Taking care of your windows and doors is an investment in your safety, health, and overall quality of life. For those in Cincinnati, OH, JFK Window & Door has provided an impressive inventory of windows and doors (both interior and entry) that bring a touch of elegance and sophistication to any home. With a focus on combining function and aesthetic, you can be sure that you’re in capable hands. For more help, visit them online or reach out by phone at (513) 851-1000.