Why You Should Replace Your Weather Stripping at Your HOA this Winter
We’ve recently gone over the various reasons to invest in HOA painting this winter. Now, let’s discuss why you should install or replace your weather stripping at your Northern California HOA this winter.
What Is Weather Stripping?
A weatherstrip (or weatherstripping) refers to a type of lining meant to tightly seal gaps in order to prevent air leakage. Weatherstripping is primarily applied to the gaps found in windows and doors and may be composed of plastic, metal, felt, foam, rubber, vinyl, and more.
Why Is Weather Stripping Important?
Weatherstripping your home eliminates or reduces drafts inside a property, making it more comfortable and energy-efficient. Indeed, proper weatherstripping can save up to 30% on energy bills during the winter. In this way, installing or replacing your home’s weatherstripping is a small investment with a significant return.
How Often Should You Replace Weather Stripping?
Depending on the quality and type of weatherstripping you installed in the past, you may not need to replace it at all this winter -- tubular rubber or vinyl weatherstripping, for instance, can last up to five years before needing to be changed out. On the other hand, felt, plastic, and other types of weatherstripping might require replacing every 1-3 years. It’s important to inspect the state of your weatherstripping every few months or so to ensure it’s maintaining a proper seal. If you notice missing pieces, cracks, compression, or feel any air coming through, it’s time to replace it with new material. Reliable local interior painters can inspect your weatherstripping for you if you’re not sure what to look for.
Why Winter for Replacing Weather Stripping?
So, the importance of inspecting and installing weatherstripping is apparent. That said, why is winter the right time to perform this task? Most people can expect their energy bills to spike during the winter to combat the cold outside air, and weatherstripping is one of the best defenses against these increased costs, as previously mentioned. While you could replace your weather stripping during the spring, summer, or fall, it’s usually more practical to wait until winter where it matters most. This way, you get a fresh start on sealing your home right in time for the temperatures to drop. Additionally, if you plan on investing in interior painting this winter, your contractors may be able to inspect and replace your weatherstripping for you, if necessary.
Your Northern California HOA takes care of many things, but it won’t necessarily protect your home from winter’s wrath. As you prepare to winterize your HOA property this coming cold season, don’t forget to check your weatherstripping and replace it if it’s time to do so. And if you’re looking for a residential painting company that knows how to care for HOA properties and works all winter long, look no further than Endure Painting. For more information regarding our skills and services, call us at (510) 458-2120 or send us an email at hello@endurepainting.com.
