Last updated:
Affiliate disclosure: Some ReadyHome pages may use affiliate links. That never changes the safety advice, the skip-this recommendations, or whether a product is a dumb buy for a particular household.
Quick answer
Weather stripping is cheap resilience. It reduces drafts, improves comfort, and can make outages less miserable by slowing heat loss.
| Problem | Try first |
|---|---|
| Drafty exterior door | Weather stripping and door sweep |
| Gap under door | Door sweep or draft stopper |
| Leaky old window | Rope caulk or window film |
| Cold basement rim joist | Air sealing and insulation, done properly |
Buying criteria
- Match the product to the gap size.
- Use exterior-rated materials where needed.
- Avoid blocking required ventilation.
- Fix water leaks before sealing things shut.