The average cost of weather stripping is around $281 per project. However, your cost can range from $60 up to $932 depending on how much you need to install.
The typical cost range of weather stripping is between $131 and $433 per project. The price difference depends on the type of material you use and the number of doors and windows you need to seal. Weather stripping seals gaps in your doors and windows. It prevents air from coming inside your property, indoor air from escaping during the summer, and heat from leaking in the wintertime.
The price range per linear foot of weather stripping can range from $0.10 to $4, though in most cases you’ll pay around $0.50 per linear foot of material. Weather stripping is a cost-effective way for homeowners to save energy and it comes in various materials and styles, all of which are priced differently. On the low end, you have foam, tubular, and gasket weather stripping products, and on the high end, you have magnetic, metal, and door sweeps.
Linear Feet | Number of Windows Covered | Average Cost |
---|---|---|
15 | 1 | $3.75–$11.25 |
30 | 2 | $7.50–$22.50 |
60 | 4 | $15–$45 |
120 | 8 | $30–$90 |
The cost range for weather stripping is so vast because there are many factors that can impact the total. The labor and materials are the most significant factors, but other things like your location, and the number and size of the gaps you need addressed, play a role as well.
Regardless of the type of weather stripping you install, the cost of labor is usually the most expensive component. Expect around 80% of your total costs to go toward the labor.
This can vary, as certain types of weather stripping are more challenging to install than others, and some varieties are more affordable. The cost of a weather stripping replacement project will usually go mostly toward labor.
Some weather stripping may require the use of tools, like hammers, utility knives, and pry bars to remove old weather stripping. This won’t add to your costs if you hire a professional to do the work for you, but you may need to allocate $25 to $50 to purchase the necessary tools if you plan on doing the work yourself.
Weather stripping prices vary slightly in different parts of the country. Keep in mind that most of the cost comes from the labor when you hire a professional to do the work for you, so the cost of living in your area can play a role in your total price. The table below includes the average cost of weather stripping in major cities around the country.
Location | Average Cost |
---|---|
Austin | $360 |
Boston | $340 |
Chicago | $220 |
Columbus | $220 |
Denver | $240 |
Los Angeles | $310 |
Miami | $140 |
New York City | $300 |
Of course, the more weather stripping you need installed, the more it will cost both in terms of materials and labor. If you’re looking to seal around a single exterior door, your cost will almost certainly be lower than if you want all of your doors and windows sealed to maximize your bump in energy efficiency.
Keep in mind that, while your upfront cost will be higher to install weather stripping throughout your home, you might still end up saving in the long run by reducing your monthly heating and cooling costs.
Finally, the size of the gap you need sealed will affect your pricing, as it takes more material and time to fill a large gap than it would to seal a hairline gap. You might also have fewer options for the weather stripping materials you can use, which could push your price up if a more expensive weather stripping is the only suitable one for your needs.
Once again, though, sealing large gaps will be more costly upfront but will typically save you more on energy bills over time, as you’ll be fixing a larger air leak.
Sealing gaps and weatherstripping can save up to 20% in annual energy bills according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
There are a good number of choices of materials to pick from when it comes to weather stripping. Foam tape and felt are some of the most affordable items, and metal and magnetic ones are the most expensive.
Weather Stripping Type | Cost per Linear Foot |
---|---|
Felt | $0.10 |
Fin seal | $0.20 |
Foam tape | $1.47 |
Gaskets | $0.60 |
Magnetic | $20.50 |
V-strips | $0.25 |
Tubular | $0.35 |
Door sweep | $10 |
Weather stripping is a fairly easy DIY project that anyone with the time and patience can tackle. The materials you choose and the tools you need ultimately determine the cost.
For example, if you choose foam tape as your weather stripping material of choice, the cost is around $10.25 for a seven-foot roll. A standard door of 80 inches by 36 inches will need three rolls of tape, and the total cost will be $30.80, plus the time you spend doing it, which won't be that long.
When getting weather stripping installed by a handyperson, the labor costs for the entire project will be around $150, including multiple doors and windows. If you only need to weather strip one or two doors, you might be better off doing it yourself, unless it is an intricate door–like a French door–or you don't have the time to do it.
We recommend getting a professional to help you if you’re working with a challenging material, like an automatic door sweep. In those cases, a handyperson near you can make sure that the strip is installed properly to give you the biggest energy efficiency boost possible.
Installing weather stripping is a relatively affordable endeavor, even if you hire a professional to weatherize your home for you. However, costs can add up if you’re sealing multiple doors and windows. Below are some tips to help you save money in the process.
Choose the right weather stripping: Some types of weather stripping are more expensive than others, so make sure you choose one that suits your climate but fits into your budget. A professional can help you decide what’s best.
Replace all weather stripping at once: You’ll likely save on travel costs,and maybe even get a deal on the work, if you pay to replace the weather stripping on all doors and windows in your home.
Do the easy stuff yourself: For easy-to-install weather stripping, like felt strips, tackle the process yourself to save on labor costs.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
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How long weather stripping lasts depends on the type, material, and how often you use the door. Weather stripping on your main entrance usually needs to be replaced every 2 to 3 years. V-strips tend to last 5 years on average. Permanent installations like interlocking metal can last a lifetime if properly maintained.
Yes, you should install weather stripping in all of your doors and windows. Most air drafts come from the gaps in your doors and windows, increasing your utility bill and impacting your home’s climate. Installing weather stripping will eliminate those gaps, keep your property more climate-proof, keep insects out, and could reduce your utility bill by up to 20%.
Inspecting your weather strips is the first step to effectively replace and update your weather stripping in your doors and windows. Here are some steps to get started:
Inspect your weather strips for air leaks and drafts
Carefully remove the old weather strips
Clean the work area thoroughly
Take measurements
Cut all of the pieces needed
Install them following the manufacturer’s directions
You can also call in a handyperson to do the work for you if you’re not sure how to do it, or want to make sure it’s done properly.