How much does weather stripping cost to install?
How much does weather stripping cost to install?
$130 – $470 cost for an average home (with professional installation)
$1 – $5 average cost per linear foot (with professional installation)
$0.16 – $4.00 average cost per linear foot (DIY materials only)
Weatherstripping cost
The cost of weatherstripping an average home is $130 to $470, depending on the material, number of windows and doors, and size of the gaps. Weatherstripping costs $5 to $10 per window and $35 to $90 per door with professional installation. Weatherstripping materials cost $0.16 to $25.00 per linear foot.
| Locations | Average cost installed |
|---|---|
| Window | $5 – $10 |
| Door | $35 – $90 |
| Garage door (single) | $45 – $100 |
| Garage door (double-wide) | $80 – $180 |
| Attic door | $35 – $90 |
| AC unit (window or in-wall) | $15 – $20 |
| Fireplace | $200 – $400 |
Weatherstripping material prices
The price of weatherstripping material ranges from $0.16 to $25.00 per linear foot, depending on the type, purpose, and location.
| Type of weatherstripping | Average price per linear foot* | Placement |
|---|---|---|
| Foam tape | $0.16 – $0.25 | Tracks of sliding and double-hung windows |
| Felt | $0.25 – $0.50 | Around windows and doors |
| Tubular | $0.25 – $0.50 | Along the inside of a door |
| Tension seal (V-seal) | $0.25 – $0.50 | Inside of sliding and double-hung windows and doors |
| Gasket | $0.60 – $1.75 | Window or door stops |
| Caulk | $1.25 – $4.00 | Along the area where the window or door meets the frame |
| Reinforced foam | $1.25 – $1.50 | Window or door stops, or the bottom of a door |
| Reinforced silicone | $1.25 – $1.75 | Window or door stops |
| Fin seal | $1.50 – $2.00 | Sliding glass doors or aluminum sliding windows |
| Interlocking metal channels | $6.00 – $10.00 | Around door perimeters |
| Door sweep | $13.00 – $20.00 | Extends past the bottom of a door |
| Magnetic | $22.00 – $25.00 | One on the door and one on the jamb |
*Not including installation
Weatherstripping cost by location
Window weatherstripping cost
Installing window weatherstripping costs $5 to $10 per window for labor and materials. Windows are the least expensive to seal because of their small size.
| Window type | Average cost per window* |
|---|---|
| Single-hung window | $5 – $6 |
| Side-sash and double-hung window | $6 – $7 |
| Casement window | $5 – $6 |
| Awning window | $5 – $6 |
| Bay window | $7 – $10 |
| Sliding window | $7 – $10 |
*Including installation.
Door weatherstripping costs
Weatherstripping a door costs $35 to $90 per door for labor and materials. The cost to seal a door is higher than a window because of its increased size and the need for more complex materials.
| Door type | Average cost per door* |
|---|---|
| Storm door | $35 – $40 |
| Hinged door | $35 – $80 |
| Patio door | $35 – $90 |
| Dutch door | $50 – $80 |
| French doors | $50 – $90 |
| Sliding glass door | $60 – $90 |
*Including installation.
Garage door weatherstripping cost
The cost to weatherstrip a garage door is $45 to $100 for a single-wide door or $80 to $180 for a double-wide door, including materials and professional installation.
The following material prices are based on the dimensions of an average single garage door.
| Seal type | Description | Average material price* (Single 8'x7' garage door) |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom seal | Slides onto the bottom of the garage door, providing a seal between it and the ground when it is closed | $15 – $30 |
| Doorstop molding | Creates a seal around the sides and top of the garage door | $10 – $30 |
| Panel weatherstripping | Seals the gaps between the panels of garage doors that do not interlock or come together when closed | $20 – $40 |
*Not including installation.
Weatherstripping installation cost factors
Professionals charge $50 to $150 per hour for labor to install weatherstripping, depending on how many windows and doors need sealing and the material you select. Most installers charge a minimum fee for at least one hour of work.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Labor cost | $50 – $150 per hour |
| Material | $0.16 – $25.00 per linear foot |
| Tools | $10 – $25 |
Additional factors that affect the cost include:
Repairs – Window frame repair costs $150 to $600, while door frame repair costs $75 to $220. If a frame is damaged, the installer must fix it before applying the weatherstripping.
Window glass – Window glass replacement costs $150 to $500.
Frame gaps – Caulking costs $1.25 to $4.00 per linear foot and fills the gaps between the frame and window or door. However, caulking is typically only necessary if the weatherstripping process involves the installation of a new window or door.
Cost to replace weatherstripping
Removing and replacing weatherstripping costs $500 to $550 for an average home or $8 to $115 per window or door, with windows priced less than doors because of their smaller size.
Replacement is more costly than initial installation because it includes the removal of old weatherstripping. Removing the original weatherstripping can also cause damage that must be repaired before installing the new material.
| Stripping location | Average removal and replacement cost | Average initial installation cost |
|---|---|---|
| Window | $8 – $15 | $5 – $10 |
| Door | $45 – $115 | $35 – $90 |
| Entire home | $500 – $550 | $350 – $400 |
DIY vs. professional installation
Weatherstripping a window or door is an easy DIY project. However, hiring a professional contractor or handyman ensures proper installation. A handyman charges $50 to $80 per hour for labor.
Consider hiring a pro to handle the job if any of these conditions apply:
Window and door frames need repair or replacement
Limited access to windows
Non-standard-sized windows and doors
Large or whole-house project
Weatherstripping FAQs
What is the purpose of weatherstripping?
Weatherstripping prevents air from entering or exiting through gaps around the edges of windows and doors. Sealing these air leaks improves your home's energy efficiency by preventing the overuse of heating and air conditioning.
Does weatherstripping keep bugs out?
It's possible for weather stripping to keep bugs out, but that is not its primary function. However, if there are gaps around your windows and doors large enough for bugs to enter, weatherstripping may fix that problem.
Is weatherstripping effective in keeping cold air out?
Yes, weatherstripping keeps out cold air in the winter and warm air in the summer. By sealing around windows and doors, weatherstripping prevents outside air from entering and traps the conditioned air inside.
Should I install weatherstripping on my doors and windows?
Yes, you should install weatherstripping on your doors and windows. It's a practical and cost-effective way to lower heating and cooling costs by sealing gaps that allow air into and out of a home.
Weatherstripping also acts as a barrier to prevent water and insects from entering through those gaps, protecting the home from the damage both can cause.
Hiring weatherstripping contractors
Consider the following when choosing a contractor for weatherstripping:
Consider weatherstripping as a DIY project.
Search for at least 3 to 4 in-person quotes.
Read reviews from reputable websites such as HomeGuide and Google.
Request a detailed estimate in writing.
Ask for multiple references and photographs of previous work.
Avoid hiring someone who has not made an on-site visit.
Be wary of contractors who ask to be paid in full before completing the work.
Beware of the lowest quote; lower quotes may reflect a lower quality of work.
Questions to ask
Ask these questions to ensure you hire the best contractor for your project:
How many weatherstripping projects have you done in the past year?
Can you provide references?
Which weatherstripping material do you recommend for my project, and why?
What is the estimated cost for the project?
How likely is the estimated cost to increase by the end of the project?
Do you require a deposit?
Will the project require a permit? If so, is that cost included in the estimate?
How long will it take you to complete the work?
What type of warranty do you offer? How long does it last?
Is there anything not covered in the warranty?
How can I best maintain the weatherstripping you install?