The winter months can be the best times to enjoy the comfort of cozy spaces if you prepare ahead of time. Trying to make the necessary repairs under the conditions of cold temperatures, wind, and precipitation might be counterproductive. Moisture and cold can hamper the installation process. That’s why late summer or fall is the best time to inspect doors, windows, and other entryways for missing or worn weatherstripping and replace it while the weather is dry and mild.

Weatherstripping offers many benefits for a relatively low cost and is an easy update to your regular maintenance routine for your home and other spaces. Here are just four benefits you can expect when you replace it before winter arrives.

1- Maintain the Indoor Temperature

In the winter, cold temperatures can make indoor spaces practically intolerable. The weatherstripping will block cold drafts and keep warm air in. In the summer months, it will block the flow of hot and cold air from opposite directions so, combined with an efficient HVAC system and proper insulation, you can achieve and maintain a comfortable environment all year.

2- Save on Energy Costs

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning solutions, insulation, caulk, sealants, and weatherstripping all help maintain comfortable temperatures in a space. However, they also work together for the efficient use of energy. Heating uses energy, but25 to 40 percent of that energy usage is because of air leakage. Replacing old weatherstripping is one way to help prevent the warm air from escaping and block cold air from getting in, thereby reducing the need to run heating systems as long and as often.

3- Keep Pests Out

Many kinds of pests emerge in the spring and summer to invade our homes and offices. Winter brings a welcome break from most of these invaders. Still, many pests that had been content outside will take shelter from the cold by going indoors. Drawn by the warmth and relative safety of homes and offices, rodents and bugs gain access through whatever small cracks and gaps they can find.

Before winter hits, inspect garage doors, outdoor storage closets, back and side doors, and windows. Installing weatherstripping on any entry point that is connected to the house or building you want to protect is one way to guard against infestations.

4- Block Moisture

Condensation, rainwater, and melting snow and ice can seep under doors and windows if not properly sealed. Moisture can cause a lot of problems that will be expensive to fix later. It can attract pests, cause structural damage, degrade insulation, and introduce and nurture mold and mildew. The right kind of weatherstripping can block some water from coming in and help mitigate condensation problems. Of course, extreme weather conditions will require other materials and strategies to keep water out, but weather stripping combined with other weatherizing materials can protect buildings from the damaging effects of moisture.

Weatherstripping is a useful and inexpensive material for protecting your home, office, or vehicle. No matter what you use it on, be sure to replace it before winter arrives.