While the application is very similar, foam is of higher quality than felt. It usually comes with an adhesive backing for easy installation. Also like felt, it's one of the less durable options and should not be installed in high moisture areas.
Vinyl, which is slightly more expensive, holds up well and resists moisture. Metals (bronze, copper, stainless steel, and aluminum) last for years and are affordable. Metal weatherstripping can also provide a nice touch to older homes where vinyl might seem out of place.
Foam weatherstripping
Foam tape is a good choice for irregular-shaped corners and cracks. Reinforced foam weatherstripping is good for frequently-used doors and windows. Tape is easier to apply, but it is not as durable. The reinforced variety is a bit trickier to install, but lasts longer.
Tubular Rubber or Vinyl
Tubular rubber and vinyl weatherstripping is typically more expensive than felt or adhesive tape styles, but on the plus side, it's also more durable and very efficient. You can generally get a few years of use out of this kind of weatherstripping, but over time, it can become brittle or crack.
Other common options, like v-strips (tension seals) and tubular inserts, are somewhat easier to install and last around five years. Less expensive options such as door sweeps, tapes, felt, and some foams can be easy to install, but usually will only last a few years depending on the material type.
After a couple weeks, the new weatherstrip should settle down and the door should close smoothly yet firmly. If after a few weeks the door is still very difficult to close, your door may be out of alignment. Try tightening and shimming hinges as needed.
The average life-span of a spray foam roof is 15 to 20 years. BUT, we've personally walked on spray foam roofs that are 55+ years old. Unlike other flat roofing materials, SPF roofs can be infinitely renewed. This is certainly one of the many advantages of a foam roof.
Pressure-sensitive adhesive-backed foam is the easiest weather stripping to apply, and it is quite inexpensive. Available in both rubber and plastic, adhesive-backed foam comes in rolls of varying lengths and thicknesses.
Many homeowners would prefer to invest in roofing materials that last for as long as possible, budget allowing. Rubber roofing like EPDM is considered a far superior product than traditional felt thanks to the wide range of benefits on offer.
EPDM rubber lasts a lot longer than felt, with warranties varying between 20-30 years and a life expectancy of about 50 years. Here at Rubber Flat Roof, we offer the highest warranty in the market on our thickest membrane of 1.5 mm EPDM rubber, while the lower 1.14 mm one comes with a 20 years warranty.
Foam gap seals are self adhesive and come in multiple sizes to seal small to extra large gaps. Rubber gap seals are also self-adhesive, made from durable EPDM rubber and come with a 10 year warranty. These seals will not freeze or crack in temperatures down to -40 F and work best on medium to extra large gaps.
V Strip (or Tension Seal)
V strip, also known as tension seal, is a durable plastic or metal strip folded into a 'V' shape that springs open to bridge gaps. This type of weatherstripping is highly effective and long-lasting, making it a popular choice for many homeowners.
But Expanding Foam Tape is compressed and can grow to fill cracks anywhere from ¼-inch to 1-inch wide. As it expands, the tape conforms to the space, creating a watertight seal that's resistant to bugs and vermin and can withstand temperatures between -40° F to 212° F.
However, depending on how much and how often a door is used, you may be changing weatherstrips a lot more often. Obviously, the stripping on doors like your front door that is used every day will wear down quicker and become less efficient at trapping heat in your home, so it'll need replacing once or twice a year.
Use of the Day: Spray WD-40 on weather stripping and rubber car door seals to keep them soft and pliable and prevent drying and cracking.
Felt roofing underlayment is a traditional material that has been used for decades and is still a popular choice for many roofing projects. Felt is made from either organic or synthetic materials, and is designed to provide a durable, waterproof barrier between the roof deck and the shingles.
The Best Alternative to Shed Roof Felt
Corrugated Bitumen sheets are the budget option and Corramet corrugated sheets the best option. Corrugated bitumen roofing sheets are a great option for smaller projects. They are a low-cost material that is easy to install but offers a very professional finish.
Felt Is Cheap And Easy To Fit, But…
It's not very durable. Sun damage and consistent weathering mean splits and cracks are pretty inevitable, and where there are cracks there are leaks. Not ideal. Moisture can become trapped between the layers.
Rubber (Best) tape is made from an EPDM rubber material. Rubber tapes provide superior resistance to wear and tear and maintain flexibility in extreme temperatures. These products can also be used to seal around doors, although it's a less permanent solution than a top-and-sides door seal.
If you cannot lock the door, then the material you used may be either too thick or too hard.
Directly against electrical wiring or fixtures: Spray foam insulation should not be applied directly against electrical wiring, fixtures, or recessed lighting unless they are rated for contact with insulation. Contact with insulation can cause overheating and pose a fire hazard.
While it is hugely useful, it should not be used to solve all problems. One such example is electrical boxes. Expanding foam shouldn't be used in these locations as it could cause jams that would be expensive to repair. So avoid using it around sockets or light fixtures, or any electrical components in the property.
The curing process after spray foam is applied inherently entails shrinkage and hardening. Not only can such shrinkage result in pulling back from stud bays and other connections - which often leads to gaps in the insulation layer - it can lead to cracking within the foam structure itself.