Sealing materials
Which weatherstrips, door sweeps and sealants suit which gap, including renter-friendly options.
Cheap and effective. Most bedrooms can be sealed for a few hundred rupees. Read sealing gaps first for where and where not to seal.
| Material | Best for | Look for | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPDM rubber strip (D, P or E profile) | Hinged doors and casement windows | Self-adhesive, profile matched to the gap (measure it: D for small gaps, P for larger) | Several years |
| Silicone rubber strip | Same, where it is hot or sunny | UV- and heat-resistant | Several years |
| Foam tape (PU / PVC) | Small, uneven gaps; quick fix | Closed-cell foam | Months to a season |
| Brush / wool-pile strip | Sliding windows and sliding doors | Pile height matched to the gap; a fin seal in the middle | Years |
| Door sweep / bottom seal | Gap under the door | Rubber or brush, screw-on or adhesive, cut to door width | Years |
| Draught stopper (“door snake”) | Gap under the door; renters | Weighted fabric tube, the full width of the door | Reusable |
| AC sealing putty | Around the AC pipe hole | Non-hardening, removable | Years |
| Silicone / acrylic sealant | Permanent cracks in frames and walls | Paintable acrylic indoors, silicone in wet areas | Years |
| Removable window film or tape | Unused windows for the season | Low-tack, residue-free | One season |
Tips
- Clean and dry the surface before sticking any strip. Adhesive fails on dust.
- Check the door still closes fully and latches. An over-thick strip will tear off.
- To find leaks, on a windy day hold a strip of tissue paper or a damp hand near frames, door edges and pipe holes. Movement or a cool draught shows a leak.
- Never block gas-appliance ventilation, flues, exhausts or emergency exits.