Is Spring Bronze Weatherstripping Worth It?

Short answer: yes, if you are keeping an old wood door or window. Spring bronze costs more up front than foam or rubber, but installed right and never painted it lasts for decades. We regularly find original metal weatherstripping still working in old houses.

What you're paying for

• Life span. Foam and rubber compress, crack and come loose and need replacing every few years. Metal keeps its spring.
• Looks. Bronze suits a historic door. It's thin, nearly invisible when the door is closed, and ages to a warm brown.
• Keeps the original door. It seals drafts without replacing the door, frame or trim.
• Handles seasons. Spring bronze flexes as old wood swells and shrinks, better than a rigid seal.

When it isn't the right choice

• The gap is over about 1/4". Build up the door or opening first, or use interlocking weatherstripping.
• The door is badly out of alignment. Fix that first; weatherstripping shouldn't hide it.
• Your door already has interlocking strips. Replace them with interlocking.

What it costs to do one door

One door takes about 17 feet. Our one-door kit includes the bronze, a lock strip and solid brass nails, so you don't have to buy a 100 ft roll. For several doors or a whole house, a 100 ft roll is the better buy.

How to choose, measure and install spring bronze

Common questions

Is spring bronze weatherstripping worth it?

Yes, if you are keeping an old wood door or window. It costs more up front than foam or rubber, but installed right and never painted it lasts for decades.

How much spring bronze do I need for one door?

About 17 feet covers both sides and the head of a typical door.

When is spring bronze not the right choice?

When the gap is over about 1/4 inch, the door is badly out of alignment, or the door already has interlocking strips.

Want it done for you?

Classic Door installs weatherstripping and bronze thresholds on historic doors across New England. Anywhere else, send photos of the full opening, the door edge and the sill and we will tell you what you have and what to order. Not sure you picked the right part? Write "verify my order" in the order notes and we will check it before it ships.