Non-Toxic Weatherstripping (PVC-Free)

This post is an overview of the different types of weatherstripping for doors and windows, what they are made of, and which materials are the less-toxic options that are low in odor and do not contain PVC.

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1. Foam Tape

Foam tape is an open or closed-cell foam or EPDM rubber with an adhesive backing. It comes in various widths and thicknesses. It goes inside door frames and at the top and bottom of window frames.

Closed-cell foam is likely to be more tolerable them EPDM rubber for sensitive folks. But you may need to try different types. You may want to check out a few to see how strong the adhesive odor is.

This is a foam option from Amazon.

2. Door Sweep

Door sweeps usually have a top piece which is plastic, aluminum, or stainless steel with a bottom strip of nylon, plastic, or vinyl. There are also one-piece silicone styles or a sponge brush. It fills the space between the door and the threshold on the interior side of the door.

This doorstop is all silicone (very non-toxic).

This super simple silicone strip can act as a basic door sweep or be used in place of the closed-cell foam strips.

Aluminum with a nylon brush can work well too for sensitive folks. This one is from Grainger and here is one from Amazon.

3. Felt

Felt is sold in rolls it can be pure felt or felt with a peel-and-stick side, or it can have a flexible metal strip. It’s not expected to last more than a year or two but it could be a tolerable option for chemically sensitive folks. It goes around a door or window sash as well as in the door’s jamb where it will compress against the door.

This option from Amazon is just felt.

4. V Strip (Tension Seal)

V strip (v-channel or tension seal), is a plastic or metal strip in the shape of a ‘V’. The “V” springs open to bridge gaps. It can also be made from polyurethane foam which is low in offgassing.

This goes along the sides of double-hung and sliding windows as well as on the top and sides of a door.

This one is polypropylene, a plastic that is very non-toxic.

5. Tubular Weatherproofing

Tubular weatherproofing comes in rubber, vinyl, or silicone. These tubes are good for air sealing. Some are made of a spongy rubber or vinyl tubing which is attached to a wood or metal strip.

It goes at the base of doors and windows and at the top or bottom of a window sash, the bottom of a door, and between a door and the jamb.

Here are two silicone options from Amazon, by MD and Pemko.

Rubber and neoprene are relatively high in odor.