When did spring bronze become the standard?

Spring bronze became a widely adopted architectural standard during the late Victorian era through the mid-20th century (roughly the 1890s through the 1950s).

While traditional pre-1890s wood windows and doors rarely had factory-installed weatherstripping, spring bronze gained massive popularity as urbanization and modern heating systems made energy efficiency a priority.

Victorian & Queen Anne Era (1890s–1910s): Early adoption began in high-end homes to reduce drafts around large double-hung windows and grand entryways.
Arts & Crafts, Craftsman, & Bungalow Era (1900s–1930s): Bronze became the dominant, standard material for quality residential weatherstripping.
Mid-Century Colonial Revival & Post-War Homes (1940s–1950s): Remained in heavy use until synthetic materials like foam, vinyl, and rubber entered the market in the late 1950s and 1960s.

Today, spring bronze is the premier material for retrofitting any historic home built prior to 1960, as it preserves the original character while outlasting modern alternatives.