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How to Install Weather Stripping on Windows and Doors

The best time of the year to weather strip your windows and doors is when the sun is shining and the weather is nice enough to have your home opened up.

Weather stripping is a spring chore because it allows us to winterize our homes for optimal energy efficiency, something you’ll certainly want during the summer and the winter.

How to Weather Strip Your Doors

Weather stripping kits for doors are available at your local hardware store and will contain almost everything you need to get the job done.  Weather stripping is a home improvement essential, so there’s a good chance you can find multiple styles in stock, like wood, metal or vinyl.

weather stripping windows

Properly Measure the Weather Stripping

Your kit will include two longer pieces for the side jambs and a third, shorter piece for the top jam.  Your first step is to start by measuring the jamb.

Keep your measurements as precise as possible for optimal weatherproofing.  Next, you’ll be using a hacksaw or a fine-tooth saw to cut your weather stripping pieces to the correct measurements you previously took down.

It’s Time to Apply the Weather Strip

Grab a few nails to secure the weather stripping pieces into place, which ensures that the foam that runs alongside the flange of your weather stripping creates a nice seal against the door.  Hammer the nails into the weather stripping but hold off on driving them home just yet.

If you haven’t done so already, cut the side pieces of your weather stripping kit just as you did with the top jamb piece.  When you put these two pieces against the top jamb section, you’ll want to make sure that they meet smoothly, and this may require you to get out a file or sanding block to remove any rough edges left over from your initial cuts.

Make Sure Everything Fits

You’re nearly there.  Test the weather stripping you just installed by opening and closing the door, latching and locking it to make sure it can function securely.  If needed, adjust the weather stripping so that the door can operate. When you are satisfied, hammer in the nails the rest of the way to secure the weather stripping into place.

A door sweep makes for excellent energy conservation, too, when weather stripping is concerned.  Door sweeps, just like weather stripping flanges, are easy to install.  Measure your door’s width and cut the sweep to the appropriate measurements.

Next, drill pilot holes so the door sweep can lightly graze against the floor.  Drill the sweep to secure it after you tested to make sure the door can still open and close normally.  Finally, apply felt pads at the bottom of either side of the frame to seal the bottom corners.

How to Weather Strip Your Windows

To weather strip your windows, first analyze what style of window your home has that you wish to apply weather stripping.  V-channel weather stripping is advantageous for double-hung and sliding windows, felt is best for window sashes, and foam tape works well for the tops and bottoms of window sashes or inoperable windows.

weather stripping on windows and doors

Wash Your Windows

Before you weather strip your windows, you’ll want to wash them first with soap, water, then allow them to dry.  Measure the windows and then cut the weather stripping to the appropriate length.

Applying Weather Stripping to Your Windows

Weather stripping kits for windows have pieces that are backed by a convenient adhesive, so all you will be required to do is to peel the backing off and apply the foam weather stripping against the bottom of the sash.

Next, cut two pieces of the v-channel, making them 1 inch longer than the sash height.  Apply the V-channel between the sash stiles and the jamb, pressing firmly to ensure that it is secure.  Drive nails through your newly applied weather stripping into the jamb, then test the movement of the sash to make sure it isn’t catching on the nails.

Finally, raise the sash a few inches, about 3-4, then with a piece of V-channel that matches the width of the sash, work it into the back of the sash so it is even with the top.  It should be open facing up when you are finished so that the weather stripping makes a tight seal when the window is shut.

For casement windows, you’ll only need foam tape to weather strip effectively. As you would with double-hung windows, you’ll want to start off by cleaning the window thoroughly, allowing it to dry.  Cut the foam tape to fit the bottom, top, and the sides of the window stops, then apply it by pressing the adhesive against the outside of the stops.

Window and Doors Replacement

The number one cause for higher energy costs is because your home is not energy efficient. With old windows and doors, you will likely get drafts entering your home during the winter, spring, fall, and summer. The best way to get rid of drafty windows and doors is to replace them with customized products that are measured to fit into the opening.

That’s why Feldco is the number one solution for poor energy efficiency. We replace your windows and doors with brand new vinyl materials that will keep the weather out of your home. Speak to a product specialist and get a free quote online today.

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