Consider Weather Stripping Your Doors & WindowsAugust 5, 2013Most people don’t even notice the small gaps around their windows and doors and even if they do, they pay much attention to them. But just a small 1/8th inch space between your average exterior door and its threshold is the same as having a 2 square inch hole right in your wall. You can save up to 15% of your heating and air conditioning costs by simply closing these types of gaps. And weather stripping is easy, you might be able to do your entire home in a single day.What you need:Utility KnifeTape measureHammerSelf adhesive foam insulationV-channel weather strippingFinishing nailsSoap and WaterWeather Stripping WindowsWeather stripping windows is very simple but the process differs depending on the type of windows you have. Double-hung windows require two types of weather stripping. Casement windows only need one.For Double-Hung Windows:– Clean the inside edges of the window frame and bottom of the sash with soap and water and let dry.– Measure each side of the window and cut the foam weather stripping to length with one inch extra on each side.– Open the window as wide as it goes and peel the back from the foam except for the extra 2 inches on either end. Press the adhesive side of the foam groove for the sash to form a tight bond. Fold the extra 2 inches under the sash.– Drive finish nails through the weather stripping into the jamb to hold it securely. Test the sash to ensure it doesn’t catch on the nails.– Close the window and peel the backing off the extra 2 inches and secure it.– Repeat the process for the outer sash.– Clean the back of the bottom sash with soapy water and allow it to dry completely.– Cut a piece of V-channel to match the width of the sash.– With the sash raised 3 – 4 inches, peel the back from the channel and press it firmly into the back of the sash even with the top. The V should open facing up so the weather stripping compresses when the window is closed.For Casement Windows:– Clean the outside of the stops with soapy water – you must open the window completely to do this. Let everything air dry.– Cut the self-adhesive foam to fit the top, bottom, and sides of the stops.– Remove the back from each piece of foam and press it into the outside of the stops.For Your Doors You Will Need:ToolsUtility KnifeTape measureHammerTin snipsScrewdriverScrewsSelf-adhesive foam weather strippingDoor sweepWeather Stripping DoorsFor doors you will need two different kinds of weather stripping. Sweeps are necessary for the bottom and self-adhesive foam for the top and sides.Installing Self-Adhesive Foam– Clean the stop moulding with soap and water and let it air dry.– Cut pieces of foam to fit each side and the top of the door.– Peel the back off and press firmly it into the inside of the stop moulding.Installing a Door Sweep– Cut the sweep to properly fit the door.– Screw the sweep to the door so the bottom stays in contact with the floor.– Be sure to do the installation with the door closed.
