Consider Weather Stripping Your Doors & Windows August 5, 2013 Most 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 Knife Tape measure Hammer Self adhesive foam insulation V-channel weather stripping Finishing nails Soap and Water Weather Stripping Windows Weather 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: Tools Utility Knife Tape measure Hammer Tin snips Screwdriver Screws Self-adhesive foam weather stripping Door sweep Weather Stripping Doors For 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.
