Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Weather Stripping

Homeowners are often looking for ways to reduce their energy bills, and installing weather stripping is an effective solution. This guide will show you how to install weather stripping on all parts of your house, and we’ll also examine the different types of weather stripping available.

Having a drafty house can be uncomfortable and expensive. If you can feel cold air coming in around doors and windows on a windy day, you know you need weather stripping. You can create your own windstorm at the precise spot where you suspect air might be leaking. Go outside with a hand-held hair dryer and have a helper inside move their hands around the door and/or window frame as you move the hair dryer.

There are several types of weather stripping available to homeowners, and most can be used for either doors or windows. Pressure-sensitive adhesive-backed foam is the easiest weather stripping to apply, and it is quite inexpensive. Available in both rubber and plastic, adhesive-backed foam comes in rolls of varying lengths and thicknesses. When compressed by a door or window, the foam seals out the air. Spring-metal strips (V-shape or single) are another option, available in bronze, copper, stainless-steel, and aluminum finishes. Self-sticking spring metal has a peel-and-stick backing and is far easier to install.

Interlocking metal weather stripping is another type that can provide a secure seal. However, installation can be tricky, and maintenance requires careful examination for bent pieces.

Whether you need to weather strip your entire house or just a few areas, it’s important to follow the proper steps. In this article, we’ll show you how to install weather stripping on all parts of your house, so you can enjoy a more comfortable and energy-efficient home.

Felt is a cost-effective and traditional material available in different widths, thicknesses, qualities, and colors such as brown, gray, and black. It can be nailed or come with a pressure-sensitive adhesive backing. Serrated metal weather stripping is a combination of metal and felt or vinyl backing that offers sturdiness and easy application. Tubular gasket weather stripping made of flexible vinyl is suitable for outside use and conforms to uneven surfaces. It is available in gray and white but cannot be painted as it would lose its flexibility. Foam-filled tubular gasket weather stripping has extra insulation and strength due to the foam core. Interlocking metal weather stripping requires professional installation and comprises two separate pieces for each edge. Casement window gaskets are vinyl channels that slip over the casement frame lip and are easy to install without any tools. Jalousie gaskets are clear vinyl tracks that snap in place over the edges of jalousie louvers. Installing weather stripping is an effective way to reduce drafts and save on heating and cooling bills. Pressure-sensitive foam and felt weather stripping are easy to apply and inexpensive. Pressure-sensitive types should only be applied to friction-free wooden window parts such as the lower sash or top of the upper sash.

To apply pressure-sensitive types of weather stripping, you will need dish detergent, clean rags, petroleum jelly, and scissors. Spring-metal strips are available in different finishes such as bronze, copper, stainless steel, and aluminum. The strips fit into the tracks around the windows and each strip should be about 2 inches longer than the sash. The installation requires patience and you should position the strips properly and trim away metal where needed. Self-sticking spring metal has a peel-and-stick backing and is easier to install. Felt weather stripping is an economical option that comes in a variety of widths, thicknesses, qualities, and colors.

When it comes to sealing gaps on wooden-frame windows, felt strips may not be the most attractive option. However, they can be useful in certain areas. By attaching felt strips to the bottom of the lower sash, the top of the upper sash, and the interior side of the upper sash, they can serve as horizontal gaskets. To install felt weather stripping, follow these steps:

Step 1: Measure and cut the felt to fit the window, making sure to push it snugly against the gap and around corners.

Step 2: Nail the ends of each strip first, leaving room to pry them out later. Then, starting at one end, drive a tack every 2 to 3 inches while pulling the felt tight. If you encounter slack at the other end, remove the nail, tighten the felt, and trim any excess.

Keep in mind that applying the adhesive on a warm day (at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit) will help it form a better bond.

Pressure-Sensitive Felt

To attach pressure-sensitive foam weather stripping, simply follow the same steps as for felt weather stripping.

For self-sticking spring metal weather stripping, you’ll need a tape measure, pencil, scissors, dish detergent, and clean rags.

Tubular and Foam-Filled Gasket Weather Stripping

When it comes to metal windows, pressure-sensitive weather stripping is usually the only option since screws would impede their movement. Apply weather stripping to the top of the upper sash (if it moves) and the bottom of the lower sash, which are typically the only spots where air can flow. If you find other gaps, use a special adhesive to attach a vinyl tubular gasket to the area.

Tubular gasket weather stripping is made of flexible vinyl and is best used on the outside where it conforms easily to uneven surfaces. Foam-filled tubular gasket weather stripping has a foam core for added insulation and strength. Neither type should be painted.

To install tubular and foam-filled gasket weather stripping:

Step 1: Clean the metal window frame with dish detergent and a clean rag.

Step 2: Position each strip carefully and nail one end. Space nails every 2 to 3 inches while pulling the weather stripping tight.

Most metal windows have grooves that interlock the metal flanges and eliminate the need for weather stripping. However, gaps may still exist in some cases.

To apply tubular and foam-filled gasket weather stripping, you’ll need a tape measure, pencil, scissors, dish detergent, and clean rags.

The next page will cover techniques for installing weather stripping on sliding windows and doors.

The essential tools needed for weather stripping sliding windows and doors include a tape measure, pencil, scissors, hammer, and nails. The process of weather stripping sliding windows can be complicated due to the movement of the sash, whether in wood or metal frames. For wooden frames, the weather stripping process is similar to that of a double-hung window turned sideways. If only one sash moves, weather-strip it, and caulk the stationary sash. For metal frames, follow the standard instructions for weather-stripping. Special gaskets are designed for sealing gaps in jalousie and casement windows, and they can be cut to size using scissors and snapped into place. Weather-stripping double-hung wood windows is essential, and using more than one type of weather stripping may be advantageous. Weather-stripping doors can seal gaps and reduce heating and cooling bills. Before starting the weather stripping process, ensure the door fits properly in the frame opening and tighten all hinge screws. Loose screws can cause sagging, and if the screw holes are too big, use larger screws or pack the holes with toothpicks dipped in glue.

To prevent a door from binding, it may be necessary to plane the top or sides. When planing the top, it is important to move the plane towards the center of the door to prevent splintering. If planing the sides, the door should be removed from its hinges and the hinge side should be planed towards the edges. Spring metal is a popular choice for door weather stripping as it is effective and not visible when the door is closed. When installing spring-metal weather stripping, patience is required. The strips come in different finishes and are packaged in rolls with the necessary brads for installation. To install, the strips are measured, cut, positioned, and nailed in place. Self-sticking spring metal is also available and is easier to install. The surface where the strips are to be placed should be cleaned, and the strips are cut to size and pressed in place after the backing paper is removed. Tools required for installation include a tape measure, pencil, tin snips, hammer, nails, awl or ice pick, nail set, and screwdriver.

The article discusses the installation of pressure-sensitive foam weather stripping and creating a weathertight threshold. Pressure-sensitive adhesive-backed foam is an affordable and easy-to-apply weather stripping that comes in varying lengths and thicknesses. It has a cushioning effect that also silences slamming and can last from one to three years. To install the foam, select a warm day with a temperature of at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit, clean the surface with detergent and water, and cut the strip to fit. Slowly peel off the backing paper and push the sticky foam strips into place, attaching them to the doorjamb and doorstop. A door sweep can be used to create a tight seal when a gap exists between the bottom of the door and the threshold. Door sweeps can be made of wood and felt, wood and foam, or metal and vinyl, and all are effective in sealing out drafts.

Many metal thresholds have a flexible vinyl insert that creates a tight seal when the door closes against it. Others consist of two interlocking pieces, one on the floor and the other on the bottom of the door, to form a weathertight barrier. The vinyl insert threshold is usually the easiest to install, while the interlock system requires a perfect fit to be effective.

Wooden thresholds often need to be replaced due to wear and tear. The replacement process is simple, and there are many types of aluminum thresholds to choose from. If the door is not a standard width, the aluminum threshold can be trimmed with a hacksaw. The old threshold can be removed by prying it up or sawing through it if the jamb rests on it. Metal thresholds are often screwed down with screws concealed under vinyl inserts. The replacement threshold is installed by driving screws through the metal unit and into the floor.

Door sweeps can be installed to seal the gap between the door and the threshold. Most sweeps are attached to the inside of the door with nails or screws. Different types of sweeps are available, such as those that slip under the door and wrap around the bottom or those that flip up and down to provide a seal against the threshold.

Weather-stripping and weatherproofing are important for keeping your home comfortable during inclement weather. The tools needed for a weathertight threshold installation include a small flat pry bar or putty knife, backsaw, chisel, hammer, screwdriver, replacement threshold, door sweep, tape measure, pencil, nails, and drill.

Frequently Asked Questions about Weather Stripping

Does weather stripping work effectively?

Weather stripping is effective in preventing drafts and maintaining warmth in your home during winter and coolness during summer, which results in lower energy bills.

What is the function of weather stripping?

Weather stripping serves to reduce the amount of air drafts entering your home through windows and doors. In winter, it prevents heated air from escaping and cold air from entering your home, while in summer, it works the opposite way by keeping the cool, air-conditioned air inside and preventing hot air from entering.

Is weather stripping the best method for sealing a door?

Yes, it is the most convenient and cost-effective solution. Foam products can also be used to fill in gaps through which cold air can penetrate.

Is weather stripping installed on the door or the frame?

Weather stripping is installed on the door jamb to create pressure against the door, rather than directly on the door itself.

FAQ

1. What is weather stripping?

Weather stripping is a material used to seal the openings and gaps around doors, windows, and other outdoor fixtures to prevent air, water, and insects from getting inside. It helps maintain the temperature inside the house and reduce energy costs.

2. What are the different types of weather stripping?

There are several types of weather stripping available, including adhesive-backed foam tape, V-strip, door sweeps, and silicone rubber. Each type is designed for specific applications and has its own unique advantages and disadvantages.

3. What tools do I need for weather stripping installation?

You will need a measuring tape, scissors, a utility knife, a pry bar, a screwdriver, and a caulking gun. Depending on the type of weather stripping you choose, you may also need a staple gun, a hammer, and nails.

4. How do I prepare the surface for weather stripping installation?

Before installing weather stripping, make sure the surface is clean and dry. Remove any old weather stripping and adhesive residue using a pry bar and utility knife. Fill any gaps or cracks with caulking or foam sealant and let it dry completely.

5. How do I measure for weather stripping?

Measure the length of the opening you want to seal and add a few inches to allow for overlap. If you’re installing weather stripping around a window or door, measure the width of the frame and cut the weather stripping to fit. Make sure to measure twice to avoid any mistakes.

6. How do I install adhesive-backed foam tape?

Clean and dry the surface before installation. Cut the foam tape to the right length and peel off the backing. Align the tape with the opening and apply pressure to ensure it sticks. Trim any excess tape with scissors or a utility knife.

7. How do I install V-strip?

Measure the length of the opening and cut the V-strip to fit. Peel off the backing and align the strip with the opening. Press the strip firmly into place and trim any excess with scissors or a utility knife.

8. How do I install door sweeps?

Remove the door from its hinges and lay it flat on a work surface. Measure the width of the door and cut the sweep to fit. Screw the sweep in place using a screwdriver or drill and reattach the door to its hinges.

9. How do I install silicone rubber weather stripping?

Apply a bead of silicone rubber sealant along the edge of the opening. Use your finger or a caulking tool to smooth out the sealant and ensure good adhesion. Allow the sealant to dry completely before testing the seal.

10. How long does weather stripping last?

The lifespan of weather stripping depends on the material, the installation quality, and the amount of wear and tear it receives. On average, weather stripping can last anywhere from 3 to 15 years.

11. How do I know when to replace weather stripping?

Look for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, gaps, or peeling. If you notice drafts or hear outside noise coming in, it may be time to replace the weather stripping. Also, if you notice an increase in your energy bills, it could be a sign that your weather stripping is no longer functioning properly.

12. Can I install weather stripping myself?

Yes, weather stripping installation is a relatively easy and straightforward DIY project. With the right tools and materials, you can install weather stripping around your doors and windows in just a few hours. If you’re not comfortable with DIY projects, you can hire a professional to do the job for you.