How to install weather stripping

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.

Measure the windows and then cut the weather stripping to the appropriate length. 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. Finally, raise the sash a few inches, about , 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.

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. 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.

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. Over , homeowners have trusted Feldco with their windows, siding and doors. Self-sticking spring metal can be used in the same places as regular spring metal.

To install the self-sticking spring metal around a door, follow these steps:. Step 1: Clean surface where strips are to be placed. Measure and cut strips to size with tin snips.

Step 2: Put strips in place without removing backing paper. Mark spots for trimming for example, hardware points and where vertical and horizontal strips meet. Step 3: Peel off backing at one end and press strip in place, peeling and pressing as you work toward other end.

Here are the tools you'll want to have on hand to install self-sticking spring metal around doors:. Though not permanent, this type of weatherstripping can last from one to three years. Step 1: Select warm day to work, if possible. Adhesive forms a better bond if applied when temperature is at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2: Clean surface where weather stripping is to be attached with detergent and water. Make sure no dirt or grease remains. If pressure-sensitive weather stripping had been previously installed, use petroleum jelly to remove any old adhesive.

Dry surface with rags. Step 4: Starting at one end, slowly peel paper backing as you push sticky foam strips into place. If backing proves stubborn at beginning, stretch foam until seal between backing and foam breaks.

Step 6: Attach other two strips to doorstop. If corner of door catches weather stripping as you close it, trim top piece of foam on hinge side.

Serrated-metal weather stripping, usually with a felt-strip insert running the length of the serrated groove, also can be used to seal air gaps around doors. To install this type of weather stripping, measure the length of strips required, and then use tin snips or heavy-duty scissors to cut the serrated-metal material to the proper lengths.

Nail each strip at both ends, add a nail to the center of each strip, and drive additional nails every 2 to 3 inches along the rest of the strip.

Here are the tools you'll need to install pressure-sensitive foam weather stripping around doors:. The gap at the bottom of the door is treated differently from the gaps on the sides and along the top. The wood or metal hump on the floor along the bottom of the door is called the threshold. Many of the metal types feature a flexible vinyl insert that creates a tight seal when the door closes against it.

Other thresholds consist of one unit on the floor and a mating piece on the bottom of the door. These two pieces interlock to form a weathertight barrier.

In most cases, the threshold with a flexible vinyl insert is the easiest to install. Interlock systems are quite effective when properly installed, but they require a perfect fit or they will not work satisfactorily. Wooden thresholds often wear down to the point where they must be replaced. This is an easy installation, and there are many types of replacement thresholds from which to choose.

Most are aluminum and come in standard door widths; however, if your door is not standard width, you can trim the aluminum threshold with a hacksaw. Here's how to install a replacement threshold:. Step 1: Remove old threshold. If it is wood, there are two ways to remove it. In most cases, you can pry it up after removing doorstops with small flat pry bar or putty knife, but you must work carefully and slowly. If jamb itself rests on threshold, saw through old threshold at each end.

Use backsaw placed right against jamb, and saw down through threshold, being careful not to scar floor. Once you make cuts, threshold should be easy to pry up. If prying doesn't work, use chisel and hammer to split piece. Metal thresholds are frequently held down by screws concealed under vinyl inserts. Once you remove screws, threshold will come up easily. Step 2: Install replacement threshold by driving screws through metal unit and into floor.

If you don't want aluminum threshold, cut replacement from wood, using original one as pattern. Step 3: Install door sweep to seal gap. Most sweeps are attached to inside of door with nails or screws. Cut sweep to size, and close door. Tack both ends of sweep to door, then install remaining nails or screws. If you are using screws, drill pilot holes first. Some types of sweeps slip under the door and wrap around the bottom. Still another type fits on the outside, with a section of it flipping upward to miss the threshold when the door is opened.

When the door is closed, this section flips back down to provide a seal against the threshold. You can adjust this type of door sweep so it renders a snug fit. Weather-stripping and weatherproofing your doors -- and the rest of your home -- can help keep you comfortable when the weather is inclement.

And the good news is that you can make these improvements to your home without having to call a professional. Here are the tools you'll want to have to make a weathertight threshold around doors:. Sign up for our Newsletter! Mobile Newsletter banner close. Mobile Newsletter chat close. Mobile Newsletter chat dots.

Mobile Newsletter chat avatar. Mobile Newsletter chat subscribe. Home Improvement. Home DIY. Home Repairs. How to Install Weather Stripping. Types of Weather Stripping " ". Interlocking metal weather stripping can provide a secure seal as long as the separate pieces fit together as they should. Installation is tricky, and maintenance requires careful examination for bent pieces. How to Install Weather Stripping " ". Apply pressure-sensitive types of weather stripping only on the friction-free parts of a wooden window.

What You'll Need. Dish detergent Clean rags Petroleum jelly Scissors. Read More. Flare the edge of a spring-metal strip with a screwdriver to render a snug fit.

Self-Sticking Spring Metal Self-sticking spring metal has a peel-and-stick backing. Here's how to install this self-sticking spring metal weather stripping: Step 1: Measure and cut strips to fit window, then clean surface where strips are to be placed. Tape measure Pencil Scissors Dish detergent Clean rags. Tubular and Foam-Filled Gasket Weather Stripping Generally, the only kind of weather stripping that can be applied to metal windows is the pressure-sensitive type.

Tape measure Pencil Scissors Hammer Nails. How to Install Weather Stripping Onto Sliding Windows and Doors Installing weather stripping onto sliding windows and doors presents some unique challenges. Installing Weather Stripping Onto Sliding Windows Sliding windows, those in which the sash moves laterally, come in both wood and metal frames. Applying Spring-metal Strips Spring-metal strips V-shape or single are available in bronze, copper, stainless-steel, and aluminum finishes. Here's how to install spring-metal weather stripping around a door: Step 1: Measure and cut spring-metal strips to size.

To install the self-sticking spring metal around a door, follow these steps: Step 1: Clean surface where strips are to be placed. Dish detergent Clean rags Tape measure Pencil Tin snip. Applying Pressure-sensitive Foam " ". Seal the top and sides of a door with adhesive-backed foam weather stripping.

To install the foam, peel off the backing and stick the strip down. Attach strips of pressure-sensitive foam on the hinge side of the doorjamb and on the doorstop. Clean the door or window jamb with soap and water, then dry it. This removes any remaining residue or debris, which could affect how well your new stripping sticks in place.

With a cloth, wipe down the entire frame of the door or window with soap and warm water. Use another cloth to dry off the frame. Let it dry for about 24 hours before applying your stripping.

Measure the top and side of your door or window frame. To measure the sides, place the end of the tape measure on the inside edge of the top of the frame and pull the tape down to the floor. It may help to have someone else read the measurement while you hold the tape in place.

Select the type of adhesive weather stripping to use based on your door. The 3 most common types of adhesive weather stripping are foam, V strip, and rubber or vinyl.

Consider the specifics of your door or window when choosing your weather stripping. Weather stripping comes in different thicknesses, so it's a good idea to buy a few different sizes, then try them out with your door. If the weather stripping you use is too thick, your door might not close properly. For example, if you need 96 inches cm for your window, buy inches cm of stripping.

Cut your pieces of weather stripping to the correct length. Mark the length that you measured on the weather stripping using a pencil.

Then trim the piece at the marked spot with a utility knife or pair of sturdy scissors. To weather strip a door, you need 1 piece for the top and 1 piece for each side, for a total of 3 strips. The bottom of the door will require a door sweep. Line 1 piece of stripping along the side of the door or window frame.

Start by placing the end of the weather stripping in the top corner of the jamb. Then, arrange the rest of the piece so it lies flush against the door frame.

Do not put the weather stripping on the door itself. Peel off the backing and press the stripping firmly into place. Once you have the stripping aligned where you want it to go, remove the paper backing from the piece. Run your hands along the piece and apply pressure to secure the sticky side of the stripping to the door or window jamb. For extra protection, you can secure the stripping into place by hammering nails through it into the frame, or use a staple gun to insert heavy-duty staples into it.

Repeat on the other side and top of the frame. Install the remaining pieces around the door or window by removing the backing and pushing the adhesive against the jamb. Line up each piece in the corners so that there are no gaps between the pieces of stripping. Test the door or window to make sure it opens and closes properly.

After you've installed all of your stripping, try opening and closing your door or window carefully. Check that it opens without sticking and that you can close it tightly. If you're having significant trouble opening or closing the window or door, adjust your weather stripping as necessary. Method 2. Measure the bottom of the door frame. Place one end of a tape measure on the inner edge of 1 side of the door frame.

Pull the measure taut along the ground to the inner edge of the other side. Note what the measurement is. Cut the metal door sweep to the right length with a hacksaw.

Mark the length you measured on the door sweep with a pencil or marker. Apply pressure as you push the saw against the sweep and away from you. Repeat these pushing strokes until the saw cuts through the sweep.

Tips for Cutting with a Hacksaw Choose the right blade. Place the sweep at the bottom of the inside of the door. Position it so that the flexible bottom piece of the sweep just grazes the floor.