Skill Level: Beginner
You may not think that those small cracks and crevices around your doors and windows aren't a very big deal. But, did you know that a 1/8" space between a standard exterior door and its threshold is equivalent to a two square inch hole in the wall? Closing those gaps can save you up to 15 percent in heating and cooling costs and also can reduce the demand on your heating and cooling system. Best of all, you can probably weatherstrip your entire home in a single day. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you.
Tools & Materials-Weatherstripping Windows
Tools
- Utility Knife
- Tape measure
- Hammer
Materials
- Self-adhesive foam insulation
- V-channel weatherstripping
- Finish nails
Weatherstripping Windows
Weatherstripping windows is easy. However, there are different ways of weatherstripping double-hung and casement windows. Double-hung windows require two types of weatherstripping. Casement windows only require one.
For Double-Hung Windows:
- Clean the bottom of the sash with soap and water and let dry.
- Cut the foam weatherstripping to length.
- Peel the back from the foam. Press the adhesive side of the foam against the bottom of the sash to form a tight bond.
- Clean the jamb with soap and water. Allow it to dry completely.
- Cut two pieces of V-channel 1" longer than each sash height.
- Peel the back from the V-channel and work it between the sash stiles and the jamb. Press the channel firmly into the jamb.
- Drive finish nails through the weatherstripping into the jamb to hold it securely. Test the sash to ensure it doesn't catch on the nails.
- 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" to 4", 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 weatherstripping compresses when the window is closed.
For Casement Windows:
- Open the window and clean the outside of the stops with soapy water. Allow the stops to dry completely.
- Cut 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.
Tools & Materials-Weatherstripping Doors
Tools
- Utility Knife
- Tape measure
- Hammer
- Tin snips/Side cutters
- Screwdriver
- Screws
Materials
- Self-adhesive foam weatherstripping
- Door sweep
Weatherstripping Doors
Doors require two different kinds of weatherstripping: Sweeps for the bottom and self-adhesive foam for the top and sides.
Installing Self-Adhesive Foam
- Clean the stop moulding with soapy water and allow it to dry completely.
- Cut self-adhesive foam to fit each side and the top of the door.
- Peel the back from the foam and press it into the inside of the stop moulding.
Installing a Door Sweep
- Cut the sweep to fit the door.
- With the door closed, screw the sweep to the door so that its bottom is in contact with the floor.
Weatherstripping Windows and Doors
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