How to Weather Strip a Window
Air infiltration through poor fitting windows, doors or other home fixtures costs homeowners as much as 20 percent of their home heating and cooling budget, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Drafts around windows are often the most noticeable of these infiltrations. Applying weather stripping to windows reduces the air infiltration, makes the home more comfortable and reduces heating costs. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Choose the weather stripping material that fits your needs. The simplest weather stripping materials are foam or felt, with an adhesive backing. These materials are commonly effective for a single winter as the adhesives fail over time. Rubber, vinyl or plastic are stapled in place and should last for multiple winters. The simpler installation and lower costs of the adhesive-backed weather strips may make replacement each year worthwhile.
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Measure the dimensions of the windows. The intent of the weather stripping is to cover the seam where the moveable parts of the window contacts the fixed window frame. Cut the weather stripping to these dimensions.
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Apply the weather stripping to the window casement, the frame surrounding the moveable windowpanes, using the adhesive or staples, depending on the type of weather stripping. Place the weather strip in contact with both the casement and the frame of the windowpane. Properly applied weather stripping blocks the view of the seam or joint where the windowpane and the window casement adjoin.
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Tips & Warnings
Using caulking on the exterior of the window in conjunction with weather stripping increases the efficiency of the window and further reduces air infiltration.
There are a variety of weather stripping products commercially available. Read and follow manufacturers' instructions for proper installation.
