How to Weather Strip Windows & Doors
Focus on Comfort:
Is your house feeling a bit chilly? Drafty windows and doors can steal your warmth (and your money!). Weather stripping is a quick and easy fix that will keep your home cozy and comfortable all year round.
Highlight Cost Savings:
Tired of seeing high energy bills? Drafty windows and doors are letting your money fly out the window (literally!). Weather stripping is a budget-friendly solution that can significantly reduce your energy use and save you money.
Environmental Angle:
Want to be more eco-friendly? Drafty homes waste energy. Weather stripping your windows and doors is a simple step you can take to reduce your carbon footprint and make your home more energy-efficient.
Simple Solution, Big Impact:
Small gaps around windows and doors can have a big impact on your comfort and energy bills. Weather stripping is a powerful little tool that can make a big difference in your home's efficiency and livability.
There are many different types of weather stripping available, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. Some common types include:
Door sweep: This type of weather stripping is installed at the bottom of the door to seal the gap between the door and the threshold.
Door jamb seal: This type of weather stripping is installed on the sides and top of the door frame to seal the gap between the door and the frame.
Brush pile: This type of weather stripping is made of a strip of bristles that brush against the door as it closes. It is effective at sealing gaps around uneven surfaces.
V-seal: This type of weather stripping has a V-shaped profile that compresses against the door as it closes. It is a good choice for sealing gaps around doors that are not perfectly square.
Here are the steps to weather stripping your doors:
Preparation:
Gather your tools: You'll need a utility knife, tape measure, rubbing alcohol (or cleaning solution), and of course, the weather stripping itself. Depending on the type you choose, you might also need a hammer, screwdriver, or staple gun.
Clean the door frame: Use rubbing alcohol or a cleaning solution to remove any dirt, dust, or old weather stripping adhesive from the door frame where the new weather stripping will be applied. This ensures a strong bond.
Measurement and Cutting:
Measure the door frame: For most weather stripping, you'll need to measure the top and sides of the door frame to determine how much weather stripping to cut. Door sweeps are typically measured for length at the bottom of the door.
Cut the weather stripping: Following the measurements, use your utility knife to carefully cut the weather stripping to size. It's better to cut a little long and trim later than to cut too short.