How to Install Weather Stripping on a Window

by Lou Manfredini, Ace's Home Expert

Windows and doors are a main source of energy loss in your home. Creating a tight seal, that still lets you operate your windows easily, can save money on your energy bills. Here are some helpful tips for installing weatherstripping around windows.

How to Install Weather Stripping on a Window

Spring-type, tension or folded strips weather stripping 

  • Made from bronze, aluminum, stainless steel or vinyl
  • Sometimes nailed in place to the sides and top of the window frame and to the sash on the bottom
  • Angled or V-shaped strips work best for double-hung windows and are also suitable for doors
  • They’re durable and can’t be seen when the door or window is closed,  but can make opening and closing difficult and installation is somewhat tricky.

Rigid strip gaskets

  • Made from vinyl, felt or foam attached to wood or metal strips
  • Attached at the bottom or top of window sash or bottom of doors with fasteners. The strip is visible but can be painted to reduce visibility.
  • Easy to install and the durability varies with material used

Pliable gasket

  • Made of a springy material like vinyl, foam, felt or sponge with a peel-and-stick adhesive backing
  • Effective for wood casement, hinged or sliding windows
  • Installs easily in the channels and bottom or top of sash
  • Low cost but the durability is generally low. Self-adhesive strips may not work on metal and should be considered temporary.

Compressible felt strips

  • Not very durable. Best used only on warped windows that won’t accept rigid stripping, or for windows that aren’t often opened.

Instillation

Double-Hung Windows

  1. Clean the bottom of the sash with soap and water and let dry.
  2. Measure the sash and cut the foam weather stripping to length.
  3. Peel the back from the foam. Press the adhesive side of the foam against the bottom of the sash to form a tight bond.
  4. Clean the jamb with soap and water and let dry.
  5. Cut two pieces of V-channel 1″ longer than each sash height.
  6. Peel the back from the V-channel and work it between the sash stiles and the jamb. Press the channel firmly into the jamb.
  7. Drive finish nails through the weather stripping into the jamb to hold it securely. Test the sash to ensure it doesn’t catch on the nails.
  8. Clean the back of the bottom sash with soapy water and allow it to dry completely.
  9. Cut a piece of V-channel to match the width of the sash.
  10. 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 weather stripping compresses when the window is closed.

Casement Windows

  1. Open the window and clean the outside of the stops with soapy water. Allow the stops to dry completely.
  2. Cut self-adhesive foam to fit the top, bottom and sides of the stops.

For more helpful tips and advice, go to Tips.acehardware.com.

Published:  3/5/2020