Weather Stripping A Window Or Door

Weather Stripping A Window Or Door

In Indiana and Kentucky, all home inspectors will tell you to use weather stripping in your home to seal air gaps around movable joints, such as windows or doors.
To determine how much weather stripping you will need, add the perimeters of all windows and doors to be weather stripped and then buy just a little extra to allow for waste.

Selection
Choose a type of weather stripping that will withstand the friction, weather, temperature changes, and wear and tear of opening or closing of the door or window. For example, when applied to a door bottom or threshold, weather stripping can drag on carpet. Weather stripping in a window sash must accommodate the sliding of panes—up and down, sideways, or out. You want the weather stripping you choose to seal well when the door or window is closed while allowing it to open freely but also allow it to open freely.
Choose a product for each specific location. Felt and open-cell foams tend to be inexpensive, susceptible to weather, visible, and inefficient at blocking airflow. However, the ease of applying these materials may make them valuable in low-traffic areas. Vinyl, which is slightly more expensive, holds up well and resists moisture. Metals are also available, last for years and are affordable
Applying Weather stripping
Weather stripping supplies and techniques range from simple to some difficulty. Consult the instructions on the weather stripping package. Here are a few basic guidelines:
• Weather stripping should be applied to clean and dry surfaces in 20° temperatures or above.
• Measure the weather stripping and the area twice before you cut anything.
• Apply weather stripping against both surfaces. The material should compress when the window or door is shut.
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When weather stripping doors:
• Choose the correct door sweeps and thresholds for the bottom of the doors.
• Weather strip the entire door jamb.
• Apply one strip along each side.
• Make sure the weather stripping meets tightly at the corners.
• Use a thickness that causes the weather stripping to tightly press between the door and the door jamb when the door closes, without making it difficult to shut.

For sealing a window, apply weather stripping between the sash and the frame. The weather stripping should not interfere with the window operation.

For more information on weather stripping, ask your Indiana & Louisville home inspector when you have your home inspection performed.