How to Add Weatherstripping to Windows

Preparing for the cold Kansas City winter ahead? Adding weatherstripping to your windows is one of the easiest ways to cut costs on an energy bill. Sealing air leaks in your home around movable components, such as windows and doors, is a good way to prevent drafts and keep your home cozy all season.

Weatherstripping is a sealing that is placed around openings in the home, such as windows, doors, and garage doors. The main goal of weatherstripping is to keep cold, wind and moisture outside and warm air inside. This helps keep heating bills down by improving efficiency.

Weatherstripping comes in several different materials: felt, vinyl, foam or metal. Each serves a different purpose, so it’s important to select the right kind of weatherstripping for your needs.

First, clean the inside and outside of the windows, removing as much dirt and debris as possible. Let the areas thoroughly dry before installing any weatherstripping. Once the windows are clean, measure the areas where the weatherstripping will go. You will need a piece of weatherstripping for each side of the inner and outer sash, the bottom of the inner sash, and the top of the outer sash. Cut each piece a little longer than necessary to allow for error.

To install the weatherstripping on the inside sash, open the window as far as you can. Then, remove the backing from the weatherstripping except for the last three inches of the strip so it doesn’t stick to anything. If the weatherstripping you chose doesn’t have adhesive, staple or nail it into place. Start at one end and press the adhesive side of the strip to the inside of the window frame, in the groove the sash fits into. When you get to the end, fold the material over and stick the extra inch (the part you left the backing on) up under the sash.

Repeat this process to add weatherstripping to the bottom of the inner sash. Complete the same steps for the other side of the window.

When you’re done, close the window. You should be able to easily remove the backing you left on the end of each strip now.

Adding weatherstripping to the outer window sash is very similar to the inside sash. Simply lower the outer sash as far as it will go and install the weatherstripping the same way – again on both sides of the window. This time, apply the weatherstripping to the top of the outer sash, as well.

If you have questions about the best type of weatherstripping for your windows, give Precision Windows & Doors a call today at 816-524-8999 or 913-649-1199.