weatherstrip leaky windows and doors

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initial requirements:

  • Air flows readily around windows and doors into the house
  • Weatherstripping is missing or ineffective
  • Doors need energy-conserving thresholds

materials needed:

  • Sash locks where missing or damaged––these locks pull together the upper and lower sashes on double-hung windows and reduce air infiltration.
  • Weatherstripping for windows and doors that have none –– weatherstripping comes in either long rolls or in sections appropriate for single doors or windows. If you are buying a longer roll, allow an average of 17 feet per door or window. For example, a 50-foot roll would seal about three openings (3 x 17 = 51 ft). See page 43 of the Home Energy Project Manual for Infiltration Control Products.
  • Energy-conserving thresholds or door sweeps for leaky door bottoms. See page 43 of the Home Energy Project Manual for Infiltration Control Products.
  • Fasteners to nail, screw or otherwise attach weatherstripping if not included in the package.
  • 20-year caulk for sealing under energy-conserving thresholds.

tools needed:

Weatherstripping

  • Tape rule
  • Screwdriver
  • Hammer
  • Utility knife

Threshold

  • Above tools plus hack saw
  • Drill

required skills:

Weatherstripping

  • Simple handiwork

Threshold

  • Basic carpentry

annual energy savings: vary widely

average time required:
Weatherstripping – ½ to 2 hours/opening
Threshold – ½ to 1 ½ hours/door

project steps:

DOUBLE-HUNG WINDOWS–USING SPRING METAL WEATHERSTRIPPING

For some window units, the metal weatherstripping can be inserted between the sashes and window jamb without disassembling the window.

  1. Open the lower sash fully and slide the metal weatherstripping between the jamb and sash on one side. Mark where the weatherstripping meets the window seat. Repeat for the other side.
  2. Cut weatherstripping to length and tack into place between the jamb and lower sash. Close the lower sash.
  3. Open the upper sash fully and follow the same procedure to weatherstrip it as for the lower sash.
  4. Install a piece of weatherstripping along the bottom edge of the lower sash and top edge of the upper sash to seal the units when closed. Also weatherstrip the meeting rail (where the two sashes meet when closed).

If the weatherstripping cannot be inserted between the sash and jamb, then the window may have to be disassembled for proper installation, as described in the following steps:

  1. Remove the window stops carefully––it may be difficult to find replacement stops that match, particularly in an older home.
  2. Pull the sashes out of the jamb and install spring metal weatherstripping against the jamb. Also, install weatherstripping on the outer surface of the lower sash’s top rail so that the two sashes will seal together tightly.
  3. Replace the sashes and install the window stop so that the window fits snugly, but can easily be opened and closed.
  4. If the window does not lock tightly, replace or adjust the sash lock.
  5. Install weatherstripping along the bottom edge of the lower sash and top edge of the upper sash to seal the units when closed.

DOUBLE HUNG WINDOW-USING VINYL WEATHERSTRIPPING

  1. If you do not have to remove the stops and sashes, seal the sides of the window with rolled vinyl gaskets. Note that these weatherstripping materials may be visible.
  2. Also, seal the meeting rail with rolled vinyl gaskets. Seal the bottom rail with vinyl V-strip or rolled vinyl gasket weatherstripping.