Ding Ding Ding…..Weatherstripping! How do you replace it you ask? Follow along to learn how to replace it and start stop those added air leaks.
It’s time to look around and see if your weatherstripping on doors and windows (if you have any) is worn out because if it is you can be sure cold air is sneaking in. It’s time to stop those air leaks and install some new weatherstripping. Once it gets old you will need to replace it so check what was done last year and replace it if necessary.
How Do I Know If I Should Replace My Weatherstripping
If you see any air leaks it’s time to replace it. Weatherstripping deteriorates for many reasons such as age, friction, and exposure to the outside elements.
Types Of Weatherstripping
- Self-Adhesive Foam is not that great as it loses its grip over time, causing it to pull away or fall off from the door or window frame.
- Rubber and Vinyl weatherstripping can become dry and cracked losing its shape and effectiveness.
- Spring-Metal V-Shaped weatherstripping tends to crack, bend out of shape and come loose.
- Nail-In copper weather stripping with pre-punched holes is one of the better and more secure ways as it uses nails to keep it in place. For doors, tubular rubber tubes are large enough to fill holes and close gaps.
Just remember the cheapest is not always the best and this is the case in weatherstripping. It may be the easiest to install but mostly likely it is the least effective and durable over time. Don’t expect these adhesive types to last more than a few years as they will mostly likely be leaking air.
How To Prepare
Make sure you prepare the surface by starting with a smooth dry surface removing any old adhesive using an adhesive cleaner and get some elbow grease in there with some light sanding. You will need to fill and sand old nail holes.
Installation Tips
I won’t even go into tips for peel-and-stick types as they don’t last and I don’t recommend them. For the Nail-In type start with a small area to make sure it will open and close properly. You don’t want to get to the end and you can’t open the window or door! As my Dad always said, “measure twice, cut once!” Then grab your tin snips and be careful not to bend the thin metal while cutting it. If you are installing around double-hung windows, install the bottom sash first then upper half. Also, make sure to face the weather stripping out toward the elements to prevent moisture from getting inside.
Weatherstripping can be a way to seal air leaks around window and doors. If you still feel air leaks, please contact us 888-812-2783 to check your home for a free assessment to lower your energy bills here. Our office is located in Beverly, MA but we service all of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and Rhode Island.
