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 check your doors and windows for worn-out weatherstripping. If it’s damaged, cold air is sneaking in. To stop those air leaks, install new weatherstripping right away. Once it gets old, it won’t work as well. Check what was done last year and replace it if needed.
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.
Remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the best—especially when it comes to weatherstripping. It may be easy to install, but it’s often the least effective over time.
How To Prepare
Adhesive types usually last only a few years before leaking air. Prepare your surface by making sure it’s smooth and dry. Remove old adhesive using a cleaner and sand lightly. Also, fill and sand any old nail holes before applying new weatherstripping.
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 helps seal air leaks around windows and doors. If you still feel drafts, contact us at 888-812-2783. We offer free home assessments to help lower your energy bills. Our office is in Beverly, MA, but we serve Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, and Rhode Island.
