Tips for Weatherstripping Windows and Doors
Weatherstripping works for weatherizing doors and windows. However, Energy.gov says it’s critical to pick the right weatherstripping for the job. What works for how to weatherize a door does not necessarily work for how to weatherize your windows.
Energy.gov offers a complete guide about weatherstripping and weatherizing windows and doors. In the meantime here are few basic guides to weatherstripping in general and weatherizing windows and doors with weatherstripping, in particular:
- Weatherstripping should be applied to clean, dry surfaces in temperatures above 20°F (-7° C).
- Measure the area to be weatherstripped twice before making a cut.
- Apply weatherstripping snugly against both surfaces.
The material should compress when the window or door is shut. When weatherizing doors with weatherstripping:
- Choose the appropriate door sweeps and thresholds for the bottom of the doors.
- Weatherstrip the entire door jamb.
- Apply one continuous strip along each side.
- Make sure the weatherstripping meets tightly at the corners.
- Be sure the weatherstripping is thick enough to press tightly between the door and the door jamb when the door closes but not so thick that it’s hard for the door to close properly.
When weatherizing old windows with weatherstripping, Energy.gov recommends:
- Apply weatherstripping between the sash and the frame.
- Be sure the weatherstripping doesn’t interfere with the operation of the window.
Get Free Weatherization Assistance
The New York State Weatherization Assistance Program helps reduce heating and cooling costs for income-eligible homeowners and renters by providing free services that help conserve energy and improve safety and health standards.
Weatherization services include:
- Sealing of cracks and holes to reduce heat loss;
- insulation of attics and walls;
- heating system repairs or replacement;
- providing efficient lighting and refrigeration;
- window and/or outside door repair or replacement;
- minor repairs which are needed to ensure maximum efficiency of the weatherization services performed;
- and mitigation of energy-related health and safety issues.