 |
 |
|||||||||
|
||||||||||
|
|
Energy Efficiency: Weatherstripping Windows and DoorsExtra insulation and storm windows can provide great protection against the elements, but if you would like additional protection, try weatherstripping. A weather strip is a piece or strip of resilient material, such as metal, plastic, rubber, or wood, that is installed around windows and doors to reduce the escape of heat and air conditioning. Weatherstripping can be accomplished by a professional or you can do it yourself. Supplies For weatherstripping windows, all you need is a hammer, finish nails, a tape measure, and a utility knife along with self-adhesive foam insulation, V-channel weather stripping, soap and water. You can find all materials at your local hardware store. For weatherstripping doors, you will also need a hammer, tape measure, and a utility knife along with self-adhesive foam insulation, a door sweep, a screwdriver, screws, tin snips, side cutters, soap and water. Weatherstripping Windows The following steps are for weather stripping standard double-hung windows. Prepare the foam weather stripping by cutting it to length, then clean the bottom of the sash and let it dry. After the sash dries, affix the foam to bottom of it, clean the jamb (window support), and allow it to dry. Cut several pieces of V-channel so that they are around an inch longer than the height of the sash. Affix and press it firmly into the jamb. Nail the weather stripping into the jamb and clean the bottom of the sash. While the jamb is drying, measure the width of the sash, and then cut a V-channel to match. Lastly, peel the back from the V-channel (with the sash elevated three to four inches), and then press it into the back of the sash, making sure it is even with the top. If the V opens facing up, the weather stripping should compress when the window is closed. Once you are finished weatherstripping your windows, you are ready to move onto your doors, which are much easier to treat. Weatherstripping Doors There are two types of weather stripping for doors, including "sweeps," which are applied to the bottoms of doors and "self-adhesive foams" for the sides and tops of doors. Sweeps look a great deal like rubber flaps. As the door swings open, they gently "sweep" along the carpet or floor. Sweeps can be screwed directly onto the bottom of the door and self-adhesive foaming is applied inside of the stop molding. Simply size the foams to fit along the tops and sides the door, peel the backs, and apply them to the stop molding -- it's that simple! Once your windows and doors are properly weather stripped, you should notice a significant difference in the climate inside of your home. Your energy costs should decrease as well. |
||
|
|
|||
