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It's Time To Weather Strip Your Double-Hung Windows

29 September 2015

Ray Moreno

If you want to save on energy costs this winter, you need to weather strip and weatherize your double-hung windows. Weather stripping your windows will help ensure that no cold air makes its way into your house. Keeping out all the cold air that can seep into your home around your windows will lower your heating bill. You'll just need a few supplies and a couple of free hours in order to weathers strip all the windows in your home.

Equipment

You will need to pick up self-adhesive foam insulation and v-channel weather stripping for your windows at your local home improvement store. The self-adhesive foam insulation is generally sold in a roll; purchase one roll and see how far it gets you before purchasing another one. The v-channel weather stripping is generally sold in long strips that you will need to cut down and customize to your windows. 

You will also need access to a hammer, a tape measure, a utility knife and some finishing nails. 

Clean The Sash

The first thing you need to do is clean the bottom area of your window where it closes. You can use a soapy rag to clean the bottom of your window. Then, use a dry rag to wipe it down. You also need to clean the sides of your window where it slides up and down. 

Apply The Weather Stripping Foam

Next, you are going to need to take out your tape measure and measure the length of the bottom and top of your window. You are then going to want to cut the foam weather stripping to the same length of the bottom and top of your window. You should be able to cut the foam weather stripping using a pair of scissors or you can use a utility knife.

Once you have cut the foam weather strip, you will need to peel the adhesive back from the foam in order to attach it to the bottom of your window, where the window comes down and closes at. 

Apply The V-Channel

After you apply the weather stripping across the bottom of your window, you will then need to apply the v-channel along the side of your window where your window slides up and down. You'll need to measure the length of the window, and cut the v-channel stripping down to the correct size. You'll need two strips, one for each side of the your window. 

You'll need to work the v-channel into the side of the window where it slides up and down. Officially, you'll be working the v-channel in between the sash stiles and jamb. Since it is v-shaped, you'll have to slide it in there. You may get a little resistance as this should be a tight fit. 

Once you have applied the weather stripping foam along the bottom and the v-channel along the side of your window, you'll want to make sure that it is secure. If any of it feels loose, you'll want to secure them with finishing nails. Then, repeat this process with all of your double hung windows in order to weatherize your entire home. 

To learn more, contact a company like Mister Window Inc. 

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