How to Install Weather Stripping

Save money on your energy bill; keep your home cozy or cool. These are some of the benefits of a well-sealed home. Weather stripping around doors and windows can eliminate draftiness and make your home more comfortable. If you have the experience, installing your own weather stripping is a simple DIY project. Here’s a helpful guide.

If you have difficulty with this DIY, don’t think you achieved an effective seal or want to save yourself the hassle, check out the cost of weather stripping installation.

How to Install Door Weather Stripping

What you’ll need:

• Screwdriver
• Tape measure
• Hammer
• Tin snips
• Door sweep: $10
• Self-adhesive foam weather stripping: $8 for a 10-foot roll.

Step 1: Clean your jambs with soapy water and let them dry.

Step 2: Measure and cut your weather stripping to fit the sides and top of the door.

Step 3: Peel the back from the foam and press it into the jamb.

Step 4: Measure the bottom of the door and cut your sweep to size.

Step 5: Close your door and screw the sweep onto your door, ensuring it’s in contact with the floor.

Note: For French doors, you may need to close the gap between the two doors with insulated molding before getting started with weather stripping. If you still notice a draft after weather stripping and insulation, you may also need door sweeps to create a seal between the bottom of the door and the floor.

How to Install Weather Stripping Around Windows

What you’ll need:

• Measuring tape
• Utility knife
• Self-adhesive weather stripping: $8 for foam-based adhesive tapes. $7 for v-strips.

Step 1: Clean the sashes and bottom of your window with soapy water and let them dry.

Step 2: Measure the sides, top and bottom of your window and cut your weather stripping accordingly.

Step 3: Apply the two pieces to the inner sash on each side of the window. (If you’re using v-strips, make sure the “v” is facing the inside of the window.)

Step 4: Lower the outer sash and apply weather stripping to each sash in the same manner.

Step 5: Raise your inner sash and apply weather stripping to the bottom.

Step 6: Lower the outer sash and apply weather stripping to the top.

How to Install Weather Stripping on Sliding Windows

For sliding windows, attach a V-strip to the jamb or sash to create a tight seal. If you have specialty or custom doors and windows, it’s best to hire a weather stripping installer.

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