How To Change Your Window's Weatherstripping
If you have an aging home, you're probably always looking for ways to make it more energy efficient. Over time, no matter how well a home was built, it is bound to lose some insulation, especially through the windows. Luckily, there are several ways to improve the efficiency and insulation of your movable windows. Perhaps the cheapest, quickest and easiest way to improve insulation on a movable window is to apply new weatherstripping around the frame. This article explains the process and which products work best.
Using Adhesive-Backed Felt Weatherstripping
Adhesive-backed felt weatherstripping that comes in rolls, similar to tape, is the easiest to apply. It has paper backing, so you just peel away the paper to expose the adhesive before applying it to the window. You can easily cut the felt to the right link using normal scissors.
Removing the Old Weatherstripping
But before you begin, you need to remove your old weatherstripping and prepare the frame for the new product. The difficulty of removing your old weatherstripping will partly depend on how old and well stuck the stripping is to your window. It will also depend on what type of window material you have.
Usually, scraping it away from smooth materials like vinyl and fiberglass is the easiest. However, trying to peel away the weatherstripping from a wooden window can be difficult. You run the risk of scraping the wood and removing the stain. Using a putty knife that is not too sharp is usually the best. A chisel or razor blade might gouge and cut your window. You can also spray a basic citrus cleaner or degreaser onto the old weatherstripping to help break down the adhesive before scraping it. Once you have removed all of the old product, you should thoroughly clean the sash so there is no residue left behind. You want a smooth and clean surface for the new stripping to stick to.
Applying the New Weatherstripping
For any square window, you only want to cut the weatherstripping once. That is, don't cut a single strip for each side of the window. Start to apply it at one corner and wrap it around the entire window before cutting it when it reaches the starting corner. Any gaps between the stripping can allow air to leak in and out of your home.
Obviously, this is not the most complicated process, but it is a very effective way to make your movable windows more efficient.
For more information and assistance, talk with a window replacement service, such as Expert Windows and Insulation.
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