windows weatherstripping basics

Handling the larger air leaks in your attic, walls and basements is vital and should precede weatherstripping. Caulking around your windows is also important (caulking involves the walls and static parts around the frames, and not the windows themselves). But weatherstripping is also very important. Small gaps in windows and doors parts can produce large losses of energy.

Weatherstripping and Types of Windows

The type of weatherstripping varies a lot with the different types of windows. Weatherstripping a casement window isn't the same of weatherstripping a double-hung window...

Besides, different weatherstripping materials – and there are lots of different weatherstripping materials for windows – also require different procedures.

See also: Caulking around Windows

The Weatherstripping materials

Weatherstrips for windows come in several sizes, shapes and materials: metal, vinyl, plastic, rubber, felt, foam (or a combination of some these materials).

See: Weatherstripping materials

Double-Hung windows

To get a durable and effective weatherstripping for your wood double-hung windows, prefer V-strip materials; typically most professionals apply vinyl V-strip to side jambs and bronze V-strip on top sash.

See: Double-Hung Windows Weatherstripping and Double Hung/Sliding Windows

Casement windows

Casement windows are easy to weatherstrip. It involves the stops of the window…

See: Casement Windows Weatherstripping and Casement Windows

Sliding windows

Weatherstripping sliding wood windows is a little tricky, but there are many materials to achieve it, contrary to what happens with metal sliding windows.

See: Sliding Windows Weatherstripping and Gliding/Sliding Windows