Weatherstripping Windows

Windows weatherstripping is the practice of dealing with any and all gaps, cracks, and crevices around windows so that outside air does not get inside when the windows are closed and vice versa. The act of windows weatherstripping and weatherstripping repair therefore ensures that when a homeowner heats the interior of a home such heat is not wasted. In addition, weatherstripping repair results in a homeowner's ability to cool off the home environment while using fewer resources to do so.

Weatherstripping repair is not a difficult endeavor and once a home owner learns how to implement weatherstripping repair methods he or she can weatherstrip windows by him or herself without having to rely on expensive contractors. Weatherstripping windows takes very little time, minimal effort, and the monetary savings derived from weatherstripping windows is more than worth the few hours effort it takes to implement weatherstripping repairs.

Weatherstripping repair is something easily learned by the neophyte who has never engaged in the act of weatherstripping windows before. Since the sheer act of weatherstripping windows can actually save a consumer or house owner as much as fifteen percent on annual heating bills, it is truly beneficial to learn how to weatherstrip windows. In addition to saving a homeowner as much as fifteen percent on annual heating costs, appropriately installed window weatherstripping can also maximize one's ability to cool a home in a cost-effective manner.

Weatherstripping windows and repairs in one’s home actually improve the comfort level one establishes indoors within a home. During the winter months when windows have had weatherstripping repairs applied there are no cold drafts working through the home. Meanwhile, during summer months when a home owner relies on cooling systems to keep the atmosphere comfortable, it becomes unnecessary to overwork cooling or central air systems because undesirable warmer air is kept outside where it belongs.

Most homeowners implement weatherstripping repairs for the sheer act of saving money on the cost of cooling and/or heating a home. Few homeowners give consideration to the additional benefits derived from weatherstripping windows. First of all, homeowners can actually lower the number of illnesses that people living in the home get; during the winter cold drafts are kept at bay. Additionally, for those individuals that require just the right atmosphere for breathing, like asthmatics, the implementation of weatherstripping repairs can prove equally beneficial.

Since the act of implementing weatherstripping repairs actually blocks cracks, gaps, and crevices that allow air to pass through a window, in some ways weatherstripping windows also helps to reduce the amount of exterior noise that enters a home. Old windows that creek and whistle due to the cracks and gaps such windows have can actually be quieted through weatherstripping repairs.

Many of the tools utilized for weatherstripping repairs may already be within the home. If the homeowner does not have all the tools and resources required for weatherstripping repairs a visit to the local hardware store is all it takes to collect the few resources necessary to implement weatherstripping practices. In order to begin weatherstripping windows a homeowner must have at minimum the appropriate V-channel weatherstripping material, finishing nails, a utility knife, a hammer, a tape measure to ensure appropriate measurements, and self adhesive foam insulation.

While the list for Windows weatherstripping requirements in terms of equipment may seem extensive but the homeowner's needs are relatively minimal. In addition, the tools used for Windows weatherstripping are fairly inexpensive and the costs associated with such tools and equipment far outweigh what a homeowner's heating bill or cooling bill will be if windows are not weatherstripped.

Weatherstripping windows are best performed during warmer weather just before the extreme cold seasons commence. It is recommended that a homeowner perform weatherstripping window techniques and repairs in late autumn, but weatherstripping repairs can be done any time of year if necessary.

Before weatherstripping repairs can begin the homeowner will need to figure out how much material he or she will require in terms of weather stripping foam insulation and v channel weather stripping material. This figure can be calculated when a homeowner counts and calculates the perimeter of all the windows he or she expects to repair, adds them together and then adds an additional fifteen percent. The additional fifteen percent is calculated into the figure just in case later errors are made in cutting the material or if the homeowner initially miscalculates his or her material needs.

Before an individual performs weatherstripping repairs, it is recommended that the individual thoroughly clean the windows and remove all unwanted dust and debris from the windows. The window sill, the window sash, and the jambs must be free of debris if the self adhesive foam insulation is to adhere to the window correctly. Dirt and debris can cause the self adhesive to stick the window poorly and later cause the foam insulation to fall away from the window and expose the very gaps, cracks, and crevices that the adhesive is suppose to block. After cleaning the windows the homeowner will need to allow for adequate drying time; the window surface must be completely dry before windows weatherstripping repairs can be started.

How a homeowner weatherstrips windows will depend on the type of windows that a homeowner has. Knowing beforehand about the different types of windows and the most effective way to weatherstrip them is extremely helpful during weatherstripping efforts. Once windows have been washed, the homeowner will need to cut the insulation foam into the right length to seal the window areas; the tape measure can be used to measure the areas of the windows being weatherstripped and the homeowner can then precut the foam before applying it. Since the foam has a self adhesive backing the homeowner merely peels of the backing and then applies it to the window areas while pressing down to ensure a secure attachment.

V channel is used on the inside grooves of the window where the window slides up and down, in between the areas known as the jambs and sash stiles. The V channel weather stripping material should be cut about one inch longer than the area where it is being installed; it is then slipped into the area and secured with the finishing nails. It is necessary the windows weatherstripping installer ensure that the v channel weather stripping material fits tightly against the window stiles; this will guarantee that the air cannot get through small gaps and cracks in windows and it will also ensure that the window can still be readily opened and closed without difficulty.

Foam and sponge material are not the only materials available for windows weatherstripping. Homeowners can also utilize weatherstripping materials that are constructed out of vinyl, metal, and felt as well. Sponge, foam, and felt are lesser in terms of expense, but such material may have to be replaced more often. Since the homeowner will have to replace the latter materials with more frequency, the lesser expensive windowstripping materials can actually cost the homeowner more over time. Thus, the homeowner may want to initially invest in more expensive windowstripping material if he or she is looking to maximize their dollar.

Vinyl is by far the most common and popular weatherstripping material utilized by homeowners. The reason that vinyl has become so popular in window weatherstripping efforts is because such material is resistant to water, moisture and weather. Of all of the weatherstripping materials available on today’s market, vinyl and metal weatherstripping materials are the most durable and long lasting.

First off, calculating how much material one needs before commencing weatherstripping repair is highly recommended. It can be quite inconvenient for a homeowner to have to stop in the middle of weatherstripping just to have to run out and get more materials. A homeowner should always add a little extra to the materials required ensuring he or she has enough material to complete all of the windows.

Clean windows are the best windows for weatherstripping efforts. Clean windows are clearly more attractive than those that are not cleaned, and weatherstripping material adheres better to windows that have been thoroughly cleaned with warm water and soap. It is necessary to ensure that the windows have been thoroughly rinsed, that no soapy residue remains behind, and that the window is completely dry before implementing weatherstripping repairs. It is therefore recommended that the homeowner clean the windows completely and then give the windows a good hour or so to dry thoroughly before beginning weatherstripping measures. During that time the homeowner can make appropriate use of his or her time by measuring the windows and cutting the weatherstripping material to fit each window. The extra time also allows the homeowner to get organized in terms of materials and tools before the weatherstripping process begins.
While foam insulation is sometimes frowned upon, if the homeowner installs the material correctly it is an adequate form of window weatherstripping material. Weatherstripping windows involves the use of a variety of materials; if the homeowner is not 100 percent sure which material will best serve his or her needs, the homeowner can speak to a hardware store representative and get recommendations pertaining to the different materials.

Weatherstripping can be done any time of year but it is recommended that the homeowner do weatherstripping repairs in temperatures no lower than 20 degrees Fahrenheit. When weatherstripping windows, the appropriate temperature outdoors ensures that the material fits the window appropriately: windows expand and contract depending on weather conditions and the expansion and contraction of a window can affect how well the weather stripping is applied.

Homeowners will need to realize that with every window type there is a different method of weatherstripping utilized. In addition, with the variety of materials available for weatherstripping practices, the homeowner will need to decide if he or she wants to invest in the more expensive material. The materials used for windows weatherstripping when on the expensive side, are far more durable when compared to the lesser expensive foam and sponge materials.

Windows weatherstripping repairs may have to be checked on a regular basis to ensure that weatherstripping materials are still doing the job of sealing up air leaks. The homeowner will want to check to see if air leaks have developed and if so, the homeowner will then want to either reinstall new weatherstripping or make repairs to the existing weatherstripping material. Checking weatherstripping material on a regular basis will ensure that all of the homeowner’s efforts to weatherproof windows remain effective.

A homeowner may find that they already have a number of the required tools at home to begin the windows weatherstripping process. However, some homeowners may be engaging in home repairs for the first time; thus the following costs for windows weatherstripping repairs will be based on all of the materials one will require to begin conducting repairs and weatherstripping installation procedures:

Utility Knife: $9.00 to $15.00 (depending on quality and brand)

Hammer: $6.00 - $30.00 (depending on quality and brand)

Measuring Tape: $5.00-$25.00 (depending on quality and brand)

Self-adhesive Foam: $4.00 -$10.00 (for roughly 20 feet of weatherstripping material)

As mentioned previously, the materials the homeowner chooses and how much material one requires the more it will ultimately cost the homeowner. There are also complete weatherstripping kits that homeowners can invest in but it is advised that the consumer carefully read the package to see what the kit includes as additional materials may be necessary. It should be considered however that the initial investment in weatherstripping materials is really miniscule when compared to the expense a homeowner will endure if windows are not properly weatherstripped.

Weatherstripping repairs prove themselves valuable overtime as a homeowner saves hundreds of dollars each year heating and cooling a home.