How to Weather Strip Your Windows

Learn how to properly weather strip your windows before the winter hits.

If you’ve ever noticed that the air is a lot colder near your windows, you probably need to install weather stripping.

Weather stripping can save energy in your home. It’s a low-cost way to make your home a little more green and energy efficient.

You can place it on windows and doors that allow air to escape your home. In summer, this is the air you’re paying to cool down with air conditioning. In winter, it’s the air you’re paying to heat.

That means that air leaks in windows are a problem year-round. Even if you may only notice it in the winter.

To fix this, follow the simple steps below from Blain’s Farm & Fleet.

1. Clean the Area

Just like with a door, you’ll want to thoroughly clean the area where you’ll be mounting the weather strip.

Use soap and water. Then, let the area dry completely.

2. Cut the Weather Stripping

There are many kinds of windows. From double-hung to casement windows, there are different methods for the different window types.

You’ll want to mount the weather stripping on the surface where the window meets the frame when it’s closed.

Measure this surface.

Cut your weather stripping to the correct lengths. It should be the right width to fit, without sticking out past the edge of the window when it’s closed.

3. Weather Strip Your Windows

Press the weather stripping into place. The idea is to have it be as invisible as possible.

Put a piece on double hung windows that don’t already have a sweep or weather stripping on the bottom edge of the lower sash. Just make sure the window still closes.

If you have older wood windows, you may have to pry the front stops off to remove the sashes. Be very careful when doing this. You’ll be able to find the seam by cutting through the paint film with a utility knife.

Once you’ve installed all your weather stripping, use finish nails to hold it into place.

You can also learn to weather strip your door in our blog article.

For more home maintenance tips and how-tos, check out our Tools & DIY Blog.