How To Install Weatherstripping, by Lowe's Home Improvement on YouTube. 1 min 14 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 14 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Close the door or window and run your hand around the frame to feel for drafts. A tissue held near the gap will flutter where air escapes.
Wipe the frame with a damp cloth and let it dry. Weatherstripping adhesive will not stick to dust, grease or loose paint.
Measure the length of each side of the frame with a tape measure. Write the numbers down so you buy enough stripping.
Match the product to the gap. Foam tape suits narrow gaps, rubber stripping suits door frames, and rope caulk presses into uneven or awkward gaps.
Cut the weatherstripping to length with scissors or a utility knife. Cut slightly long and trim the excess after fitting.
Peel the backing paper off a few inches at a time and press the strip onto the door stop or frame, not onto the door face. Work along one side at a time.
Add corner seals where two strips meet, so air cannot slip through the joint.
Close the door or window and check the seal. If it drags, peel the strip back slightly. If you see daylight, add a thicker strip.
Slide a sheet of paper into the closed gap. If it pulls out easily with no resistance, the seal is too loose and needs adjusting.
Tips and common mistakes
Do not stretch the stripping as you apply it, or it will pull away at the ends.
Leave the latch area clear so the door still closes and locks properly.
Foam tape compresses over time, so check it each autumn and replace flattened strips.
Use a step stool for high windows and cut with the blade facing away from you.
Questions
Which type of weatherstripping should I use?
Foam tape is cheapest and best for small, even gaps. Rubber or vinyl lasts longer on doors that get heavy use. Rope caulk works well on old frames with uneven gaps.
Can I use weatherstripping on sliding windows?
Yes. Use a thin foam or felt strip on the sliding channel so the window still moves freely. Test the window opens and closes before you finish.
How long does weatherstripping last?
Foam tape usually lasts one to three years. Rubber and vinyl strips can last five years or more if the surface was clean when you applied them.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
