How To Seal A Window - Bunnings Warehouse, by Bunnings Warehouse on YouTube. 2 min 15 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 15 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Close the window and run your hand around the frame, sash and sill to find the draughty gaps. Mark each spot with a pencil so you know where the new strip goes.
Clean the frame with a damp cloth and let it dry completely. Wipe greasy spots with methylated spirits so the adhesive backing sticks properly.
Measure each side of the opening and add about 10 mm to every length. Write the numbers down before you cut anything.
Pick the strip to suit the gap. Foam tape suits uneven gaps of 3 to 5 mm, rubber or EPDM suits tight even gaps, and brush strip suits sliding windows.
Cut the strip with sharp scissors or a utility knife and dry fit it first without peeling the backing. Trim again if a piece is too long.
Peel the backing off a short section at a time and press the strip into the frame, starting at a corner. Do not stretch it as you work along.
Close the window and check the strip is squeezed, not crushed. If the window will not latch, swap to a thinner strip.
Slide a sheet of paper between the sash and the frame, then pull it out. A light drag means a good seal, while no drag means a gap is left.
To replace a worn rubber seal, pull the old one out of its groove, clean the channel and press the new seal in with your thumb along the frame.
Tips and common mistakes
Work on a warm, dry day above 10°C, because adhesive backing does not stick well to cold or damp frames.
Never stretch the strip to make it fit, as it shrinks back and leaves a gap at the ends.
Keep the weep holes at the bottom of the frame clear so rain water can still drain away.
Use a stable step ladder and keep both feet on it when you reach high windows.
Questions
What size weather strip do I need?
Measure the width of the gap with a ruler. Choose a strip slightly thicker than the gap so it compresses when the window closes.
Will weather strip stop condensation on the glass?
It cuts draughts and helps keep warm air in, which can reduce condensation. It will not fix condensation caused by damp air inside the room.
How long does window weather strip last?
Foam strips usually last one to three years before they flatten. Rubber and silicone seals last longer, often five years or more.
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.
