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Weather Stripping $aves !
Prepare in the Fall for the Winter & Summer

Door Frames

Many different types of weather stripping materials can be purchased. This list contains some of the more common types. You may also find other types where building materials are sold. Door weather stripping is installed on the door frame except for door sweeps and some thresholds. You can weather strip your doors even if you're not an experienced handyman. There are several types of weather stripping for doors, each with its own level of effectiveness, durability and degree of installation difficulty. Select among the options given the one you feel is best for you. The installations are the same for the two sides and top of a door, with a different, more durable one for the threshold.

Self Stick Foam uses a knife or shears and a tape measure. It is extremely easy to install, invisible when installed but not very durable. To install stick foam to inside face of jamb.

Rolled Vinyl with Aluminum channel backing requires a hammer, nails, metal snips and a tape measure. It is easy to install, visible when installed, durable.

Foam Rubber with Wood Backing requires a hammer, nails, hand saw, and tape measure. It is easy to install, visible when installed, not very durable. Installation is simple, you nail the strip snugly against the closed door, spacing nails 8 to 12 inches apart.

Spring Metal requires sheet metal snips, hammer, nails, and a tape measure. It is not difficult to install. It is invisible when installed and extremely durable. To install cut to length and tack in place. Lift outer edge of strip with screwdriver after tacking, for tighter seal. Note: This is harder than the preceeding choices, as door frame tolerances vary.

Interlocking metal channels require a hack saw, hammer, nails and tape measure. It is difficult to install because alignment is critical. Visible when installed, metal channels are durable but subject to damage, because they're exposed, and offer an excellent seal. You cut and fit strips to head of door first: male strip on door, female on head; then hinge side of door: male strip on jamb, female on door; finally lock side on door, female on jamb.

Fitted interlocking metal channels are very difficult to install, produce an exceptionally good weather seal, invisible when installed, not exposed to possible damage. Installation should be installed by a carpenter as lineup is critical and routing of the door frames is required. It is not appropriate for do-it-yourself installation unless done by an accomplished handyman.

Door Bases

Sweeps require a screwdriver, hacksaw and tape measure. They are useful for flat thresholds but may drag on carpet or rug. To install cut sweep to fit 1/16 inch in from both edges of the door. Some sweeps are installed on the inside and some outside. Check instructions for your particular type.

Door Saddles or Shoes require a screwdriver, hack saw, plane and tape measure. They are useful with wooden thresholds that are not worn, very durable, and difficult to install as you must remove door and trim a required amount off bottom. Cut to door width. Install by sliding vinyl out and fasten with screws.

Vinyl Bulb Thresholds require a screwdriver, hack saw, plane and tape measure. They are useful where there is no threshold or a wooden one is worn out and difficult to install. The vinyl bulb will wear but replacements are generally available. Installation is difficult as you must remove door and trim a required amount off bottom. The bottom should have about 1/8" bevel to seal against vinyl. Be sure bevel is cut in right direction for your opening.

Window Frames

Interlocking Thresholds are very difficult to install, but produce an exceptionally good weather seal. Installation should be by a skilled carpenter. Install by moving sash to the open position and sliding strip in between the sash and the channel. Tack in place into the casing. Do not cover the pulleys in the upper channels.

Sliding Windows are treated as double-hung windows turned on their side. Casement and tilting windows should be weather stripped with the vinyl nailed to the window casing so that, as the window shuts, it compresses the roll.

Self Stick Foam is practical on all types of windows where there is no friction. On double-hung windows, this is only on the bottom and top rails. Other types of windows can use foam strips in many more places.