Most homes have a leak or two around doors and windows. Installing weatherstripping to block those leaks can reduce drafts and save you a bundle on your heating and cooling bills. In this section, we'll discuss how to install the various types of weatherstripping.

Apply pressure-sensitive types of weatherstripping only on the friction-free parts of a wooden window.
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Apply pressure-sensitive types of weatherstripping only on
the friction-free parts of a wooden window.

Pressure-Sensitive Foam

Pressure-sensitive adhesive-backed foam is the easiest weatherstripping to apply, and it is quite inexpensive. Available in both rubber and plastic, adhesive-backed foam comes in rolls of varying lengths and thicknesses. Pressure-sensitive types of weatherstripping can be used only on the friction-free parts of a wooden window, such as the lower sash or the top of the upper sash. If the strips were installed snugly against the gap between upper and lower sashes, the movement of the window would pull it loose.

What You'll Need
Here are the tools you'll want to have on hand to apply pressure-sensitive types of weatherstripping:
  • Dishwashing detergent
  • Clean rags
  • Petroleum jelly
  • Scissors

Use the following steps to apply pressure-sensitive types of weatherstripping:

Step 1: Clean entire surface to which weatherstripping is to be attached. Use dishwashing detergent and water, and make certain no dirt or grease remains. If pressure-sensitive weatherstripping had been installed previously, use petroleum jelly to remove any old adhesive. Dry surface with rags.

Step 2: Use scissors to cut strip to fit, but do not remove backing paper yet. Starting at one end, slowly peel paper backing as you push sticky foam strips into place. If backing proves stubborn at beginning, stretch foam until seal between backing and the foam breaks.

Pressure-Sensitive Felt

Felt is one of the old standbys and is very economical. It comes in a variety of widths, thicknesses, qualities, and colors (brown, gray, and black). To apply pressure-sensitive felt, follow the same steps as you would to attach pressure-sensitive foam. Felt strips also come without the adhesive backing, but this type must be nailed into place.