Weather Stripping Replacement

Article 4
That Old House Meets This New Woman
by P.K. Costa

Weather Stripping Replacement on Door Frame

Another high priority item on the list for winter preparation is weather stripping replacement (or adding it if you don't have it). Weather stripping is a rubber or PVC material that lines not just doors and windows of houses, but also things like refrigerators and freezers, and cars. Stripping protects against drafts from heat and cold, and believe it or not, it can actually assist as a sound barrier. 

There are different types of weather stripping so depending on what you're looking for check with your Lowe's, Home Depot, OSH or favorite hardware store expert for information, or you can take in a piece of what you're replacing. The best way to approach a trip to the hardware store is to make a list of what you need before going in otherwise if you're anything like me you'll end up spending an hour roaming isles to see what's new and you'll end up picking up a few new cool gadgets and goodies you didn't intend on purchasing :)

Take a walkthrough and measure any windows and doors that need weather stripping, or replacement pieces (be sure to note color). That's how I started and I ended up just removing the old stripping while I was at it (it gave me an idea of what I was up against with nail and staple removal, actually.) 

Old gray weather stripping just pulls right off
(with some of the nails and staples, but not all

Sometimes you may not like what you have and you'll want to replace with something more durable (such as what I was doing with replacing the gray felt for white rubber, as shown above) or aesthetically pleasing, so again check with someone who knows what will work best for the area you are needing it for.

Weather stripping actually comes in a variety of styles and colors from PVC rubber to chemical resistant and it even comes in rainbow colors like pink and yellow however those are usually more for commercial use so no worries on trying to figure out what you need—most homeowners go with white or gray and thankfully U.S. packaging is self-explanatory. It's when you start ordering online that it can get confusing (and usually contractors do that for large jobs to order in bulk).  Remember, make a list and measure – and if you'd like, take a photo of what you're replacing (whether it be refrigerator, window, door, etc.) and take it with you and you can always ask for assistance.

Depending on the quality, size, thickness, length, etc. you may need extra items for this job, such as staples or adhesive (there is a 3M Contact Spray for weather stripping; thank you Robert, for that reminder *smiles*). 

I used the following tools for this job: Hammer (toe), standard (flat) screwdriver to leverage nails when the hammer toe won't fit into the space, kitchen pairing knife (great toolbox item as it fits under those tiny nail heads that hammer toes cannot, but you can't use to leverage nails out as the tip will break), scissors, and a staple gun (another woman's best friend for the toolbox). The old stripping had a lot of nails and staples so it took about 45 minutes to remove all of them and prepare/clean the surface. 

Pull it: Pliers are sometimes needed
to pull those pesky smaller nails out

Get a grip: Screwdrivers are needed for leverage
when a hammer toe won't work and pliers
can't get a grip on the nail head

   

When I measured the door frame it was 3 ft. across and a little over 6' tall (about 79") and since the stripping only goes on three sides (about 15 feet) I only needed one package of stripping. I will be splitting it in half anyway so it allows me to do a second door or something else.

Weather stripping is self-adhesive and attaches very easily, the spray or staples will help keep it in place. Just remember to cut at an angle in the corners so they line up (and look professional) and take your time to have straight lines and stick as you go. (Don't stretch while applying, and be careful to measure before cutting so you don't end up with a several pieces.)

The pairing knife came in handy for the edges and corners as well (and believe it or not one of my favorite tools is a long, variegated-edged knife for gardening (the kind that never needs sharpening)—it chops and cuts back bushes and branches and all sorts of things in the yard that clippers just can't) –so again, just another tip and one of those must haves for a woman's (or any) tool box (especially for someone who doesn't have much strength).

Weather stripping corner completed (tiny space
left to show how corner is cut to fit) can stretch a
little to fit but don't stretch to put along door frame

Add staples where needed (if contact spray not used) and you have just applied weather stripping to the frame of your door. Hopefully now your space will be draft-free and a little more sound-proof. Enjoy the cooler summers and warmer winters and until next time... have you had your smile today? :)