How to Measure for Weather Stripping

Desi51

Editor

posted on 13 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

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With home heating and cooling costs rising, it is important to make sure that your home is as energy efficient as possible. Drafty doors and windows are a major source of energy loss, creating a need for increased use of home heating and cooling units. However, installing weather stripping around all types of drafty windows and doors is an easy way to help make these areas more energy efficient. Weather stripping can be bought by measured increments or in a kit, and there are many types available to fit every type of crack and crevice. However, measuring it for specific areas is the first step to ensure a perfect fit. Learning how to measure for weather stripping is easy and will save time when you are ready to install it.

Steps

Use a tape measure to measure the door jam, window sash or other area where you plan to install weather stripping.

Take the measurements from corner to corner and around any areas that you want to place the weather stripping. Measure the depth of the crack or crevice, too.

Measure the area twice to make sure that you are accurate and write the measurements down for when you shop for weather stripping.

Visit your local home improvement store to purchase weather stripping. Determine which type of weather stripping will work best for your specific needs.

Weather stripping is made in a variety of materials including vinyl, plastic, rubber and aluminum. It comes in strips, sheets and tubing. The best type to use depends on the location, the condition of the window or door and the size of the crack or crevice.

Choose the weather stripping for your project in a kit or by measured increments.

Purchase sections that are longer than necessary so you have plenty if you need to trim it.

Measure the weather stripping to match the area where you will be installing it. Test the weather stripping to see if it fits in the area around the door or window.