Weatherproofing gliding windows

Most new types of wood gliding windows come with weather stripping built in between the frame and the sash. Older types, however, may need sealing. If both sashes move, treat the windows as if it were a double-hung window tuned on its side.

For windows with one gliding sash, treat only the movable part. Install a strip of spring metal in the side channel that receives the movable sash, lining up the nailing flange along the inside edge. Then nail vinyl or rubber gasket along the exterior top bottom and outer edges of the gliding sash. The outer strip will fit snugly against the rail of the inside sash where the window sections meet.

Most metal gliding windows have rubber weather stripping in the tracks of each sash but, like wood gliders, should be sealed where the sashes meet. Attach the gasket with vinyl-to-metal adhesive.

Sealing wood casements.

Many new styles of wood casements have their own built-in-weather-proofing. If yours do not, nail spring metal stripping to the frame. For casements that open outward, the railing flange should be placed along the outside edge of the frame. Reverse the position of the nailing flange for windows that open inward.

You can also install felt or adhesive-backed foam stripping on the inside of the frame, but such material tend to loosen after a few months of frequent opening and closing of the windows.

These same procedures apply to awning-type windows which are really sidewise casements.

Installing Weatherproof Thresholds

Installing weatherproof thresholds are just 3 steps away:

First, shield the floor or carpet around the door with pieces of cardboard secured by masking tape. Try to remove the threshold with a pry bar. If it does not lift up easily, cut through at each end with a backsaw and force up the center piece.

Second, knocking out end pieces. If the new threshold is the same height as one old one, tap out the ends with a mallet and chisel. Otherwise, saw through the door stops to heighten the opening and release the end pieces as well. Clean the still with turpentine.

Third, cut the threshold to fit tightly against both sides of the jamb. Position the threshold so that the flap side of the plastic seal is toward the outdoors. Lift up the plastic flap and insert screws through the holes in the strip underneath.

Weather- stripping to Block the Drafts

The crack around doors and windows are the main cause of air leakage in most homes. In fact, in many houses, window sashes and doors are grooved to interlock with metal flanges around the frames. If a house lacks this sort of built-in weather stripping, chances are it will easily gets the damage.

Actually, there are some simple tests to determine your weather-stripping needs. On a cool, windy day, feel for air door and window cracks. Another method is to hold a tissue next to the crack to see if it flutters. Or, shine a flashlight along door and window edges from the outside at night while someone inside watches to see if light penetrates.

Once you know your trouble spots, you can select the weather-stripping best suited to the job.

Weatherproofing for your house.

A house is built to provide shelter from the elements in order to protect the house against these bad elements - unwanted air, water, heat and cold, even animals and insects, weatherproofing is the remedy. For battling against these elements is fought with a varies arsenal of materials and equipment. There are plugs, and sealers, pumps and vents, insulation, awnings and tinted plastic, plus special techniques and equipment for emergencies such as storms, earthquakes, canes and floods.

Therefore, houses should demand and weatherproofing to have sound and comfortable living.