It’s not yet that time of year, which is why I’m telling you to do this job now. Instead of waiting until the cold North winds are blowing, and you’re saying to yourself, “Damn, the wind is blowing right through these windows, and I replaced all of the windows only 10 years ago. Do I have to buy new windows already?” You probably don’t, but after 10 years you do need to check the weather strip.

The weather strip on a window is a very important part of the window package. Without a weather stripping system, your windows are not nearly as effective as they should be. Without weather stripping, you have very large gaps between sash rails and master frame rails. Without weather stripping, you get lots of air coming through your windows.

Maybe you say you have weather stripping, but you are still getting air around the sides. Sure, you have weather stripping—but what kind of shape is it in? After about 10 years, the weather stripping compresses and flattens out. If it’s composed of vinyl, it gets hard and loses its elasticity, thus no longer properly filling the void. Instead, it leaves gaps.

We stock over 400 different types and sizes of weather stripping. The variety of weather stripping is incredible and intimidating. Weather strips come in a variety of metal, pile, and vinyl types. The right choice depends on the application. Often, you can substitute one type of weather strip for another, but be careful that you understand the limitations of the chosen material. 

When you decide to change out the weather strip, bring in a short, good sample, and we will match it. Tell us how much material you need, and we will go from there.

A couple of things to think about before buying a lot of material and getting involved in a larger job: Do one window or one door at a time. Find out how much work is involved and if the results are what you expect. When you are done, can you feel a draft, or did the new weather strip solve the problem? By all means, if you have a question, give Pickens Window Service a call at (513) 931-4432. We love to talk and will try and help. 

Sincerely,

Brian R. Pickens

The Old Grouch