wired's how-to wiki offers a 101 course in weatherproofing your windows.

by Mohammed Upton 3 min read

What is the weatherproofing on the inside of the unit?

The weatherproofing on the inside of the unit helps protect the unit against moisture damage, dust, insects, bugs, and more. AirDam is a waterproof product applied on dry or damp surfaces during unfavorable weather conditions.

Why is it important to weatherproof Your Windows and doors?

Installing weatherproofing on your windows and doors will greatly contribute to the optimal performance of your heating and air conditioning systems. The right kind of weatherproofing is important for preventing energy loss due to wind, rain, and snow. If your windows are not weatherproof, you’ll spend big bucks to get them fixed.

How can I weatherproof my home from drafts?

There are several methods of weatherproofing windows and doors that will really help decrease drafts, if not eliminate them all together. Most of them are relatively inexpensive, and can be performed in the spring or fall, while the weather is still moderate, but before increased energy needs occur.

How do I choose the best adhesive weatherstrip?

Stores carry a wide variety of adhesive weatherstrip. Buy a few types and see which work best. A surface must be very clean and very dry or the strip will fall off before too long. On cold days, the surfaces will be slightly damp from condensation, so dry the surface with a hair drier. Clean it using fine sandpaper or a rough sponge.

Why Do Windows Need Weatherproofing?

Weatherproofing your home is an important process that keeps your home safe from damage during extreme weather conditions like hurricanes, tornadoes, and lightning. It also helps protect against mold growth, fire damage, and other home-related issues.

How To Weatherproof Windows

If your windows are not weatherproof, you’ll spend big bucks to get them fixed. While you can’t avoid the occasional window break, and you’ll be able to keep your windows in good working order for a long time.

Product for Weatherproofing

AirDam is a waterproof product applied on dry or damp surfaces during unfavorable weather conditions. It works as an elastomeric sealant that can fix water leaks and seal surfaces and speed up the drying process of new buildings and other surfaces such as brick, stone, steel, glass, and more.

DIY Tools to Weatherproof Windows

There are also makeshift ways to weatherproof that are inexpensive and make use of readily available materials at your home. Here is a list of them that you can choose from:

How to find open spaces around windows and doors?

Look for open spaces around windows and doors by turning lights off on the inside of the house and shining flashlights through windows or doors from the outside. Have someone stand by the windows and doors and tell you if they see any of the outside light coming through cracks or small openings.

What to use for drafts around doors?

Once you have located the sources of the drafts, use weatherproofing material around doors and window frames. You can buy the thin weatherproofing that comes in a roll with an insulating side and an adhesive side, or you can buy wider strips of weatherproofing material.

Etymology and related terms

The origin of the term flash and flashing are uncertain, but may come from the Middle English verb flasshen, 'to sprinkle, splash', related to flask.

Purpose

Before the availability of sheet products for flashing, builders used creative methods to minimize water penetration. These methods included angling roof shingles away from the joint, placing chimneys at the ridge, building steps into the sides of chimneys to throw off water and covering seams between roofing materials with mortar flaunching.

Materials

In earlier days, birch bark was occasionally used as a flashing material. Most flashing materials today are metal, plastic, rubber, or impregnated paper.

Types

The flashing visible here is the apron below the dormer and the valley flashing in the open valley. The step flashing (soakers) are properly installed underneath the roof and wall shingles and thus is not visible. Hôtel Demoret Moulins, France

Environmental impact

In the US and UK, at least, lead flashing and fittings are still readily available, despite the environmental concerns associated with bulk use of this heavy metal. The Lead Sheet Association touts its recyclability and extreme durability. Lead flashing can last up to 500 years, compared to modern materials that can fail within 20 years.

WATERPROOFING GUIDES

Our industry best practice waterproofing courses are built around the Master Builders Association guides in combination with practical tasks both on-site and in the classroom.

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HOW DO I FIND OUT ABOUT BECOMING A LICENCED TRADE PROFESSIONAL?

NSW Fair Trading provides all licensing for tradespeople who work in the building and construction industry of New South Wales.

NSW GOVERNMENT SUBSIDISED TRAINING

The Smart and Skilled program provides subsidies from the NSW Government to support your training. Master Builders has a contract with the NSW Government (Department of Education) to offer subsidised training and assessment programs under the government's Smart and Skilled program.