wool pile weatherstripping

Question

Although my weatherstripping (3/16 X 3/16) for my double hung replacement windows is not particularly worn, I have always had cold drafts in the winter and would like to replace. In looking head on at some of the windows, it is apparent that the windows don't fit the openings as they should ..... for example, I can tilt the window in and see that the stripping is squashed at the top of the window but not worn at all at the bottom.I was wondering your thoughts about getting 3/16 X 1/4 like product 58-127 to make the windows tighter??? Being that this product has a center fin, I'm a little afraid that the windows won't close. Is there a 3/16 X 1/4 without a fin and do you think the windows will close going with 1/4 pile height instead of the original 3/16?

I am a senior female. The video makes installation look so easy I think I should be able to do this project; however, I don't think I am strong enough to take the windows out and get them back in .... do you think the installation can be done without removing the windows or would the job be compromised? What tools would be required to do it this way? ... do I have to have needle nose pliers?, do I need a splineing (sp?)tool even though my windows do have tracks to slide the stripping in?, can scissors cut through the stripping?.

Thank you for your assistance. Great website!

Caroline

Paul · Accepted Answer

Hello, Caroline! I'm happy to hear you like our website. I think we can help you replace this wool pile, but we will need some more information. In order to get an idea of what kind of wool pile will make a tighter fit, I will need to see some pictures of what you're working with. Specifically, I need you to tilt the sash in and expose the weatherstrip so that I can see it clearly.

As for replacement, I'm afraid you have to remove the sash to replace the wool pile. You won't be able to swap it out while it's still installed.