Sliding windows weatherstripping

Air leakage is a common problem of sliding windows due to the fact that their felt and pile weatherstripping easily become too loose and energy-inefficient. To resolve the problem, try a weather-strip with plastic fin (centered in pile).

That's the most durable material, though rather difficult to install.

It’s much easier to get weatherstripping materials and install them in sliding wood windows and doors than in sliding metal and doors.

Sliding Metal windows and doors

Hardware stores have few weatherstripping materials for metal sliding windows and doors, and the job is typically tricky to carry out without technical knowing.

Original weatherstripping materials are embedded in the window structures, which makes their improvement and replacement difficult.

Due to these reasons, it’s best to contact a weatherstripping professional…

Sliding wood windows weatherstripping materials

Sliding wood windows are usually weatherstripped with metal V-strips. That’s by far the commonest solution, due to its durability.

The application of metal V-strip weatherstripping to sliding windows is similar to their application in double-hung windows. If both sashes move, you just have to apply the V-strip materials as you would for a double-hung window turned on its side...

See: Double-Hung Windows Weatherstripping

Alternatives to V-Strips

If you don’t plan to open your windows during the harsh-weather period, you may use a simple adhesive-backed tape/foam on the sash channels to weatherstrip your sliding windows.

That's the case of people living in cold climates, where sliding windows aren't used during the cold weather period. In this case, a temporary weatherstripping makes sense and adhesive tape foams are a cheap and very effective and easy solution for weatherstripping those sliding windows (you may even reuse the same tape/foam in future seasons...).

Tape Application

Before applying the adhesive tape to the sash channels of the sliding windows, clean the surfaces where it is going to be applied and cut it with the proper length. Pay attention to the instructions on the adhesive-backed tape/foam package. To make a tight bond apply pressure all over the adhesive, using your finger...