How to Insulate Sliding Windows

Most sliding glass doors and windows have two panes of glass and move back and forth on a track of some kind. These come in many sizes, styles and are made of many materials. These products are as susceptible to the aging process and weather damage. The easy answer is to insulate them against these problems.

Things you will need:

• Vacuum cleaner and soft brush


• Utility knife


• Tape measure


• Weather stripping


• Caulk gun and caulk


• Expanding foam sealant (only if you have a large opening)
  
  
  1. Check the track of the window first to make certain that there is no foreign objects or dirt in it. If the window does not set firmly it will leak air either into or out of the house. Vacuum all the dirt and objects out of the track.
  
  
  2. Remove the tip from the caulk tube with the utility knife and place in the caulk gun. Caulk around the outside edge of the window inside and out.
  
  
  3. Use the expanding foam sealant if there are any large areas that caulk cannot be used on.
  
  
  4. Measure the height and width of your sliding window with the measuring tape.
  
  
  5. Cut the weather stripping with your utility knife using the measurements you just made so the stripping will fit the dimensions.
  
  
  6. Follow the instructions on the weather stripping to install it into the frame of the window and press into position.
  
  
  7. Slide the window back and forth to make certain it moves freely. If it does not check and adjust your weather stripping until it does.