Spring Bronze Weatherstrip Frequently Asked Questions
What width of weatherstrip should I order for my door?
The weatherstrip should be narrower than the door's thickness. For example, for a 1-3/4" thick door, the 1-3/8" width would probably be best.
Should I use the Pro-Type or the V-Shaped spring bronze weatherstrip?
There are several considerations. First of all, the Pro-Type will fit into a narrower gap than the V-Shaped. The Pro-Type requires a minimum gap of 1/16", while the V-Shaped requires a minimum gap of 1/8". You have to have a good bit of wiggle room to use the V-Shaped.
The V-Shaped is stiffer than the Pro-Type. It may provide a better seal in some applications. The V-Shaped is available in narrower widths, while the Pro-Type is available in wider widths.The V-Shaped must be shipped in long boxes, as it cannot be rolled, so shipping cost may be higher.
For double hung windows, if you make the top sash operable, you must contend with the pulley & weight system. If you use the Pro-Type weatherstrip, you must cut a D shaped cutout in the weatherstrip for the pulley, keeping the unnailed edge of the weatherstrip continuous. If you use the V-Shaped weatherstrip, if your window is thick enough, you can sometimes keep the weatherstrip to the parting bead side of the pulley wheel and avoid interference. The 1/2" and 5/8" wide V-Shaped weatherstrip may be best suited for this.
What is the best metal weatherstripping for double hung windows?
We sell Pro-Type, V-shaped and Interlocking weatherstrip for double hung windows. All three types have been used effectively on double hung windows.
Of these, the interlocking weatherstrip provides the best year-round solution because it allows for expansion and contraction of the window making the window easily usable.
In theory, when using interlocking weatherstrip on a double hung window the 2 sashes are locked tightly together by the sash lock at the meeting rail. The two sashes then float together on the head, sill and jamb weatherstrip. The sashes are slightly smaller than the opening to allow for expansion and contraction. The windows slide easily in the summer when the humidity causes them to swell and yet do not lose their seal when they shrink in the winter.
Saw kerfs are cut to allow the head, sill, and jamb weatherstrip to fit into the sashes. Flat surfaces must be prepared inside the meeting rail to allow for the installation of the meeting rail weatherstrip. These flat surfaces may most easily be prepared using a router table.
All interlocking weatherstrip is available in both zinc and bronze. There is no functional advantage to the bronze weatherstrip over the zinc.
I have zinc interlocking weatherstrip as original equipment on my 1910 house. The original weatherstrip is still intact and the wind can be howling at 50 miles per hour outside without the slightest draft.
Special Note: It is very important for all metal weatherstripping to keep paint off it. Metal weatherstrip should never be painted.
Why is my bronze weatherstripping a different color than the last time I purchased it?
Your weatherstrip passes though several different mills on its way to you. There is a limited demand for this product nowadays, yet it still has to be manufactured in huge batches. First the spring bronze alloy is made, then it is sent to a rolling mill, then to a slitting mill, then to a forming mill.
The alloy is only made every couple of years. So every couple of years, the weatherstrip may change to look slightly more coppery or slightly more brassy. The different colors of weatherstrip perform the same, and because they are not lacquered, they will tarnish to a brown color.
We do not try to stock different finishes but will try to ship an order with all the same color if there is a transition.
Which nails should I use with my bronze weatherstrip?
Traditionally, copper plated steel nails were used to install bronze weatherstrip, The copper coating helped to prevent corrosion and electrolysis, while the steel provides strength.
We also sell solid bronze nails in different lengths. These are unnecessary except in salt water environments.
Are there holes punched in your bronze weatherstrip? How do I make holes?
There are no holes in our bronze weatherstrip. The nails we sell are stiff enough to nail right through it.
Which way should I position the spring bronze weatherstrip?
On a door or swinging window the loose edge of the weatherstrip should be closer to, but not touching, the window or door stop. Or, in other words, on an inswinging door, the loose or moving edge should be closer to the outside of the building.
On a double hung window, the locations for weatherstripping include the jambs, the head and sill, and the meeting rail.
On the window jamb, always locate the "seal" or the loose edge of the weatherstrip as close to the parting bead as possible. This will reduce the air infiltration at the meeting rail. (The parting bead is the vertical strip of wood that separates the upper and lower sash.)
When weatherstripping at the head, sill, and meeting rail of a double hung window, attention must be paid to whether there is enough room for the weatherstrip. If the weatherstrip prevents the window from closing all the way, it could actually increase air infiltration. Also, the spring bronze weatherstrip used at the head, sill, and meeting rail of a double hung window will tend to fight against the sash lock. It may be necessary to trim the bottom of the lower sash and/or the top of the upper sash to make room for the weatherstrip. In addition, it may be necessary to make space in the meeting rail if you wish to install spring bronze weatherstrip there. Position any spring bronze weatherstrip installed in the meeting rail so it does not catch dirt. It is possible that it is better to weatherstrip only the jambs with spring bronze weatherstrip.
What is the best weatherstrip for swinging doors and windows?
Of course, we think that metal weatherstripping is the best for swinging doors and windows.
One advantage of metal weatherstripping for swinging doors and windows is that the weatherstrip does not fight the lock or latch. Once the door or window is shut, there is no force trying to make it open again. This can also help to keep doors and windows from warping.
Secondly, metal weatherstripping can last a lifetime. If properly installed, and if you keep the painters away from it, there is no reason that metal weatherstripping cannot last 100 years or more.
Interlocking weatherstrip was always considered to be the premium weatherstrip. Before installing it on a swinging door or window, be sure that the door or window is well seasoned and acclimated to the environment in which it is to be installed. This is because to make any adjustments to the door or window at a later time will require that the interlocking weatherstrip be removed and re-installed.
Spring bronze may be more forgiving for swinging doors and windows because it allows for some seasonal variation in the size of the door or window.
Do you have any Technical Specifications for your bronze weatherstrip?
The alloys used in the bronze weatherstripping are as follows:
1) The coiled Pro-Type weatherstrip 17 and 100 foot rolls: 220 alloy 90% copper and 10% zinc 7 numbers hard and .009” thick
2) The v-shaped weatherstripping 1/2”, 5/8”, 3/4”, 1” and 1-1/8” wide: 230 alloy 85% copper and 15% zinc 6 numbers hard and .006” thick
3) The jamb weatherstripping, head and sill weatherstripping, meeting rail weatherstripping, and hook strips: 230 alloy 85% copper and 15% zinc 1/4 hard and .016” thick.