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How do foam and felt weatherstrips affect sliding-window movement?
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A thicker foam strip might close a drafty gap more firmly, while a slimmer felt strip could leave a sliding sash easier to move. But the window type and the shape of the existing seal seem important, so I’m not sure how useful a general material comparison is.
How do you judge the fit before replacing the whole strip? And when a sash starts binding, what signs suggest the seal is too thick versus a worn or misaligned track or sash?
1 reply
Foam versus felt alone doesn’t determine how a sash will move. The key is the seal’s compressed thickness relative to the clearance: it should close the gap without forcing the sash against the frame. If the sash still binds with the weatherstrip removed, that points more toward a track or sash issue. If it moves freely, the strip may be too thick or sitting in the wrong place.
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