Winterizing Windows

I have double paned, double hung windows but they still leak some cold air where upper and lower windows meet, even when they are locked. Last winter I put in some cotton batting, which was a real pain and time consuming. I am now thinking of using weatherstripping that has the sticky tape on the bottom and just run it across the joint.

I am concerned about pulling up the paint (I have white woodwork) when I will remove it next spring. Any other suggestions for plugging up these air pockets? Is there any spray stuff that can be used which is easily removed? With heating costs going through the roof, I need to do all that I can to eliminate drafts. Thanks for your input.

Monica from PA

Answers:

Winterizing Windows

The very BEST way to keep air out of leaky windows is to use a truly incredible product made by DAP, called "Seal and Peel." It used to be called "Removable Caulk." It comes in a caulking tube so you must use a caulking gun to extrude it. It comes out of the tube as a clear, wet, thick viscous material. It cures to a clear rubbery material overnight.

I recommend a good caulking gun made in England that costs about $25 that is worth the price if you have a large number of windows to caulk. A cheap $3 caulking gun will do if you just have a few windows.

"Peel and Seal" cures CLEAR. You can barely see it after it is installed. It can stay in permanently OR you can "peel" it off when you want, next summer or 5 years from now! It is quite rubbery after is cures and it comes off in a long strip, by pulling it off with your fingers after disengaging a small piece that you can pull. If everyone used this product, replacement windows would become obsolete! I have gone through 30 or 40 tubes of this marvelous product in the past 10 years!

In Ohio, I get it at Meijers. You may find it at a hardware store or a home improvement store but I was at Home Depot a few days ago and they don't have it. If you can't find it contact DAP for a source.

Lee S.
OHIO (09/19/2005)

By Lee S.