Doors and Windows - What can I do for drafty windows?

Hi,

I live in an apartment with old single pane wooden double hung windows. All of the windows are drafty. I put the stick on weatherstripping along the top and bottom and that helped some but they were still drafty. I put the shrink plastic on a few that I knew I wouldn't be opening but that leaves marks from the tape. The others I ran a bead of that spray foam where the window meets the frame so I can open them and reapply the foam if needed.

All of this is good but a real pain and I don't want to go through it year after year.

Before I go out and get replacement windows I thought I'd check here to see if there is some way I can prevent drafts without going through all of this. If I remove the windows can I put some sort of weatherstripping on the sides and in the area where the upper and lower panes meet?

What causes the windows to become drafty? Up and down motion wears away a seal over time? Window frame settles and gaps form over time? Something else maybe? Can most drafts be cured without buying replacements?

It's an apartment but they call it a condo. I own it. 9 drafty windows and all.

Old wood windows leak air for all the reasons you mention. Since you mention that the windows do not have insulating glass, they may have been inexpensive to begin with and then with age, use, and the effects of the weather, they just ain't what they used to be (I can personally relate to that.) There may also be the effects of convection which will move air in a room and feels like a drafty window. Aluminum storm windows should take care of either or both problems. I would suggest going to a couple lumber yards for prices on storm windows. I would also suggest that if you are going to do this yourself, that you read a pamphlet on measuring wood windows for storm windows; then measure and buy only one (1) to make sure that it is going to fit the way you want it to. If you measured it correctly, measure the the others in the same manner. This way if you make a mistake it won't be so costly. Installing aluminum storm windows on wood windows is not difficult, but you do need to get the sizes correct.

Good luck!
John

Tn...Andy is right. Putting in aluminum storm windows just would not be cost effective. Replace your drafty wood windows with good vinyl windows (avoid the cheap ones) and you will be time and money ahead. The utility savings will pay for the new windows in a matter of a few years.

Hurtle:
Aluminum storm windows WOULD be the most cost effective method of curing your drafty window problem! I am defining drafty as excessive air infiltration between the sashes and the frame. If you are interested in significantly increasing the energy efficiency of the windows, then I would suggest, as a next step in terms of cost and asthetics, considering using a "sash replasement system." This is two sash with your choice of glass options and sash balances; the frame stays in place. Several wood window manufacturers make these.

I would also suggest that you contact your homeowners association to ascertain any restrictions in the by-laws on replacing windows.

Good luck!
John