Rope caulk's definitely handy for small gaps, but honestly, if your frames are warped badly, you're just putting a band-aid on the issue. I'd second checking the glazing putty—seen plenty of older windows where that's the real culprit. Fixing that usually makes a bigger difference long-term.
Good point about the glazing putty—I tackled mine last fall and it made a noticeable difference. Rope caulk's okay temporarily, but honestly, if the frame's warped, you're probably looking at a bigger fix down the road... Still worth trying short-term though.
Have you checked if the sash itself is loose or rattling around? Sometimes tightening up the sash locks or adding a bit of weatherstripping along the meeting rails can help seal things up temporarily. I agree rope caulk's decent for a quick fix, but if you're dealing with warping, have you considered using shrink film insulation kits? They're pretty cheap and surprisingly effective at cutting drafts until you can tackle a more permanent solution.
Good points about the shrink film kits—I recently tried one myself and was pleasantly surprised by how much it helped. Admittedly, I was skeptical at first, but it noticeably reduced the drafts in our living room. Still, I'd caution that if the window frame itself is warped or significantly damaged, these quick fixes might only go so far. Eventually, you'll probably need to address the underlying issue...but for now, definitely worth giving it a shot.
Shrink film kits can be pretty impressive, huh? I've recommended them to plenty of folks, especially renters or anyone looking for a quick fix before winter hits hard. You're totally right though—if your frame's warped or seriously damaged, these kits are kinda like putting a band-aid on a broken leg. Temporary relief, sure, but not exactly solving the root problem.
One thing I'd suggest checking out is weatherstripping. It's cheap, simple to install, and can really cut down on drafts around the frame itself. I once helped a buddy who swore his window was "totally fine," but when we popped off the old trim, we found gaps wide enough for a mouse to stroll through. A bit of foam sealant and new weatherstripping later, he was amazed at the difference.
Have you checked if the drafts are coming from around the frame itself or just through the glass area?
Good call on weatherstripping, it made a huge difference for me too. Have you tried the candle trick yet—holding a lit candle near the edges to pinpoint exactly where the draft's sneaking in? Helped me spot gaps I totally missed before.
"Have you tried the candle trick yet—holding a lit candle near the edges to pinpoint exactly where the draft's sneaking in?"
Yeah, I gave the candle trick a shot last winter, and it was pretty eye-opening. Found a couple spots I wouldn't have guessed were letting in cold air. But honestly, even after weatherstripping, I still had a stubborn draft coming from the bottom edge. Ended up using one of those draft stoppers (the fabric tubes filled with rice or whatever). Looks a bit goofy, but it actually worked surprisingly well.
Did the candle thing too, and yeah, it helped me spot the leaks pretty quick. But honestly, weatherstripping didn't cut it for me either—still felt chilly air creeping in. Ended up taping clear plastic film over the window frame for winter. Looks kinda tacky, but it made a noticeable difference. Anyone tried something less ugly that actually works?
I've seen the plastic film trick work wonders, but yeah, it's not exactly winning any beauty contests, lol. Have you thought about thermal curtains? I put some up last winter—was skeptical at first, but they actually kept the room noticeably warmer. Plus, you can pick styles that match your decor, so no more tacky plastic vibes. Anyone else had luck with curtains or blinds for insulation?
Thermal curtains definitely help, especially if they're floor-length and heavy enough. I've also seen cellular shades make a noticeable difference—bit pricier, but they trap air pretty effectively. Curious if anyone's tried combining curtains with shades... overkill or worth it?