Did something similar myself a couple years ago on an old double-hung window. Thought I'd share a couple tips I learned the hard way...
First off, vinyl V-strip is definitely your friend for those uneven gaps. Just be careful how tightly you compress it—too much and you risk the latch issue mentioned above. EPDM is great too, especially for spots prone to moisture. But here's my mild disagreement: I'd say combining both isn't always necessary. If you pinpoint exactly where water's getting in, sometimes a good-quality silicone caulk on the outside frame can do the trick without crowding your window.
When I tried combining both, I ended up having to trim and readjust multiple times because things got too tight. Now, if you have really stubborn leaks or drafts, go for it—but otherwise, I'd suggest starting small and adding layers only if needed. Trust me, it's easier to add more weatherstripping later than to peel it all back off and start again.
"it's easier to add more weatherstripping later than to peel it all back off and start again."
Wish I'd read this sooner... I went full-force with both caulk and weatherstripping on my first window project, thinking more was better. Ended up with a window that was nearly impossible to latch properly. Had to redo the whole thing, and let me tell you, peeling off silicone caulk is no joke. Curious though—anyone found silicone alone enough for heavy rain, or is weatherstripping usually needed?
I've had silicone alone hold up pretty well against heavy rain, but only if the window alignment is already spot-on. If there's even a slight gap or unevenness, weatherstripping really makes a difference... learned that the hard way after a few surprise puddles on my sill.
You're spot-on about alignment being key. I've seen silicone do wonders when everything's lined up, but even a tiny misalignment can let water sneak right in. Good call on the weatherstripping—sometimes you gotta learn from those surprise puddles, haha.
Yeah, silicone can be a lifesaver, but it's definitely picky about prep and alignment. I've had better luck with weatherstripping myself—especially around older windows where things aren't perfectly square anymore. Learned that lesson after spending an afternoon meticulously caulking, only to find a sneaky little drip next rainstorm... talk about frustrating. Sometimes a combo approach works best: silicone for the bigger gaps and weatherstripping to seal up those tricky spots.
"Sometimes a combo approach works best: silicone for the bigger gaps and weatherstripping to seal up those tricky spots."
Totally agree with this. I've tackled my fair share of leaky windows, and honestly, combining methods usually gives the most reliable results. One tip I'd add is to always clean the surface thoroughly before applying silicone—dust or old paint residue can really mess things up. Sounds like you've already learned the frustration firsthand, but hang in there... you're definitely on the right track!
Yep, combo is usually the way to go. Silicone's great for sealing bigger gaps, but man, it can get messy fast—especially if you're not careful. One trick I've learned the hard way: keep a damp rag handy to wipe off excess silicone immediately. Saves you from scraping dried blobs later (trust me on this one...). Weatherstripping's easier, but don't skimp on quality; cheap stuff peels off after a season or two.
Haha, learned the silicone damp rag trick the hard way too—still got a pair of jeans with permanent silicone "decorations." Also, if you're dealing with bigger gaps, backer rod is your friend. Makes sealing way easier and cleaner.
"still got a pair of jeans with permanent silicone 'decorations.'"
Haha, glad I'm not the only one sporting silicone fashion statements... Quick question though, does backer rod hold up well over time? Never tried it myself—worth the extra step or nah?
Backer rod's definitely worth it for bigger gaps. Caulk alone tends to shrink and crack over time if the gap's too wide. I've had good luck with backer rod—it helps keep the caulk flexible and makes the seal last longer. Just make sure you push it in snug but don't crush it flat... learned that one the hard way.