Buggy window

April 1, 2009 5:28 AM

What's the best way to seal a window that doesn't shut?

I am renting a small room. In this room there is a window right next to my bed. It does not close all the way.

So, I'm not a very hands-on, DIY fix stuff kind of person so I just turned on my space heater if a cold draft came in. Now that it's spring and summer is approaching, I am worried about the bugs that will come in through the window gap. There has already been a beetle incidence.

I need to get this window closed. I am renting, so I don't want to pay to get a new one. The landlord said he'd replace the window...hasn't done it yet. I don't think he'll get it done anytime soon.

Is there a cheap, efficient way to get this done?

posted by pulled_levers to Grab Bag (9 answers total)

Spray foam insulation. With some work you can get rid of it when you want to open the window. Don't get the high-expansion stuff, though.
posted by dunkadunc at 5:30 AM on April 1, 2009

Since you're renting, I would not use spray foam because it's a pain to remove and can stain paint. I would buy a $2 piece of Styrofoam at a hardware or a art/craft store, thicker than the gap, and then wedge it in there tight, forcing the gap closed (or pretty damn close), closing the window onto it hard to squish it.

That's also removable anytime you do want the window open.

Also, most bugs hate walking through or near spicy things, so dusting some cayenne pepper along the bottom of your windowsill can work wonders.
posted by rokusan at 5:53 AM on April 1, 2009

Best answer: Cut a 2x4 to the width of the window. Close the window down on the 2x4. Not great, but better than nothing, and less porous than my first thought, which was a towel.

Recommending *against* the spray foam. That shit is *impossible* to get completely rid of, and looks like hell.
posted by notsnot at 5:56 AM on April 1, 2009

How big of a gap? Is ye olde "stuff a rag or old beach-towel in there" method too pathetic?
posted by dirtdirt at 6:16 AM on April 1, 2009

A few questions:
Does the window open or is it frozen in its position?
If so, vertically or horizontally?
Is it made of wood, or aluminum?
Can you describe what exactly makes that it doesn't close?

If it's old but not decomposing, made of wood, and has two standard-type hinges, you might be a mere minute away from a permanent solution, by adjusting the hinges. There are special tools for this, and a professional (while costing some money) would be able to bend the hinges in seconds.

If the frame has expanded due to humidity, probably some wood needs to be planed off, usually from the side of the window opposite of hinges. Also not a huge deal really, and likely no big expense if you can't do it yourself. No DIY person in the family??
posted by Namlit at 6:18 AM on April 1, 2009

Install some really thick weatherstripping. Go see what the hardware store has to offer - you want something like is usually used at the bottom of a door, and is only attached to the window or the frame, so you can still open and close it.

If you go into a large hardware store and explain the issue to one of the dudes there they will point you to the right stuff.
posted by Meatbomb at 6:27 AM on April 1, 2009 [1 favorite]

Another vote against spray foam. It is messy, difficult to apply neatly and without over spray etc., and even when done well doesn't really look that nice. Gaffer's tape is a cheap and easy solution and it usually comes off without too much mess if need be. Weatherstripping would be even better and not much more expensive but it might not come off without harming the paint or whatever underneath. Since the window is to be replaced this is probably not an issue.
posted by caddis at 7:30 AM on April 1, 2009

You can buy caulking that is designed to be removable. Apply liberally to the gap and then you can just peel it away when you move out.
posted by Mitheral at 7:44 AM on April 1, 2009

My experience is in California, but many states have tenant laws that require the property to be sealed against outside elements. Require, as in it's against the law for the landlord not to fix it pronto. Call you local tenants rights association if you have one, otherwise go to a bookstore and find books that deal with tenant issues in your state.
posted by rhizome at 9:01 AM on April 1, 2009