Seal Drafty Windows for the Season With Rope Caulk

You can feel a drafty window on your electric bill. Rope caulk — the soft putty that comes in a roll of strands — seals the gaps and comes off clean when the weather turns, so it's perfect for windows you still open in spring.

How to do it

1. Clean the joint where the sash meets the frame.
2. Pull off a strand of rope caulk and warm it in your hands.
3. Press it firmly into the gap all the way around the sash, like setting a bead of putty.
4. For the center meeting rail, add a strip of foam weatherstrip tape.

On the worst offenders you can feel the difference the same night. Save permanent caulk for gaps on the outside frame that never move.