Leaky sliding windows?

Hi all,

I live in an apartment complex that uses sliding windows that slide horizontally. We had problems two years ago with our indoor humidity spiking to 70% when it rained outside. We talked to management and they just gave us a dehumidifier.

With the cold this winter we have used a little phone FLIR to figure out that the windows are leaking on the vertical edges. I'm immunocompromised so we are uncomfortable having maintenance in to do anything major, but are there any quick fix stopgaps I can do to hold us for a while? We want to still be able to open the windows in case of emergency.

​​​​​​Thanks!

 

Get 3M window insulator kits, assuming management will allow you to install them. In case of emergency, it's just plastic.

 

You may need to replace the weather stripping. It's not rocket science but you do need to find the right material and there are a lot of options. Most big box home centers don't carry window weatherstripping but it can be ordered online or check with a local old fashioned hardware store or contractor supply as they sometime have a better selection.

The 3M window kits are pretty easy to install. You go around the perimeter of the window with double sided tape. Then you stick the clear plastic sheeting onto the tape. Then shrink the plastic with a hair dryer. The plastic is thin and quite clear so it's not very noticeable but you will need to remove the plastic before you can open the window.

 

Thank you all so much!!!