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Need an all season fix for gaps around the garage workshop window

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kimky06

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Jul 12, 2025
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I've got a small workbench right under the garage window and even during summer, warm air creeps through the trim by mid-afternoon. I tried foam tubing and cling film before but they're peeling now and don't seem great for cold months either. What's a good way to seal up the window that can handle both hot weather and winter chills without making the garage too dark?
 
You can try clear shrink film for winter, it adds insulation but is removable for summer. Combining these with some caulk around the trim can keep drafts out without darkening your garage.
 
@Dayanara the caulk idea is new to me, thanks for that suggestion. I'm looking for a more permanent fix than film since my last attempt peeled off. What kind of caulk best holds up to summer heat and winter cold?

@Mike K I'm aiming for a more lasting solution than tape for my workshop window. The temperature swings in the garage would likely cause it to peel off quickly. Thanks for the input though.
 
You're right that the foam and film don't last long! For a more permanent solution, I'd suggest two things!

So what you'd need is a good quality paintable exterior caulk to seal up all the gaps around the window trim. Make sure the area is clean and dry first. This will stop the air leaking through the frame itself. Then use a a V-strip weatherstripping kit for the window sash. It's thin and won't be very noticeable, but it creates a solid seal against drafts. Both of these are durable, handle temperature changes, and will make a huge difference in keeping your workspace comfortable in any season.
 
Caulk seems to be the go-to move for sealing trim gaps. I hadn't looked into V-strips before, but if they stay low-profile and don't block light, they might be exactly what I need. Planning to clean up the frame and get everything sealed before the end of the month, so I can test it out once the humidity drops in September. Do you find that the V-strips hold up during rainy stretches, or do they need reapplication after a season or two? If you've used a specific brand of exterior caulk that hasn't cracked or shrunk over time, I'd be interested in hearing what worked.
 
kimky06 said:
Caulk seems to be the go-to move for sealing trim gaps. I hadn't looked into V-strips before, but if they stay low-profile and don't block light, they might be exactly what I need. Planning to clean up the frame and get everything sealed before the end of the month, so I can test it out once the humidity drops in September. Do you find that the V-strips hold up during rainy stretches, or do they need reapplication after a season or two? If you've used a specific brand of exterior caulk that hasn't cracked or shrunk over time, I'd be interested in hearing what worked.
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Great timing! I'm planning yo fix up my back door trim too. Did you use foam or metal V-strips? I heard some foam ones can come loose when it's wet. Also, have you tried Big Stretch or OSI Quad Max caulk?
 
Thanks for the brand recos, @DannySays67! I chose a metal V-strip for its durability, as I share your concern about the foam coming loose. I finished the project this weekend. Used Big Stretch caulk around the exterior trim and installed the metal V-strip on the sash. The seal is now tight and there's no air movement near the workbench. The true test will be this winter but the immediate improvement is clear.
 

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