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I use latex expansive foam. Don't use the urethane expansive foam, which will put pressure on the window and jam it up. If you fill the whole space with latex expansive foam, it will act as insulation and save you a lot of money.
1. Foam comes in numerous forms as follows (read the label):
a. Fire-blocking foam (usually red color)
b. All purpose foam (for general use, usually low expansion)
c. High expansion foam (not used for doors and windows)
d. Low expansion foam (used for doors and windows among other things)
2. Insulating foam should never be used to "caulk" window frames.
3. Caulking the frame is only a temporary measure. To properly insulate the window, the frame is removed, then the gap between the window and jambs is insulated and caulked.
As I mentioned to the OP before, have the right person figure what the problem is.
I thought about that although no one so far has recommended it. The spaces are really quite narrow, and I'm not sure spraying that stuff inside there will cause any issues. I guess I would have to get someone who knows what they are doing with that product.
It's more for when you're installing a window. The stuff for windows and doors is going to expand to WAY more than 1/8 inch, and as someone mentioned, it's really messy. From what I'm picturing, caulk sounds like what you need.
It takes some practice to lay a good bead. If possible, get some practice in an inconspicuous area before doing your window, if it's in a highly visible spot.
There is minimal expansion foam that is formulated for window and door applications- that way the jamb doesn't move creating a bind.
This is what we used. It worked beautifully. The minimal expanding foam does not harden up and get brittle like the maximum expanding foam does. It gets harder, but retains some flexibility. The highly expansive foam eventually falls apart.
Better yet is the white DAP foam that is for use around outlets and switch boxes. It expands very little and remains very flexible and does not break up into dust over time. The downside is it expands very little, so it is harder to get it into all of the crevasses. It is also significantly more expensive.
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