Don't use expandable foam. You could use back rod and caulking of a color match if you like.

Thank u Windows on Washington Ltd. Any particular reason for not using expandable foam? I was wondering if the expandable foam would help with sealing air gaps/ cracks around windows. Additional thoughts?

I agree 100% with WOW. Backer rod and caulking compound is the way to go.

Actually, I've filled gaps that wide with nothing but silicone caulking.

I predict that you'll be sorry if you use expanding foam. It sticks to everything -- especially to you -- looks awful, and weathers poorly.

Your windows should have some kind of warranty coverage against defects. I would call the manufacturer and see if they can help you. If you attempt a DIY fix and it fails, you have voided any warranty that might be in place.

I tried to investigate the warranty option, but we did not build this house (we r 2nd owner) and Lincoln windows says they cannot find any record of windows sold to prior homeowner (probably because the window sale was likely to home builder who went out of business) so Lincoln won't help me out. Windows are double pane but 10 years old. The real problem is the bad decision someone made to install wood windows in Texas where it is just too hot and humid for wood windows to stand up to the climatic conditions. So I am stuck with trying to keep them in as good of condition as possible. It is just way too expensive for us to replace all the wood windows, esp since we dont plan to bein this house after we retire in a few years.

Then I would still not do a DIY, but call a reliable window installer and have them fix it. Then, their workmanship should be covered (at the very least for a limited warranty period).

I did not know about backer rod and cut a white foam pool noodle to fill a large crack then used silicone caulk over it. Everyone laughed, but it worked beautifully. I later learned about backer rod. It come in different sizes and would have made my job easier.

"Then I would still not do a DIY, but call a reliable window installer and have them fix it. Then, their workmanship should be covered (at the very least for a limited warranty period)."

No one is going to warrant a cludge labor repair, period. W.o.W. first post is the best, backer rod and caulk. Part of the reason these windows are refered to as Leaky Lincolns..................

Be aware that a lot of silicone caulks are not paintable. As well as being extremely difficult to tool and just generally nasty to try to work with.

I would go with backer rod and Big Stretch caulk (Lowe's has it). Easy to tool and soap & water clean up.

http://www.sashco.com/products/big-stretch/

(Another great Sashco product is Lexel.)

Buzyjo, I've done the pool noodle trick, too. You can custom size it; I've found that a lot of the time, backer rod doesn't quite work. One size is too loose and the next size up bulges out of the void I'm wanting to fill. I've also cut sheet foam insulation to friction fit for filler behind caulk.