Struggling to keep drafts out—window sealing tape worth it?

I get where you’re coming from about the rope caulk looking like a kid’s craft project. It works, but you definitely notice it every time you walk by. I tried window sealing tape on my old 1950s windows last winter, and honestly, it surprised me. Prep is a pain—if you skip cleaning the frame, it just peels right off once the temperature drops. But if you actually take five minutes with some rubbing alcohol, it sticks through the worst of January.

The best part for me is that it blends in way better than rope caulk or that shrink film stuff. You don’t really see it unless you’re up close, and there’s no sticky residue when you take it off in spring. I will say, though, if your windows are really drafty or the gaps are big, tape alone isn’t enough. Had to double up in a couple spots and even then, you could still feel some air movement on windy days.

If you’re renting or just want something low-commitment, tape’s probably your best bet. But if you’re dealing with ancient windows like mine and want a real fix, nothing beats new weatherstripping or even biting the bullet and replacing the windows (which is a whole other headache). Still, for a quick fix that doesn’t make your place look like a construction zone all winter, tape’s not bad at all. Just don’t expect miracles if your windows are falling apart...

Yeah, I hear you about the tape blending in better—my wife finally stopped side-eyeing the windows once I switched from the shrink film circus. But man, those old wood frames are stubborn. I’ve had tape peel off mid-February when the temp swings, even with a decent cleaning. Ever try that silicone weatherstripping stuff? I’ve debated it, but I’m worried it’ll just end up as another sticky mess come spring. Curious if anyone’s found a solution that doesn’t involve prying open my wallet for new windows...

Those old wood frames really are a pain. I’ve run into the same problem with adhesive tapes peeling when the temps bounce around—especially on south-facing windows. I did try the silicone weatherstripping last winter, the kind that comes in a roll and you just press it into place. It sealed decently at first, but when spring rolled around, it left behind this gummy residue that took a fair bit of elbow grease (and some mineral spirits) to get off. The seal itself worked better than the tape, but cleanup was a hassle.

One thing I haven’t tried yet is those V-shaped vinyl strips that slide right into the gap between the sash and the frame. Supposedly, they don’t rely on adhesive and hold up better with temperature swings. Has anyone here had luck with those, or do they just end up getting dislodged over time? I’m also curious if anyone’s bothered with caulking the exterior in fall and then just scraping it out come spring—feels like a lot of work, but maybe worth it if it actually keeps the drafts out...

I actually tried those V-shaped vinyl strips last year and, honestly, they didn’t stay put as well as I hoped. They worked for a few months but started slipping out when the wood shrank in dry winter air. Kind of annoying to keep pushing them back in. I ended up just using rope caulk—super low commitment, no mess, and it peels right off come spring. Not as airtight as silicone, but way less cleanup headache.

Rope caulk’s a classic move, honestly. I’ve used it in a pinch and yeah, the cleanup is a breeze. But I’m still not sold on those temporary fixes for the long haul. Last winter, I tried that clear window film you shrink with a hair dryer—looked goofy but kept the drafts out better than I expected. Only downside? Couldn’t open the window at all till spring. Trade-offs everywhere, right?

Only downside? Couldn’t open the window at all till spring. Trade-offs everywhere, right?

That’s exactly why I’ve always hesitated with the shrink film—being locked out of fresh air for months just feels weird to me. Have you ever tried those silicone weatherstripping tapes instead? They’re not as airtight as film, but you can still crack the window if you need to. I guess nothing’s perfect, but I like having some flexibility, especially when the sun comes out mid-winter and I want a breeze. Anyone else run into that?

Shrink film really does turn your window into a no-go zone till spring, which drives me nuts. I’ve used the silicone tape—honestly, it’s not perfect, but being able to open the window a crack is a game changer for me. You lose a bit of that tight seal, but I’d rather have some airflow than feel like I’m living in a plastic bubble. Sometimes you just gotta pick your battles...

Shrink film does seal things up tight, but yeah, you’re locked out of opening that window unless you want to redo the whole thing. The silicone tape is a decent compromise if you need to crack a window now and then, though you’re right—there’s always going to be some air leakage. If you’re getting a lot of drafts, check the sash and frame for gaps first. Sometimes just adding a bit of weatherstripping in the right spot does more than any film or tape. I’ve seen a lot of folks overlook that and end up frustrated...

I’ll second the weatherstripping suggestion—saved my sanity last winter.

“Sometimes just adding a bit of weatherstripping in the right spot does more than any film or tape.”

I get where you're coming from with the foam strips—those things are cheap and surprisingly effective. But honestly, I’ve had the opposite luck with window tape, especially on my old aluminum frames. The foam didn’t stick well in the cold, but the clear sealing tape held up all winter and actually came off clean in spring. Sure, you can’t open the window while it’s on, but for windows I never crack anyway, it’s been a set-and-forget fix.

I guess it really depends on the type of window and how often you want to open it. For me, tape was less hassle than wrestling with foam that kept shifting or falling out. Just have to make sure the surface is super clean before sticking it down or yeah, it’ll peel right off once temps drop. Different houses, different headaches...