Weatherstripping tape's definitely a good call—I did something similar last year. One quick tip: clean the window frame really well first (trust me, learned this the hard way). Dust and grime make the tape peel off way too easily. Also, don't stretch it too tight when applying, or it'll shrink back later leaving gaps...ask me how I know, haha. Once it's on right though, it's solid and way less annoying than the shrink-wrap circus.
Good points on the cleaning and stretching—definitely learned those lessons myself. One thing I'd add is to pay attention to the type of weatherstripping you pick. Foam tape is easy and cheap, but I've found it wears out quicker, especially if your windows get a lot of sun. Rubber or silicone strips cost a bit more upfront, but they hold up better long-term and seal tighter. Just something to think about if you're tired of redoing it every year...
"Foam tape is easy and cheap, but I've found it wears out quicker, especially if your windows get a lot of sun."
That's exactly what happened to me last summer. The foam tape I used basically disintegrated after just one season in direct sunlight. Silicone strips were a game changer—definitely worth the extra cost. Curious if anyone has tried those V-seal strips? Heard they're pretty effective too, but haven't tested them myself yet...
I've used V-seal strips on a couple of older windows, and they're pretty solid. Definitely more durable than foam tape, especially in sunny spots. But installation can be a bit finicky—getting the alignment right is key, otherwise they don't seal properly.
"Silicone strips were a game changer—definitely worth the extra cost."
Curious how silicone compares long-term though...anyone had issues with them losing flexibility or adhesion after a few seasons?
Silicone strips do hold up pretty well long-term, especially compared to foam or even vinyl. A few things I've noticed though:
- Adhesion stays strong if you prep the surface properly (clean thoroughly, no dust or grease).
- Flexibility generally remains solid for several seasons, but in extreme cold climates, I've seen them stiffen up slightly over time.
- Direct sunlight doesn't seem to degrade them as quickly as other materials, which is a plus.
Overall, silicone's a reliable choice...just make sure your installation is spot-on to avoid headaches down the road.
"Flexibility generally remains solid for several seasons, but in extreme cold climates, I've seen them stiffen up slightly over time."
I've noticed the same thing here in Minnesota winters—silicone does get a bit rigid when temps drop below zero. Curious if anyone's tried EPDM rubber strips instead...heard they're pretty resilient in harsh cold?
I've noticed the same thing here in Minnesota winters—silicone does get a bit rigid when temps drop below zero. Curious if anyone's tried EPDM rubber strips instead...heard they're pretty resil...
I've used EPDM strips on my windows here in Wisconsin, and they've held up pretty well even when temps hit -15°F. Silicone definitely stiffens up a bit, but EPDM seems to stay flexible longer. Worth giving it a shot if you're dealing with serious cold.
I've actually tried both silicone and EPDM strips here in Michigan, and yeah, EPDM seems to handle extreme cold a bit better. Silicone was decent at first, but after a few weeks of below-zero temps, it got stiff and didn't seal as tightly. Have you considered combining EPDM with some thicker thermal curtains or insulating film? Might help even more if drafts are a big issue...
EPDM's good, but honestly, thermal curtains don't do much for drafts—they just trap cold air behind them. I'd focus on sealing the window frame itself with caulk or foam first...worked way better for me here in Wisconsin.
Gotta disagree a bit here—thermal curtains can actually help quite a bit, but only if they're used right. Sure, if you just hang them up and leave them closed all winter, you're basically creating your own little icebox behind there. But if you open them during sunny days to let the warmth in and close them tight at night, they do make a noticeable difference. Learned that the hard way after freezing my butt off one winter in an old apartment.
That said, sealing the frames is definitely key—no argument there—but pairing it with heavy thermal curtains makes things extra cozy. EPDM tape's decent too, but personally I've had better luck with those shrink-wrap window kits. Yeah, they look kinda goofy...but hey, I'll take goofy over frostbite any day.