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

I hear you on the cost of all the “temporary” fixes adding up. We tried the window sealing tape a couple winters ago in our 1920s place—honestly, it worked better than I expected, but only for a season. The tape stuck well at first, but by March it started peeling off in spots, especially on the windows that got direct sun. Didn’t leave much residue, though, which was nice compared to rope caulk.

If you’re dealing with really drafty old windows and don’t want to mess with shrink film (which I find kind of annoying), tape is a decent stopgap. It’s not magic, but it does help cut down on the worst drafts. Still, I’m with you—after a couple years of swapping out tape and film and caulk, we finally saved up for custom storms on the front windows. Hurt the wallet at first, but wow, what a difference. If you’re planning to stay put for a while, biting the bullet might be worth it.

But yeah, if you just need something quick and easy for this winter, tape isn’t the worst option out there... just don’t expect miracles.

- Used the tape a few times—agreed, it’s decent for a quick fix but not a long-term solution.
- I actually prefer the clear plastic film, even though it’s a pain to install. Feels like it blocks more drafts.
- Storm windows made the biggest difference for us, but yeah, pricey up front.
- If you’re just trying to get through one winter, tape’s fine. Just don’t expect it to survive a humid spring... mine always peels.

Tape’s honestly a lifesaver when you’re in a pinch, but yeah, it’s the duct tape of window fixes—quick, easy, not exactly elegant or built for the long haul. I’ve slapped it on more than a few drafty windows over the years, especially in older houses where the sashes don’t quite meet anymore. Works fine through winter, but once the weather warms up and the humidity kicks in, that stuff peels faster than cheap wallpaper. Had one client’s dog even pull it right off—guess he wanted more fresh air.

The clear plastic film kits are a bit of a wrestling match to install. You’ll probably invent some new words doing it, but if you get them tight with the hairdryer, they really do block drafts better than tape alone. Just watch out for curious cats—they love poking holes in it.

Storm windows are the gold standard, no question, but not everyone wants to drop that kind of money for a couple cold months. If you’re just looking to make it through till spring, tape or film will get you there. Just don’t expect miracles—or for it to look pretty by April...

Definitely agree with you on the tape being a lifesaver in a pinch, but long-term, it’s just not built for it. Here’s how I usually break it down:

- Tape: Quick fix. Best for “I need this done in 5 minutes before the cold front hits.” Like you said, humidity and pets will kill it fast. I’ve had tape slide right off once the spring rains started.
- Plastic film kits: More effort, but worth it if you’ll be in the house all winter.

“You’ll probably invent some new words doing it, but if you get them tight with the hairdryer, they really do block drafts better than tape alone.”

Another option I’ve tried is rope caulk—super easy to press into gaps and peels off cleanly in spring. Not as airtight as film kits but less hassle.

If you just need to get through one rough winter, tape or film will do the trick... just don’t expect miracles by March.

I get what you’re saying about tape being a short-term fix, but honestly, I had better luck with it than the film kits. Maybe my windows are just weird, but the film never stuck right—kept peeling at the corners no matter how much I zapped it with the hairdryer. Tape at least stayed put for most of the winter (until my cat got curious). Anyone else feel like the “gold standard” storm windows are kinda overkill if you’re in a milder climate? Or am I missing something?

If you’re in a mild climate, storm windows are honestly more hassle than they’re worth—especially for renters or older homes. Tape’s fine for drafts if you don’t mind redoing it each year. Film kits only work if your frames are super clean and smooth, which isn’t always the case. I tell people: unless you’re dealing with real cold snaps or crazy energy bills, don’t overthink it.

I get what you mean about storm windows being a pain, but I’m still on the fence about just relying on tape. My house is about 60 years old and the windows are definitely not airtight. I tried the clear plastic film last winter, but half of it peeled off because the frames are a little warped. The tape worked okay, but I had to redo it after a month or two—maybe I just bought the cheap stuff?

I’m curious if anyone’s found a type of tape that actually lasts through the season, or is it just one of those things you have to keep replacing? Also, does it ever damage the paint or wood? I’m worried about long-term wear since I’m hoping to eventually fix up these windows, not make them worse.

I’m curious if anyone’s found a type of tape that actually lasts through the season, or is it just one of those things you have to keep replacing? Also, does it ever damage the paint or wood?

Honestly, I’ve never had any luck with the cheaper tapes—they just don’t hold up, especially if your frames are warped or there’s humidity swings. I switched to 3M’s “extreme” weather tape a few years back and it stuck through an entire New England winter, but I was pretty careful prepping the surface (cleaned with rubbing alcohol, made sure it was bone dry). That said, even the good stuff can pull paint if it’s already flaky or if you leave it on until spring when it’s humid out.

Long-term, I think constant taping is kind of a band-aid. You end up with sticky residue and sometimes minor wood damage if you’re not careful. Have you ever tried removable caulk instead? It forms a better seal in my experience and peels off clean in the spring. Just curious—what’s the biggest draft source for you: around the frame, or is it coming through the glass itself? That makes a difference in what actually helps.

Long-term, I think constant taping is kind of a band-aid. You end up with sticky residue and sometimes minor wood damage if you’re not careful.

I hear you on the “band-aid” thing—been there, done that. My place is an old 1920s bungalow with original double-hungs, so drafts are basically a given. I’ve tried the whole spectrum: cheap hardware store tape, pricier “weatherproof” stuff, even painter’s tape in a pinch (total fail).

What’s worked best for me is actually a combo approach. Here’s what I do when it starts getting chilly:

1. **Clean the surface**—like you mentioned, rubbing alcohol makes a difference. Dust or leftover paint chips kill adhesion.
2. **Warm up the tape**—sounds weird, but if you stick it on when it’s cold, it never gets that bond. I’ll sometimes use a hair dryer to help it out.
3. **Seal BOTH sides**—frame and sash, if possible. If your windows open, just be ready to lose access until spring.

But yeah, even with all that, by March I’m picking off bits of tape and dealing with sticky spots or little paint flakes coming up. If your paint job is old or chipped, there’s no way around some damage.

I did try removable caulk last year (DAP makes one), and honestly? Way less hassle in the spring. It peeled right off in long strips, no residue at all. Only downside was that it doesn’t stick as well if the gap is big or the frame is super uneven.

For me, most of the draft comes from where the sashes meet—not through the glass itself—so anything flexible like caulk seems to work better than rigid tape.

If you’re dealing with really bad gaps or warped wood, have you looked into rope caulk? It’s ugly but fills weird shapes and comes off clean. Not pretty but sometimes you gotta prioritize warmth over looks...

Anyway, taping works in a pinch but I’d say don’t expect miracles unless your frames are in decent shape to begin with.

Yeah, I totally get the frustration with the tape routine—it’s really just a temporary fix for most older windows. I’ve seen people get better long-term results with V-seal weatherstripping or even those silicone draft stoppers you can wedge in the sash gaps. Tape definitely helps in a pinch, but once the paint starts peeling or the residue sticks around, it’s just more hassle. For those big gaps, rope caulk’s a lifesaver, even if it’s not winning any beauty contests. Sometimes you just gotta pick function over form, especially in an old house.