I've been down this road myself, and honestly, window sealing tape has been hit-or-miss for me too. A few years back, I tried foam strips—did the whole meticulous cleaning routine, measured twice, cut once, pressed firmly... and still ended up with peeling edges and drafts sneaking back in by February. Frustrating doesn't even begin to describe it.
Then I switched to a pricier silicone-based sealing tape (the kind that's supposed to be weatherproof). Didn't even prep much—just wiped the frames quickly with rubbing alcohol and slapped it on. Surprisingly, it's held up pretty well through two winters now. Still skeptical about whether it's the tape quality or just dumb luck, though. My theory is older windows warp slightly over time, making it harder for foam strips to adhere evenly. Newer windows probably have smoother surfaces and tighter fits, so foam works better there.
Either way, I've learned not to skimp too much on sealing products. Spending a bit more upfront seems worth it if it means fewer headaches later on. Drafty rooms are miserable enough without having to redo your work every season...
"My theory is older windows warp slightly over time, making it harder for foam strips to adhere evenly."
That's definitely part of it, but honestly, I've found that sometimes the real issue isn't the tape at all—it's the window itself. If the frame's warped or hinges are loose, no tape's gonna fix that...
Yeah, older windows can definitely warp—I had this old farmhouse window that drove me nuts. Tried every foam strip out there, but nothing stuck right because the frame itself was slightly twisted. Eventually, I realized the hinges were loose too, so tightening those helped a bit. Still wasn't perfect though... sometimes you just gotta accept that older windows have their quirks and work around them as best you can.
I've had similar frustrations with older windows, especially wooden frames. Foam tape can be hit or miss for sure. Have you ever tried using rope caulk instead? It's a bit more forgiving if the frame isn't perfectly straight, and you can mold it into odd gaps pretty easily. I used it on some warped basement windows a few years back, and it held up better than foam strips did.
Also, have you checked if the window itself is seating properly in the frame when closed? Sometimes the latch or lock mechanism wears down over time, preventing a tight seal. Adjusting or replacing that hardware has helped me before, even when the frame itself wasn't perfect.
Curious though, do you notice drafts mostly around the edges of the window or through the glass panes themselves? Older single-pane windows can lose heat like crazy in winter...
Rope caulk definitely has its advantages, especially with uneven frames. I've also found success with V-seal weatherstripping—it compresses nicely and fills gaps without being too bulky. But honestly, if drafts are coming through the glass itself, no amount of sealing around the edges will fully fix it. Have you considered those shrink-wrap window insulation kits? They're not the prettiest solution, but they significantly cut heat loss on single-pane windows...might be worth a shot if the drafts are mainly through the panes.
Good points, but shrink-wrap kits can be a hassle and don't always hold up well if you've got pets or curious kids around. Honestly, upgrading to storm windows might be a better long-term fix—more upfront cost, sure, but way less fuss overall.
Storm windows definitely make sense if you're in it for the long haul. I went through the shrink-wrap phase myself years ago—worked okay, but every winter it was the same routine: wrestling with plastic sheets, hairdryers, and that tape that never quite stuck right. Plus, my cat thought it was her personal scratching post, so that didn't exactly help things...
Eventually bit the bullet and got storm windows installed. Yeah, the upfront cost stung a bit, but honestly, they've paid for themselves in comfort and lower heating bills. No more drafts, no more plastic battles, and no more feline sabotage. If you're planning to stay put for a while, I'd say storm windows are worth the investment. But if you're renting or just need a quick fix, sealing tape or weatherstripping can still do a decent job—just don't expect miracles.
I went through the sealing tape phase too, and honestly, it was more trouble than it was worth. Sure, it cut down on drafts a bit, but by mid-winter the adhesive started peeling off, leaving sticky residue everywhere. Plus, if you ever want to open your windows on a warmer winter day (rare, I know, but it happens), you're basically out of luck.
Ended up installing storm windows about five years back—best decision I made for this old house. No more wrestling with plastic sheets or constantly reapplying tape. The comfort difference was immediate, and my heating bills dropped noticeably. If you're planning to stick around, I'd say skip the temporary fixes and invest upfront. But if you're just renting or need something quick and cheap, weatherstripping might be your best bet. Just don't expect it to completely solve the problem...
"Ended up installing storm windows about five years back—best decision I made for this old house."
Storm windows definitely make a difference, but I gotta say, they're not always the magic bullet. We put them in about three winters ago, and while they helped, we still had some stubborn drafts sneaking through. Turns out our frames were warped just enough to let air slip by. Ended up adding some weatherstripping around the edges, and that combo finally did the trick.
I agree about the sealing tape though—tried it once and never again. The adhesive residue was a nightmare to clean off come springtime, and it didn't even hold up through January. If you're stuck renting or just need a quick fix, foam weatherstripping is probably your best bet. It's cheap, easy to apply, and doesn't leave behind a sticky mess. Just don't expect miracles...
Storm windows are usually a solid upgrade, but yeah, warped frames can be sneaky culprits. I've seen plenty of cases where folks overlook the frame condition and end up disappointed. Foam weatherstripping is definitely handy for quick fixes, but have you tried silicone caulk around the exterior edges? It's flexible, holds up well, and doesn't leave that nasty residue behind. Curious if anyone's had luck with caulking instead of tape...