Last winter I finally got fed up with the chilly breeze sneaking through my windows, so I grabbed some silicone caulk and went to town. Messy at first, but a wet finger smooths it out nicely. Anyone else tried this?
Did something similar a few years back when I first moved into my old house. The windows were ancient, and every winter it felt like the wind was literally whistling through them. Silicone caulk definitely helped, but I found that using painter's tape on either side of the seam made cleanup way easier. Just peel the tape off while the caulk is still wet, and you get a super clean edge without fussing too much with your finger.
Also, if you're dealing with larger gaps (like I was in one particularly drafty room), foam backer rod can be a lifesaver. You just stuff it into the gap first, then caulk over it—makes the job quicker and saves you from wasting tons of caulk.
Good on you for tackling it yourself, though. Home maintenance always feels a bit daunting at first, but once you get started, it's pretty satisfying seeing (and feeling!) the results.
Painter's tape trick is solid advice, wish I'd known that earlier. Curious though, anyone tried those window insulation film kits? Wondering if they're worth the hassle or just gimmicky...
I've used those window insulation film kits a couple winters now, and honestly, they're pretty decent. First time around, I was skeptical too—seemed like a gimmick. But my bedroom windows were drafty as heck, so I gave it a shot. The installation was straightforward enough, though getting the plastic wrinkle-free took a bit of patience (hairdryer is your friend here). Once installed, I noticed a real difference in comfort. It wasn't like night-and-day, but definitely warmer and less drafty.
One downside: if you've got pets or curious kids, the film can get punctured pretty easily. Learned that the hard way when my cat decided it was a new scratching post... But overall, I'd say they're worth trying, especially if you're renting or can't afford to replace windows right now.
I've thought about those film kits before, but do they leave any residue behind when you remove them in spring? My windows are old wood frames, and I'm worried about damaging the paint or finish.