I get what you’re saying about insulation being the real fix, but I actually noticed a bigger difference from swapping out my old aluminum windows than I did when I added more attic insulation. Maybe it’s just my place—1950s ranch, tons of single-pane glass—but the drafts and noise dropped way more after the window upgrade. Could be that different houses have different “weak spots,” you know?
Funny you mention that difference—I've seen the same thing in a bunch of older homes. Folks always talk up attic insulation (and don’t get me wrong, it matters), but if your windows are leaking air like a sieve, it’s almost like leaving the front door cracked open all winter. I worked on a 1962 split-level last fall where the owner swapped out the original aluminum sliders for fiberglass casements, and it was like flipping a switch: drafts basically gone, street noise way down, and the furnace actually shut off once in a while.
I think a lot of us underestimate how much windows matter, especially in places built before double panes were standard. Insulation is great for the roof and walls, but if your windows are single-pane or have busted seals, you’re just fighting a losing battle. It’s not always a cheap fix—fiberglass isn’t exactly bargain bin—but for some houses, it’s where the real gains are hiding.
Honestly, I used to be a bit skeptical about paying extra for fiberglass over vinyl or wood, but after installing them in a few drafty old bungalows, I’m sold. They don’t warp or swell when the weather’s all over the place, and they seem to hold up better than vinyl in our freeze/thaw cycles around here. Only downside is the wait time—some brands are backordered for months, which can be a pain if you’re staring at condensation every morning.
Definitely agree that every house has its own trouble spots. Some folks get more mileage out of insulation, others see huge returns from new windows. It’s kind of like playing detective with drafts... you never know what’ll make the biggest difference until you try something.