“I’ve seen folks try to tweak the frames or add weatherstripping, but it’s usually a Band-Aid.”
Yeah, that’s exactly what I ran into. Tried shimming and adding some foam tape, but honestly, it just made the window harder to open. Didn’t really solve the draft problem either. Once that vinyl starts bowing, it’s like a slow leak you can’t quite plug.
I’m kind of on the fence about Ultrex though. I get that it’s sturdier—haven’t heard of it warping—but the sticker shock is real. I mean, if you’re staying in your place long-term, maybe it pays off, but I’m not sure I’d see the value if I was planning to move in a few years.
And yeah, the drafts got worse over time. It was subtle at first—just a little chill near the window in winter—but by year six or seven, you could actually feel a breeze if you stood close enough. Not ideal in Minnesota.
That’s pretty much the same deal I had with my old vinyl sliders—felt fine at first, but winters just got colder by the window every year. I will say, my neighbor went with Ultrex about eight years ago, and his still look and feel solid. Pricey, yeah, but he figures he’s done messing with windows for a long time. I’m still debating if it’s worth the upfront cost just to avoid the hassle down the road.
Yeah, I totally get the hesitation about the price. When we moved in, I thought vinyl would be good enough—cheaper, looked fine at first. But after two winters, I swear you could feel a draft just standing near the thing. I’m leaning Ultrex now just because I’d rather pay once and not stress about it every year. The upfront cost stings, but honestly, I’d trade that for not having to tape up plastic every winter.
The upfront cost stings, but honestly, I’d trade that for not having to tape up plastic every winter.
Honestly, you nailed it with the plastic—I've seen more windows "winterized" with duct tape and cling wrap than I care to admit. Curious, did you notice any condensation issues with your vinyl ones? Sometimes folks call me out because their sills are getting soggy, especially after a cold snap. Ultrex holds up better in that department, but yeah, the sticker shock is real. Ever tried those foam draft snakes? They’re a band-aid at best...
Ever tried those foam draft snakes? They’re a band-aid at best...
Yeah, I’ve stuffed those things along the sills for years—never really felt like they did much besides trip me up in the dark. Vinyl definitely sweats more for me when temps swing fast. Ultrex is pricey, but my neighbor swears her sills are bone dry now.
I hear you on the foam snakes—mine just collect dust and dog hair. As for vinyl, I’ve had similar issues with condensation, especially during those crazy spring temp swings. My brother-in-law put in Ultrex a couple winters ago and hasn’t had to wipe down his sills since, but yeah, it wasn’t cheap. Curious if anyone’s noticed a big difference in noise reduction or just the moisture thing? I’m still weighing if it’s worth the jump.
Curious if anyone’s noticed a big difference in noise reduction or just the moisture thing? I’m still weighing if it’s worth the jump.
- Swapped out my old vinyls for Ultrex last fall. Here’s what I’ve actually noticed:
- Moisture: Night and day difference. No more wiping down sills every morning when temps swing.
- Noise: Honestly, not a huge change. Maybe a slight drop, but street noise still gets through. Could be my install or house age (1950s brick).
- Drafts: Big improvement—feels less “leaky” around the frames.
- Price: Yeah, it stings. But I’m hoping for some long-term energy savings.
Vinyl was fine for a while, but once the seals started to go... condensation got out of hand. If you’re mostly after noise reduction, might not be worth the price hike. For moisture and drafts, though, Ultrex made a real difference here.
Dog hair + foam snakes = constant battle over here too...
Had a similar experience when I swapped out a couple vinyls for Ultrex in my sunroom. The drafts were way less noticeable, which was honestly my main gripe—used to feel like a wind tunnel in there during winter. Noise-wise, not much of a change for me either. Still hear the neighbor’s lawnmower just fine. Moisture control was the biggest win though... no more puddles on the window sills every morning. Price did sting, but hoping it pays off over time.
I swapped out two old vinyls in my bedroom for fiberglass last spring. Honestly, didn't really notice a huge difference with noise either—still hear traffic at 7am. But yeah, drafts are gone and no more weird condensation. Price was kinda rough though, ngl.
Yeah, fiberglass definitely wins on the whole draft and condensation thing—vinyl can get kinda sweaty in weird weather, especially if your house is older or not super airtight. But noise... honestly, that’s a tough one. Unless you go for those triple-pane or laminated glass options, just swapping the frame material doesn’t usually make a massive difference with outside sounds. I’ve had folks swear fiberglass was quieter, but in my experience, it’s more about the glass and the install than the frame itself.
Price-wise, yeah, fiberglass hurts. It’s a jump compared to vinyl, especially if you’re doing more than a couple windows. Did you notice any difference with how the windows open or close? Sometimes fiberglass feels a bit sturdier, but I’ve seen some vinyls that are just as smooth. Curious if you think the extra cost was worth it for the other benefits, or if you’d stick with vinyl if you had to do it again?