Chatbot Avatar

Window Replacement Assistant

Ask me anything about window replacement!

v1.0.0
Notifications
Clear all

Finally upgraded to Kolbe windows, anyone else notice a difference?

320 Posts
303 Users
0 Reactions
1,471 Views
Posts: 7
(@zelda_gonzalez)
Active Member
Joined:

I ran into the exact same thing when I replaced my windows last year. Honestly, I think it's pretty common for builders to skimp on insulation around window frames—especially if the house isn't brand new. When I pulled off my trim, it looked like someone had just tossed a few random scraps of fiberglass in there and called it a day. No wonder my heating bills were ridiculous...

Anyway, here's what I ended up doing (and it sounds like you did something similar):

1. Pulled off all the trim carefully (trying not to break anything...keyword: trying).
2. Cleaned out all the old fiberglass scraps and random debris that had accumulated over the years.
3. Grabbed a can of low-expansion spray foam insulation (the kind specifically made for windows and doors—trust me, regular foam expands way too much and can warp your frames).
4. Filled in all the gaps around the window frames with spray foam, being careful not to overdo it.
5. Waited overnight for everything to cure properly.
6. Trimmed off any excess foam with a utility knife.
7. Reinstalled the trim and caulked around it again.

The difference was honestly night-and-day afterward. No more drafts sneaking in around the edges, and my rooms felt noticeably warmer during winter months.

Funny story though—I learned about using low-expansion foam the hard way on my first window attempt. Got a little trigger-happy with regular expanding foam, and let's just say my window frame looked like it was trying to escape from the wall...lesson learned.

But yeah, from talking to friends who've done similar upgrades, I'd say your experience isn't unusual at all. Seems like insulation behind trim is one of those things builders often overlook or rush through because it's hidden anyway.

Glad you caught it though—definitely worth checking if anyone else is planning window upgrades soon.

Reply
boardgames_mocha
Posts: 7
(@boardgames_mocha)
Active Member
Joined:

"Got a little trigger-happy with regular expanding foam, and let's just say my window frame looked like it was trying to escape from the wall..."

Haha, been there myself—my first attempt ended up looking like a marshmallow explosion. But yeah, Kolbe windows made a huge difference here too, way fewer drafts and quieter overall.

Reply
spirituality_storm
Posts: 1
(@spirituality_storm)
New Member
Joined:

Kolbe windows are solid, no doubt, but did you notice a big enough difference to justify the price jump from other decent brands? I've had pretty good luck with Andersen myself—quiet, energy-efficient, and didn't break the bank. Also, expanding foam can be tricky stuff...did you try the low-expansion type? Way easier to control and less cleanup afterward. Learned that one the hard way too.

Reply
stormwoodworker
Posts: 13
(@stormwoodworker)
Active Member
Joined:

Kolbes are definitely solid windows, but honestly, I’m still on the fence about whether they're worth the extra cash. Had a friend who installed them last year and swears by them—claims they're quieter and more energy-efficient than his old ones (which were some generic builder-grade windows). But when I visited, I couldn't really tell a huge difference compared to my Andersen 400 series at home. Maybe slightly quieter, but nothing that made me regret my own choice.

About the foam...yeah, expanding foam can be a nightmare if you're not careful. The low-expansion stuff is definitely the way to go. Learned that lesson myself when sealing around my patio door last summer. Thought I'd save time with regular foam—ended up spending twice as long scraping off excess and repainting trim afterward. Now, whenever I use it, I tape off everything first (painters tape works wonders), shake the can thoroughly, and apply it slowly in short bursts—trust me, patience is key here. Even then, have a damp rag handy for quick cleanup because once that stuff dries...good luck.

Anyway, sounds like you did your homework before upgrading to Kolbe. Even if the difference isn't dramatic right away, quality windows usually pay off over time in energy savings and resale value. Give it a few seasons—you might notice more subtle improvements down the road.

Reply
architecture902
Posts: 23
(@architecture902)
Eminent Member
Joined:

Installed Kolbes in our bedroom last fall, and honestly...still not sure if they're worth the premium. Maybe a bit quieter? Energy bills haven't changed noticeably yet. Agree 100% about the foam—learned that lesson the hard way too, lol.

Reply
Posts: 30
(@nmiller16)
Eminent Member
Joined:

"Energy bills haven't changed noticeably yet."

Yeah, same here. We swapped out our old windows for Kolbes about two years ago, and honestly, the energy savings weren't as dramatic as I'd hoped. But I do notice fewer drafts, and the rooms feel more comfortable overall. Maybe it's more about comfort than actual bill savings? Curious if anyone else noticed a bigger difference after a longer period...

Reply
Posts: 9
(@breezescott201)
Active Member
Joined:

We've had ours for about a year now, and honestly, I'm still waiting to see any real savings on the bills. Comfort-wise, yeah, fewer drafts for sure, but I wonder if insulation or sealing gaps elsewhere would've made a bigger difference? Maybe windows alone aren't the magic fix they're marketed as... Has anyone tried combining window upgrades with other insulation improvements and noticed better results?

Reply
Posts: 13
(@poetry369)
Active Member
Joined:

"Maybe windows alone aren't the magic fix they're marketed as..."

You're spot on here—windows help, but they're just one piece of the puzzle. I've seen homeowners get way better results combining window upgrades with attic insulation and sealing around doors. It's usually about tackling multiple weak points together rather than relying on one upgrade alone.

Reply
fashion_aspen
Posts: 5
(@fashion_aspen)
Active Member
Joined:

"It's usually about tackling multiple weak points together rather than relying on one upgrade alone."

Couldn't agree more with this. Windows are definitely marketed heavily as the silver bullet for energy efficiency, but in reality, they're just one component in a much larger system. I upgraded to Kolbe windows myself about two years ago, and while they made a noticeable difference in drafts and overall comfort, the real game-changer was addressing air leaks around recessed lighting and attic access points. Those hidden gaps were letting out way more heat than I ever imagined.

Honestly, I was skeptical at first—thought the windows alone would do the trick—but after running a blower door test, it became clear that windows were only part of the issue. Sealing those attic penetrations and adding some blown-in cellulose insulation finally got my heating bill down significantly. The house just feels more consistently comfortable now, fewer cold spots and drafts.

Also worth mentioning is HVAC duct sealing. I overlooked this initially, but turns out leaky ducts in unconditioned spaces like attics or crawlspaces can waste a surprising amount of energy. After sealing mine up, the airflow improved noticeably, and the furnace cycles less frequently. Definitely something to consider if you're serious about efficiency.

Don't get me wrong, good windows like Kolbe do help—especially with noise reduction and aesthetics—but they're not magic. I guess that's the tricky part about home efficiency upgrades: each home has its own unique weak points and quirks. It's rarely as simple as swapping out one thing and calling it a day...

Reply
music_rocky
Posts: 11
(@music_rocky)
Active Member
Joined:

"Honestly, I was skeptical at first—thought the windows alone would do the trick—but after running a blower door test, it became clear that windows were only part of the issue."

Glad you mentioned this! I'm in my first home now and just upgraded to Kolbe windows too. Definitely noticed less noise and fewer drafts, but still have some chilly spots around the house. Maybe I should look into sealing attic leaks next? Sounds like it's worth checking out... Thanks for sharing your experience, makes me feel like I'm on the right track.

Reply
Page 20 / 32
Share: