Good call on the Kolbe windows—sounds like you tackled it pretty methodically. I've seen plenty of mold nightmares behind aluminum frames, especially in older homes. Usually, the moisture sneaks in around the edges or through tiny gaps in the caulking, and by the time you notice bubbling wallpaper or peeling paint, it's already a mess back there.
One thing I'd caution about, though: even with new windows, it's worth double-checking your exterior flashing and sealing. A lot of folks assume new windows alone solve moisture issues completely, but if your siding or flashing isn't directing water away properly, you might still end up with dampness down the line. I usually recommend taking a good look at your exterior trim and siding after installing new windows—just to be safe.
Also curious—did you use spray foam insulation around the window frames or just standard fiberglass batting? I've had mixed experiences with spray foam; it seals great but can expand unpredictably if you're not careful. Fiberglass is easier to control but doesn't always seal as tightly. Wondering what others here prefer for sealing around replacement windows...
Kolbe windows are solid, good choice. I replaced some old aluminum frames with Kolbes about two years ago and noticed a huge improvement right away—especially in winter. No more condensation pooling on the sills or drafts sneaking in around the edges.
A quick note about insulation: I've tried both spray foam and fiberglass batting over the years. Spray foam seals tighter for sure, but I learned (the hard way...) to apply it sparingly. Had one window where I got a little trigger-happy, and the foam expanded enough to bow the frame slightly—lesson learned there. These days, I usually stick with low-expansion foam specifically designed for windows and doors; it's easier to manage and still gives you a tight seal.
Totally agree about checking exterior flashing too. Even the best window won't stop water if your siding or flashing isn't done right. Learned that from experience as well...
Kolbes are definitely a solid upgrade—I swapped mine in about three years ago and noticed the difference immediately, especially with noise reduction. One thing I'd add about insulation: fiberglass batting can still work pretty well if you're careful about installation. The key is not to cram it in too tightly—compressing it actually reduces its insulating value. Learned that one the hard way myself...
Good point about fiberglass insulation—I made the same mistake when I first moved into my place. Thought packing it tighter would mean better insulation, but nope... ended up redoing half the attic. As for Kolbe windows, I recently upgraded mine too and noticed a significant improvement in drafts and outside noise. Definitely worth the investment, especially if you're sensitive to street noise or temperature fluctuations. Glad to hear others had similar experiences.
Kolbe windows can definitely make a noticeable difference, but honestly, installation quality matters just as much as the brand itself. I've seen high-end windows installed poorly, causing drafts and noise issues anyway. If you're noticing improvements, that's great—means whoever installed them probably knew what they were doing. For anyone else considering this upgrade, make sure to properly seal and insulate around the frames... otherwise, you're basically throwing money out the window (pun intended).
Yeah, learned that lesson the hard way with my last windows—spent a fortune on fancy ones, but the installer rushed it. Still felt drafts all winter. Kolbe sounds solid though, glad yours turned out better.
Glad to hear Kolbe's working out for you. I'm still trying to figure out what makes one window brand better than another—is it mostly installation quality or materials? Kinda nervous about making the wrong call myself...
- Materials matter, sure, but honestly installation is the bigger deal.
- Had top-tier windows once, but sloppy install meant drafts and leaks anyway.
- Neighbor went mid-range, hired a pro installer—zero issues, better performance.
- Don't stress too much on brand alone... focus on who puts them in.
Had a similar experience myself. Went with a big-name brand a few years back, thinking it'd solve all my energy efficiency woes. Nope... still felt drafts in winter, and the AC struggled in summer. Turns out the installers rushed the job and missed sealing some key spots. Got it redone properly later, huge difference. Makes me wonder though, anyone notice if certain window types are more forgiving of less-than-perfect installs?
Had a similar issue when we swapped ours out—thought we'd nailed it with some high-end fiberglass windows, but the drafts persisted. Turns out even the best windows can't save a sloppy install... though I've heard vinyl might be a bit more forgiving? Curious if others noticed that too.