[Closed] Finally upgraded my windows and loving the results

"Ventilation's one of those sneaky things you never think about until it's too late - I learned that the hard way too."

Haha, ain't that the truth. Reminds me of a client I had a couple years back - he was so excited about sealing up his house for winter, invested in new windows, doors, insulation...the whole nine yards. Come January, he's calling me in a mild panic because his windows were practically raining indoors from condensation. We ended up installing an HRV like you did, and it definitely solved his issue. But I'll be honest, they're not always the magic bullet some folks claim they are.

I've seen situations where HRVs were oversold a bit - especially in older homes that aren't airtight enough to really benefit from them. If your house is drafty, you're basically paying extra for a fancy fan. But if you've properly sealed things up tight, yeah, they can be a lifesaver. Sounds like you nailed it with your setup though, glad it's working out. For most folks, especially if budget's tight or they're moving soon-ish, trickle vents or even just cracking windows occasionally can do the trick.

Yeah, good points there. HRVs can be great, but they're definitely not a one-size-fits-all solution. I've wondered sometimes if people jump straight to HRVs without first checking simpler fixes - like, have they tried just running bathroom fans more often or using a dehumidifier? I mean, if your humidity's through the roof, maybe there's another underlying issue... leaking pipes, damp basement, or something else entirely? Always worth checking the basics first before dropping serious cash on ventilation upgrades.

That's a fair point - sometimes people do jump straight into more complex solutions without fully diagnosing the root cause. I've seen scenarios where folks installed HRVs only to realize later they had foundation moisture issues or poor grading around their homes. Speaking of simpler fixes, has anyone here noticed significant humidity improvements just by sealing up air leaks during window replacements? Curious if that's been enough for some, or if additional ventilation measures were still necessary afterward...

Yeah, sealing up air leaks during my window replacements made a noticeable difference in humidity levels at my place. Wasn't perfect, but definitely improved things enough that I didn't rush into additional ventilation right away...worth trying first for sure.

"Wasn't perfect, but definitely improved things enough that I didn't rush into additional ventilation right away..."

Interesting experience...I get where you're coming from, but honestly, sealing up my windows a couple years ago actually made my humidity worse at first. My place ended up feeling stuffy and stale without proper airflow. Eventually, I had to bite the bullet and add some targeted ventilation - bathroom fans and kitchen exhaust made a huge difference. Just something to keep in mind if you start noticing stale air creeping in later down the road.

Good points here, but sealing windows doesn't automatically mean stale air or humidity issues. Usually, if you notice stuffiness after upgrading windows, it's because your home was relying on those old leaks for ventilation. Once they're sealed tight, you gotta have some intentional airflow - like you did with exhaust fans. Another simple fix is cracking a window slightly or installing trickle vents. Small adjustments can make a big difference without sacrificing energy efficiency.

You've made some valid points, but I'd caution against relying too heavily on cracking windows or trickle vents as a long-term solution. While these methods can indeed help with airflow, they somewhat undermine the purpose of upgrading to energy-efficient windows in the first place. Even a small gap can noticeably reduce the insulation benefits you're aiming for, especially in colder climates.

From my experience, a more effective approach is to consider controlled mechanical ventilation systems - something like an HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator) or ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator). These systems provide consistent fresh air exchange without significantly compromising your home's energy efficiency. I installed an HRV system a few years back after sealing up my older home, and the difference was night and day. No more stuffiness, humidity stayed balanced, and my heating bills actually dropped because I wasn't losing heat through random leaks or open windows.

Of course, this might be overkill for some homes, especially if you're in a milder climate or your house isn't particularly airtight. But if you've invested in high-quality windows and insulation, it's worth considering a more intentional ventilation strategy rather than relying on passive methods. It might seem like extra effort upfront, but the comfort and savings down the line are definitely worth it.

Just my two cents based on personal experience - your mileage may vary depending on your specific situation and climate.

"Even a small gap can noticeably reduce the insulation benefits you're aiming for, especially in colder climates."

That's a great point - it's easy to underestimate how much heat can escape through tiny openings. If anyone's curious about HRVs, they're actually pretty straightforward to install. I did mine over a weekend with some basic DIY skills and a bit of patience (and maybe a YouTube video or two...). Definitely worth it if you've already invested in sealing things up tight.

That's impressive you tackled the HRV install yourself - I considered it briefly but chickened out and called in a pro. I did manage to seal up most of the drafts around my windows and doors though, and even that made a noticeable difference. Funny story: I spent hours meticulously sealing every tiny gap, feeling pretty proud of myself... only to realize later I'd completely overlooked the attic hatch. Felt like such a rookie mistake, haha. Once I sorted that out, the improvement was huge.

Speaking of overlooked spots, has anyone dealt with insulating their basement rim joists? I've heard mixed things about spray foam vs. rigid foam boards, and I'm curious if anyone's had good (or bad) experiences with either method. Seems like another sneaky spot where heat can escape without us noticing.

I totally relate to overlooking the attic hatch - did the exact same thing a couple winters back. Thought I was a sealing pro until I realized cold air was pouring down from the attic... facepalm moment for sure. Glad you caught it too, makes a world of difference once that's sorted.

About insulating rim joists, I tackled mine last fall and went with rigid foam boards. Spray foam seemed tempting because of convenience, but I'd read some mixed reviews about DIY spray foam kits being messy or not expanding evenly. Plus, I was a bit wary of accidentally sealing something I shouldn't, like wires or pipes. The rigid foam boards were pretty straightforward - just cut, fit snugly, and seal around the edges with caulk or canned foam. Took a bit longer than expected (doesn't every DIY?), but overall I'm happy with the results. Definitely noticed less cold air seeping into the basement afterward.

But honestly, if I had to do it again, I'd probably consider hiring someone to spray foam professionally. A buddy of mine went that route, and his basement feels noticeably warmer than mine. He swears it's worth the extra cost for peace of mind and effectiveness. I guess it comes down to budget and how comfortable you are with DIY projects.

One thing I didn't anticipate: cutting rigid foam boards is messier than you'd think. Those little foam particles get everywhere and cling to everything. Took me days to stop finding tiny foam bits around the basement floor, haha. Anyone else run into that issue, or was it just me being clumsy?

Anyway, whichever method you choose, sealing up those rim joists is definitely worth the effort. It's surprising how much heat sneaks out through spots we rarely think about...

Rigid foam boards are decent, but honestly, DIY spray foam kits aren't as bad as people say. Used one myself - yeah, a bit messy - but if you're careful and prep properly, the results beat foam boards hands down. Worth reconsidering IMO.

Interesting perspective on the DIY spray foam kits. I gave one a shot last fall when insulating my garage ceiling - thought it would be straightforward, but man, that stuff expands way more aggressively than I anticipated. Ended up spending quite a bit of time trimming back excess foam afterward. Still, I have to admit, the thermal performance was impressive once I got past the initial messiness.

Curious though, did you find the spray foam significantly better in terms of air sealing compared to rigid boards? When I used foam boards around my basement rim joists, they were pretty effective, but I always wondered if spray foam would've sealed those tricky gaps better. Guess it's always a trade-off between convenience and performance...

I ran into pretty much the same issue when I tried spray foam around my attic hatch. Thought I was being careful, but next thing I knew it looked like some kind of alien growth had taken over the attic opening...spent forever trimming it back. But yeah, once cleaned up, it definitely sealed things up tight.

I've used rigid foam boards too, mostly around basement rim joists like you mentioned. They do a decent job, especially if you're meticulous about sealing the edges with caulk or canned foam. But honestly, spray foam just seems to fill those weird, uneven gaps way better. I noticed fewer drafts and cold spots after switching to spray foam in a couple tricky areas.

Still, there's something nice about the simplicity of foam boards - no mess, no trimming, and no risk of accidentally gluing your fingers together (ask me how I know...). Guess it depends how patient you're feeling that day and how much cleanup you're willing to deal with afterward.

I feel your pain on the spray foam - tried it once around my dryer vent and ended up with a blob that looked like something out of Ghostbusters. Curious if anyone's tried weatherstripping tape for smaller gaps...does it hold up long-term or just peel off eventually?

"Curious if anyone's tried weatherstripping tape for smaller gaps...does it hold up long-term or just peel off eventually?"

I've used weatherstripping tape around my basement door frame - worked great at first, but after a couple seasons it started peeling at the corners. Might depend on the brand or how exposed it is to weather, though. Have you considered silicone caulk for smaller gaps instead? Bit messier initially, but holds up way better in my experience.

I've had mixed luck with weatherstripping tape myself. Used it around a couple of drafty windows upstairs, and it did the trick initially - definitely noticed less cold air coming through. But after about a year, especially after a hot summer and then a cold winter, it started to lose its grip and peel away at the edges. I think temperature fluctuations and humidity play a big role in how long it lasts.

Silicone caulk is definitely more durable, but like you said, it's messier and harder to remove if you ever need to repaint or adjust things later. I've also tried foam sealant strips (the kind you press into place without adhesive), and those held up surprisingly well for smaller gaps. They're easy to replace too, if they start to degrade.

One thing I've wondered about is whether prepping the surface differently might help the adhesive last longer. Maybe cleaning thoroughly with rubbing alcohol or something similar before applying the tape could improve adhesion? Has anyone experimented with different prep methods or found a particular brand that holds up better over time?

I've had similar experiences with weatherstripping tape, honestly. I tried prepping the surface with rubbing alcohol once, thinking it'd help the adhesive stick better. It did seem to hold up a bit longer, but after about a year and a half, it still started peeling at the corners. I think you're right about temperature swings and humidity - they really do a number on adhesives.

One thing that worked surprisingly well for me was switching to EPDM rubber weatherstripping. It's a bit pricier than the foam stuff, but it stays flexible and holds up way better through seasonal changes. I put some around my basement windows a couple years ago, and it's still going strong. Definitely less messy than silicone caulk too, if you ever need to remove or adjust it later.

Might be worth giving that a shot if you're tired of replacing tape every year or two...

Good call on the EPDM rubber - I switched to it last winter and noticed a big improvement. The foam stuff always seems promising at first, but yeah, weather eventually wins out. Glad I'm not the only one who's picky about adhesives...

EPDM was a game changer for me too. I remember one winter, years ago, I went with the foam strips thinking I'd save a few bucks. Worked great at first, but by February it was peeling off and letting drafts in again - lesson learned the chilly way, haha. Switched to EPDM after that and haven't looked back. Adhesives can be tricky though...I've had my fair share of sticky mishaps. Glad you're seeing good results!

EPDM definitely holds up better than foam strips, no argument there. But have you tried silicone weatherstripping yet? I switched to silicone a couple years back after reading some good reviews, and honestly, it's been even more durable for me than EPDM. Adhesive-wise, it's pretty forgiving too - haven't had any peeling or sticky disasters yet. Might be worth experimenting with if you're ever up for another round of window sealing adventures...