"I've had tapes peel or shift after a couple seasons... maybe I'm just unlucky?"
Nah, you're not alone there. I've had similar experiences with tapes shifting after just one harsh winter. Silicone definitely holds up better in my experience too, even though it's a bit of a pain to apply. The key really is in the prep—if you rush it, you'll regret it later (ask me how I know...). EPDM strips are handy for quick fixes, but for long-term peace of mind, silicone's still my pick.
Yeah, tapes can be hit or miss depending on weather and prep. Did you clean the surface thoroughly before applying? I've noticed even tiny bits of dust or moisture can cause peeling later... silicone's more forgiving there, but still needs careful prep.
Totally agree, prep is key. I always tell my clients that silicone is usually the safer bet, especially for exterior windows. Tapes are convenient, sure, but I've seen them fail too often after a year or two, even with careful application. Silicone holds up better against temperature swings and moisture. Another tip—don't skimp on quality sealant. The cheaper stuff might save a few bucks upfront, but you'll regret it when you're scraping and redoing the job next season... trust me, learned that the hard way.
"Another tip—don't skimp on quality sealant. The cheaper stuff might save a few bucks upfront, but you'll regret it when you're scraping and redoing the job next season..."
Couldn't agree more about investing in good silicone. Learned that lesson myself after spending an entire weekend scraping off cracked sealant from my windows... not fun. One small thing I'd add: make sure you smooth out the silicone bead properly with a damp finger or smoothing tool. It helps create a tight, neat seal and prevents dirt buildup later on. Little details like that really make a difference over time.
Good points here. I learned the hard way too—thought I'd save a few bucks and ended up scraping off crumbly silicone in freezing weather... never again.
"make sure you smooth out the silicone bead properly with a damp finger or smoothing tool."
Definitely second this. I used to skip smoothing because it seemed like extra hassle, but it really does keep grime from building up later. Plus, it just looks way cleaner. Little extra effort now saves headaches down the road.
Good advice on smoothing the silicone—I overlooked that step once and regretted it later when dirt started collecting. Curious though, has anyone tried weatherstripping tapes or films as an alternative? I've heard mixed reviews about their durability over time...
"Curious though, has anyone tried weatherstripping tapes or films as an alternative? I've heard mixed reviews about their durability over time..."
I've given weatherstripping tape a shot before, and honestly, I wasn't impressed. It seemed fine at first, but after just one winter, it started peeling and losing grip—especially in corners. Maybe it was the brand I chose, but silicone sealing has always lasted longer for me. Sure, it's messier upfront, but I'd rather deal with that once than redo tape every year or two...
- Tried weatherstripping tape on a few window jobs—mixed results at best.
- It works okay for smaller gaps, but larger spaces or uneven surfaces... forget it.
- Agree silicone holds up better long-term, even if it's messier initially.
- Wondering if anyone's experimented with foam sealants instead? Seems like they could bridge gaps easier, but haven't tested it myself yet.
I've messed around with foam sealants a bit—honestly, they're pretty handy for filling bigger gaps or uneven spots. Just gotta be careful not to go overboard, because that stuff expands like crazy and trimming it down afterward can be a pain. Silicone's definitely more durable long-term, but foam can be a lifesaver if you're dealing with awkward spaces. Maybe test it on a less visible window first, just in case things get messy... speaking from experience here, haha.
"Silicone's definitely more durable long-term, but foam can be a lifesaver if you're dealing with awkward spaces."
Yeah, foam sealants definitely have their moments. I remember using them around my basement windows once—thought I'd nailed it until the stuff expanded overnight and turned into this weird, bubbly mess. Had to spend a whole afternoon trimming and scraping it back down. Not fun.
But honestly, for windows specifically, I've found weatherstripping tape to be a pretty underrated alternative. It's not as messy or unpredictable as foam, and it's easier to remove or replace later on if things go sideways (which they sometimes do, at least in my experience). Plus, it doesn't leave you with that awkward trimming step afterward.
Don't get me wrong—foam is great for those big gaps where nothing else seems to fit right—but for smaller window cracks or just general aging prevention, simpler might actually be better. Curious if anyone else has tried weatherstripping tape instead?