Did something similar last fall:
- Silicone worked great on the flat edges, no drafts since.
- Tried V-strip in corners, held up okay but started peeling slightly after one winter.
- Probably my fault though—didn't clean the surface properly beforehand (lesson learned).
- Ended up redoing it this year, cleaned thoroughly with rubbing alcohol first, seems solid now.
Overall, combo approach is solid advice. Just don't skip the prep step like I did...
Had a similar experience myself—thought I'd save time skipping the cleaning step, and boy did I regret it. Prep really is key, especially with adhesives. Glad you got it sorted now though... silicone plus proper prep is definitely the way to go.
"Prep really is key, especially with adhesives."
Couldn't agree more—skipping prep always seems tempting, but it usually comes back to bite you. Curious though, did you use any primer before applying silicone? I've found that a good primer can make a huge difference in adhesion and longevity, especially on older window frames. Also, anyone tried UV-resistant silicone? Wondering if it's worth the extra cost for windows exposed to direct sunlight...
Couldn't agree more about primer—it changed the game for my old wooden frames. Haven't tried UV-resistant silicone yet, but honestly, if it cuts down on redoing windows every couple years, I'm all for spending a bit extra upfront...
"if it cuts down on redoing windows every couple years, I'm all for spending a bit extra upfront..."
Totally with you on that. Primer's a lifesaver, but don't underestimate weatherstripping either—cheap, easy to install, and keeps drafts out. My heating bill thanked me later... wallet-friendly warmth, anyone?
Primer and weatherstripping are solid suggestions, but honestly, sometimes the best thing you can do is just keep your windows clean. Sounds too simple, right? But dirt and grime trap moisture, and moisture's basically window kryptonite—learned that one the hard way after neglecting mine for a couple seasons. A quick wipe-down every now and then beats shelling out cash for replacements way too soon...just sayin'.
Totally agree, clean windows are key. One more thing—check your window tracks every few months. Dust and debris build up there, blocking drainage holes, and next thing you know...water damage. Quick vacuum or brush-out saves a lot of hassle later.
Good point about the window tracks, but I'm not entirely convinced vacuuming alone is always enough. I've seen cases where debris gets compacted deep into the drainage holes, and a quick brush-out or vacuum doesn't quite clear it. In fact, I've had clients who regularly vacuumed their tracks but still ended up with water pooling because the blockage was deeper down. Sometimes, a gentle flush with water or even carefully using a thin wire or pipe cleaner to clear out stubborn debris can be necessary. Of course, you have to be careful not to damage anything, but relying solely on a quick vacuum might give a false sense of security. Has anyone else experienced this issue, or am I just overly cautious here...?