Last winter I slapped some of that foam weatherstripping tape on my draftiest window, the kind you just stick around the frame. It actually made a difference, but I feel like it started peeling off after a couple months (maybe I didn’t clean the surface enough?). It was cheap and easy, so I’m not mad, but is there something longer-lasting? Or did I just get a dud brand? Curious if others have better luck with this stuff.
Had the same issue—foam tape worked for a bit, but it started peeling once it got really cold. Here’s what I did this year:
1. Wiped down the frame with rubbing alcohol first (learned that the hard way).
2. Used the rubber “V-seal” strips instead of foam. They cost a little more but haven’t budged yet.
Honestly, cleaning makes a difference, but cheap foam just doesn’t last through winter here. Might be worth trying the silicone or rubber options if you want something that holds up longer.
Honestly, cleaning makes a difference, but cheap foam just doesn’t last through winter here.
Totally agree—cleaning before sticking anything is key. I tried the foam stuff too, and it just crumbled after a few weeks once temps dropped. Switched to silicone strips last year—more expensive, but way more durable. Only downside: they can be a pain to cut straight if your windows aren’t standard size. Worth it for the draft reduction though.
Switched to silicone strips last year—more expensive, but way more durable.
Yeah, I made the same swap after a foam disaster—looked like my windows had dandruff. Silicone’s held up through two winters so far. Cutting them is annoying though, especially if your windows are wonky like mine. Still better than freezing in the living room.
Foam tape definitely seems to be a mixed bag. I had the same issue—worked well at first, but after a winter it started curling up at the corners and collecting dust. I’m in an old 1920s brick house with original windows, so drafts are just a fact of life here. I tried both the cheap big-box stuff and a “premium” foam roll from the hardware store, and honestly, neither lasted more than a season.
The silicone strips folks mentioned are interesting. I’ve seen them at the store but always hesitated because of the price and not being sure how much of a pain they’d be to install. If they actually stick and last, might be worth it—especially since my living room window faces north and the wind just cuts right through. I’m not super handy, so if cutting them is tricky, that’s a bit of a turn-off, but I’d rather deal with that once than keep reapplying foam every year.
One thing I did try last year was the clear plastic shrink film kits. Not pretty, but they really did help with the draft. Downside is you can’t open your window all winter, and it’s a pain to get off in the spring. But for the worst windows, it was a noticeable improvement.
Curious if anyone’s tried those rubber gasket-style seals? I saw a YouTube video where someone used them, but I haven’t seen them in stores near me. My main goal is just not feeling that icy breeze every time I walk by the window, even if it means a little more effort up front.
Foam tape is a decent quick fix, but I wouldn’t count on it for the long haul, especially if your windows see a lot of use or moisture. Maybe it’s just the reality of old houses—always chasing drafts, never quite catching them.
I’ve actually used those silicone strips on a couple of my old double-hungs. They’re a bit pricier and cutting them takes some patience, but once you get the hang of it, they go on pretty clean. I just used sharp scissors and took it slow around the edges. The big difference for me was cleaning the frame really well before sticking them—otherwise, they peel up fast like foam does. I’d say they lasted through two winters so far, even with the windows getting opened now and then.
The rubber gasket seals look promising, but I haven’t found them locally either—just online. Curious if anyone’s tried those magnetic window insulators? I keep seeing ads but not sure if they’re worth the hassle or just another version of shrink film.
I’ve wondered about those magnetic insulators too. My gut says they’re probably more hassle than they’re worth unless you never open your windows all winter. Shrink film is fiddly but at least it’s cheap and does the job. For me, cleaning the frames made a huge difference with any tape—totally agree there. Funny how nobody tells you that part when they’re selling it...
Shrink film is fiddly but at least it’s cheap and does the job.
I used to swear by shrink film, but honestly, the magnetic insulators surprised me. Here’s what I found:
- Install is a bit more up front, but once it’s on, you can actually open the window mid-winter without redoing everything.
- The seal’s not quite as airtight as shrink film, but it’s better than basic tape (especially on old wood frames).
- Cleaning the surface first—yeah, that’s huge. Learned that the hard way when half my tape peeled off after a week.
- Price is higher, but I’ve reused the same set for three winters now.
Not for everyone, but if you hate reapplying film every year, might be worth a look.
Magnetic insulators are a game changer if you’re tired of wrestling with shrink film every fall. I tried them last winter on my 1950s windows—installing the magnetic strips took a bit of patience, but being able to pop the panel off for a warm day was worth it. I do think the seal isn’t quite as tight as shrink film, especially around bumpy old frames, but it’s still a big step up from just tape. Cleaning the frame first is non-negotiable... learned that after peeling off half-cured adhesive in January. Not cheap up front, but mine are still going strong.
I get why people like the magnetic panels, but honestly, I’m still on the fence. Tried magnetic insulators on two of my draftiest windows last winter and they were... fine? Not bad, definitely easier to pop off and on than shrink film (which is a pain to get off when you want fresh air). But for me, the seal just wasn’t tight enough, especially around the corners where my old wooden frames are really uneven. I could still feel a little cold air sneaking in.
I went back to weatherstripping tape for the rest of the house. It’s not fancy, but it stuck better to my lumpy frames and cost way less. Downside is it looks kind of ugly if you don’t line it up right, and it leaves gunk when you peel it off in spring. But for a first-timer who’s not looking to drop a bunch of cash up front, tape still seems like the easier win.
Maybe I’ll give the magnets another shot if I ever get around to painting or sanding these frames... but for now I’m sticking with cheap and easy.