I've got these old windows that are letting in drafts like crazy, and it's getting pretty chilly in here. Tried some cheap caulk last year but it cracked and peeled off pretty quick. Anyone know a caulk that actually holds up?
Had the same issue last winter—cheap caulk just doesn't cut it. Switched to a silicone-based caulk (GE Silicone II, specifically) and it's held up great so far. Bit pricier, but worth it for the flexibility and durability. Just make sure you clean the surface really well first, or you'll be redoing it again next year... learned that the hard way.
Good call on the GE Silicone II—it's solid stuff. A few extra tips from experience:
- Check for gaps wider than 1/4 inch first; caulk alone won't seal those properly. Use foam backer rods to fill bigger spaces before caulking.
- Consider weatherstripping too, especially if drafts persist around moving parts of the window.
- Don't forget to inspect the window frame itself—sometimes cold air sneaks in through hidden cracks or deteriorating wood.
Tackling all these together made a noticeable difference in my heating bills last winter...