I think they’re handy if you need to buy time before a proper fix, but I wouldn’t rely on them long-term if you want to keep drafts out for good.
That’s right—those kits are pretty much a temporary band-aid. I’ve seen people try them on old single-pane windows, and they just don’t hold up once the weather swings or the frame starts flexing. Did you notice any fogging or condensation after the patch? That’s usually a sign it’s time to replace the pane. For anything beyond a hairline crack, I’d always plan for a full repair down the line.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually had one of those kits last me a whole winter without any real issues. Maybe it depends on the window or how bad the crack is? I live in an older house, so I’m always looking for ways to keep drafts out without dropping a ton of cash. For me, the kit was a decent stopgap—didn’t notice much condensation either. Not saying it’s a forever fix, but if you’re in a pinch or saving up for a bigger repair, it’s not the worst option.
I hear you about the older house struggles. Mine’s from the 60s, and those windows leak air like nobody’s business. I tried one of those kits last year—one of the shrink-wrap plastic deals. Honestly, it did help with drafts, but I ran into some issues around the edges after a couple months. The tape started peeling when it got really cold, probably because my frames aren’t exactly smooth anymore.
For me, the kit was a decent stopgap—didn’t notice much condensation either.
That’s interesting, because I actually had a bit of condensation build up on the inside. Maybe my house just traps more moisture? It wasn’t terrible, but worth mentioning if anyone else has that problem.
Overall though, I agree—it’s not a forever fix, but if you’re in between repairs or just trying to get through winter without freezing, it’s better than nothing. Just gotta be ready for some patchwork if your frames are rough like mine.
I’ve had pretty much the same experience with those shrink-wrap kits. They’re a decent quick fix, but I noticed the tape didn’t really hold up on my older wood frames either—especially once temps dropped. The condensation thing is interesting... I get a bit of that too, but only on the coldest days. Maybe it’s something to do with how airtight the kit makes things? Still, for a cheap and temporary solution, it’s hard to complain too much. Just wish they lasted longer before the edges started peeling.
Just wish they lasted longer before the edges started peeling.
Yeah, that’s the kicker with old wood frames. Tape just doesn’t want to stick once the cold hits—like trying to get duct tape to hold on a dusty wall. I’ve had better luck prepping the frame with a bit of rubbing alcohol first, but even then, it’s a gamble. The condensation is usually from trapping too much humidity inside... almost like you’re wrapping your window in plastic wrap and hoping for the best. Not perfect, but hey, it’s cheaper than new windows.
Tape just doesn’t want to stick once the cold hits—like trying to get duct tape to hold on a dusty wall.
That’s been my experience too, especially with those “clear as glass” shrink kits. They look good for a couple weeks, then—bam—edges start curling and the whole thing looks sad. I’ve tried everything from hairdryers to extra-strength double-sided tape. Prepping with rubbing alcohol helps some, but if your frames are old and a bit warped, it’s always a dice roll. Honestly, I think these kits are more of a temporary band-aid than a real fix, but when you’re staring down a $500 window replacement, it’s hard to argue with the price.