Window choices when living way up high

- Totally agree on thermal cameras - just got one myself and it's been eye-opening.
- Candles were okay, but the camera showed me cold spots I never would've guessed.
- Still figuring out my insulation upgrades, but your experience is encouraging.
- Kinda excited now to tackle weatherproofing...feels good having solid data instead of guesswork.

"Candles were okay, but the camera showed me cold spots I never would've guessed."

Yeah, thermal cameras are handy, but don't discount the candle trick entirely. Sometimes those subtle drafts you feel with a candle can highlight airflow issues a camera might miss... especially around windows. Worth combining both methods, imo.

I actually found the candle trick super helpful when we moved into our condo. The thermal camera was great, but the candle showed me exactly where the breeze was sneaking in around the sliding door... ended up sealing it myself, saved a bunch on heating.

The candle trick is definitely handy for pinpointing drafts, but I'd caution against relying solely on DIY sealing for sliding doors, especially in high-rise condos. Sliding doors at height experience significant wind pressure differences, and amateur sealing jobs can sometimes trap moisture or affect the door's track alignment over time. I've seen cases where DIY solutions led to bigger repairs down the line. If drafts persist, it might be worth consulting a professional to ensure proper sealing and moisture control. Just something to keep in mind...

Fair point about DIY sealing, but honestly, I've had decent luck with it. The trick is not going overboard - just enough to cut the draft without sealing the door shut (been there, done that... embarrassing). I agree moisture can be an issue, but if you're careful and use weatherstripping that's easy to remove or adjust, it's usually fine. Still, if you're dealing with serious wind pressure up high, pro help probably isn't a bad idea.

I've had similar experiences with DIY sealing - worked fine at first, but after a particularly nasty storm, the wind pressure up high just peeled it right off. Ended up biting the bullet and getting pros to install reinforced weatherstripping. Worth it for peace of mind, imo.

"Ended up biting the bullet and getting pros to install reinforced weatherstripping. Worth it for peace of mind, imo."

Totally agree - sometimes DIY just doesn't cut it, especially higher up. Also noticed reinforced weatherstripping helps cut down noise a bit too... nice bonus if you're sensitive to city sounds.

Yeah, reinforced weatherstripping is a solid move. Did you notice any difference with drafts too? I'm debating getting it done professionally because my DIY attempt was... let's just say less than stellar, lol. Also curious if anyone's tried those thicker blackout curtains - heard they're decent for noise and insulation, but not sure if that's just marketing hype or actually legit.

"Also curious if anyone's tried those thicker blackout curtains - heard they're decent for noise and insulation, but not sure if that's just marketing hype or actually legit."

They're definitely not just hype. I've been using thick blackout curtains in my upstairs bedrooms for years, and the difference is noticeable. They won't replace proper insulation or weatherstripping, but they do cut down on drafts and ambient noise quite a bit. Plus, they're great for keeping rooms cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Worth the investment, especially if your DIY weatherstripping didn't exactly go as planned...been there myself, lol.

I was pretty skeptical about blackout curtains at first too, figured it was mostly marketing fluff. But last winter, after my heating bill got ridiculous, I decided to give them a shot. Honestly, I was surprised - they actually made a noticeable difference. My bedroom window faces a busy street, and while they didn't totally silence the traffic noise, they definitely muffled it enough to help me sleep better. Plus, the room felt warmer without cranking up the heat as much.

That said, they're not miracle workers. If you've got serious drafts or noise issues, you'll still need proper sealing or insulation. But for a relatively affordable fix that's easy to install (and way less frustrating than my failed attempt at weatherstripping tape...), they're legit worth it.