Double glazing definitely helps with noise, but did you notice a big difference in temperature control too? I've always been a bit skeptical about curtains making that much of a difference—seems like marketing hype sometimes—but maybe I'm missing something. And hey, if you ever find curtains that keep you outta the fridge at night, let me know... my midnight snack habit could use some intervention.
Double glazing made a huge difference temperature-wise in my place. Before I upgraded, winters felt like the Arctic had moved in and summers were basically a sauna—even with the AC cranked up. After installing double-glazed windows, I noticed my heating bills dropped noticeably and summers became bearable again. Definitely worth it if your apartment feels like it swings between two extremes.
As for curtains, I'm kinda with you... always felt a bit gimmicky to me too. But I did try some thick blackout curtains in my bedroom last year (mostly for sleep reasons), and surprisingly they seemed to help keep the chill out during winter nights. Not a miracle solution or anything, but noticeable enough that I stopped rolling my eyes at curtain marketing lol.
Now curtains that stop midnight snacking... that's the real innovation we need. Maybe one day they'll invent a curtain that gives an electric shock when you head to the fridge past 11 pm—I could certainly use that myself 😂
"After installing double-glazed windows, I noticed my heating bills dropped noticeably and summers became bearable again."
Totally agree with you on double glazing—it's one of those upgrades that genuinely pays off. I remember working on a client's high-rise apartment a couple years back, and they were skeptical at first. But once we swapped out their old single-pane windows for double-glazed ones, they couldn't believe the difference. They even joked about finally being able to sit near the window without needing a blanket in winter.
Curtains can be hit or miss, though. Blackout curtains do help a bit with insulation, but they're more of a bonus than a real solution. If you're looking for something extra, you might consider cellular shades—they trap air in their honeycomb structure and can noticeably improve insulation. Not as fun as your midnight-snack-shock-curtain idea (which honestly sounds genius), but still worth checking out if temperature swings are an issue.
Double glazing definitely makes a big difference, especially higher up where wind chill can be brutal. I installed them in my apartment about three years ago, and the first winter was like night and day—no more drafts sneaking in around the edges. Cellular shades are decent too, but honestly, I found thermal blinds worked even better for me. Plus, they're easier to clean than curtains...which is a lifesaver if you're lazy like me.
Double glazing is solid, no doubt, but honestly I've found that good old-fashioned weather stripping and sealing does wonders too. Worked on a client's condo last winter—20th floor, crazy winds—and after sealing up all the gaps around the windows, drafts were pretty much gone. Cost way less than replacing the windows completely. Thermal blinds are nice, sure, but sometimes it's just about tightening up what's already there...
"sometimes it's just about tightening up what's already there..."
Couldn't agree more with this. I've seen plenty of folks jump straight to window replacements when a bit of sealing and weather stripping could've done the trick. Double glazing is great, sure, but it's not always necessary—especially if you're mindful of budget. Plus, sealing gaps properly can make a surprising difference in noise reduction too. Nice job on that condo, sounds like you nailed it.
Good points all around. I've tackled a few high-rise window issues myself, and honestly, sealing and weather stripping can be a lifesaver—especially if you're dealing with drafts or noise. A couple things I've noticed from experience:
- Sometimes the issue isn't even the window itself but the frame or surrounding wall. Had a friend who replaced windows only to realize later the drafts were coming from gaps in the drywall around the frame. Bit of caulk and foam insulation would've saved him a ton of cash.
- Double glazing is nice, but if you're way up high, wind pressure can be pretty intense. I've found that making sure your existing windows are properly adjusted and tightened can help just as much as upgrading to expensive replacements.
- Also worth checking if your building has specific guidelines or restrictions on window replacements. Some condos have strict rules about appearance or structural integrity, which can limit your options.
One thing I'm curious about though—has anyone here tried those DIY window film kits for insulation or UV protection? I've heard mixed reviews; some say they're great for cutting down heat loss and glare, others say they're a pain to install neatly. Been tempted to give it a shot myself, but haven't pulled the trigger yet...
"One thing I'm curious about though—has anyone here tried those DIY window film kits for insulation or UV protection?"
I've installed a few of these film kits for clients, and honestly, they're pretty decent if you're patient during installation. The trick is to prep the glass thoroughly and take your time smoothing out bubbles. They're not miracle workers, but they do noticeably cut down glare and heat loss. For the price, it's worth giving it a shot before considering pricier upgrades...
I've thought about trying these DIY film kits, but honestly, after watching my neighbor struggle with one, I'm a bit skeptical. He spent an entire afternoon prepping and smoothing it out, and even then, there were still visible bubbles and wrinkles. Maybe it's just a skill thing or patience (which I admittedly lack...), but it seemed like a lot of hassle for something that's only "pretty decent."
"They're not miracle workers, but they do noticeably cut down glare and heat loss."
True enough—but if you're living way up high with strong winds or harsh sun exposure, I'd worry about durability too. Personally, I ended up going with cellular shades instead. They weren't that expensive, installation was straightforward (just measure twice!), and they've made a noticeable difference in insulation without the fuss of film application. Just another option to consider if you're on the fence about DIY films.
I had the same hesitation about DIY films after seeing a friend battle one for hours—he ended up with something that looked like a bubbly mess, haha. But I gave it a shot anyway, and honestly... it wasn't *that* bad. Definitely took some patience (and a few deep breaths), but mine turned out pretty decent. They're not perfect, but they really do help with glare and heat.
That said, I totally get the durability concern if you're up high and dealing with wind or intense sun. Cellular shades sound like a solid alternative—my sister has them in her condo, and they look great. Plus, she swears by how much warmer her place feels now. If I had to do it again, I'd probably lean toward shades too—less hassle and probably longer-lasting.