I get what you're saying about the cling film look, haha... but honestly, is it really worth the hassle just to save a few bucks on heating? I mean, sure, they might hold up fine against wind, but what about condensation and moisture buildup behind the plastic? Had a neighbor who tried them once and ended up with moldy window frames by spring. Not exactly ideal.
Plus, if you're living way up high, isn't part of the appeal the view? I'd personally rather invest in some decent insulated curtains or cellular shades. They might cost a bit more upfront, but you can use them year after year without turning your place into a giant leftover container. Just my two cents though—everyone's priorities are different.
Totally agree on the condensation issue—that's one downside people forget until it's too late. Insulated curtains and cellular shades are definitely a solid choice. I've installed a bunch for clients in high-rise condos, and they're always happy with how versatile they are: open them up during the day for the view, close them at night to keep warm. Plus, you're right, they hold up year after year. Plastic film can be okay in a pinch, but long-term... not so much.
"Plastic film can be okay in a pinch, but long-term... not so much."
Haha, learned that the hard way. Tried plastic film one winter when I first moved into my condo—ended up with a saggy mess by February. Cellular shades were a game changer though, zero regrets.
Haha, I feel your pain on the plastic film front. I gave it a shot years ago when we first bought our place—thought I'd be clever and save some cash. It looked decent at first, but after a few weeks of temperature swings and condensation, it started looking like a sad balloon deflating in slow motion. By mid-January, my windows were basically wearing plastic ponchos. Not exactly the cozy winter vibe I was aiming for...
"Cellular shades were a game changer though, zero regrets."
Totally agree with you there. We switched to cellular shades about five years ago, and honestly, they're worth every penny. They keep things warm in winter and cool in summer, plus they look way better than my DIY plastic wrap disaster. The only downside is that now my cat thinks they're her personal scratching posts—so far, the shades are holding up surprisingly well against her claws, but we'll see how long that lasts.
One thing I've noticed though, especially living higher up, is that wind can really make a difference. We get some pretty strong gusts up here, and I swear it finds every tiny gap around the windows. Ended up adding some weather stripping around the frames last year, and that helped a ton. It's not glamorous, but hey, whatever works, right?
Anyway, lesson learned: plastic film is fine if you're desperate or just renting short-term, but if you're sticking around for a while, investing in something sturdier definitely pays off.
Totally relate to the wind issue—it's amazing how even tiny gaps can make such a difference. We ended up using weather stripping too, and it was surprisingly effective. Never tried cellular shades myself, but hearing your experience makes me think they're worth considering...especially if they survive cat claws! Good to know there's hope beyond plastic film disasters, haha.
- Weather stripping's great, but honestly, it's a band-aid fix at best. It helps, but if you've got serious wind issues way up high, you might wanna think longer term.
- Cellular shades are decent insulation-wise, sure...but surviving cat claws? I dunno about that. My cat shredded mine within a month. Maybe your cats are just more chill than mine, haha.
- If you're open to alternatives, consider double-pane or triple-pane windows. Bit pricier upfront, but you'll save on heating bills big-time. Plus, they're quieter—bonus if city noise bugs you.
- Plastic film disasters are basically a rite of passage. We've all been there...sticky tape nightmares and hairdryers blowing out mid-job. Glad I'm not alone in that struggle.
"Plastic film disasters are basically a rite of passage. We've all been there...sticky tape nightmares and hairdryers blowing out mid-job."
Haha, glad I'm not the only one who's had to wrestle with that plastic film! I second the recommendation for double-pane windows—installed them two winters ago and noticed an immediate improvement in both drafts and noise levels. Cellular shades did okay insulation-wise, but yeah...cats and delicate window coverings don't mix well. Learned that lesson the hard way myself.
Haha, the plastic film struggle is real...ever had it stick to itself mid-air and turn into a giant clingy mess? Double-pane windows definitely helped me too, but has anyone tried thermal curtains? I got some last year and they're surprisingly effective at blocking drafts. Only downside is they make the room feel a bit cave-like during the day. Maybe that's just my questionable color choice though...
I've been considering thermal curtains myself, but I'm a bit skeptical about their actual effectiveness compared to proper window upgrades. Do you find they genuinely reduce heat loss, or is it more of a comfort perception thing? I've read some mixed reviews—some people swear by them, others say they're mostly decorative. Also, curious if anyone's tried combining thermal curtains with reflective window films...wondering if that combo might balance insulation without sacrificing too much daylight.
I've used thermal curtains for a couple winters now—quick thoughts:
- They definitely help with drafts and make rooms feel cozier, but don't expect miracles on your heating bill.
- Proper window upgrades (double glazing, etc.) are way more effective long-term, but curtains are a decent budget fix.
- Tried reflective films once...they cut glare nicely but made the room feel kinda gloomy, especially in winter. Ended up removing them after a few months.
Wonder if anyone's had luck with cellular shades instead? Heard they're good insulation-wise without blocking too much daylight.