"Sure, it's not as robust as plexiglass, but if you're renting or just don't want to fuss with sealing edges perfectly, it might be worth a shot first..."
Yeah, shrink-wrap kits can be surprisingly effective. But I'm curious—how well do they hold up over time? I've heard mixed things about durability, especially in colder climates where condensation can build up. Did the farmhouse owners mention anything about moisture issues or having to redo it each winter? Just wondering if it's more of a short-term fix or something that could last a couple seasons...
Shrink-wrap kits definitely do the job short-term, but from what I've seen, they're usually a one-season fix. Condensation can be an issue, especially if your place has humidity swings or poor ventilation. Had a friend who used them in his cabin—worked great at first, but by spring he had moisture buildup and ended up redoing it every fall. Still cheaper than plexi though, so there's that...
"Condensation can be an issue, especially if your place has humidity swings or poor ventilation."
Yeah, condensation can get pretty annoying. I tried shrink-wrap kits a couple winters back in my apartment—worked okay at first, but by February I was wiping down windows almost every morning. It wasn't terrible, but definitely noticeable. Ended up getting some thicker curtains and weatherstripping instead, seemed to help with drafts without the moisture headache. Still curious if anyone's found a better middle-ground solution between shrink-wrap and pricey plexi...
"Ended up getting some thicker curtains and weatherstripping instead, seemed to help with drafts without the moisture headache."
Yeah, thicker curtains can definitely help cut down on drafts, though they don't always solve condensation completely. I've seen this issue pop up a lot, especially in older buildings or places with big temperature swings. Usually, condensation happens because the window surface is colder than the air inside, so moisture just collects there. Shrink-wrap kits are okay as a short-term fix, but like you mentioned, they tend to lose effectiveness after a couple months.
One thing I've noticed helps a bit is improving airflow around the windows—like leaving curtains slightly open during the day or placing a small fan nearby to keep air moving. Also, if you can lower indoor humidity slightly (maybe with a dehumidifier or running exhaust fans more often), it makes a noticeable difference. Not saying it's perfect, but might be worth experimenting with before jumping to pricier options like plexi or full window replacements.
Usually, condensation happens because the window surface is colder than the air inside, so moisture just collects there. Shrink-wrap kits are okay as a short-term fix, but like you mentioned, they ...
Thicker curtains help with drafts for sure, but honestly, airflow around windows isn't always the best idea in really cold climates. Last winter I tried leaving curtains open a bit during the day and it just made the room colder...and didn't fix condensation much either. For me, running a dehumidifier was way more effective. Bit of a pain emptying it every day, but at least no more puddles on the sill.
I've had pretty similar experiences with curtains—they help a bit, but they're definitely not a complete fix. Last year I tried the shrink-wrap plastic kits, and while they did cut down on drafts, condensation still formed behind them. Eventually, it got so annoying that I bit the bullet and upgraded to double-glazed windows. Honestly, best decision ever. It wasn't cheap, but the difference was night and day—no more puddles or icy drafts coming through. Also noticed my heating bill dropped noticeably after that.
I get that replacing windows isn't always an option (it took me years to finally do it), but if you're dealing with serious cold and moisture issues every winter, it's worth considering as a long-term solution. Until then, though, yeah...a dehumidifier is probably your best bet. Just keep an eye on humidity levels—I found around 40-45% was the sweet spot to keep condensation down without drying out the air too much.
Totally agree on the double-glazing—made a huge difference for me too. One extra tip: check your window seals every fall. Even good windows can leak if the seals get worn or cracked. Quick fix: scrape off old caulk, clean thoroughly, and apply fresh silicone sealant. Takes maybe an hour, costs almost nothing, and helps keep drafts and moisture out. Worth doing even if you've upgraded windows already...
Double-glazing definitely helps, but I'm not entirely convinced about the silicone sealant being the best long-term solution. I've done a fair bit of window maintenance myself, and while silicone is quick and cheap, it tends to degrade faster than some other options—especially in harsher climates with big temperature swings. I've seen silicone caulk shrink and crack within just a couple of seasons, which means you're back at square one pretty quickly.
Personally, I've had better luck with polyurethane-based sealants. They're a bit trickier to apply neatly (definitely wear gloves—stuff sticks like crazy), but once they're on, they flex better with temperature changes and seem to hold up longer against UV exposure. I redid my windows about three years ago with polyurethane sealant, and they're still holding strong without any noticeable cracking or peeling.
Also, another thing to consider is the quality of the prep work. Even the best sealant won't stick properly if there's residual dirt or moisture. I usually wipe down the area thoroughly with rubbing alcohol after scraping off old caulk—makes a huge difference in adhesion.
Not saying silicone won't work at all—it's fine for quick fixes—but if you're looking for something more durable that you won't have to redo every year or two, polyurethane might be worth checking out. Just my two cents from experience...
Good points about polyurethane—I've had similar experiences. Another thing worth mentioning is EPDM rubber weatherstripping. Installed some a few winters back, and it's held up surprisingly well through freezing temps and altitude swings. Bit pricier upfront, but saves hassle down the road...
"Bit pricier upfront, but saves hassle down the road..."
Couldn't agree more about EPDM. Installed some on our cabin windows up near Leadville a couple seasons ago, and it's been solid. One thing I noticed though—make sure you prep the surface really well before applying it. The first window I did was a rush job (cold fingers and impatience got the better of me), and that strip started peeling back after just one winter. Had to redo it properly the next spring.
Also, if you're dealing with altitude swings regularly, double-check your window seals every fall. I've found even good-quality weatherstripping can shift slightly over time due to pressure changes and temperature extremes. Takes maybe half an hour to inspect everything, but it's worth it to avoid cold drafts sneaking in mid-January... learned that lesson the hard way!