I've definitely seen temperature affect sealant performance, especially when it's chilly. Even high-quality stuff can get brittle or not bond properly if applied below recommended temps. But honestly, surface prep still seems to be the bigger factor in my experience—I've had jobs done in colder weather hold up great because we took extra care cleaning and priming beforehand. Makes me wonder though...could humidity levels during application also be playing a sneaky role here?
Good points about surface prep, but I've gotta say humidity might not be as sneaky a factor as you're thinking. From what I've seen:
- Humidity mostly affects curing time rather than the actual bonding strength. Higher humidity can speed up curing for some sealants (especially silicone-based ones), but it doesn't usually weaken the bond significantly.
- Temperature, on the other hand, directly impacts how flexible or brittle the sealant becomes once cured. Lower temps can prevent proper curing altogether, leading to weaker adhesion and brittleness down the line.
- Surface prep is definitely key, no argument there. But even a perfectly prepped surface won't save you if you're applying below the manufacturer's recommended temperature range. I've seen cases where meticulous cleaning and priming didn't help at all because the sealant simply couldn't cure properly in colder conditions.
- Anecdotally speaking, I once had to redo window sealing done in late fall. We did everything right—cleaned thoroughly, primed carefully—but temps dropped unexpectedly overnight. The result? Sealant never set properly and peeled off within weeks.
So yeah, humidity might tweak your drying time a bit, but I'd argue temperature is still the bigger player here. Better to wait for warmer weather or at least use products specifically formulated for cold-weather application if you absolutely have to get it done when it's chilly.
"Sealant never set properly and peeled off within weeks."
Had almost the exact same thing happen last winter. Thought I was being smart sealing windows on a sunny afternoon, but temps dropped way faster than forecasted overnight. Next morning, the sealant was gummy and useless—lesson learned the hard way. Now I just wait for warmer days or grab the cold-weather stuff... humidity never gave me trouble, but chilly temps? Sneaky little devils.
Had a similar experience a couple years back—thought I'd beat the cold snap by sealing windows on a mild afternoon. Forecast said it'd stay above freezing, but nope... woke up to find the sealant still tacky and peeling off like old chewing gum. Ended up scraping it all off and redoing the job with some cold-weather rated stuff. Honestly, I used to think those "cold weather" labels were just marketing gimmicks, but turns out they're legit. Now I don't mess around if temps are even close to borderline. Humidity hasn't been an issue for me either, but cold air definitely has a sneaky way of ruining DIY plans.
"Honestly, I used to think those 'cold weather' labels were just marketing gimmicks, but turns out they're legit."
Haha, same here—I learned the hard way last winter. Thought I'd save a few bucks by using regular caulk on a chilly weekend... big mistake. It hardened into something resembling stale toothpaste and cracked within days. Switched to a silicone-based cold-weather sealant rated for sub-zero temps, and it's held up perfectly since. Lesson learned: sometimes the fine print isn't just there for decoration...
Yeah, learned that lesson myself a couple winters back. I figured window film was window film, right? Grabbed the cheapest stuff off the shelf and slapped it on during a cold snap. Next morning, it looked like shrink-wrap gone wrong—wrinkled, peeling edges, total mess. Ended up redoing the whole thing with a brand specifically rated for freezing temps. Night and day difference. Stayed tight and clear all winter, no drafts or weird noises when the wind kicked up. Guess those labels aren't just marketing fluff after all...
Had a similar experience last winter, but mine was with caulking instead of film. Thought I could get away with using regular silicone caulk around my windows just before the temps dropped. Big mistake. It got so brittle in the cold that it started cracking within a week, and I ended up with drafts worse than before. Had to scrape it all out and redo it with a flexible, low-temp rated caulk. Made a huge difference—no more drafts, and the house felt way warmer.
Makes me wonder if anyone's tried those insulating window inserts instead of film or caulk? I've seen them advertised here and there, but never known anyone who's actually used them long-term. Seems like they'd be great for extreme weather spots or older windows that just can't hold up against harsh winters...
I've actually been using insulating window inserts for about three winters now, and honestly, they're a game changer. My house is older (built in the 40s), and the windows aren't exactly airtight, even after caulking. The inserts made a noticeable difference—less drafty, quieter inside, and my heating bills dropped noticeably. They're pricier upfront than film or caulk, but worth it long-term if you're dealing with harsh winters regularly. I'd definitely recommend giving them a shot if you're tired of patching up drafts every year...
"My house is older (built in the 40s), and the windows aren't exactly airtight, even after caulking."
I hear you on that one. My place was built in the early 50s, and I swear some days it felt like the wind was blowing straight through the glass. I tried film for a couple winters, and while it helped a bit, it wasn't exactly a miracle fix. Eventually, I bit the bullet and installed insulating inserts similar to what you're describing. Honestly, I was skeptical at first—seemed like a lot of money for something that looked pretty basic—but they really did make a noticeable difference. The drafts practically disappeared overnight, and my heating bills dropped enough to make me feel less guilty about cranking up the thermostat on those extra chilly nights. Plus, it's nice not having to redo plastic film every year... that stuff gets old fast.
I had the same issue with my 1930s bungalow—those old windows are charming but man, they leak air like crazy. Tried caulking, weatherstripping, and even the plastic film trick. The film helped a little, but honestly, it was a pain to put up and looked pretty rough by mid-winter. Eventually, I built some interior storm windows myself using plexiglass and wooden frames. Took a weekend or two, but the difference was night and day. Drafts were almost completely gone, and the house stayed warmer without the furnace running constantly. Plus, they're reusable every year, which beats wrestling with plastic wrap and double-sided tape each winter. If you're handy at all, it's worth considering a DIY approach—saved me quite a bit compared to buying pre-made inserts.