"if you ever need to replace or adjust the window later on, that stuff is a nightmare to remove..."
Yeah, learned this the hard way myself. Fiberglass batting definitely makes sense if you're thinking ahead. Just wear gloves and a mask when installing—fiberglass can get itchy real quick...trust me on this one.
Yeah, fiberglass batting is definitely easier to deal with down the road. I made the mistake of using spray foam around a couple windows in my basement a few years back, thinking it'd be quick and easy. Fast forward to last winter when one window cracked and needed replacing—what a mess. Spent hours carefully chipping away at hardened foam without damaging the frame. Lesson learned.
Fiberglass insulation isn't perfect either (like you said, itchy as heck), but at least it's forgiving if you ever need to make adjustments. Plus, it handles temperature swings pretty well in my experience. Just make sure you don't pack it too tight—air pockets actually help with insulation. Learned that tip from an old contractor buddy of mine...wish he'd told me sooner!
Can totally relate to your spray foam horror story—been there myself with an attic vent last year. Thought I'd save time sealing up some drafts, but when the vent needed replacing...ugh. Hours of careful scraping and prying, trying not to wreck the surrounding shingles. Fiberglass definitely wins on adjustability.
One question though: have you considered mineral wool insulation around windows instead? I've used it in a few tricky spots, and it's been a decent compromise. Less itchy than fiberglass (still not great, but better) and handles moisture pretty well. Plus, if you ever need to swap out a window again, it pulls out pretty cleanly without leaving behind hardened gunk.
Either way, good call on keeping some air pockets—packing insulation too tight is a really common mistake. Learned that one the hard way myself...
Had a similar issue with spray foam around basement windows...thought I was being clever sealing those drafts, but swapping out a cracked pane later was a nightmare. Mineral wool sounds interesting, haven't tried it yet myself. Usually I stick to fiberglass—itchy stuff, but easy enough to adjust and remove if something goes wrong later. Might give mineral wool a shot next time though, especially if it's less itchy...
I tried mineral wool last fall around some drafty attic windows. Honestly, it was pretty easy to handle and noticeably less itchy than fiberglass. Didn't irritate my skin nearly as much. But one thing I noticed—it's a bit denser, so cutting it to fit snugly took a little more effort. Still, I'd say it was worth it. Easier to remove than spray foam, that's for sure... learned that lesson the hard way myself a few winters back.
"it's a bit denser, so cutting it to fit snugly took a little more effort."
Did you try using a serrated insulation knife or just regular scissors? I've found that mineral wool cuts way cleaner with a serrated blade—makes fitting it into tight spaces around windows a lot easier. Also, curious if you noticed any condensation issues afterward? Mineral wool breathes pretty well, but sometimes in colder climates, moisture can still sneak in around attic windows if the seal isn't perfect.
Speaking of spray foam, yeah... learned that lesson myself too. Had to replace a window frame once after someone went a bit overboard with the foam. Not fun. Have you considered using removable weatherstripping tape as an extra layer? It's easy to apply and remove seasonally, and it complements mineral wool nicely without the permanence of foam.
"Had to replace a window frame once after someone went a bit overboard with the foam. Not fun."
Been there, done that... still have nightmares about scraping dried foam off my hands. Serrated knife definitely beats scissors—learned that the hard way too. Haven't tried weatherstripping tape yet, might give it a shot next winter.
Weatherstripping tape can be hit or miss, honestly. Tried it once on my old cabin windows—worked great at first, but by mid-season it started peeling off. Maybe I didn't prep properly... curious how it holds up for you.
"Worked great at first, but by mid-season it started peeling off."
Yeah, I had a similar issue at first. Turns out prep really is key—I learned the hard way. I cleaned the window frames thoroughly with rubbing alcohol before applying the tape, and it's been holding up pretty well so far, even with the cold snaps we've had lately. Fingers crossed it stays put through winter... maybe give that a try next time?
I've tried the alcohol prep method too, and honestly, it didn't make much difference for me. Maybe it's the brand of tape or something, but after a few weeks of freezing temps and moisture buildup, it still started peeling at the corners. Ended up ditching the tape altogether and switched to rope caulk instead—it's a bit messier to apply, but it's held up way better through temperature swings and condensation. Last winter was brutal here, and it stayed put without any issues. Might be worth considering if the tape keeps giving you trouble...