I've had similar issues with tape peeling off, especially when the weather gets really nasty. Rope caulk is definitely a solid choice, but another thing that's worked surprisingly well for me is silicone weatherstripping. It's flexible enough to handle temperature swings without cracking or peeling, and it seals tight against moisture buildup. I put some around my basement windows last year, and even with all the snow and freezing rain we got, it stayed put perfectly.
The only downside is that silicone can be a bit tricky to remove if you ever need to open the window again, but honestly, it's worth the hassle if it means not having to redo it every few weeks. Plus, it's pretty affordable and easy to find at most hardware stores. Might be worth giving it a shot if you're still having trouble with the caulk or tape...
"The only downside is that silicone can be a bit tricky to remove if you ever need to open the window again..."
True, that's why I switched to removable magnetic weatherstripping last year. Easy to install, holds up surprisingly well in harsh weather, and pops right off when spring finally arrives...worth considering if silicone becomes a hassle.
Magnetic strips are pretty convenient, agreed. Couple quick points to consider though:
- How well do they hold up over multiple seasons? I've seen some brands lose strength after repeated removal.
- Also curious if you've noticed any draft issues in extreme cold snaps...silicone usually seals airtight, but magnets can sometimes leave tiny gaps.
Been thinking of recommending these to clients more often, so just wanna be sure they're reliable long-term.
I've used magnetic strips quite a bit, here's my quick take:
- Decent brands hold up fine for a couple seasons, but yeah, cheaper ones definitely weaken after repeated use. Learned that the hard way...
- Draft-wise, they're usually okay, but in serious cold snaps (like single digits or below), I've noticed tiny gaps forming. Silicone's still king for airtight seals.
Overall, magnets are handy for temporary setups or mild climates, but I'd hesitate recommending them as a long-term solution in harsh winters.
I'm a bit skeptical about magnets in general for sealing windows, especially after reading your experience. Recently moved into my first home and tried magnetic strips briefly—noticed similar issues with gaps during colder nights (around 10°F). Ended up switching to silicone weatherstripping, and the difference was noticeable. Magnets might be convenient, but silicone seems more reliable if you're dealing with serious cold...at least that's been my limited experience so far.
I've wondered about magnets too—seems like a neat idea, but do they really hold up under serious cold? Silicone weatherstripping has been pretty solid for me, but I'm curious if anyone's tried combining methods. Like, would adding magnets on top of silicone strips help seal those stubborn gaps better, or is that just overkill? Haven't tested it myself yet...might give it a shot next winter if things get drafty again.
"Like, would adding magnets on top of silicone strips help seal those stubborn gaps better, or is that just overkill?"
Funny you mention that—I actually tried something similar last winter. Had silicone weatherstripping already installed, but there was this one window in our guest room that always seemed to let in a sneaky draft. I figured magnets might help, so I got some magnetic tape and paired it with the silicone strips.
Honestly, it did make a noticeable difference. The magnets held up fine even when temps dropped pretty low (we had a few nights below zero). But here's the thing: it was kind of a hassle getting everything aligned perfectly. If your window frames aren't totally straight or even, the magnets don't always line up right, and then you're back to square one.
So yeah, magnets can help, but I'd say it's only worth it if you've got stubborn spots silicone alone can't handle. Otherwise, silicone weatherstripping alone usually does the trick without the extra fuss.
Honestly, it did make a noticeable difference.
I get the appeal of magnets, but honestly, sounds like more trouble than it's worth. I've had better luck using foam tape instead of silicone—it compresses nicely and fills uneven gaps without fussing over alignment. Might save you some headache.
Foam tape is a solid call, honestly. I tried silicone once and ended up with a mess that looked like a kindergarten art project... magnets sound neat but I'm all for the simpler solutions. Whatever keeps the drafts out, right?
"I tried silicone once and ended up with a mess that looked like a kindergarten art project..."
Haha, totally relate to this. Last winter, in my quest for the perfect draft-proofing solution, I thought I'd get creative with silicone caulking myself. Seemed easy enough in theory—just squeeze it in and smooth it out, right? Nope. Ended up with sticky fingers, uneven blobs, and windows that looked more like abstract art than weatherproofing.
Foam tape's definitely simpler and cleaner, but I've recently experimented with window film insulation kits too. Honestly, I was skeptical at first, picturing plastic wrap disasters from my student days... but they've come a long way. With a little patience (and a hairdryer), the film shrinks tight and clear—you barely notice it's there. It might not have the charm of magnets or the simplicity of foam tape, but it does keep those sneaky drafts at bay pretty well.
Still, whatever method you choose, as long as you're not shivering indoors or paying extra on heating bills, it's all good in my book.