"Has anyone tried combining methods? Like maybe foam for quick sealing and then something else to reinforce it?"
I've actually done something similar—foam strips initially, then reinforced with silicone caulk. The foam alone just didn't hold up for me either, especially on windows that get direct sun exposure. After about a year or two, the foam started drying out, cracking, and losing its seal. Silicone caulk helped quite a bit; it's flexible enough to handle temperature changes without cracking, and it sticks well to most surfaces.
The downside is that silicone can be messy if you're not careful, and removing it later is a pain if you need to redo things. But honestly, once I got the hang of applying it neatly (masking tape helps a ton), it really extended the life of my window sealing jobs. Might be worth trying if you're tired of redoing everything every winter...
I've had decent luck using foam first and then sealing over it with weatherproof tape (the kind that's meant for outdoor use). It's less messy than silicone, and if you mess up, it's easier to peel off and redo. But I haven't tested it long-term yet—only been about 8 months. Has anyone else tried weatherproof tape long-term? Curious how it holds up after a couple of winters...
"But I haven't tested it long-term yet—only been about 8 months."
I've actually done something similar on my basement windows, and after about three winters, the weatherproof tape is still holding up pretty well. A couple of tips though: make sure the surface is super clean and dry before applying, and press firmly along the edges to avoid any sneaky moisture getting underneath. It's not bulletproof, but honestly, for the price and ease of use, it's been a solid solution for me so far...fingers crossed it stays that way!
I've seen weatherproof tape hold up surprisingly well too, especially if you prep the surface right. Three winters is pretty impressive, actually. One thing I'd add is that UV exposure can really shorten the lifespan of most tapes, even the ones labeled "weatherproof." If your windows get a lot of direct sunlight, you might notice the tape getting brittle or peeling sooner than expected. I've had a few clients run into that issue after a couple of years.
Another thing to keep an eye on is condensation buildup behind the tape. Even if you seal it tight, moisture can sometimes find its way in from inside the house, especially in basements or bathrooms. If you notice any fogging or dampness behind the tape, it's probably worth pulling it off and redoing it before mold sets in. Still, for a budget-friendly fix, it's hard to beat—just gotta keep an eye on it every now and then.
I've had decent luck with weatherproof tape too, but the UV thing is spot on. Had some south-facing windows where the tape got brittle and cracked after just one summer. Ended up switching to clear silicone caulk—it's held up way better against sunlight and moisture. A bit messier at first but worth it in the long run. Curious if you've ever tried silicone instead of tape, or maybe another budget-friendly alternative?
"Ended up switching to clear silicone caulk—it's held up way better against sunlight and moisture."
Glad you mentioned silicone caulk—I actually tried it last summer on a couple of drafty windows, and it's been great so far. Definitely messier than tape at first, I had silicone stuck everywhere... but hey, live and learn, right? Another cheap option I've heard people suggest is rope caulk—easy to apply, not too messy, and pretty affordable. Haven't tested it myself yet, but might be worth checking out if you're experimenting.
"Definitely messier than tape at first, I had silicone stuck everywhere... but hey, live and learn, right?"
Haha, been there myself—silicone can be a real pain if you're not careful. Good call on rope caulk though; I've used it around some older basement windows and it's surprisingly effective. Not sure how it'd hold up long-term outdoors compared to silicone, but indoors it's been solid for me. Might be worth a shot if you're looking for something quick and easy to handle without the sticky mess.
Yeah, silicone's definitely tricky stuff—I've had my share of messy fingers and ruined shirts. Rope caulk's pretty handy indoors, especially for quick fixes or drafty spots. But outdoors, I've found it tends to dry out and crack after a season or two. If you're looking for something easier than silicone outdoors, maybe try polyurethane sealant? It's less messy than silicone once you get the hang of it, and it stays flexible longer. Just wear gloves... trust me on that one.
Polyurethane's definitely solid advice, but honestly, I've had pretty good luck with rope caulk outdoors too. The trick is prepping the surface right—clean it thoroughly, dry it completely, and press the caulk firmly into place. I usually smooth it out with a damp finger (yeah, messy again, but way easier cleanup than silicone). Sure, it won't last forever, but for a quick budget fix, it's surprisingly decent. Plus, replacing it every couple years isn't too bad if you're watching your wallet.
"Sure, it won't last forever, but for a quick budget fix, it's surprisingly decent."
Totally agree with this. Rope caulk's underrated IMO—used it myself a few times when cash was tight. Yeah, polyurethane or silicone might be the gold standard, but rope caulk gets the job done without breaking the bank. Like you said, prep is key. Learned that the hard way when I rushed it once and ended up redoing the whole thing a month later...lesson learned.
One thing I'd add: keep an eye on it after heavy storms or big temp swings. Sometimes it shifts or cracks a bit, but it's easy enough to patch up. Honestly, replacing every couple years isn't a big deal considering how cheap and easy it is. Good call on smoothing with a damp finger too—beats dealing with silicone mess any day.