Funny you mention the bubble wrap—I've seen that trick done with everything from plastic sheeting to old shower curtains, but bubble wrap seems to hit that sweet spot between insulation and letting some light through. I’ve patched up more than a few century-old windows with it when clients didn’t want to spring for storm windows yet. Sometimes those quick fixes end up lasting a lot longer than anyone expects. Has anyone tried the removable caulk or rope caulk for sealing up drafts? I’ve had mixed luck, but it’s less of a mess than the shrink film kits in my experience.
Bubble wrap’s saved my bacon more than once, especially in those old drafty Victorians where nothing is quite square. I’ve tried rope caulk a few times—honestly, it’s hit or miss for me. One winter it stuck like a charm, next year it peeled off with the first freeze. Removable caulk is tidier than the shrink film (which always seems to rip when I’m halfway done), but if you’re not careful pulling it off, you’ll end up picking little bits out of the wood for days. Still beats freezing at night, though...
Removable caulk is tidier than the shrink film (which always seems to rip when I’m halfway done), but if you’re not careful pulling it off, you’ll end up picking little bits out of the wood for days.
That’s exactly what happened to me last month—tiny caulk pieces everywhere. I haven’t tried bubble wrap yet, but it sounds easier than wrestling with plastic sheets. It’s good to hear I’m not the only one fighting with old windows.
Bubble wrap’s actually a decent hack for old windows—just spray a little water on the glass and press it on, bumpy side facing the glass. It’ll stick all winter and peels off clean. Not the prettiest, but it’s quick and way less hassle than shrink film. I’ve used it in rental units where I can’t do anything permanent. Give it a shot if you’re tired of picking caulk bits out of the trim...