Ha, been there myself—weatherstripping is deceptively tricky. Proper cleaning really does make all the difference. At least you caught it early and didn't lose an entire winter to drafts...trust me, I've seen worse!
I tackled weatherstripping last fall, thinking it'd be a quick afternoon job... ended up spending the whole weekend on it. Turns out my windows weren't exactly square anymore (old house problems, right?), so getting a tight seal was a real headache. But you're right about cleaning—once I finally got all the grime off, the adhesive actually stuck properly. Made a noticeable difference in comfort and heating bills afterward. Glad you caught yours early; wish I'd been that proactive!
Had a similar experience with an older client's house last year. Thought I'd breeze through the weatherstripping, but found the windows had warped over time—typical with older wooden frames. Ended up carefully measuring and custom-trimming strips to fit each section, which was tedious but necessary for a proper seal. You're totally right about cleaning the grime off first; adhesive doesn't stand a chance against years of built-up dirt and paint residue. I've even found lightly sanding or using rubbing alcohol helps the adhesive stick better long-term. Anyway, after that job, I started warning clients upfront that weatherstripping can be deceptively tricky—especially if their home's got some age on it. Better to plan extra time than underestimate and rush through it... learned that one the hard way myself.
Good points overall, but honestly, if the windows are warped badly enough, weatherstripping might just be a temporary fix. I've seen cases where no amount of careful trimming or adhesive prep could fully seal warped wooden frames. Sometimes it's better to bite the bullet and reglaze or even replace the worst offenders. Costs more upfront, sure, but saves headaches down the road—especially if you're dealing with constant moisture issues. Learned that lesson after a few frustrating callbacks...
Replacing windows can definitely solve the issue long-term, but have you considered interior storm windows? I've seen them work wonders even on warped frames—cheaper than full replacements and surprisingly effective at sealing drafts and moisture. Might be worth exploring before committing to a bigger expense...
Totally agree about interior storm windows being a solid option, especially if budget's tight. I've installed plenty of them, and they can definitely cut down drafts and condensation. But keep in mind, they're more of a band-aid than a full-on fix if your frames are seriously warped or rotted. Eventually, moisture will find its way through again, and you'll be back where you started.
If you're seeing consistent leaks during heavy rains, I'd at least have someone check the exterior caulking and flashing before investing in anything else. You'd be surprised how often that's the real culprit—cheap fix, too. Had a client last spring convinced she needed new windows, but after some fresh caulking and sealing around the outside trim, problem solved for less than a hundred bucks.
Interior storms are great for comfort and energy savings, no doubt, but don't overlook simpler exterior maintenance first...could save you a headache later.
Good points about exterior caulking—had a similar issue last fall. Thought my windows were shot, but turns out the flashing above was letting water sneak behind the siding. Quick fix once we found it. Curious though, has anyone tried those shrink-wrap window kits as a temporary measure? Wondering if they're worth the hassle or just another short-term band-aid...
I've used those shrink-wrap kits a couple times, and honestly, they're not terrible...but they're definitely not a miracle solution either. They do help cut down drafts temporarily, especially if your windows are older and drafty. But if you're dealing with actual leaks or moisture issues, I wouldn't count on them to do much good. Last winter, I put one up in our guest room window because it always felt chilly in there. It did make the room feel warmer, but the plastic was kind of a pain to install neatly—ended up looking pretty wrinkly and messy.
If you're just trying to buy yourself some time until you can tackle a bigger fix, they might be worth a shot. But honestly, if water's getting behind your siding or flashing, I'd focus more on sealing that up properly first. Those shrink-wrap kits are more about insulation than waterproofing. Just my two cents from years of patching up an old house...
Yeah, shrink-wrap kits can be handy for drafts, but they're definitely not a fix for moisture issues. If water's getting in, it's usually something deeper—flashing, caulking, or even siding problems. Have you checked the exterior seals around your windows lately? Might be worth a look.
"If water's getting in, it's usually something deeper—flashing, caulking, or even siding problems."
Exactly. Last fall, I kept patching up the inside with plastic film, thinking it'd help... nope. Turned out the caulking outside had cracked. Quick recaulk and problem solved—lesson learned the wet way.