Has anyone actually gotten those magnets to seal on a window that isn’t perfectly square? Or is it just one of those “looks good on camera, not in real life” situations?
I’ve wrestled with this exact thing. The magnetic panels always look so clean in the how-to clips, but if your windows are anything like mine (1935, original sashes, plenty of “personality”), there’s no such thing as a straight line. I tried a set last winter—figured it was worth a shot since the draft was making my living room feel like a wind tunnel. Here’s what happened:
Step 1: Measured everything twice, cut the magnetic strips, and stuck them on. So far, not terrible.
Step 2: Tried to line up the panel, but because my window frame bows out in one corner and dips in another... there were gaps no matter how I angled it.
Step 3: Added extra weatherstripping tape behind the magnet in the worst spots. Helped some, but it still wasn’t airtight.
Honestly, if your window isn’t close to square, you’ll probably end up with little leaks around the edges unless you get creative with foam tape or similar fillers. It did cut down on drafts compared to nothing or even those shrink-plastic kits (which I agree are more hassle than they’re worth). But “airtight seal”? Not really.
I’m curious—has anyone tried using those flexible silicone draft stoppers along with magnets? Seems like combining both might close off some of the weird angles. Or maybe there’s another trick for old houses that I haven’t stumbled across yet.
Heavy curtains are still my fallback too—ugly but reliable. Anyone found something that actually looks decent and works for these wonky old frames?
- Totally feel you on the “personality” windows. Mine are from the 40s—nothing lines up, and every corner is a new adventure.
- I tried the magnetic panels too. Measured, re-measured, still had gaps. Ended up wedging some rope caulk into the worst spots. Not pretty, but it helped.
- I haven’t tried the silicone stoppers, but foam tape + magnets did better than shrink wrap (which just crinkled and peeled).
- Heavy curtains are my backup as well... not stylish, but they do block the worst drafts.
- Honestly, I don’t think there’s a totally perfect fix for these old frames, but every little bit helps. You’re definitely not alone!
- Just moved in and yeah, I’m realizing “character” windows really mean “drafts everywhere.” Mine are 1950s but honestly, some of them feel older.
- Tried the shrink wrap kit—totally agree, it didn’t last. Looked fine for a week, then started peeling off when it got damp.
- Picked up some foam tape and stuck it around the inside edges. Not perfect (especially on the warped ones), but it’s actually made a difference. Still get a bit of a breeze if it’s really windy though.
- Haven’t tried magnets yet. Is that actually worth the hassle? I keep picturing them falling off or not sticking right since my frames are pretty uneven.
- Heavy curtains work, but mine look like I borrowed them from my grandma’s attic... not exactly the vibe I want, but hey, they help.
- Honestly, the more I mess with these windows, the more I wonder if it’s even possible to fully fix without replacing everything. But for now, just layering fixes seems to be the way to go.
I’ve wrestled with those old windows too—mine are 1940s, and the drafts can be wild. I actually tried the magnetic interior storm panels last winter (just cut acrylic sheets to size and used magnetic tape), but with my uneven frames, it was a bit of a pain. They held up better than shrink wrap, though. Not perfect, but noticeably warmer and less rattling when the wind picked up. Heavy curtains help but yeah, they’re not exactly modern chic... I keep meaning to hunt for better ones at thrift shops. Replacing everything is $$$, so I’m just stacking fixes for now too.
You’re not alone with the magnetic panels—tried that route myself, and it’s a mixed bag. My frames are warped enough to qualify as “historic charm,” so nothing seals quite right. Heavy curtains do help, but yeah, they’re more grandma than modern. Honestly, I’ve found rope caulk surprisingly effective for plugging the worst gaps. It’s not pretty, but it peels off in spring without fuss. Still beats that plastic film peeling off mid-January...
Honestly, I’ve found rope caulk surprisingly effective for plugging the worst gaps. It’s not pretty, but it peels off in spring without fuss.
Rope caulk’s a lifesaver for drafty old windows—agreed, it’s not winning any beauty contests. I tried the shrink film once and spent more time chasing the edges than actually sealing anything. At least rope caulk doesn’t leave sticky residue or that weird crinkly look. Heavy curtains do help, but yeah, they’re basically insulation disguised as drapes from 1972...
- Rope caulk’s definitely practical, but I do wish it blended in better—mine always looks a bit lumpy.
- Shrink film… yeah, more hassle than it’s worth. Static cling + cat hair = disaster.
- Heavy curtains help with drafts, but they block out a ton of light. I end up feeling like I’m living in a cave half the winter.
Has anyone tried those magnetic window insulation kits? Curious if they’re less fiddly than the film and actually reusable.
Magnetic kits are actually pretty slick, especially if you hate fighting with the shrink film every year. I tried them on two windows last winter—installation was way less annoying since you just pop the frame in and out as needed. They do seal decently, though not quite as airtight as film. The real win is being able to reuse them, but if your trim isn’t perfectly flat, you might have some tiny gaps. Still beats wrestling with plastic and a hairdryer, at least for me.
I gave magnetic kits a shot last fall on a couple of drafty basement windows. Installation was straightforward—definitely less hassle than shrink film and a heat gun, especially in tight spaces. For me, the biggest issue was that my 1950s window trim isn’t perfectly square, so I had to add some weatherstripping to fill minor gaps. Not as airtight as film, but the convenience factor is hard to beat. I do wonder about long-term durability of the magnets, though... anyone else notice them losing strength after a season or two?
- Had a similar experience with the magnetic kits last winter—easy to slap on, which was a win since my patience for shrink film is about zero.
- My house is late 60s, so nothing’s square either. Ended up stuffing a bit of rope caulk in the bigger gaps. Not pretty, but it worked.
- Haven’t noticed the magnets losing strength yet, but only on year two. Kinda wonder if they’ll gunk up or rust after a few more seasons.
- Honestly, I’ll take “not perfect but fast” over wrestling with a heat gun any day. Guess it’s all about what bugs you more: drafts or fiddly projects.