Spray foam definitely helps, but honestly, I found caulking and rigid foam board easier to handle around rim joists. Less messy, and you still get a solid seal. My heating bills dropped noticeably too—just another option if spray foam feels intimidating...
Did you find the rigid foam easy to cut and fit into place? I've been tempted to try it, but always worried I'd end up with gaps or uneven edges. Spray foam is definitely messy—I still have a hoodie with permanent foam blobs, lol—but it did seal things up nicely. Maybe next time I'll brave the foam board route...sounds like it worked great for you. Did you notice a difference right away, or did it take a while to see the savings on your heating bill?
"Did you find the rigid foam easy to cut and fit into place?"
Rigid foam's pretty straightforward—just measure twice, cut once with a sharp utility knife. Had a few minor gaps, but nothing a bit of caulk couldn't fix. Noticed drafts disappearing almost immediately, savings showed up next bill. Worth it.
"Had a few minor gaps, but nothing a bit of caulk couldn't fix."
Yep, caulk is definitely the DIYer's best friend. Sounds like you nailed it—nice job tackling those drafts head-on. I've found rigid foam pretty forgiving too...even if your cuts aren't perfect, the difference in comfort is noticeable right away. Always satisfying when you see those savings pop up on the bill, isn't it? Keep at it, storm season's got nothing on you now.
Caulk's great and all, but don't underestimate some good flashing tape around those edges—it's like the duct tape of window installs, covers a multitude of sins. Learned that one the hard way after a few rainy surprises...lesson definitely stuck with me.
"Caulk's great and all, but don't underestimate some good flashing tape around those edges—it's like the duct tape of window installs, covers a multitude of sins."
Flashing tape definitely has its place, especially for quick fixes or tricky spots, but I'd argue it's not always the ideal long-term solution you're suggesting. Properly installed metal flashing, integrated with house wrap or building paper, tends to provide a more durable moisture barrier over the years. Tape adhesives can degrade from temperature fluctuations and UV exposure, eventually losing their seal. Had this happen myself when replacing siding after about five years—found some tape that had peeled away at the edges, letting moisture sneak in unnoticed. It wasn't catastrophic damage, thankfully...but it was enough to make me reconsider relying solely on flashing tape as a permanent fix.
Totally agree metal flashing is the long-haul champ, but flashing tape isn't exactly the villain either. I think of it more as the sidekick—great in a pinch, just don't expect superhero durability. Had a similar experience myself...thought I'd nailed it (literally), only to find peeling tape after a few winters. Lesson learned:
"Tape adhesives can degrade from temperature fluctuations and UV exposure"
Exactly this. Quick fix? Sure. Permanent solution? Eh, not so much.
Yeah, flashing tape's definitely saved me a few headaches, but learned the hard way it's not bulletproof. Had some peel back after just two winters...ugh. Like you said:
"Quick fix? Sure. Permanent solution? Eh, not so much."
Metal flashing all the way for peace of mind.
Good call on the metal flashing—it's a bit more upfront effort, but totally worth it down the line. Had similar tape issues myself...nothing worse than seeing your fix peel away after thinking you're set for a while. Glad you got it sorted before storm season hits.
Metal flashing definitely holds up better in the long run. Learned that the hard way after a nasty storm ripped off my tape job last year...lesson learned, haha. Did you end up sealing around the windows too, or just rely on the flashing?