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builder38
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RE: Ever notice how old houses have weirdly sized windows?
That’s pretty much the story of my place too - patchwork everywhere. I’ve found shims in the weirdest spots, sometimes doubling up or even bits of old flooring jammed behind the casing. It’s like every previous owner had...
RE: IF YOU COULD UPGRADE YOUR WINDOWS TO A DIFFERENT GAS, WOULD YOU GO FANCY OR STICK WITH BASIC?
I’ve definitely run into the same thing with other “upgrades” around the house. We did a kitchen reno a couple years ago, and the contractor kept pushing these ultra-premium drawer slides - supposedly smoother, quieter, ...
RE: Triple pane vs double pane windows: worth the upgrade or just extra cost?
I get the appeal of triple pane for noise, but honestly, double pane already made a world of difference for us too. We’re in a colder climate, and the extra insulation from triple pane didn’t seem to justify the price or...
RE: Getting new windows in without the headaches: my step-by-step
I’ve noticed the same thing with butyl tape - gets a bit tacky and almost too soft after those freeze-thaw cycles, but I haven’t had it actually detach either. I did try one of the acrylic-based hybrids last fall when I ...
RE: Fixed my drafty windows for under $20 - anyone else surprised how easy it was?
It’s kind of wild how much builder-grade stuff seems designed to just barely pass inspection rather than actually hold up. I had the same realization after fixing drafts around my own windows - just one of those shrink-w...
RE: Impact glass vs. shutters for storm season - what’s your pick?
That’s a fair point about shutters holding up if you keep on top of the maintenance. I think a lot of the complaints about them being a pain come from folks who let them go too long without checking hardware or dealing w...
RE: Swapping Out Old Windows in the Mountains: Worth It or Just a Headache?
I’ve wrestled with the same decision for a while. Our place was built in the ‘50s, and those original wood windows looked great but were drafty as heck - especially up here where the wind just cuts right through. I final...
RE: Why does fixing a single window cost so much?
Taking stops off old windows really is nerve-wracking. I’ve had some luck running a thin, flexible putty knife along the seam after scoring with a utility blade, but honestly, there’s usually a little splintering no matt...
RE: How much do you actually notice energy savings from special window coatings?
I had a similar outcome after adding low-e film - barely noticed a change on the utility bill, but the afternoon glare and heat dropped off a lot. For me, it’s more about comfort than big savings. Unless you’re dealing w...
RE: CHEAP WAYS TO KEEP THE COLD OUT OF OLD WINDOWS?
Felt weatherstripping does have a certain appeal for old windows, especially when you’re dealing with irregular gaps and don’t want to make anything permanent. I’ve used it in a couple of rental units - quick install, an...