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drummer66
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RE: Spicing up boring curtain rods - what actually looks good?
Taking everything down is definitely the cleaner way, but I’ll admit I’ve taped off the wall in a pinch - never quite as tidy, though. I always clean and sand first, then use a primer if the original finish is glossy. Fo...
RE: Saved my living room window with a DIY crack fix - anyone else surprised by how well those kits work?
Peeling off the caulk kit plastic can be nerve-wracking, but I’ve found a putty knife (plastic, not metal) helps keep the paint safe. Start at a corner and work slowly - if it sticks, hit it with a hairdryer for a few se...
RE: Window fails in the news: That viral “backwards glass” install
I’ve run into the same issue with freezer labels - sometimes they just peel right off if there’s the slightest bit of dust or humidity. Blue painter’s tape has been my go-to, but I always fold a corner over for easy remo...
RE: Would You Share Pics If Your Window Swap Made Your House Look Totally Different?
Swapping the whole window is a pain, but honestly, it’s a game changer if your old frames are rotting or warped. I went through this last fall - my house is from the 60s, and the original windows were just… done. Tried e...
RE: Windows That Can Handle Ocean Air - Any Recommendations?
That hits the nail on the head. Honestly, I’ve chased the “set it and forget it” solution for years, and it’s just not realistic with ocean air. You’re right about marine-grade 316 stainless - it does hold up longer, but...
RE: CHOOSING BETWEEN MARVIN AND OLD INTEGRITY WINDOWS – ANY REGRETS?
That “tank” feeling is exactly why I leaned toward Marvin too - just seems like less flex, especially on bigger windows. But you’re dead on about install making or breaking it. When I swapped out the old sashes in my 60s...
RE: Windows that actually live up to the eco hype?
Been there - our 1928 semi was a condensation magnet. Tried the usual: trickle vents, extractor fans, even silica gel packs on the sills. Nothing really moved the needle until I bit the bullet and fitted secondary glazin...
RE: Struggling to keep drafts out - window sealing tape worth it?
I hear you on the “band-aid” thing - been there, done that. My place is an old 1920s bungalow with original double-hungs, so drafts are basically a given. I’ve tried the whole spectrum: cheap hardware store tape, pricier...
RE: Window letting in cold air - any quick fixes?
Caulking really can be a game changer, especially if the previous owner rushed through it or used cheap materials. I've tackled this issue a few times, and here's what usually works best for me: First, scrape away all th...
RE: Privacy upgrade dilemma: smart blinds or switchable glass?
I've installed smart blinds myself, and they're pretty straightforward if you're handy - just double-check your window measurements carefully. But I'm curious, does switchable glass need special wiring or power setups? S...