That’s a fair take. I’ve also found the “lifetime” claims don’t really match up with the reality of southern exposure—UV just eats away at most things...

Definitely agree on the sealant—makes a noticeable difference. I'd also suggest checking your indoor humidity levels. Lowering humidity slightly, even...

Definitely agree about installation quality being a huge factor—I've seen high-end fiberglass windows underperform because of sloppy installs, and con...

Totally agree with you—proper sealing makes a massive difference. Foam gaskets are decent for small leaks, but they're more of a finishing touch than ...

I've had decent luck with silicone too, but honestly, polyurethane has been my go-to for colder climates. Silicone can definitely hold up if you're me...

I completely agree about the dust issue—it's definitely a drawback. Regarding privacy glass, while the upfront cost is higher, I've found that the con...

Good points about budgeting extra, but I'd argue that 10-15% might still be a bit conservative, especially with older homes. Ran into some nasty rot i...

I totally get what you're saying about the fiberglass windows. They're great for energy efficiency (which I'm all about), but yeah, they just don't ha...

I can definitely relate—I upgraded my windows about two years ago, and while they noticeably cut down on drafts and improved energy efficiency, humidi...

Totally agree on the satisfaction factor...plus, reclaimed wood windows can actually be pretty energy-efficient if you take the time to properly seal ...