Windows discussions and local services.
math109
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RE: Which works better: upfront honesty or playing hardball with window sales reps?
That’s pretty much how it went for me, too. If I come in acting like I know exactly what I want, they seem to assume I’m willing to pay whatever. But if I just say I’m comparing or not sure yet, they usually start lower ...
RE: Noise, dust, and drafts: city window upgrades worth it?
I get the appeal, but honestly, I tried inserts in my old place and didn’t notice a huge difference with dust - maybe my windows were just too far gone. For drafts, I actually had better luck just layering up the weather...
RE: Triple pane windows and the weird trick with argon gas
We had the same thing happen after sealing up our 70s split-level. Triple pane with argon was supposed to be the magic bullet, right? Well, yeah, the drafts disappeared, but then we got foggy windows all winter. I actual...
RE: Battling drafty windows - what actually works in winter?
I get the appeal of those magnetic panels, especially if you’re tired of the whole blow-dryer-and-plastic routine every year. But honestly, I’m still a bit on the fence. Last winter, I tried out those old-school rope cau...
RE: How I finally stopped that gross black stuff from creeping up my window sills
I’ve gotta say, I tried the utility knife trick too and didn’t have much better luck. Maybe it’s just the age of my trim (original to the house - 1920s), but even with careful scoring and slow prying, I ended up with a f...
RE: Little trick for keeping icy drafts out with older windows
Yeah, I’ve run into the newspaper “insulation” trick too - one time it was a Sears catalog. Can’t say it kept much out besides maybe bugs. When I redid my back porch window, I went step by step: pry off the trim, check f...
RE: New Discussion
I get where you’re coming from - retrofits are definitely easier on the wallet and way less messy. But I’ve gotta say, after trying both, I’m a little wary. The first time I did retrofits, I thought I’d nailed it. Looked...
RE: How do you guys compare local window contractors vs big national chains for quotes?
I had a pretty similar experience, actually. The national chain I talked to sent out a guy who was all about the hard sell - lots of talk about “exclusive offers” and “best-in-class warranty,” but when I pressed him abou...
RE: Trading old windows for energy savings: a homeowner’s dilemma
Funny thing, I actually prefer the newer windows, drafts and all. The trickle vents bug me sometimes, but at least I’m not taping up plastic every winter. It’s not perfect, but my heating bill’s way lower now. Maybe it’s...
RE: Winter drafts and the legend of the bubble wrap window
Shrink film kits are still a mixed bag for me. Tried one last winter - followed the directions, got it stretched tight with the hair dryer, looked good for about a month. Then the corners started peeling up and it sagged...