Yeah, I’m with you—peel-and-stick just doesn’t grab onto rough stucco or brick the way you’d hope. I’ve tried a few brands over the years, figuring ma...

Can’t tell you how many times I’ve cursed at a window frame that’s a quarter inch wider at the top than the bottom. The old glass is gorgeous, but get...

I’ve always thought the “impact = energy savings” pitch was a stretch. When I swapped my old sliders for impact, the power bill barely budged, but the...

You’re not alone in the patch-and-curse cycle. I’ve got a 1940s place with original wood windows—so yeah, every winter is a new adventure in draft man...

That’s a fair take. I’ve helped friends put in both, and yeah, “smart” doesn’t mean you never have to mess with them. The wiring can be a pain, especi...

Rope caulk is definitely handy, especially for quick fixes. I've used it myself in older places where the windows weren't exactly airtight. One thing ...

You're spot-on about the slope being tricky. I tackled a similar project at my place last spring, and even after double-checking everything, I still e...

I've seen vinyl improve a lot too, but I'm still skeptical about its long-term durability in extreme cold. Had vinyl windows installed at my folks' ca...

Good points about the acrylic panels. I put some in my home office last year, and you're spot-on about fitting them tightly—had to redo mine twice bec...

Totally agree that sealing and coatings are key, especially in harsh winters. I've seen vinyl windows perform surprisingly well in cold climates when ...