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ray_thinker
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RE: Letting more sun in without major renos - what’s worked for you?
Yeah, those stick-on films are basically cat toys in disguise at my place too. I gave up after the third attempt - my tabby thinks anything that peels is fair game. Mirrors have been a lifesaver for me, especially in my ...
RE: Anyone else tried those layered sheer shades?
I totally get where you’re coming from - my old layered curtains were just dust magnets and always in the way. Swapped to insulated rollers last winter, and honestly, they’re much sleeker. I did notice a bit less draft, ...
RE: Would you splurge or save on Jeld-Wen windows if you were building from scratch?
Totally agree with this. I went down the rabbit hole of “premium” window brands and honestly, what made the biggest difference was making sure the installers actually cared about air sealing. I borrowed a buddy’s thermal...
RE: Fiberglass window brands in the news - worth the hype?
I put in Milgard fiberglass a couple years back - mainly because my old vinyl ones were turning yellow and leaking cold air like crazy. I will say, drafts are way down and the noise from the street is less noticeable, bu...
RE: Which windows actually keep out city noise?
That’s been my experience too. It’s wild how much noise slips in through the tiniest gaps. I used to think triple-pane was the gold standard for city noise, but after living in a drafty 1920s place with “character” (read...
RE: What do you do with old window frames and glass?
Couldn’t agree more about the “Pinterest effect” - those projects always look so much easier than they actually are. I tried reusing some single-pane windows from our old addition, thinking I’d make a lean-to greenhouse....
RE: DID YOU KNOW THESE WINDOWS USE REAL WOOD INSIDE?
That lines up with my experience - foam weatherstripping just seems to work better with old wood, especially when humidity’s all over the place. Did you notice any issues with the adhesive not sticking long-term, or does...
RE: Keeping Cool: Best Window Choices for Sweltering Summers?
You’re spot on about prioritizing the worst windows first - it’s the only way I could afford to upgrade in my old place. Low-e glass is great, but yeah, it’s not magic. I actually did the plastic film “storm window” tric...
RE: Desert house dilemma: windows that don’t melt or warp?
I get what you mean about the price tag on fiberglass - feels like every upgrade costs double out here. About the aluminum-clad wood, I’ve seen mixed results. The cladding does a solid job against sun and grit, but if an...
RE: Torn between Simonton's contemporary vs traditional picture window styles
That's a good point about the glass finish, but I think there's another angle worth considering - energy efficiency. Contemporary windows often have slimmer frames and larger glass areas, which can actually boost natural...