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RE: Ever tried to update vinyl windows with paint? Quick poll time
I get where you’re coming from about the paint not holding up, especially on that west side. But has anyone tried those newer urethane-based paints? I did a test strip on a south-facing window frame last summer (brutal s...
RE: Foggy windows driving me nuts - what’s actually normal?
I get what you mean about the plastic film - mine looked like a hazy shower curtain for a while, and it was a pain to get a tight seal around the edges. I’ve always wondered, though, how much of the condensation is actua...
RE: Drafty windows in winter - what actually works to seal those gaps?
Yeah, rope caulk’s supposed to be “removable” but I swear I’ll find traces of it till the next ice age. Weatherstripping tape is a bit less messy, at least in my experience. It seals decently, but if your window frames a...
RE: DO YOU GO FOR MODERN OR CLASSIC WINDOW GRILLES?
I’ve wrestled with this exact decision - our house is from the late 60s, not quite historic but definitely not modern either. I did a ton of research and ended up going with a grille style that’s pretty simple, but not u...
RE: Thinking about swapping out windows myself - is it worth the hassle?
I’ve been through this a couple of times, and I totally get the “time capsule of my DIY phase” vibe. The foam never really goes away, does it? In my experience, doing one window at a time *does* make it less overwhelming...
RE: Vinyl vs. fiberglass windows in the wild - what’s really easier?
I’ve run into that same issue - spent the money on higher-end fiberglass, but the installer rushed it and I had to re-caulk half the frames myself. In my experience, fiberglass does handle movement in old brick pretty we...
RE: Cellular shades vs. heavy curtains: which keeps the house warmer?
I get the appeal of cellular shades, but I’m always a bit skeptical about their long-term durability, especially in homes with a lot of moisture or pets. Heavy curtains, if you really layer them and seal the sides, can s...
RE: Surprisingly Smooth Window Upgrade: Local Company Makes Good
Drafts were a huge issue for me too - old single panes just didn’t cut it once winter hit. After the upgrade, condensation on the inside glass all but disappeared, even on the coldest mornings. I did notice humidity bala...
RE: Cracked Windows After Big Temperature Swings - Anyone Else Fed Up?
Yeah, that’s the struggle with these old houses - so much charm, but the upkeep is no joke. I’ve patched, sanded, and painted my windows more times than I care to admit. Epoxy works for surface stuff, but once you poke t...
RE: Where do you even begin with swapping out old windows?
I get the urge to tear everything out for peace of mind, but I think there’s a middle ground sometimes - especially if you know the house and its quirks. In my place (built in ’76), I found some minor sill rot but the re...