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tea_elizabeth
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RE: Manual Vs. Power Tools for Window Projects: Which Do You Reach For?
Citrus strippers are definitely less harsh than the old methylene chloride stuff, but yeah, the sticky cleanup is a pain. I’ve found power sanders with HEPA attachments save time on big flat surfaces, but the minute you ...
RE: Why do my windows keep sticking no matter what I try?
That about sums it up. In my experience, even after you deal with paint buildup and humidity, the real headache is usually movement in the house itself. Older homes - especially those with original wood windows - are not...
RE: Anyone tried those see-through solar windows for their home?
Tried a demo install of those in a retrofit last fall - honestly, the numbers just aren’t there yet, especially in northern climates. The transparency is decent, but you lose a lot of passive solar gain in winter, which ...
RE: Struggling to pick windows that don’t make my ranch look dated
That matches what I’ve seen - composite tends to fool most people visually, but it’s definitely not a bargain option. Maintenance-wise, you’re right, swelling isn’t really an issue and that’s a big plus over wood in humi...
RE: Tough weather and windows: paint or aluminum cladding?
Cladding does cut down on maintenance, but I’ve seen it hide more than it helps if the prep isn’t spot-on. Even with a careful install, aluminum won’t solve underlying moisture issues - sometimes it just masks them until...
RE: Struggling to pick windows that don’t make my ranch look dated
Agreed - black frames do strike a good balance. They’re trending, but still work with mid-century lines. Keeping the original trim is smart, though I see a lot of folks underestimate just how out-of-square these old open...
RE: Saved my living room window with a DIY crack fix - anyone else surprised by how well those kits work?
Cloudiness at the edges is a pretty common complaint with those film kits, especially if the seal isn’t perfect or if there’s any moisture trapped during installation. I’ve seen it happen even with pricier brands. That s...
RE: Stormy Nights and Drippy Windows: Quick Fixes That Actually Help
Tried that once, actually - on a client’s place where the original sashes were leaking like crazy and they wanted *something* before spring. Short answer: exterior plastic film doesn’t last. Even the thicker “exterior” v...
RE: Would you take out a loan just to get new windows?
Doing the worst windows first is a solid strategy, especially if you’re on the fence about making a big investment. Full replacement can get expensive fast, and unless you’re dealing with serious energy loss or structura...
RE: Cheap ways to make old window frames look less... sad?
Interesting take on the wraps - I’ve seen a lot of clients disappointed with how those hold up, especially in high-moisture environments. Paint and caulk are definitely more reliable for longevity, but I’d add that prime...