Interesting points about plexi—I've seen it used successfully for sheds or garages, but never thought it'd hold up well for insulated spaces. Wonder if weatherstripping or sealing around the edges would make a noticeable difference...?
"Wonder if weatherstripping or sealing around the edges would make a noticeable difference...?"
Definitely agree with you here—sealing edges can make a huge difference. Plexi itself isn't terrible for insulation, but the real issue is usually air leaks around the edges. I've used foam weatherstripping in my workshop windows, and it noticeably cut down drafts and improved heat retention. If you're set on plexi, I'd suggest pairing it with a good silicone sealant around the frame. Still, for a heated indoor space, glass or double-pane units usually outperform plexi long-term.
"Plexi itself isn't terrible for insulation, but the real issue is usually air leaks around the edges."
Yeah, sealing those edges really does help a lot. I once tried plexi on an old basement window, thinking it'd be a quick fix... but honestly, even with careful sealing, it never quite matched the comfort of proper glass. Still, if you're just looking for a temporary solution or something budget-friendly, weatherstripping and silicone can definitely make it workable. Worth a shot at least.
Still, if you're just looking for a temporary solution or something budget-friendly, weatherstripping and silicone can definitely make it workable. Worth a shot at least.
I feel ya on the plexi thing... reminds me of when I patched up a client's porch window. Thought I'd nailed it with silicone and foam tape, but every windy night it'd whistle like a haunted house. Glass definitely has its perks.
Haha, that haunted house whistle sounds familiar... I once tried sealing up a basement window with silicone and some leftover weatherstripping. Thought I was a DIY genius until the first heavy rainstorm turned it into a mini waterfall. Ended up biting the bullet and replacing the glass properly. Ever had a quick fix turn into a bigger headache than the original problem?
Haha, been there with the silicone disaster. But honestly, sometimes those quick fixes aren't all bad. I once patched up a cracked window pane with clear packing tape—meant as a temporary thing—and it held up surprisingly well for almost two years. Sure, it looked sketchy as heck, but hey, no waterfalls indoors! Eventually replaced it properly, but I'd argue some DIY hacks can buy you decent time if you're lucky...or lazy enough.
Totally agree, quick fixes can be lifesavers. A few things I've learned from experience:
- Tape or silicone can hold surprisingly long if the crack isn't structural.
- But watch out for moisture buildup—temporary fixes can trap condensation and lead to mold or wood rot.
- If you're going DIY, at least keep an eye on it and replace properly before small issues become big headaches.
Still, can't deny the charm of a good ol' sketchy fix...as long as it doesn't bite you later.
I've had my fair share of sketchy window fixes over the years—some held up surprisingly well, others...not so much. Silicone definitely can buy you some time, but like you said, moisture is the real enemy. Had one window I patched up with silicone and forgot about, only to find a nasty surprise of mold behind the trim months later. Lesson learned the hard way.
Honestly, if it's a small crack in a non-critical spot, DIY can be worth it temporarily. But if it's anywhere near structural or exposed to the elements, I'd bite the bullet and replace it sooner rather than later. Glass replacement isn't as intimidating as it sounds once you've done it once or twice, and there's plenty of tutorials online that simplify the process.
Still, gotta admit there's something oddly satisfying about getting creative with duct tape and silicone...as long as you're ready for potential consequences down the road.
Yeah, silicone and duct tape fixes are oddly satisfying until reality kicks in. Had a similar mold surprise myself after a quick patch job—definitely not fun. Curious though, anyone tried those DIY glass repair kits for small cracks or chips? Seen mixed reviews online, but never gave them a shot myself...worth the effort or just another gimmick?
Tried one of those DIY kits last summer on a tiny chip in my kitchen window. It looked decent at first, but after a few months, the resin turned yellowish and more noticeable than the original crack. Maybe I messed up somehow... has anyone had better luck long-term?