That’s awesome about the storm shelter passing—seriously, that must be a huge weight off your mind. I’m just starting to figure out all the weird little quirks in my place, and I totally underestimated how much air sneaks in through those tiny gaps. Did you use foam or caulk for the sealing? I keep second-guessing what’s best for old windows. And yeah, radiators… mine make noises like they’re haunted, but at least the drafts aren’t as bad now. How long did it take you to get everything sealed up?
Foam worked better for me on the bigger gaps, but for the old windows, I actually liked using caulk—it just seemed to hold up longer and looked neater. Took me a couple weekends to really get everything sealed up, but I kept finding new spots every time the wind picked up. Radiators are a whole other beast... mine still clang like they’re auditioning for a ghost movie, but at least it’s warmer now. Don’t stress too much if it takes a while—old houses always have surprises.
Funny you mention radiators—mine sound like someone’s dropping a toolbox down a flight of stairs every morning. I tried those little radiator key things to bleed them, but honestly, I think they just like to make noise. As for sealing up gaps, I’m with you on the caulk for windows. I tried the foam once and ended up with a mess that looked like a failed baking experiment. Caulk just seems easier to control, especially when you’re trying not to get it all over the trim.
I totally get the “never-ending project” feeling. Last winter, I thought I’d finally sealed every draft, but then the wind shifted and suddenly there was a breeze coming from behind the kitchen cabinets. Old houses really do keep you on your toes... but hey, at least it keeps things interesting (and gives me an excuse to buy more caulk).
Last winter, I thought I’d finally sealed every draft, but then the wind shifted and suddenly there was a breeze coming from behind the kitchen cabinets.
That’s the thing with old houses—just when you think you’ve found every draft, another one pops up somewhere totally unexpected. I’m curious, did you ever figure out where that kitchen cabinet breeze was coming from? Sometimes it’s not even a gap, but a weird path through the walls or floorboards. And about the foam—I hear you. I tried to fill a gap under my stairs once and it expanded so much I had to trim it with a bread knife. Caulk definitely feels less risky, but I wish it lasted longer in high-movement spots. Ever tried weatherstripping for those tricky areas?
Funny how those drafts always find a new way in, right? I battled one behind my bathroom sink for months—it turned out to be a gap in the floorboards leading straight to the crawlspace. Weatherstripping’s helped me in a few weird spots, though sometimes it peels off if there’s too much movement. Honestly, old houses keep you on your toes, but it’s rewarding when you finally track down the culprit. Hang in there, it’s totally worth the effort.
