My home is about 15 years old. 2 winters ago I placed plastic on all of my windows and the cold air rushing in would push the plastic out. Meanwhile, when I placed my hands over the strips that are put on the wall that are about every 3 or 4 feet in a manufactured home, I felt cold air -- like the strips were not sealing the wall. I would not remove the plastic for it was hard to put it up. My question is -- can I remove the strips that are on my walls (every 3 or 4 feet) and apply a caulk/silicone and then reapply the strips? Or can I apply paint and throw away the strips? I need to seal up my home and do not know how to begin. Also, how would I seal around the windows and be able to remove the plastic once and for all? Any input would be appreciated so much.