Maya Ellison
Insulating windows with plastic wrap is a common practice to reduce heat loss during the winter months. This method is especially useful for old windows with gaps that allow air to flow freely in and out. While it may not be the most aesthetically pleasing solution, it is a cost-effective way to improve the insulation of your windows. In this article, we will discuss the different ways to insulate your windows with plastic, as well as some alternative methods to improve the energy efficiency of your home.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of material | Plastic film/sheet/wrap, window film covers, foam, plywood, mylar |
| Installation tools | Double-sided tape, cellophane tape, adhesive strip, hair dryer, spring-tension curtain rod, bamboo, washers, screws, spring curtain rods |
| Installation considerations | Ensure the plastic is larger than the window, trim excess plastic, prevent damage to the window trim, consider the impact on light transmission, combine with blinds or curtains for better insulation |
| Benefits | Reduces drafts, makes the house feel warmer, reduces moisture buildup, eliminates air leaks, inexpensive, easy to install and remove, prevents heat loss |
| Drawbacks | May not be aesthetically pleasing, can interfere with the operation of mini-blinds, may leave adhesive residue, not a permanent solution, may not be effective in extremely cold climates |
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What You'll Learn
Using plastic film kits
Plastic film kits are a common method for insulating windows, particularly in colder climates. They are inexpensive, reduce drafts, and make your house feel warmer during the winter. The kits are available in several sizes at home improvement, hardware, and discount stores.
The plastic film comes in window-sized pieces, so make sure to purchase a kit that fits the width of your window. You should cut the plastic a bit bigger than the window opening to allow for a margin of error. An easy method for hanging the plastic film is to use spring-tension curtain rods at the top and bottom of the window. Place the plastic between the bamboo and the window frame, and let the bamboo snap back to hold it in place. You can also use double-sided tape to attach the plastic to the window frame.
If you want to be able to open and close your mini-blinds, you will need to remove the rotating wand before applying the plastic film. Cut a hole in the plastic film for the wand hook, and apply four strips of cellophane tape to reinforce the area. Then, install the wand and pull out the lift cords.
When using plastic film kits, it is important to consider the potential impact on the amount of light that enters the room. Multiple layers of plastic film or glass will reduce the amount of light that comes through the window.
Finally, when removing the plastic film, you can use products like "Goo Gone" or WD40 to remove any adhesive residue left on the window trim.
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Applying plastic without tape
Insulating windows with plastic is a great way to reduce drafts and save on your heat bill. It is a simple DIY project that can be done without tape, although tape is often included in window insulation kits.
First, measure your window sill, trim, and frames. Clean the window area with a damp cloth and allow it to dry completely. You can use a knife to scrape off any old caulk or peeling paint from the window edges and then clean off any debris.
Next, cut your plastic sheeting to size, leaving a generous margin for error—about 1 foot or 1-5 inches bigger than the window frame. You can trim any excess plastic later.
Instead of tape, you can use a spring-tension curtain rod (or two) to hold up the plastic. These rods are adjustable and can fit a wide variety of window sizes. Place the plastic between the bamboo and the window frame, letting the bamboo snap back to hold it in place.
Another option is to use a magnetic strip on the plastic vinyl. Cut the strips according to your window dimensions, peel off the adhesive, and align the rubber down your window frame to cover any gaps.
If you want an airtight seal, you can use a wooden frame to hold the plastic in place, or you can attach the plastic directly to the window trim using an adhesive strip. To avoid damaging the trim, attach the adhesive to the edge of the window trim, not the face, and heat it up with a hairdryer before removing it in the spring.
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Using double-sided tape
Insulating your windows with plastic is a great way to keep your home warm during the cold winter months. Before you begin, make sure you have the right tools for the job. You will need a window insulation kit, which typically includes double-sided tape and a plastic sheet. Alternatively, you can purchase these items separately. When purchasing your plastic sheet, it is recommended to get one that is slightly bigger than your window to allow for a margin of error.
Once you have your kit or supplies, start by cleaning the window area with a damp cloth and letting it dry completely. This will ensure that the tape adheres properly to the window frame. Next, measure your window frame and cut the plastic sheet to size, leaving about a 1-inch space from the window frame border. You can also leave a little extra, about 5 inches, as the excess can be trimmed later.
Now it's time to attach the plastic to the window. Apply the double-sided tape to the entire window frame, pressing the tape firmly to ensure a strong hold. Start in one top corner of the window, removing the backing from the tape as you go, and lay the plastic sheet flat onto the tape, working from top to bottom. Make sure there are no gaps between the tape and the plastic.
Finally, use a hairdryer on high heat to heat the plastic, running it over the surface quickly to shrink the plastic and create a tight seal. This step can be repeated as needed to remove any wrinkles from the plastic. And that's it! You have now successfully insulated your window using plastic and double-sided tape, keeping the cold air out and the warm air in.
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Preventing damage to the trim
To prevent damage to the trim when insulating windows with plastic, you can try a few methods that do not involve tape. One method is to use bamboo: cut the plastic film about a foot bigger than the window opening, pull back the bamboo, put the plastic between it and the window frame, and let the bamboo snap back to hold the plastic in place. You can also use spring-tension curtain rods to hold up the plastic.
If you want to use tape, try attaching the adhesive strip to the edge of the window trim, i.e. the side of it, rather than the face. This way, if there is any residue left after removing the tape, it will be less noticeable. You can also use a hairdryer to heat up the adhesive and carefully pull it up, which generally does not leave much residue.
Another option is to create an "interior window insulating panel". Build a rectangle out of wood that fits into the window frame, cover it on both sides with a plastic sheet, and put a foam strip around the outside. Place this into the window and use screws to hold it in place.
Finally, make sure to only leave the plastic attached as long as you need it. When winter is over, take down the plastic and pull the tape off the trim. The tape should remove easily without damaging the finish.
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Alternative insulation methods
Plastic insulation on windows is a popular method to improve energy efficiency and reduce heat loss. However, it may not be aesthetically pleasing and can be tedious to install. Here are some alternative insulation methods:
Window Film
Window films are inexpensive and easy to install. They help reduce drafts, making your house feel warmer in winter and reducing moisture buildup. Window films can also eliminate air leaks if they extend over the woodwork, adding an extra layer of insulating air to reduce heat loss. Window films come in tinted and non-tinted options, with decorative, carbon, metalized, or ceramic varieties.
Cellular Shades
Cellular shades are hung on the inside of the window. Their honeycomb texture creates air pockets between the window and your home, trapping air and increasing energy efficiency. They also have light-blocking properties, making them a good option for those who want more privacy without sacrificing natural light.
Low-E Windows
Low-emissivity, or "low-E," windows have a microscopically thin coating that is transparent and reflects heat. This coating is an advantage over plastic coverings as it is invisible, and the windows come with the coating already applied.
Caulking
Caulk is a common material for insulating windows, and its successful application will help with heat loss. You can use a caulking gun with silicone caulking to fill the gaps between the window frame and siding.
Rigid Foam
For a temporary solution, you can cut rigid foam to fit in the window casing. This method may not be aesthetically pleasing, but it can be an easy and inexpensive way to insulate windows.
These alternative methods can provide similar benefits to plastic insulation while offering variations in terms of cost, aesthetics, and ease of installation.
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Frequently asked questions
Insulating windows with plastic film can help to reduce drafts, make your house feel warmer in winter, and reduce moisture buildup on the window due to condensation.
You will need a plastic film kit, which includes window-sized pieces of plastic film and double-sided tape. You may also need a hair dryer, adhesive cleaner (such as WD40 or cooking oil), and a utility blade.
First, cut the plastic film to be slightly larger than the window opening. Attach the plastic film to the window frame using double-sided tape or by stretching it over a spring-tension curtain rod. If you are using tape, be careful not to attach it directly to the window trim, as it may damage the finish. You can also create an "interior window insulating panel" by building a wood rectangle that fits into your window frame, covering it with a plastic sheet, and using foam strips and screws to hold it in place.
To remove the plastic film, heat up the adhesive with a hair dryer and carefully pull it up. If any adhesive residue remains, use an adhesive cleaner such as WD40 or cooking oil to remove it.
