Alexei Volkov
Plastic window film is a great way to increase energy efficiency and reduce utility bills. It is a clear, plastic film that can be applied to a window to provide extra insulation. The film is applied to a window and then fixed in place using a heat source, such as a hair dryer. It seals off all the remaining cracks around a window where air can enter. Window film can be purchased at home improvement stores for a fraction of the price of installing new windows. This paragraph will explain how to apply outdoor plastic window insulation.
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What You'll Learn
Clean the window and frame
To clean the window and frame before applying outdoor plastic window insulation, follow these steps:
Firstly, remove any debris, dust, or dirt from the window frame and sash. You can use a vacuum to remove light dust, or a dry microfiber cloth to wipe down the area. If your window glass needs a deeper clean, use a glass cleaner or a residue-free solvent such as methylated spirits, white spirit, or rubbing alcohol, and a clean rag or cloth to wipe down the glass and frame. Ensure that you remove any grease, as this will affect the adhesion of the tape.
Next, check for any old caulk or peeling paint on the window frame, particularly around the edges. Use a knife to gently scrape away any loose paint or caulk, being careful not to mar or expose the surface more than necessary. If the window frame is metal, use a plastic brush to scrub off any excess paint or rust.
Once you have removed all dirt, debris, and loose material, fill a caulking gun with silicone caulking and apply it between the window frame and siding. Allow the caulk to dry and cure overnight. Ensure that the window frame is completely dry before proceeding with the next steps of applying the window insulation.
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Prepare the tape
To prepare the tape for your window insulation, you will need a window film kit, tape measure, scissors, and a blow dryer.
First, unfold the first 12 inches (30 cm) of the film along the entire width of the window. The film is tightly stuck together due to static, so it may be tricky to separate. If it won't separate easily, moisten your thumbs and gently rub the folded edge of the film until it comes apart.
Next, open the box of window insulation film and take out the tape. Be careful not to use sharp objects to open the box, as you might damage the film inside. The tape should be applied directly to the face of the window casing or along its edge, at the top, bottom, and two sides. Do not pull off the backing yet.
Before laying the tape down, cut it to the proper length with scissors. When you finish one piece, rub down the corner and peel the backing about an inch (a few centimetres) to overlap it with the next piece. Avoid touching the sticky side, as this will reduce adhesion.
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Apply the plastic film
To apply the plastic film, first, unfold about 12 inches (30.5 cm) of film along the entire width of the window. Leave the rest of the film as it is. The film is stuck together due to static, so it can be tricky to separate. If it's difficult to separate, moisten your thumbs and gently rub the edge of the folded film between them until the static is gone and the film separates.
Then, starting at the top corner, attach the window film to the adhesive tape. Pull gently on the window film as you apply it to the tape, repeating on the right side and then the bottom. Reposition the tape until you get a good fit. Smooth out any bumps or wrinkles with your hands.
Next, use a hair dryer on high heat to apply heat around the taped edges to ensure the film is completely adhered. Also, use the hair dryer to shrink the rest of the film and any remaining wrinkles. Be careful not to touch the plastic with the hair dryer as it can cause it to melt.
Finally, trim off any excess film with a snap-off knife. Pull very gently at the film where you are cutting to keep it taut and parallel to the window and tape. Hold the knife parallel to the window, pointing away from the centre, and trim off any excess film. This will prevent the need to scrape the window frame near the tape.
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Trim excess film
After applying the film to the window, you will need to trim off the excess film. This can be done with a snap-off knife. When cutting the excess film, it is important to pull very gently at the film to keep it taut and perpendicular to the window and tape. The knife should be held parallel to and pointing away from the centre of the window. You should trim the film a fraction of an inch (less than a centimetre) from the edge of the tape. This will prevent the need to scrape the window frame near the tape.
To cut the film smoothly, hold the knife in a swept-back position so that the film sweeps by as it cuts, rather than bunching up at a single point. Be careful, as the film can tear across the line of the tape. A small amount of excess film will not be noticeable, as it will curl up when heat is applied.
Safety is important when handling a knife. Stand at a distance from the window to avoid falling onto it. Extend the knife only slightly and hold it in a way that minimises the risk of injury in case of an accident.
If you have a large sheet of film, consider how to position and trim it for each window to minimise waste. Think about how to best fit the film to the window. For very tall windows, you may need to leave narrow margins or extend the film to reach the full length.
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Seal the film with heat
After applying the window film to the tape, use a hair dryer or blow dryer on a high heat setting to seal the film. Apply heat around the taped edges to ensure the film is completely adhered. This will also help to shrink the film and remove any wrinkles. Be careful not to touch the plastic with the hair dryer, as it can cause it to melt.
The small excess of film left after cutting will curl up even further when heat is applied and will not be noticeable. You can also use a hair dryer to heat up the adhesive when removing the film, as this will generally leave less residue.
If you are using a large sheet of plastic film, unfold the first 12 inches (30.5 cm) along the entire width of the window. Leave the remainder of the film stuck together. The film is tightly stuck together due to static and can be tricky to separate. If it won't separate easily, moisten your thumbs and gently rub the edge of the folded film between them until it separates.
Window film kits usually include double-sided tape. Apply the tape to the top, bottom, and sides of the window casing or frame. You can also apply the tape to the front of the moulding and on the sill right in front of the vertical mouldings. Be careful not to touch the sticky side with your fingers, as this will create a layer of grease which reduces adhesion.
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Frequently asked questions
First, clean the window and frame, and clean and adjust the blinds if there are any. Allow the window and frame to dry. Next, wipe down the window casing with a clean rag and isopropyl alcohol.
Start by applying adhesive tape to the top, bottom, and sides of the window casing. Then, unfold the first 12 inches of film along the entire width of the window. Pull on the window film as you apply it to the tape, and repeat on the right side and then the bottom. Smooth out any bumps or wrinkles with your hands.
Use a hair dryer to apply high heat around the taped edges, ensuring the film is completely adhered. Shrink the rest of the film and any remaining wrinkles with the hair dryer. Finally, trim off any excess film with a snap-off knife.
