Maya Ellison
Installing plastic over windows is a great way to reduce heat loss and save energy during the winter months. It is an inexpensive and effective way to add an extra layer of insulation to your windows, helping to keep your home warmer. This DIY project can be easily done using a window insulation kit, which includes heat-shrink plastic and double-sided tape. By following the steps of cleaning the window frame, applying the tape, measuring and cutting the plastic, and shrinking the film with a hair dryer, you can create a tight seal that prevents heat loss and keeps your home comfortable.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Prepare the window frame
To prepare the window frame for installing plastic, follow these steps:
First, clean the window frame to remove any excess dust or debris. This will ensure that the tape adheres properly to the frame. If your window frame is metal, pay extra attention to removing any loose paint or rust with a plastic brush. Avoid marring the surface or exposing vulnerable areas that will need repainting.
Next, measure the window's dimensions. If you are using a window kit, purchase one that fits the width of your window. When measuring, add an extra 2 inches to the window's dimensions to account for film shrinking. This extra allowance will ensure that the plastic film fits snugly after it is shrunk.
Now, apply double-sided tape around the outside edge of the window frame. This tape will act as the adhesive to hold the plastic film in place. Make sure to press the tape firmly onto the frame, especially at the corners, to create a strong bond.
At this point, you should also consider any window features that might be affected by the plastic installation, such as mini-blinds. If you have mini-blinds, remove the rotating wand by lifting the retaining ring and lifting the wand off the hook. You will re-install the wand later, after the plastic film is in place.
Once the window frame is cleaned, measured, and taped, you are ready to move on to the next step of installing the plastic film.
Plastic Production: A Marine Biology Crisis
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Measure the window
Measuring a window is a simple DIY task, but it is important to take your time to get it right. Window styles vary, but the basic anatomy will always remain the same.
Firstly, determine whether the existing window frame is square, level, and plumb. Standard window sizes vary, but replacements are square, with 90-degree corners, so measuring for these needs to be precise. Plumb refers to the vertical straightness of the window, or whether it tilts forward or backward in the frame. Level refers to the horizontal straightness.
To measure for a square window, hold a tape measure on the top right corner where the horizontal and vertical window jambs meet. Extend the tape measure diagonally downward to the lower left corner where the trim meets. Record the measurement. Next, take the measurement from the upper left corner to the lower right corner. Record this measurement, too. Compare the two measurements. Most standard window sizes will fit securely if the two measurements are within 1/4-inch of each other.
To measure the window width, measure the inside jamb on the left and right sides of the window in three places: the bottom, middle, and top. Do not include any trim in this measurement. Place a tape measure horizontally between the inside jambs and close the window. Make a similar measurement from jamb to jamb near the middle of the window. Measure the distance between the jambs at the top of the window. Record the shortest measurement. This is the window opening width.
To measure the height, find the window's stool or interior sill. The sill is technically on the exterior of the building, while the stool is the flat, shelf-like portion on the interior. Measure from the stool or sill to the inside of the trim at the top of the window.
If you are installing plastic over a casement window or a swing-out window, you will also need to add 0.5" to 1" to your height and width measurements to account for the velcro that will create a tight seal for your plastic.
Dispose of Your Plastic Christmas Tree the Right Way
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cut the plastic film
To cut the plastic film for your window, you will first need to measure your window. Add an extra 2 inches to your window's dimensions to allow for film shrinking. Then, cut the film to size.
When cutting the plastic film, it is important to be very careful and to use the right tools. Hold the knife in such a way that you would be unlikely to cut yourself badly in case of an accident. You can also use scissors to cut the film.
If you are applying the film to a metal-framed window, be aware that it is harder to remove moisture from these types of windows because the cold metal attracts moisture very quickly. Make sure the metal frame is smooth and free of any loose paint or rust. You can use a plastic brush to scrub off any excess.
After cutting the film to size, you can start attaching it to the window. Press the film firmly onto the tape, starting at the top of the window and working your way down. Overlap each piece of tape by a few centimeters to ensure a strong hold.
Finally, use a hair dryer to shrink the film and remove any wrinkles. Hold the hair dryer a few inches away from the film and work in a pattern, such as a spiral from the corners towards the center.
Do Dryer Balls Damage Your Dryer?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Attach the film to the window
Attaching the film to the window is a crucial step in installing plastic film over windows. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the process:
Firstly, clean the window frame to remove any excess dust or residue. This step ensures that the tape adheres properly to the window frame. Next, apply double-sided tape around the outside edge of the window. The tape should be placed just inside any ridges on the moulding to keep it straight and protected. Cut the tape at the corners with scissors before laying down the next piece. Be careful not to touch the sticky side of the tape, as this can reduce adhesion.
Once the tape is in place, carefully unfold the first 12 inches (30.5 cm) of film along the entire width of the window. Starting at the top, press the film firmly onto the tape. Work your way down the window, attaching the film to all sides. Ensure that the film is smooth and free of wrinkles as you go. Overlap each piece of film by a few centimetres, peeling back the backing paper to create a strong seal.
If your window is very tall, you may need to splice sheets together with tape or extend the film with clear mailing tape. These fixes are best hidden at the top of the window by attaching the film from the bottom up. If you have mini-blinds, remember to remove the rotating wand before applying the film to avoid any issues.
Finally, use a hair dryer to shrink the film and remove any remaining wrinkles. Hold the hair dryer a few inches away from the film and work in a pattern, such as a spiral from the corners towards the centre. This step will ensure a tight fit between the window and the film.
Changing Plastic Baits: When and Why You Should Switch
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Seal the plastic film
Sealing the plastic film is a crucial step in installing plastic over windows, and there are several methods to achieve this. One common approach is to use double-sided tape, which can be purchased in kits along with the heat-shrink plastic film. Apply the tape around the outside edge of the window, removing any liner or backing paper. It is important to avoid touching the sticky side with your fingers, as this can reduce adhesion due to the transfer of natural oils from your skin.
Once the tape is in place, carefully measure your window, adding an extra 1-2 inches to the dimensions to allow for film shrinkage. Cut the film to size, and starting at the top of the window, press the film firmly onto the tape. Work your way down the sides and across the bottom, ensuring all edges are securely attached.
For metal-framed windows, it is essential to prepare the surface by removing any loose paint or rust with a plastic brush. This step helps ensure a smooth surface for the tape to adhere to.
After the film is attached, use a hair dryer to shrink it and remove any wrinkles. Hold the hair dryer a few inches away from the film and work in a pattern, such as a spiral from the corners towards the centre. This process will help create a tight, smooth finish.
If you are covering mini-blinds, you can apply four strips of cellophane tape to the window film surrounding the wand hook, overlapping each strip at the corners for reinforcement. Cut out the centre of the square with a utility blade, and install the wand, ensuring the lift cords are accessible.
By following these steps, you can effectively seal the plastic film over your windows, creating an additional layer of insulation that reduces heat loss and improves energy efficiency.
Plastic Spoon Multipacks: How Many Spoons?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Heat-shrink plastic can be purchased in kits that contain double-sided tape for attaching the clear plastic film. First, clean the window frame to remove excess dust. Apply the tape around the outside edge of the window and remove the tape liner. Then, measure your window, adding an extra 2 inches to allow for film shrinkage, and cut the film to size. Starting at the top of the window, press the film firmly onto the tape, then do the same for the window sides and bottom until all sides are sealed. Finally, use a hair dryer to shrink the film, removing any wrinkles, and cut off any excess film.
Before installing the plastic, it is important to check for any air leaks around the window. Light an incense stick and hold it next to the seams or sash of the window. If the smoke is pushed in a particular direction, you likely have a leak. If you have mini-blinds, you will need to remove the rotating wand before applying the plastic.
Window film covers are inexpensive, reduce drafts, and help the house feel warmer during the winter months. They also reduce moisture buildup on the window due to condensation and can eliminate air leaks around the window if they extend over the woodwork.
