Chloe Zhang
Installing window insulation plastic is a quick, inexpensive, and easy way to insulate your windows and reduce heating bills. Before installing, it is important to measure the window, clean the window frame, and remove any excess dust. The process involves applying double-sided tape around the outside edge of the window, cutting the plastic film to size, and then pressing it firmly onto the tape. After ensuring all sides of the window are sealed, a hairdryer can be used to shrink the film and remove any wrinkles. Finally, any excess film can be trimmed off with scissors.
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What You'll Learn
Clean the window and frame
To install window insulation plastic, you must first clean the window and frame thoroughly. This is an important step, as any dirt or dust left on the window will be trapped under the plastic film, ruining the aesthetic of your window.
Start by removing any debris from around the lower sash of the window. Then, close and lock the window. You can use a vacuum to remove light dust from the window and blinds. If your window needs a deeper clean, use a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth to wipe down the glass.
Next, turn your attention to the window frame. If it is made of metal, use a plastic brush to scrub off any loose paint or rust. It is important that the metal frame is smooth before you apply the insulation film. For other types of window frames, simply wipe them down with a dry microfiber cloth.
Once you have finished cleaning the window and frame, allow them to dry completely before proceeding to the next step of the installation process.
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Prepare the tape
Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary materials. You will need window insulation film, which comes in a box with tape and instructions. Open the box carefully with your fingers, avoiding sharp objects that may damage the film.
The tape included in the window insulation kit is double-sided and fairly weak, designed not to lift paint. It is important to only use this tape on smooth surfaces, as any loose paint or rust may result in the tape lifting off. If your window frame has loose paint or rust, use a plastic brush to scrub it off before starting.
Before applying the tape, clean the window frame and glass. Use a vacuum to remove light dust, and a dry microfiber cloth for a more thorough clean. If needed, use isopropyl alcohol and a clean rag to wipe down the window casing where the film will adhere. Ensure the window and frame are completely dry before proceeding.
Now that the window is prepared, you are ready to begin applying the tape.
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Measure the window
Before purchasing your window insulation kit, you'll need to measure all the drafty windows. Take measurements of the height and width from the outside edge of the window trim. Window height is the most important measurement when choosing a kit. If you have individual window-sized sheets, you won't need to worry about measuring. However, if you have very tall windows, you should measure first. It may be a tight fit, so you'll need to leave narrow margins. Alternatively, you can extend the film to reach the full length.
You can splice sheets with the double-sided tape or extend them with wide clear mailing tape. These fixes are more easily hidden at the top of the window after attaching the film from the bottom up. If you have one huge sheet or a part of a sheet left over, it may be more efficient to use it the "wide" way across the wall rather than the "long" way.
When cutting the film, remember to add an extra two inches to your window's dimensions to allow for film shrinking.
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Cut the film to size
Before you begin installing your window insulation, it is important to measure your window and cut the film to size. Add an extra two inches to your window's dimensions to allow for film shrinking. If you have individual window-sized sheets, it should be easy to cut the film to size. However, if you have very tall windows, you may need to leave narrow margins or extend the film to reach the full length. You can splice sheets with the double-sided tape or extend them with wide clear mailing tape.
If you have one large sheet, it may be more efficient to use it the "wide" way across the wall rather than the "long" way. For example, if you have one huge sheet or a part of it left over after insulating a set of windows, you can use it more efficiently by cutting it to fit the width of the wall rather than the length.
After shrinking the film into place, trim off any excess film by cutting around the perimeter of the window. You can use scissors to cut off any excess film and create a tight fit between the window and the film.
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Attach the film
Before attaching the film, ensure that the window and frame are thoroughly cleaned and dried. It is also important to measure the window and cut the film to size, allowing for a few extra inches to accommodate for shrinking.
Now, you are ready to attach the film. First, apply double-sided tape to the outside edge of the window frame. Start by placing the tape just inside the ridge on the molding, if there is one, to keep it protected by the molding edge. Cut the tape to the correct length with scissors before laying it down. When applying multiple pieces of tape, overlap them slightly by peeling back the backing paper about an inch. Avoid touching the sticky side of the tape, as this will reduce adhesion.
Next, unfold the film along the width of the window, starting from the top. As you unfold, present the window insulation film to the top of the frame so that the clean inside surfaces face the window. Work your way down the window, attaching the film to the tape. Unroll the film gradually, peeling off the backing paper as you go, and stick the film to the tape. Keep the sides slightly taut and even, but do not worry too much about wrinkles, as these can be removed later.
Once you reach the bottom of the window, peel off the last few inches of tape and hold the film away from the tape with your other hand. Attach the bottom of the film by pushing it in slightly to ensure it sticks to the full width of the tape.
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Frequently asked questions
First, measure all the drafty windows, then clean the window and frame. Remove any debris from around the lower sash, close and lock the window, and clean and adjust the blinds. Allow the window and frame to dry.
Apply double-sided tape to the outside edge of the window. If you have a metal frame, make sure it is smooth and free of loose paint or rust.
Unroll the film and peel the tape backing paper off, then stick the film to the tape. Work down the window, keeping the sides slightly taut and even.
Peel off the last few inches and the bottom tape, then attach the bottom of the film. Push in on it to make sure it sticks to the full width of the tape.
After shrinking the film into place, cut around the perimeter of the window to trim off any excess.
