Alexei Volkov
As the seasons change and temperatures drop, sealing windows with plastic is a popular method to insulate your home. This simple DIY project can help reduce energy costs and keep your home warm and comfortable during winter. There are several ways to seal windows for winter, including using caulk, weather stripping, window insulation kits, and heavy or thermal curtains. Upgrading to insulated windows is another option for those willing to invest more. This guide will explore these methods and more to help you prepare your home for the cold season.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Plastic film, double-sided tape, hair dryer, caulk, caulking gun, silicone caulking, weather stripping, felt, door sweeps, draft snakes, insulated curtains, corrugated cardboard, spray insulating foam, honeycomb shades, blackout curtains, thermal curtains |
| Installation process | Clean window edges and fill gaps with caulk or spray insulating foam; apply plastic film to window frame with tape, cut to size, and use a hair dryer to shrink the film; install felt, door sweeps, draft snakes, or weather stripping to seal gaps |
| Benefits | Reduces energy bills, increases comfort during winter, improves insulation, minimises drafts, cost-effective, energy-efficient |
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What You'll Learn
Using caulk to seal gaps
Caulk is a common material for insulating windows and sealing gaps, and its successful application will help with heat loss. Before applying caulk, use a knife to scrape away any old caulk or peeling paint from the exterior or interior window edges. Clean off any debris before caulking.
When caulking, it's important to use a caulking gun to ensure you fill gaps and get a clean line. You can fill small cracks and gaps with caulking, but for larger cracks, use a foam backer rod of the appropriate size, pushing it into the gap with a putty knife, then apply caulking on top. For even larger gaps and holes, use aerosol cans of expandable foam.
When caulking between windows and fiber cement siding, apply a sufficiently thick bead to seal the edges of each fiber cement board effectively. Smaller beads are more prone to failure due to the thermal cycling of weather, which causes expansion and contraction between the substrates. A thicker bead will accommodate these movements better, providing a more durable and long-lasting seal.
Caulk should not be used to seal the bottom of the exterior window trim if it has drainage gaps or weep holes, as these let water drain out and keep moisture from getting trapped. Sealing them can cause serious water damage over time.
Caulk for the exterior side of windows must be durable and withstand extreme weather changes. Exterior caulk is impervious to harsh sun rays, water, and fluctuating temperatures. The tube of caulk should specify that it is intended for exterior surfaces. Interior-side windows need a caulk that doesn’t release harmful fumes and holds paint well.
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Applying plastic film to the window frame
Applying plastic film to your window frames can be a great way to increase energy efficiency and reduce utility bills. This simple DIY project can be done with a window film kit, tape measure, scissors, and a blow dryer. Here is a step-by-step guide to applying plastic film to your window frames:
First, ensure that your window frame is clean and dry. Use a mixture of warm water and dish soap to clean the window and frame, removing any dirt or dust. Once the frame is dry, apply adhesive tape, such as cellophane tape, around the perimeter of the window frame. This will help keep the film in place and create a tight seal.
Next, measure the dimensions of your window frame and cut the plastic film accordingly. Leave a few inches of excess film on each side, which can be trimmed later. It is important not to unroll the film completely before applying it, as the inside surfaces may attract dust. Position the film so that the clean inside surfaces face the window.
Now, you can start attaching the plastic film to the adhesive tape. Begin at the top corner of the window frame and stick the film to the tape, centering it side-to-side to ensure even coverage. Use your hands to smooth out any bumps or wrinkles as you go. Overlap each layer of film by a few inches and use tape to secure the layers together, creating a cohesive unit.
Once the plastic film is in place, use a hairdryer or blow dryer on low heat to tighten and shrink the film, removing any remaining wrinkles. Be careful not to let the plastic touch the hairdryer, as it can cause the plastic to melt. The heat will help create a tight seal and ensure that the film stays in place.
Finally, use a snap-off knife to carefully trim away any excess film. Pull gently on the film as you cut to keep it taut and perpendicular to the window. Hold the knife parallel to the window and trim the excess film close to the edge of the tape. This step ensures a neat finish and eliminates the need to scrape the window frame.
By following these steps, you can effectively apply plastic film to your window frames, helping to block drafts and reduce energy loss during the winter months. Remember that this is a temporary solution, and if you find yourself doing it every winter, you may need to consider underlying issues with your windows, such as broken seals or insulation loss.
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Installing cellular shades
First, you need to decide whether you want an inside or outside mount. The key difference is that an inside mount will sit within the window frame, while an outside mount will hang from above and down over the sides of the window. An inside mount is a popular option for showing off window trim and gives off a clean, sleek appearance. On the other hand, an outside mount provides better light management and improved privacy.
Once you have decided on the type of mount, you need to measure the width of the window at the top, middle and bottom, using the narrowest measurement. Mark the placement of the brackets with a pencil. For an inside mount, the brackets should be placed around 2 1/2 inches from each side of the window frame. For an outside mount, the shade should be centred and level, with the top of the headrail marked 2 1/2 inches from the left and right outside edges of the shade.
Next, you need to drill pilot holes for your screws, making sure they are level. Then, screw the brackets securely into position. Finally, snap the headrail into position by hooking the front of the bracket into the headrail and pushing up on the backside. Test your shades by pulling them down and back up to ensure they are functioning smoothly.
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Using felt around windows
Felt is one of the oldest types of weather stripping, and it is also a very affordable option. It is commonly sold in rolls with or without an adhesive backing and is also available with an attached metal mounting flange.
Felt is used as a compression weather stripping around the inside of double-hung, casement, and sliding windows. It is easy to install and can be done in a couple of different ways. The easiest method is to find self-adhesive-backed felt and apply it to the window frame, just like you would with foam tape.
A more long-lasting installation method involves nailing the felt in place with small weatherstrip nails. This technique can give your felt a very long life. When installing felt, it is important to note that you cannot use standard nails due to the possibility of galvanic corrosion, which occurs when you put dissimilar metals in contact. Therefore, you must use bronze or copper nails to attach the felt.
Felt is a great option for those looking for a quick, easy, and inexpensive solution to drafty windows. However, it is important to note that felt does not last as long as other types of weather stripping and must be replaced every four to six years.
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Upgrading to insulated windows
If you're looking for a more permanent solution to sealing your windows for winter, you may want to consider upgrading to insulated windows. This option may be particularly appealing if your windows are old and leaky, or if your home is having trouble maintaining a comfortable temperature.
Insulated glass units, also known as double-pane glass, are made up of two sheets of glass separated by an inert gas, usually argon or krypton. This separation diffuses heat transfer in and out of your home, providing better insulation. Upgrading to insulated windows can be costly, but it may be worth it in the long run, especially if your current windows are in poor condition.
If you're not ready to replace your windows entirely, you can also consider window inserts. Window inserts fit over your existing interior windows, creating a tight seal around the frame without causing any damage. Indow inserts, for example, are made with acrylic, which has higher insulation properties than glass. This option is cost-effective compared to full window replacements and can be a great way to eliminate drafts and improve energy efficiency.
Another option for upgrading your windows is to replace the glass with a thicker piece of glass. The thicker the glass, the better the insulation it provides. However, this option can also be expensive, depending on the customizations you choose.
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Frequently asked questions
Purchase plastic window covers from any hardware store. Cut the plastic sheets according to your window dimensions and apply them to your windows.
Weatherstripping, bubble wrap, insulated curtains, caulking, and foam tape are all popular methods for sealing windows.
Air leaks can be located by performing a paper test or using an incense stick. Close a window on a piece of paper and if it easily moves back and forth, your window could be tighter. Alternatively, light an incense stick and hold it next to the window seams. If the smoke is pushed in a particular direction, you likely have a leak.
Plastic window insulation is time-consuming and requires maintenance throughout the season. If the plastic is punctured, it will need to be replaced.
Plastic window insulation is a cheap and effective way to keep the heat in.
