Chloe Zhang
Winterizing windows with plastic is a simple DIY project that can help insulate your home and reduce heating costs during the cold winter months. By creating a barrier between the window panes and the outside, plastic film or sheeting can effectively keep the cold air out and the warm air inside. This guide will explore the different methods and materials you can use to winterize your windows with plastic, from using plastic film kits to combining plastic sheeting with caulk, and offer step-by-step instructions on how to achieve an airtight seal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to insulate windows | Before the arrival of cooler temperatures |
| Tools and supplies | Weatherstripping, plastic film, storm window inserts, plexiglass, caulk, tape, hair dryer, curtains, bubble wrap, magnetic tape, draft stoppers |
| Benefits | Energy efficiency, cost savings, soundproofing, maintaining inside temperatures |
| Steps | Measure window sill, trim and frames, clean the window area, apply caulk, use a kit with plastic and double-sided tape, cover window and wall, seal with a hair dryer, check for leaks |
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What You'll Learn
Use plastic sheeting and caulk
If you're looking to winterize your windows with plastic sheeting and caulk, there are a few methods you can try.
First, measure your windows, trim, and frames. Then, using a damp cloth, clean the window area and let it dry completely.
For the caulk, you'll want to use a caulking gun filled with silicone caulking. Seal every seam—where the window meets the frame, where the upper and lower sashes latch, and around the edges of the individual panes. You can also use bubble wrap-lined shipping envelopes taped with painter's tape for larger holes or crevices.
When using plastic sheeting, you can use a kit with a roll of double-sided tape and pre-cut sheeting, or buy spools of window plastic and cut them to size. The plastic should extend several inches beyond the window frame to make it easier to secure. You can also use a hair dryer to "shrink-wrap" the plastic, creating a tighter seal.
If you have blinds, you can tape the plastic deep into the window frame and remount the brackets, or simply hang the plastic over the blinds. You can also try using two sheets of plastic per window, leaving a bit of space between them for extra insulation.
During the winter, periodically check the edges of the plastic for drafts and tape any areas that need to be resealed.
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Choose the right tape
Choosing the right tape is essential for effectively winterizing your windows with plastic. The primary purpose of the tape is to create an airtight seal around the plastic sheet, ensuring that no cold air or moisture can seep through. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the appropriate tape for the job:
Type of Tape:
Opt for a durable, heavy-duty tape designed for insulation and sealing purposes. Some recommended types of tape include:
- Polyethylene tape: This type of tape is specifically designed for sealing plastic vapor barriers and has excellent moisture resistance. It is durable and creates a strong seal.
- Butyl rubber tape: Butyl rubber tape is commonly used in insulation applications due to its strong adhesive properties and ability to seal against air and moisture.
- Foam insulation tape: This type of tape is self-adhesive and made from closed-cell foam, providing an effective barrier against drafts and moisture.
Adhesion and Durability:
Ensure that the tape you choose has strong adhesive properties and will stick effectively to both the window frame and the plastic sheet. Look for tape that is designed to withstand temperature changes and varying levels of humidity. The tape should also be durable enough to last through the entire winter season without peeling or losing its adhesive strength.
Width and Length:
Select a tape with an appropriate width that will cover the edges of the plastic sheet and create a sufficient seal. Typically, a wider tape (such as 2–3 inches in width) will provide a better seal and ensure that the plastic stays in place. Choose a roll with an adequate length to cover all your windows, and consider buying extra to account for any mistakes or future repairs.
Compatibility with Plastic:
Ensure that the tape you choose is compatible with the type of plastic sheet you are using. Some tapes may be designed for specific types of plastic, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. Check the manufacturer's instructions or product specifications to ensure compatibility and avoid any potential chemical reactions or adhesive failure.
Weather Resistance:
Opt for a tape that is specifically designed for outdoor use and can withstand varying weather conditions, including rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. This will ensure that the tape does not peel or lose its adhesive properties due to exposure to the elements.
By considering these factors and selecting a tape that meets these criteria, you can effectively winterize your windows with plastic, creating a comfortable and energy-efficient indoor space during the cold winter months.
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Prepare the window
To prepare your windows for winterizing, you'll first want to measure the window sill, trim, and frames. Next, use a damp cloth to clean the window area, and allow it to dry completely.
Then, you'll want to use a knife to scrape off any old caulk or peeling paint from the exterior and interior window edges. Clean off any debris. If you have blinds, you may want to unscrew the brackets, tape the plastic deep into the window frame, and remount the brackets. However, this can be tricky, so it's often easier to hang the plastic over the blinds. Just ensure the blinds are positioned as you want them before you seal the plastic.
You can also use a caulking gun to fill in any gaps or crevices with silicone caulking. Seal every seam—where the window meets the frame, where the upper and lower sashes latch, and around the edges of the individual panes. If there are any awkward spots the caulk gun can't reach, you can cut a piece of a bubble wrap-lined envelope and tape it over the hole with painter's tape.
Finally, check the caulk seal that borders your window on the outside and inside. A shrink-wrap kit won't work if there's a drafty spot around the window frame. You can use a lit candle to help identify any leaky spots.
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Hang plastic over blinds
If you have blinds on your windows, it is possible to unscrew the brackets, tape the plastic deep into the window frame, and then remount the brackets. However, this method is tricky, and the plastic brackets are fragile, so it is much easier to hang the plastic over the blinds.
Before you begin, make sure the blinds are positioned as you want them to be before you seal them in. It is recommended to hang two sheets of plastic per window, leaving a bit of space between them. The air gap will provide some insulation and an extra layer of protection in case something comes unstuck.
To hang the plastic, you can use a kit that contains a roll of double-sided tape and sheeting pre-cut to standard window sizes. You can also buy spools of window plastic, but measuring and cutting from a spool will take extra work. Make sure to measure your windows before you buy plastic. Old windows may be non-standard sizes, and you could have windows of varying dimensions in your house. When measuring your plastic, factor in several inches of play on each edge of the plastic beyond where the strip of tape will go. Otherwise, the plastic will be difficult to secure, and you will have no leeway for the inevitable crooked mounting.
Your best option for tape is the half-inch double-sided winterizing tape that comes in the kits. Buying a roll of spare tape is a good idea because you will use a lot of it, and you will need some for repairs. Single-sided winterizing tape is also available in the width of packing tape, but it may not stick as well. If you are worried about damaging your wall, put down a layer of painter's tape on the wall first, then duct tape the plastic to the painter's tape.
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Seal with a hair dryer
Sealing your windows with plastic film is a great way to keep your home warm during the winter. To do this, you'll need to get a shrink-wrap kit, also known as a window insulation kit, which can be found at most home improvement stores. The kit will include a roll of double-sided tape and sheeting pre-cut to standard window sizes. If your windows are not standard sizes, you can also buy spools of window plastic and cut the plastic to size. Make sure to measure your windows before buying the plastic and cut the plastic slightly larger than the window to ensure it is easy to secure.
Once you have your kit, follow these steps to seal with a hair dryer:
- Clean the window area with a damp cloth and allow it to dry completely.
- Check the caulk seal that borders your window on the outside and inside. Use a knife to scrape away any old caulk or peeling paint, and fill in any gaps with new caulk using a caulking gun.
- Apply the double-sided tape around the edges of the window pane.
- Stick the plastic film to the window pane, covering the entire pane and extending onto the tape.
- Use a hair dryer to seal the film, also known as "shrink-wrapping" it. Blow hot air onto the film until it tightens and creates a smooth surface.
The film will act as window insulation, helping your home retain heat and reduce energy costs. You can also hang two sheets of plastic per window, leaving a bit of space between them to provide an extra layer of protection. Remember to check for any drafts during windy storms and tape any areas that need reinforcement.
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Frequently asked questions
To stay warm and save money. Drafty windows let in cold air, making your home uncomfortably chilly. They can also drive up your energy bills as your furnace has to work harder to heat your home.
If you notice visible gaps between the window and the frame, peeling paint, rattling, excessive dust or dirt, or strong odours from outside, your windows may be drafty. You can also test for drafts by inserting a piece of paper or lighting an incense stick or small candle and holding it up to the seams of the window.
One of the easiest and most effective ways to winterize your windows is to use a window insulation kit, which includes double-sided tape and plastic film. Clean and dust the window frame, then apply the tape to the perimeter of the window. Cut the plastic film to size, stick it to the tape, and use a hair dryer to shrink-wrap the film.
Yes, you can use caulk, weatherstripping, or thermal curtains to insulate your windows.
Plastic film is a temporary solution and may only be suitable for older homes with lower-quality windows. It can also be tedious to install, unsightly, and difficult to remove without damaging the window frame.
