How to Weatherize Windows with Plastic Film Insulation- DIY Home Improvement

[seocom]

Very helpful

[tituscaesar]

one needs to open a window though from time to time for changing the air, how can one do that with the plastic sheeting?

[GreenDreamGroup]

@tituscaesar Actually, most homes get their air changed completely once every hour or two! Amazing, right? It's due to stack effect: warm air rises, gets out of the house, then cold air gets sucked in at the bottom to replace it. A blower door test on your home can confirm this for you. No need to open the window, it's being done by the gaps and cracks in the building already.

[JPOtalk]

I've been trying to zone heat my home. However the heat just wants to go straight up the stairs. Can you help me find a cheap but decorative way to block the indoor doorways of my home?

[Aaaaarrrrrrggghhh]

Thank you!

[rustyfarian12345]

I have a window that's larger then the largest length of plastic I could find. Can I just use the tape and tape 2 pieces of the plastic together and apply it? will that work and be efficient?

[pimpsome]

Is that plastic re usable or bio degradable? Or are you going to trash it every year. Go team green

[pimpsome]

Haha. Have a draft put some cellophane on it and hit it with a hair dryer. Maybe it's decreasing draft but doing nothing for r value of the windows. Literally saves you pennies and in the mean time you have plastic sheeting all over the house. Maybe putting a tarp over your roof will stop a leaky roof,and Duct tape fixes everything!

[GreenDreamGroup]

@pimpsome Actually, Pimp, it does have an effect on the R-value of the window if installed correctly. And if you're experienced in this field, you know that homeowners actually care more about comfort than energy savings, so they're willing to do whatever works.

[CheckM8King2]

@pimpsome Actually it does increase the R value. A dead air space has excellent insulator qualities....Anything that seals out the drafs will aid in comfort. I've used these products before and when installed correctly actually lowered my heating bills and increased comfort by eliminating the drafts...

[royrudy12]

Like to see the heat meter afterwards

[fluffysue]

Great video. My very large, expensive-to-replace living room window leaks a tremendous amount of air, making the living room several degrees cooler than the rest of the house, so I've been looking for a solution like this. $20 (or maybe more due to the window size) would be nothing next to hundreds of dollars to replace it, especially since it will likely be my last winter here, anyway. Thanks!

[HelenaJN]

Will shrink wrap work too?

[GreenDreamGroup]

@HelenaJN If you mean simple plastic wrap, the main difference is the adhesion to the sill with tape (part of the kit) and the sheer size of the plastic- you don't want seams and gaps in the middle of the film, both for visual and for air leakage reasons.

[HelenaJN]

How do you get the tape off once you are done for the season?

[GreenDreamGroup]

@HelenaJN Ha! That's the trick. The better you put it on, the harder it comes off. Repainting may be necessary after a few seasons of this. Best option is always to build the home high performance the first time, but for many of us that's not an option at this point.

[CheckM8King2]

@HelenaJN Try using plain rubbing alchohol or get a product called "goof off".

[naturalbornchiller1]

not a bad invention, but it does seem like a hole lot of work, the window sealant neednt be revised, but perhaps the the plasterising could actually be a plastic blind with velcrow edging, benefits of such a aperatus is it'll last a hole lot longer (slightly more expensive, obviously) but over 5nows (yrs) its saving you perhaps $70, just a thought.

[swagmonkey]

@naturalbornchiller1 I agree that reusable kits would be a great benefit. Velcro, however, wouldn't do the job, because it doesn't seal as tightly. I'm wondering if you could use the same plastic film, maybe, with new tape the following year? You might have to leave a little bit more of the excess along the edges, if that's doable at all.

[naturalbornchiller1]

@swagmonkey or possibly stay with the velcrow with say a sealent down the sides

[marriedsis]

hi, the stuff you were using on the window where can i actually buy these? i live in the UK too. thanks

[GreenDreamGroup]

@marriedsis These kits should be available at your local hardware store. If not, you can certainly order online through any major internet retailer- not to endorse anyone in particular, but Amazon should have it.

[eldelacolon1a]

will it work if i use shrink wrap?

[robakles]

can i stick the tape on wooden surface? will it damage it when i decide to take it off?

[breemonkey1983]

Great video! Do you find that this is effective for sliding glass doors as well as windows?

[hellx159]

this can be used for storm protection from flying debris...time warp did an experiment about a dude who used p.e.t to make windows more "hurricane-proof" and surprisingly it works

[DudeOfAfrica]

Wow the chick is hot! She can serve as an insulator!

[connole1056]

The kits are not $20! They can be found for $1 per window cbird. But the average is about $3.99 for a package but are often sold in sets of three or five for a cheaper price. The packages contain an alcohol swab to clean the area, the film and the tape. It is very inexpensive and does save more than the cost of the product.

[copleygsxr]

So what is the r value of this Plastic wrap. I have very old windows i do see a small difference 

[JimmyjamNY]

@copleygsxr The plastic itself doesn't really offer any R-Value, However trapped air gives you an R-Value of about 1 per inch.

[123kgpsai]

What if you did not put that weather strip(1:37)? Would plastic work as same under both conditions? Do you recommend doing weatherization in inside only or outside as well?

[GmRb79]

Next time use the Infrared-gun to rescan the weatherized window to see its effectiveness.... jeez

[giantbluemarlin]

@GmRb79

Not a good test. You install this stuff in warm weather BEFORE it gets cold. You need to check the window in the cold. Then again in the cold with the film on it. Then you will see a massive difference. But checking the film when it is not cold out will not show its benefits. Trust me, it is good stuff. So cheap, just try it and you will not believe how much energy you can save.

[jesekane9]

Thanks for posting!!

[netherfield2000]

Great. I need to put some up on a drafting windows. Thanks for the demo.

[drfelipebarraza]

id rather investing on new windows or some permanent changes...

[giantbluemarlin]

@drfelipebarraza

This can be permanent if you like. You cannot see it is there. It turns you windows into new ones in terms of performance. Costs nothing. You'd be crazy not to try it.

[JimmyjamNY]

@drfelipebarraza $25 and a couple hours is a small investment that can save you literally hundreds each year depending on climate, infiltration, etc.

If you're looking for an investment, windows literally have about a 2% return on investment. Insulation, Low-Flow Water Fixtures (in most cases done with just a nozzle) Hot Water Tank Jackets, and several other options will give you more like a 20% return on investment. and sometimes even much higher than that. Windows are mainly aesthetic

[kazeihitaru]

If each kit cost about 20 bucks , what is suppose to be my savings in a home that is about 30 years old or older, single pane windows and about 25 windows in home . doing this even once a year is ridiculous. we need some kind of product that can be used for more than one season/year or we are defeating the purpose!

[giantbluemarlin]

@kazeihitaru

Well, you are wrong on several levels.

1: Saving fossil fuels is ALWAYS a good thing.

2: You will save a load of money by doing this. Even if you live at the equator, then it will reduce your air-con bill just as well. You do not have to redo every window. Most people have windows they never open. And redoing this is just as quick and cheap the next time. Absolutely cannot lose. I've done it the last couple of winters. It's great.

[keiko1957]

Very helpful tip, TTTTHHHHAAAANNNKKKKKS!

[keiko1957]

Very helpful tip TTTTAAAAANNNNNKKKKKKs!

[potatosquash]

By far the most helpful video I've seen on this. You even have the same windows as I have. Thank you!

[VacationValet]

I just posted your video on VacationValet channel in my playlist for "Re-Newable Energy, getting started" Check it out when you can. Thank you.

[nagygobe]

hi. i have an other window insulation video with English subs. in the video i show how can 40% of the heat saved with insulation. if you are interested, pls watch my videos.

[gotveggieoil]

By this "weatherization process" you have rendered this window unusable.

[JimmyjamNY]

@gotveggieoil How many people are opening their windows during the winter?

[pete49327]

Save some money and buy two rolls of 12" x 30' bubble wrap from Wal Mart for $8. tape to edges of inside window frame with one inch masking tape. Use two layers if in extreme cold. Bubble wrap lets in light and does same as sheet film in this video but insulates much better via the tightly spaced bubbles and of course much cheaper. Negative of course is that bubble wrap is unsightly, so cover with a curtain. Easily removed for spring.

[pete49327]

Forgot to mention. To cover the window frame will obviously necessitate taping sections of the 12" wide bubble wrap to form a single sheet. Done by overlapping an inch and taping both sides with wide scotch tape.

[jas22]

im not sure if i was just given an instructional video, or if i was lovebombed by the ghosts of my kindergarten teachers....

no really - excellent how-to video that shows concisely yet with needed details on how to install this barrier. thanks!

[terrenie35]

Awesome? thank u so much this was very informative.

[julistupakevich]

I really enjoyed your video, thanks for the thorough demonstration. My only problem is that you didn't show us an infrared demonstration of the difference in temperatures after installing the plastic insulation.

[TrueZeal]

It's 24 degrees outside. I hop that Home Depot is not sold out

[katynanna952]

awesome video! It is easy I have used it in Georgia, But here in Florida, no one knows what you are talking about! So where can I buy it? I live in the 32413 zip code. ANY HELP WOULD BE SO NICE. THANK YOU

[JimmyjamNY]

@katynanna952 Since I can tell you have a computer by the fact that you commented on this video, try doing a web search. GreenDreamGroup mentions one of their suppliers, Frost King is a manufacturer that you can find at Lowe's or Home Depot. We deal with a manufacturer who only supplies wholesale, so you have to be a retailer or a contractor to get their reusable kits.

[wrf1973]

Wow, these people make it look so easy, but most of those kits are a total pain in the ass. The tape won't peel off just right, it's too narrow, and the plastic is so thin that it bunches up. One of the worst parts about winter, right here!!

[xairdry]

Thank you for this demo!

[chadsexinton]

DO I HAVE TO DO IT OUTSIDE TOO ?

[Redboy4]

@chadsexinton No. One or the other.

[payme1397]

Exactly what i was looking for, most informative video on site!!!

[hyenalaugh09]

infrared awsome!!!!

[cbird02]

So you have to buy a new kit each winter....at $20 per window? How about a reusable kit that may cost a bit more but can be used season after season. I wouldn't think you will save $20 from one window over one heating season.

[GreenDreamGroup]

You're right! If people go this far, it's usually more about comfort than about utility savings. Reusable kits can also do the trick, but they need storage, which a lot of city dwellers here don't have.

[OH2]

@GreenDreamGroup Why can't you keep this on your window year-round?

Where would you find the reusable kit? Same place as the one-time use kit, the hardware store? How much does it usually cost (the reusable one)?

Thanks for the video, really helps!

[JimmyjamNY]

@OH2 I don't know what retailers sell the re-usable kits. My company buys them directly from the manufacturer who only supplies Contractors. If you haven't already message GreenDreamGroup directly and ask them, otherwise if you're in NYS feel free to contact me.

[OH2]

@JimmyjamNY Thanks for replying! I will probably ask around ACE Hardware or Lowe's and see if anyone knows anything. =)

Also, do you know why you can't just keep it on the windows once you have it 'installed' for the winter? I mean, if you don't need to open windows for spring/summer, you can certainly keep the film on, right? There's no harm (like the melting of the plastic by the sun during summer)?

[JimmyjamNY]

@OH2 To my knowledge there is no reason that you can't leave it on. it will help with the air conditioning costs during the summer. Let me know if you have any luck. If you don't I can get you one of the reusable ones that has a snap in track, male on one side, female on the other and is american made in New Jersey. They're a little bit more money but they work wonders.

[OH2]

@JimmyjamNY Thanks a lot! Will do if I can't find it, thanks!

[giantbluemarlin]

@cbird02

It is retards like you that make the world suck. It is $20 to do a bunch of windows. I can get a film kit to do the whole house for $24. You can do it again the next winter if you like or just leave it on. This stuff pays for itself in a month. The colder the place you live the more you save. It's great. Difference is incredible. And these guys make it look harder to install than it is. One person can do big windows fine without removing hardware. Use rubbing alc to clean surfaces.

[alexlouder]

@cbird02 this is a good tutorial. and it is reusable

[aliexcelboy]

Does this help to prevent trafic noise as well?

[GreenDreamGroup]

No, it's not much good against substantial outside noises, sorry.

[giantbluemarlin]

@aliexcelboy

Yes it does help.

[johnlvs2run]

Excellent demonstration, thank you.