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

Using less than $20 in materials, Green Dream demonstrates insulating windows, stopping drafts and reducing conduction of heat to outdoors.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• insulation
• DIY
• weatherizing
• weatherization
• home
• improvement
• energy
• window
• film

[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.

[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.

[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.

[royrudy12]

Like to see the heat meter afterwards

[potatosquash]

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

[seocom]

Very helpful

[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?

[CheckM8King2]

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

[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...