How to Draft Proof Windows
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ธ.ค. 2017
- For those of you living in places where winter gets a bit on the frosty side (cold, snow, etc.) and want to keep the draft out, I'll show you a simple and VERY cost-effective way to draft proof windows. You only need a couple things for this and what you will spend on the materials (a simple kit), you will save many times that in heating costs.
PSA: I bought the window kit myself. It was not given to me and I am not sponsored to promote the product. I have been using similar products for many years because it actually works!
Stuff you’ll need:
- Window Draft Stop Kit (size closest to your window width)
- Hair Dryer
- Step Stool or Small Ladder
Intro Music:
Act Three - Tenebrous Brothers Carnival by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution licence (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: incompetech.com/
Music
Song: Time Lapse
Artist: TheFatRat
Video Link: • Video - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
I’d rather your video be too long than too short. I love detail, especially when I’m trying something new. Gave me some great advice!!!!😊
I live in northern Indiana. I have done this for eons. It saves immensely on heating bills and you can immediately feel the difference. It keeps things cozy and warm. my favorite part is using the hairdryer! Thanks for the video showing how easy this is to do. Keep warm my friend!
I use thick clear plastic from the dollar store originally intended to be used as a dining table protector. I cut them to size and put them over my windows using painters tape. I reuse them every year and they fold neatly into a small pile for storage.
I've never found painters' tape to be very sticky. I know that's the point, but will painters' tape hold that weight of vinyl?
@@maryanast3673
You can use staplers instead if you want to.
I used plastic for painters, cover the whole sliding glass doors from the outside every year , I try inside but its blown up like air bloon ( it's face north so wind is pushing in )when temperatures dip under 40° in florida,working amazing
The thumbnail was all I needed, to know this was gonna be a good video
Great detailed video. Needed to know heat is more important than air flow for what I’m working with. And good to know to start in the middle.
Thank you so much. My windows are quite old and ice up. Now I know how to do this. Excellent video
Thanks, I always appreciate quick tutorials like this. Awesome job dude, really helpful!
Great video. The other 2-3 min videos weren't as great. Whizzed through this at 1.75 speed saw exactly what I needed to do
Saving for later this weekend when I’m attempting this. Thank you!
We had a beautiful old Tudor home with original lead glass windows. The windows were gorgeous and I loved them but they were very drafty in the winter. We used this, or a similar, product one winter and it was great, totally solved the cold air issue. But, when it came time to remove the plastic and the tape, the tape left behind an absolutely horrible sticky mess. It took me days and days to clean it up. Never used the product again.
Give this man a thumbs up, this was well made and helpful.
Hi, Great video i bought the King Frost window treatment an the instructions sux, you have given me more insight ta getting this done
Looks great guy! Thanks for sharing with us "first timers!"
Thank you Leif. Have a great year.
To touch on a couple points to help clear some confusion. First, there are a lot of people asking/teasing that you can't open the window after the plastic is on. This process is generally used in more northern areas that stay well before freezing for months at a time. In those areas, you generally leave windows closed all winter so this really isn't a concern.
A lot of people have also complained that I haven't provided the brand or retailer for the kit I used. The brands tend to change from year to year, so if I list one, it will change next season. As for the retailer, you can find these are most hardware stores (Lowes, Home Depot, Rona, Canadian Tire, depending on area and country). I've even seen them at Walmart before, but a hardware store will be your best bet to find them.
Thank you!
Thankyou so much.
I have 2 young kids is Melbourne Australia and it's freezing atm,
There's a huge gap in the sliding windows.
Tried everything else to no avail so excited about this.
Thankyou and
God bless.
As someone in WI where the weather gets deathly cold the windows I plan on wrapping would never be opened anyways.
Thanks for the video!
@@user-nt3bi4fd5ihow did it go!?
Where to get this
Glass in general gets very cold in winter. I worked as a glazier/aluminium joiner and i used the foil backed bubble wrap in summer. In winter i peel off because a spray bottle with soapy water makes it stick to glass perfectly. In summer? Foil side facing out and in winter? Foil facing in ! I used a commercial aluminium style tape and no residue. No need for double sided tape as i proved this on all our windows. Leave the interlocking rubber seal side longer then stick to window! Easy as. Cheers from Australia
This type of product really does work. We had a dining room window that was about 6 feet wide and 5 feet high and used to have frost inside in the Winter. We used this type of product and the window was fully clear all Winter. Note: we have a cat who cut a hole about 6 inches long in the plastic. I took clear shipping tape and covered the hole and the seal stayed perfect.
I’m getting new windows and siding but unfortunately the windows are on backorder and will most likely be installed in the spring. This video has just helped me figure out a temporary solution to my drafty windows. Thank you!
So clear , thank you .
great , will be trying this thanks!
Mans out here doing gods work
Ahlieeee
Very helpful thank you!
Very useful and helpful video
Thank you so much for taking your time to upload this and teach people 👍
Great video, thank you!
Really great video
Great job,
Thanks for the info
Thanks good idea👍
thank you!
Thanks for the clip
Thank you.
Good job thanks
Thank you for helpful video. I did wish the muzac was no louder than your voice though, as I had headphones on so others didn't need to listen, which meant my ears got blasted with muzac in between you talking. Like the bit about using gravity, very logical thanks
Great job. Thank you.
Nice and clear. Can you use any plastic sheet? Do you need double side tape? Will all plastic sheets shrink with a hairdryer?
I know fr. Who thumbs down? Like 1 person who don't like him lol THIS IS HELPFUL . didnt even know this exsisted b4. Thanks
So when the plastic film begins to expand as if it's being filled with air from the inside, then that's a sign of drafty windows that are allowing air in?
I've been using this on our older mobile home windows for quite a few years now and it really makes a difference in stopping those cold drafts. I don't know about a difference in our heating bill since we use purchased wood and some wood from our own property in our outdoor woodburner but I do know I wouldn't go a winter without this on our windows. We do have some storm windows but I use the shrink wrap right over them also since they aren't the greatest and you can feel a difference.
Our first winter in a mobile home...older model...so we are going to try this. It has to help somewhat to keep colder air out. Thank you for the tips.
Thanks for this tutorial, so it is impossible to open again the window right?
I have a little condensation on the bottom corners of the window glass when is too cold, it is normal even with the plastic???
Hi --- how effective to put the seal on the inside? With my almost 50 year old aluminum alcoa windows and the way they are made, the tape sealing would be fit much better than on the outside.
Hi 😊 thanks for the video. Are you concerned with condensation building on the window and becoming trapped behind the plastic... which can lead to mold growth?
the whole point of this is to avoid condensation, as I understood
Does it have to be that thin cellophane plastic? Can it be the plastic sheeting used for painting? It's a bit thicker, but I would think it'd work just as well..
Odd question:
Would this same idea work against blocking second hand smoke from a joining apartment? To use in along an interior closet wall. Great vid. Thanks
if the smoker is friendly enough.. you can ask them to instal a small carton Plastic Suction Fan .. I did that in my brother’s basement and his kids are happy smoke free.
btw it costs maximum 40$ down to 20$
Hi
Leif. What is the name of the product your using and where did you get it. Ty.
I'd like to try this on the horizontal sliding window in my apt. However, there is no wood frame or anything to tape to. It would be directly to the wall board (dry wall). I am afraid this will tear the paint and the paper right off of the drywall when you try to remove it.
Does this work if I apply inside the the frame only as I would want to open the window from time to time
Brilliant thank you. Would this work on sash wooden frame windows
Yes definitely, because I saw another video where an Aussie lady did one pane at a time, so she could still open the windows if she wanted. At; th-cam.com/video/_IYuEI6mLRw/w-d-xo.html
My concern is removing the adhesive tape in the spring. I have a feeling it's going to strip my trim.
Should the house be warm before applying what about humidity?
Whay kind of shrink wrap? Regular food shrink wrap?
Hey I have similar windows to yours so what is the name of the product you used?
Thanks 👍🏻🇦🇺
What kit did you use and were do you buy it
What is the name of the shop that sells the plastic glazing?
Is this removable for apartment use?
What happens to the strong adhesive residue??
Why is a window made unusable (temporarily?) when there is one? If not needed, why not just permanently seal the window?
What if the window is muvh larger? I doubt it can hold
Does this work for heat too?
Do they sell that plastic in Lowe’s?
Please help.... how to remove the special tape once you need to remove it? I need to change flat and I can't remove the tape with anything it is very frustrating...PLEASE HELP
So how are we opening the window once its on?
Does this help in summer and winter time ? Seems like it would keep drafts out during cold winter but also keep cold air in during the summer. Have heard it can help lower energy bills as well
If you never need to open the windows in question, yes to year-round protection.
What about for windows with an air conditioner installed in them?
As long as you have the windows in the frame, you should remove the AC unit. The AC unit let's a lot of air flow around it because it doesn't seal add well a the window does. Without removing it, a strong wind could actually blow the plastic off the window frame.
What is name of product?
Does this Work only for sliding Windows?
We install this thin film plastic on all our 16 windows in Canada every winter.
Before I installed high insulation in the attic R80 and floor R35, if the natural gas heater was turned off the house was cold and uninhabitable in 20 minutes.
Now over 8 hours the temperatures falls by 10 C when the electric heat is turned off.
Any issues with air stagnation or mold?
@@MzEllaful No. But we do flush the house with fresh air almost daily in the winter. High insulation is worth every penny.
How do you 'flush' the house with fresh air? @@aaronvallejo8220
What’s the name of the plastic PLEASE????
Can this be used on door windows? Our kitchen door has a large window in it and it is leaking air and we are looking for a temporary solution and tbis would be perfect.
Yes
I find it impossible to remove the tape come spring goo gone does nothing. Any ideas?
Goo Gone has worked for me to remove any residue from the tape, but it does take a bit of work. Using a hair dryer on the tape when you remove it will help soften the glue and rubbing alcohol (90% or higher) does a good job of breaking down the glue as well, but the cleanup can take a bit of work.
Can you do one for old styled windows?
Unfortunately, I don't have any older windows that I could show you on, but I have done them.
For older windows where you also have the ledge that the window seats into, you would need to apply the tape to the painted wall a couple inches past the wood trim. This would also go around the window ledge so the entire area gets covered in the plastic. The rest of the process is the same, only there will likely still be some wrinkles where the plastic touches the window ledge. Don't worry about trying to get rid of those wrinkles because there tight plastic may tare away the corners, or pull off the wall from all the tension.
Unfortunately you won't be able to use the window ledge again until you remove the plastic. You will also need to clean and dry the area of the wall where you will be applying the tape to make sure it sticks well. When you're ready to take it down, just use some warm, soapy water to clean everything up and no one will know the was tape around the window 🙂
I have big window and wall is wood ( log house ) would it stick on wood as well
?
This may seem silly but I don’t have a hair dryer, will a heat gun used for crafting work instead? Or will it be too hot?
A heat gun will likely be too hot. You might be able to make it work if you stayed pretty far back, but you will probably have trouble finding a spot that's not too close that would melt the plastic, and too far away where it's not warm enough. Rather than trying to fight for that narrow space, and you don't need a hair dryer, I'd recommend trying to borrow one from a friend. That would give you the chance to give it a try before going out and buying one yourself.
You might find a hairdryer at a thrift store for just a couple dollars.
My windows still have condensation on them after I put plastic on them..I checked for leaks ,no leaks, no holes..any suggestions please ?
If condensation forms between the glass and plastic after you put the plastic on, it should clear up in its own. As the temperature drops, the ability for air to hold moisture goes down and you get condensation. Most windows that open don't seal perfectly, so the extra moisture will leave over time.
If the condensation is between the panes of glass, the seal has let go. The plastic will help insulate the window, but it won't fix that type of condensation. If this happens, most people would need to look at replacing the window as there aren't many people that I'm aware of that will re-seal windows.
Hopefully it's option A and it clears up!
Does the plastic needs to stick the window glass properly while using the hair dryer ? Or will need to leave a gap between the window glass and plastic film ? Pleas help
Not supposed to stick to the glass itself. A gap in between is what keeps it insulated along with the plastic sheeting. Just like double-paned glass windows are self-insulated (until the caulking seals get so old & damaged that they leak drafts).
I like how the guy puts the products on the description so i can buy my own!!!fuckass!!!!
are these sheets reusable in subsequent years ? If so, new double sided tape needed?
the plastic is reusable. Not so much the tape. I use new tape every year.
product name please?
what is the r-value.
My problem is getting the tape backing off. Is there another easy way to get it started?
If it's really giving you trouble, lightly picking at it with a razer blade can make it easier. I keep my finger nails cut very short, so the razer was my default for tight spots.
You don't cut and angle on the ends of the tape to piece together in the corners? You just keep them overlapped?
It's actually thin enough that you can overlap them without compromising the seal. You could cut the ends, but I've never found it to be worth while.
@@leifbergman Thank you Leif
I live in an apartment with major air leaks that managment will not address (many of my neighbors also).
I can't stop it with plastic unless I drill holds as a final stop to a brace. When the wind blows, the tape let's go.
I could use some ideas that may work. It's cold dude, real cold, and I'm pissed. 105 x 58 inches. It gets cold enough to see your breath, inside.
Assure your surface for the tape is clean. Use isopropyl alcohol to do so. Taping the plastic to the trim around the window works best. Be sure to shrink it taught so that it is strong and resistant to the wind. If you have drafting between the drywall and trim, buy some clear caulking and seal the trim against the wall. Management will never notice. You can also get a thicker double sided mounting foam if you need to go even wider and seal the plastic to a rough surface like textured drywall. When done properly, the plastic will hold, even if there is no window but just a hole in the wall.
@Meri See I use alcohol and packing tape every year, and it comes off the walls every year. The wind is high here and I face west. If I could, I'd staple the plastic to the windows, management would get mad.
I thought of building a wooden frame, mount the plastic to it and use nails to hold the frame in the window opening. That would get me evicted.
While I do appreciate the advice, what I've heard has been tried in the past and didn't work. Management hasn't done anything in 18 years to fix it. 2017 they said they were going to replace all the windows, well we're still waiting for that to happen also.
It's on the tenants... It's a difficult fix.
I know what you mean. It pretty cold in my apartment too. I put plastic up e dry year but it doesn't help too much.
the adhesive always fails and the children sometimes get to it
so i need a solution that is more fool proof
i'm looking at this marine vinyl they sell by the yard, but i need an alternative how to adhere it to the wall.
You could fit the plastic sheet as per video then just cut down some flat beading wooden trim and attach that around the edges with double sided tape, it may deter the kids from prying it off.
Will I be able to open the window a small gap occasionally to get some fresh air?
You would need to partially remove the plastic to pen the window. With how tight the plastic gets after heating, it would be very difficult to have it seal up again.
@@leifbergman that sounds like a disadvantage of window film. By the way, just noticed your last name... that’s the name of my neighborhood :)
This type of temporary draft proofing is usually done in cooler areas where the temperature stays below, or well below freezing. It's both for comfort and to save money on your heating bill. In these cooler areas, my experience is that you tend not to open your windows in these temperatures. It we get an unseasonably warm day in the winter, we would open the screen in our doors (I understand this doesn't work in most apartments) for a bit, but the windows would stay sealed up.
Does it work with keeping cold air in and hot air out?
Yes
One very important detail i think you forgot...
1... clean your windows and clean all dirt and grease from the window frame before adding the tape.. tobacco or food grease will make the tape fall off.. a mistake you only do once.
How are you removing the double sided tape when you want to remove the plastic for the warmer months?
My same question; how do you remove the old tape after the season is over?
A question I have too & no one seems to want to answer it! I think I'll try someone else's tip & use painter's tape for my first attempt.
What was the plastics name and were can I buy it from?
you can get it at walmart in the weatherstripping/ airfilter section going to get it today
@@stevenwolfie I’m in the U.K. 🇬🇧 I’ll try thanks
Hi, so after putting this the window cannot be opened, right?
Yep. You can always take it down if you want to open the window, but there's no way to open the window while the plastic is up.
@@leifbergman 🤣 maybe best to state this in the beginning! Generally I like to be able to open a window 😉
@@naushikaa01 common sense needed 😃
I did this to my window but the plastic still makes noise when the wind blows in & out ,how can I eliminate the noise factor? Did i not blow dry it correctly?
any noticeable difference in energy bill?
Because my gas is billed equally all year, I don't see an immediate change. I've also been putting plastic on the windows since we bought our current house so I don't have a direct comparison from different years. It did make a huge difference from our previous house where I didn't put plastic on the windows.
For context, the first house was about 900 sqf, while the current house is almost 1800 sqf. The old house had a new 98% efficient furnace and this house has a 23 year old 93% efficient. We actually pay the same for gas with the larger house and older furnace with plastic on the windows than the old smaller house without the plastic.
I also know people that use outdoor wood stoves to heat their houses in the winter. Just by putting plastic on the windows, they are able to burn 2-3 cords of wood less than they did without the plastic. For them, that worked out to about a 25% reduction in heating costs.
Coming back to my current house though, the upstairs is not as warm as the main floor. By adding the plastic to the windows, I was able to raise the temperature in each room upstairs by 3°C (almost 6°F). It has also made the temperature on the two floors much closer than they were in the days before I put the plastic up.
@@leifbergman Thanks.Purchased.Subbed.
My advice. Wait until it is cold. Turn on house heater. Turn off house heater and wear only a T shirt. Time it when house is uncomfortable. Now install this thin film plastic on all windows in home. Turn on heater and repeat. The results will be more comfortable heat for longer. For best results insulate attic to R80, insulate walls to R20 or R30 and floors to R35.
Hey! I'm doing a door. Would I then tape the bottom of the plastic to the floor?
Doing a site is a bit trickier but yes, you need to tape the plastic to the floor. Depending on how the seal is adding the bottom of the door sweep, you may need to add a little extra foam to help plug it off first. If you get a strong draft under the door, the plastic can push out and lift the tape off.
Can you use cellophane? You know the plastic used for gift basket wrapping?
NO you cheap ass. Buy the 1 piece kit to seal the window.
Any concern about the offgassing of plastic when exposed to light and the hair dryer?
No
I got a hold in my window film, how do I repair it?
Clear packing tape
We did this a few winters ago on single layer glass, it works. But with those plastic windows, you should buy new rubber seals instead and tune the window closing system.
Helpful video! (Annoying background music.)
Can this be used to keep a home cooler inside?
Without a good AC system in the house/apartment, it would just keep the heat in. The sun shining through the plastic would turn it more into a greenhouse, so I wouldn't recommend it
If you're looking to hold in cooled air-conditioned air & prevent heat from seeping into your air-conditioned space, YES. Saves in energy loss & cost. Just remember you can't open the sealed windows without removing the plastic wrap & starting all over again.
What is the brand of the insulation kit you used? And where did you get it?
I've used different ones from different retailers and they all seem to be comparable. None really seem to be better than others. This year I will be using a kit instead of the rolls I have been using because I can't get the rolls locally this year. I normally use the rolls because I waste less plastic, but they do all seem to work about the same.
@@leifbergman thanks for the reply. I wanted to grab one of those with the tape measure and a handy cutter included since this is my first time to try out this window insulation thing. I am thinking having a start-up kit of some sort would be really great. Anyway, I would check out my local hardware stores to scout for some brands. Also, thanks for the very helpful video! 😊
@@leifbergman Hi if you can't open the window after installing, won't that create moisture in the room and have mold grow on the walls from not being able to air out the room by opening a window. In the mornings , if that makes sense.
I bought a 3M window insulation kit
@@hazzapkikpstyles8133 during the winter, the moisture in your house will drop considerably, especially if you live in an area that gets snow. Even with all our windows sealed up, our house drops from 60% humidity in the summer to only 40% in the winter. Unless you have humidifiers going to keep the humidity closer to 80-90%, you won't have a problem with mold.
This product confuses me. I understand doing it across a solid window but why would you do it for windows that can be opened? This is like a window seal right?
Generally it is just for a seal, but you may not always be getting a draft from windows that open. Not all windows are sealed against the framing in the wall, so you can get a draft coming out of the trim. I have 3 large picture windows that were not sealed this way and have constant frost buildup along the edges from the draft. putting the plastic outside the trim keeps the draft out, frost off and the room considerably warmer.
If there is no draft, it may not be necessary but it will still make a difference. It's like taking a double pane window and making it closer to a triple pane window for the winter. The more layers of contained air/gas you have on a window, the lower the rate of heat transfer because of the distance between the temperature extremes. On solid windows you would apply the tape to the wall so that the window casing is covered. This would seal the entire window installation rather. It can be done this way to windows that open too, but it would depend on the amount of air movement you had coming out of the trim.
@@leifbergmando you recommend using this technique for outside the window? I would think it couldn’t hold up to the weather but I’ve seen videos for it. Thanks I appreciate the feedback!
@@MeloYolo I would just keep it inside. The tape is only sticky enough to hold the plastic, but not against any real wind.