Using Plastic Wrap and Glue Sticks to insulate Windows
Posted: Sun Feb 15, 2015 5:07 pm
I realize this may not apply to those choosing to do without heat or those in warm climates, but this forum seemed like the most logical place for a couple reasons.
1. This is relatively inexpensive method of replacing something which has a higher priced consumer alternative (This takes more labor and patience though.)
2. Because this requires a certain skill or patience (Okay mostly patience) It might be best performed by someone trying to acquire skills and competencies as described in Jacob's book. (I'm not saying this is going to increase said skills and competencies, only that they may be a huge asset in this task.)
Finally I apologize for posting this so late in the year, however I just joined this forum, as well as getting to this in my own house. Fortunately, this so "Affordable", it has a very short payback period in many instances and hopefully expands the general creativity base for some people.
Okay enough disclaimers:
Total Cost: $2 (Enough for a number of Windows) Total Savings: ???
I've been using various forms of plastic covers for winter-proofing for a number of years now. The first thing I tried were the boxes of plastic sheets and double-sided tape sold by stores such as Wal-Mart. "Duck" brand I believe. Although the plastic is fairly high quality I encountered 2 problems. First the double sided tape was only good for a very limited type of applications. The double sided tape was also very difficult to apply. Metal was one of the very few things you could apply double sided tape to without damaging, and the tape didn't seem to stick well to the Metal. The Second issue was these boxed kits seemed a little expensive for the materials provided in them.
I soon learned that glue sticks worked fairly well in most situations for applying the plastic to windows, frames, etc. If a window is really drafty sometimes I will put several layers at possible points (Directly against either side of the window are possible places to put a layer. Flush with the wall or frame is a possible places to put a layer of plastic.) These are the "washable" cheap glue sticks that kids might use for a school project. Not a glue gun. At Dollar Tree a package of 3 or 4 can be had for a dollar.
When I ran out of plastic I scrambled to keep insulating more windows. I ended up finding plastic wrap was a good replacement for the boxed plastic provided you had the patience and ability to keep it from sticking to itself. I've tried two different methods of apply the plastic. Either work depending on the person's preference.
Method 1:
Attach one end of the plastic to the window / wall / frame.
Carefully unroll the plastic covering the desired area.
Cut the other end of the plastic from the roll and attach to the window / wall / frame.
Repeat until entire window is covered (A two inch overlap is recommended for beginners.)
Method 2:
Measure the length of plastic needed. Cut that amount.
Place glue on window / frame / wall.
Carefully attach plastic to desired area. - Plastic may want to stick to itself more using this method.
Repeat until entire window is covered (A two inch overlap is recommended for beginners.)
Tip: Use very sharp scissors.
For most windows I prefer Method 1. Having the plastic on the roll will help keep it from sticking to itself to some degree. 2 people working as a team can be more effective or disastrous depending on how well you work together.
The first few seasons I covered windows in some inefficient houses I was shocked at the difference. The air flowing through the windows presses against the plastic like a blown up balloon! (One reason I frequently did multiple layers. Otherwise the plastic would not withstand the force.) - I'm still a little shocked every time I do it. - Wrapping a screen in plastic wrap is a way to create another layer. I haven't done this in a while because windows in newer houses are efficient anyways, and if you aren't careful you may damage them or their seals (Too much heat once you start getting sunny warm days.) However I found my skylights have a serious draft I was not aware of if I stand on a ladder close to them. They just got sealed along with a window that faces north and gets almost no sun during the winter. (North North East , so it does get a couple hours in the morning.)
Interesting physics bit. Any window I've ever wrapped has always had the air from out side press against it trying to blow into the house. That is until I covered my skylights. The air "Sucks the plastic up" since heat rises and the plastic is holding the air trying to escape upward.
- I'm sure there are some counter-arguments against this such as: wasting money, unneeded, decreases air quality. However I think there are a lot of people doing a retirement /savings method a little different than Jacob this might be useful for. One last tip concerning buying quality as Jacob has mentioned. The plastic in the store boxes are often re-usuable and could provide a long term value if you carefully remove and store them. Using plastic wrap is a one-time use then throw away option. I guess this is one of the reasons I was hesitant to post here. Anyways feel free to use whatever material you have available / fits with your strategy. I've considered other options such as having plexiglass that is screwed to the wall / frame then removed once the temperatures are above freezing. (Perhaps with some sort of rubber or gasket between it and the wall / frame to form a seal.) For those ideas I would recommend looking for something used / throw away and "create rather than buy".
FAQ:
Q: I use heavy curtains / blankets / etc. over the window. I don't need this method do I?
A: Any such effort is bound to help "Some", however the key to the method of using "Thin" plastic is to use adhesive so that the window is "Sealed". Other barriers will simply slow or reduce the airflow somewhat. This method greatly reduces it, if not stopping it altogether.
I was trying to add some photos, but they are too large. It seems the codes to "Resize the Image" aren't active here or are different than other forums. Anyways. Here are some picks for anyone interested:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set ... ab2398ba3b
1. This is relatively inexpensive method of replacing something which has a higher priced consumer alternative (This takes more labor and patience though.)
2. Because this requires a certain skill or patience (Okay mostly patience) It might be best performed by someone trying to acquire skills and competencies as described in Jacob's book. (I'm not saying this is going to increase said skills and competencies, only that they may be a huge asset in this task.)
Finally I apologize for posting this so late in the year, however I just joined this forum, as well as getting to this in my own house. Fortunately, this so "Affordable", it has a very short payback period in many instances and hopefully expands the general creativity base for some people.
Okay enough disclaimers:
Total Cost: $2 (Enough for a number of Windows) Total Savings: ???
I've been using various forms of plastic covers for winter-proofing for a number of years now. The first thing I tried were the boxes of plastic sheets and double-sided tape sold by stores such as Wal-Mart. "Duck" brand I believe. Although the plastic is fairly high quality I encountered 2 problems. First the double sided tape was only good for a very limited type of applications. The double sided tape was also very difficult to apply. Metal was one of the very few things you could apply double sided tape to without damaging, and the tape didn't seem to stick well to the Metal. The Second issue was these boxed kits seemed a little expensive for the materials provided in them.
I soon learned that glue sticks worked fairly well in most situations for applying the plastic to windows, frames, etc. If a window is really drafty sometimes I will put several layers at possible points (Directly against either side of the window are possible places to put a layer. Flush with the wall or frame is a possible places to put a layer of plastic.) These are the "washable" cheap glue sticks that kids might use for a school project. Not a glue gun. At Dollar Tree a package of 3 or 4 can be had for a dollar.
When I ran out of plastic I scrambled to keep insulating more windows. I ended up finding plastic wrap was a good replacement for the boxed plastic provided you had the patience and ability to keep it from sticking to itself. I've tried two different methods of apply the plastic. Either work depending on the person's preference.
Method 1:
Attach one end of the plastic to the window / wall / frame.
Carefully unroll the plastic covering the desired area.
Cut the other end of the plastic from the roll and attach to the window / wall / frame.
Repeat until entire window is covered (A two inch overlap is recommended for beginners.)
Method 2:
Measure the length of plastic needed. Cut that amount.
Place glue on window / frame / wall.
Carefully attach plastic to desired area. - Plastic may want to stick to itself more using this method.
Repeat until entire window is covered (A two inch overlap is recommended for beginners.)
Tip: Use very sharp scissors.
For most windows I prefer Method 1. Having the plastic on the roll will help keep it from sticking to itself to some degree. 2 people working as a team can be more effective or disastrous depending on how well you work together.
The first few seasons I covered windows in some inefficient houses I was shocked at the difference. The air flowing through the windows presses against the plastic like a blown up balloon! (One reason I frequently did multiple layers. Otherwise the plastic would not withstand the force.) - I'm still a little shocked every time I do it. - Wrapping a screen in plastic wrap is a way to create another layer. I haven't done this in a while because windows in newer houses are efficient anyways, and if you aren't careful you may damage them or their seals (Too much heat once you start getting sunny warm days.) However I found my skylights have a serious draft I was not aware of if I stand on a ladder close to them. They just got sealed along with a window that faces north and gets almost no sun during the winter. (North North East , so it does get a couple hours in the morning.)
Interesting physics bit. Any window I've ever wrapped has always had the air from out side press against it trying to blow into the house. That is until I covered my skylights. The air "Sucks the plastic up" since heat rises and the plastic is holding the air trying to escape upward.
- I'm sure there are some counter-arguments against this such as: wasting money, unneeded, decreases air quality. However I think there are a lot of people doing a retirement /savings method a little different than Jacob this might be useful for. One last tip concerning buying quality as Jacob has mentioned. The plastic in the store boxes are often re-usuable and could provide a long term value if you carefully remove and store them. Using plastic wrap is a one-time use then throw away option. I guess this is one of the reasons I was hesitant to post here. Anyways feel free to use whatever material you have available / fits with your strategy. I've considered other options such as having plexiglass that is screwed to the wall / frame then removed once the temperatures are above freezing. (Perhaps with some sort of rubber or gasket between it and the wall / frame to form a seal.) For those ideas I would recommend looking for something used / throw away and "create rather than buy".
FAQ:
Q: I use heavy curtains / blankets / etc. over the window. I don't need this method do I?
A: Any such effort is bound to help "Some", however the key to the method of using "Thin" plastic is to use adhesive so that the window is "Sealed". Other barriers will simply slow or reduce the airflow somewhat. This method greatly reduces it, if not stopping it altogether.
I was trying to add some photos, but they are too large. It seems the codes to "Resize the Image" aren't active here or are different than other forums. Anyways. Here are some picks for anyone interested:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set ... ab2398ba3b