How to Insulate a Room With Mylar Sheets
Scientists developed Mylar insulation for the International Space Station, but it is now available as a commercial insulator for homes and other earth-bound structures. Attaching Mylar sheeting to room windows and in the attic space above a room helps to keep the room warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, lowering power bills. Mylar is flexible and lightweight, and installs without difficulty. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Window
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1
Place double-sided adhesive tape around the outer edges of each window pane.
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2
Cut Mylar sheeting to the exact size of each pane using a pair of scissors.
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3
Press the cut Mylar onto the window pane, allowing the double-sided tape to hold it in place. Repeat this process for each window pane you want to insulate.
Attic
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4
Measure the dimensions of the attic space that will be covered with the Mylar sheets using a measuring tape.
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5
Cut the sheets with scissors. Construct larger sections of Mylar as needed, according to your measurements. Tape pieces together to get the size you want -- do this in a roomy area, such as your backyard or driveway. Assemble the Mylar material with foil tape, every 10 or 12 inches.
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6
Roll up the joined Mylar and carry the bundle into the attic.
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7
Staple the Mylar sheeting to the wood beams in the floor of the attic as you unroll it. Work your way across the attic floor, attaching it as you go, until the floor is covered. Cut the Mylar material to fit around any structural obstacles and re-tape it.
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Tips & Warnings
An alternative to covering individual window panes is cutting Mylar sheets to fit around an entire window. Apply the two-sided tape to the window casing rather than the panes.
Mylar sheeting laid out on the attic floor atop existing insulation should be perforated so that moisture from condensation can escape.
Mylar sheeting does not replace standard attic insulation. Use Mylar sheets in addition to any insulation that is already there.
