How to Install Window Insulation

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

I Did This Rate: (0 Ratings)

Insulating windows is a relatively easy and low-cost do-it-yourself home improvement project that over time can save many dollars in energy costs by keeping winter winds out and summer air conditioning in. Various types of window insulation are available at hardware stores and home centers.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Tape measure
V-channel weatherstripping
Self-adhesive foam insulation strips
Rope caulk or shrink-film kit

Step1

For double hung windows, clean the bottom of the sash and let it dry. If you use foam weatherstripping, cut it to the right length. Peel off the backing and press the sticky adhesive side of the strip to the sash. Clean the jamb and let it dry. Cut two pieces of V-channel one inch longer than each sash height. Press it into the jamb and tap in finish nails to hold it in place.

Step2

Cut a piece of V-channel the width of the sash. Raise the sash several inches, peel the back from the channel and press it firmly into the back of the sash even with the top. The V should open face up so that the weatherstripping compresses when the window is closed.

Step3

For casement windows, open the window and clean the outside of the stops with soapy water. Allow the stops to dry. Cut strips of self-adhesive foam to fit the top, bottom and sides. Remove the backing from the foam strips and press them into place outside of the stops.

Step4

Lock the window closed and apply rope caulking around the inside edges of the sash of a double-hung window if you're willing to keep the window closed all winter. Smooth the caulking with your finger or the back of a spoon. When the weather warms up, the caulking can be peeled off.

Step5

Hang plastic sheeting with tacking strips around the window frame if you're looking for an alternate method. Hardware stores also carry a shrink-wrap kit that requires a hand-held hair dryer to shrink the sheeting into place. Install over metal, painted wood or vinyl clad frames with the double-sided tape provided. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. These methods protect the whole window, not just the frame, from drafts.

Tips & Warnings

Look for a kit to simplify things. Frost King, for example, makes polyfoam and vinyl window insulation kits, window shrink-film kits, rope caulk and nail-on insulation.