How to Shrink Wrap the Inside of a Window
If you have older windows installed in your home, you know how easy it is for warm air to escape and cold air to enter through the cracks. You can resolve this problem by shrink wrapping the inside of a leaky window with a plastic insulation kit, which you can find at your local hardware store. If you do it right, you may be save up to 30 percent on your energy bills, according to the Department of Energy.
Things You'll Need
- Plastic shrink insulation kit (make sure it is the correct size for your windows)
- Blow dryer
Instructions
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1
Close and lock the window.
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2
Take out the double-sided tape that is provided with your plastic shrink insulation kit. The tape usually comes in a circular roll. Unroll it a bit and apply the end to the inside of the windowsill. Pull it across the bottom sill while securing it down with your fingers, and continue up the side of the window frame, then across the top and finally down the other side of the frame.
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3
Remove the other side of the double-sided tape carefully so that the adhesive is now exposed.
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4
Unravel a piece of plastic from the insulation kit. Apply the plastic at the top of the window frame and secure it to the double-sided tape with your fingers. Pull the plastic taut as you secure it to the taped sides and then finally the bottom sill.
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Run your fingers across the plastic where it meets the double-sided tape to ensure that it is firmly secured into place.
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Run the blow dryer (on low heat) along the area of the plastic that is secured with the double-sided tape first. The tape will melt into the plastic and hold onto both the window surface and the plastic more tightly.
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Blow the dryer across the front of the plastic lightly (don't leave the heat on one area for too long). You will see the plastic start to shrink. Continue until the plastic is stretched tightly across the window. Be careful not to overdo the blow drying, because the plastic can burst.
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Tips & Warnings
Place heavy curtains up over the windows as well during cold winter months to help prevent cool air from getting into the home.
