How to Insulate With Plastic Sheeting

Homes in colder climates, especially older homes, lose a lot of heat through minuscule cracks beside windows. This results in drafts in your house, cold rooms and increased heating bills. Although commercial window sealer packages are available to install over windows, you can make the same type of sealer yourself at a fraction of the cost.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• 3mm thick plastic film
• Scissors
• Corrugated cardboard
• Tacks
• Hammer

Instructions

1. Measure from above the window opening to below the window sill. If there is molding around the window, measure to above the molding. This number will be the length of your plastic film.

2. Measure from the right side of the window opening to the left side. If you have moldings around the window, measure past the edge of the moldings. This is the width measurement of the plastic.

3. Cut the plastic sheeting the size you have measured for the window, adding 2 inches in each direction. Cut two strips of 1-inch-wide cardboard the same width measurement of the window and two strips of 1-inch-wide cardboard the same length as the window.

4. Position your plastic so the top edge is even over the top of the window. Hammer a tack into the two upper corners of the plastic.

5. Smooth the plastic down over the window so it is taut. Secure the bottom two corners of the plastic to the wall below the window sill with tacks.

6. Position one short strip of cardboard so it is horizontal at the edge of the plastic. Make the top edge of the cardboard even with the top edge of the plastic. Hammer in tacks the entire length of the cardboard, securing the plastic sheeting.

7. Position the other short cardboard strip over the bottom edge of the plastic and secure it in a similar fashion as in the previous step. Place and tack down the two longer pieces of cardboard to the right and left sides of the window.

Tips & Warnings

• This version with cardboard won't remove tape like some commercial versions.

• For a frugal insulation, use a clear plastic shower curtain from the dollar store.

• Make sure that your plastic sheeting is cut large enough. Larger is better when cutting and fitting.

Resources

• Commercial Version of Window Kits