How to Insulate Existing Windows

Window insulation is important to keep energy costs down. Many older windows have little or poor insulation Even newer windows may not have enough insulation to be energy efficient. The two common ways to insulate windows is to make sure they are insulated well behind the window trim and to further insulate the glass itself.

Things You'll Need

• Eye protection
• Gloves
• Dust mask
• Small crowbars
• Hammer
• Cordless drill
• Screw bits
• Utility knife
• Backer rod insulation
• Non-expanding foam
• Stainless steel screws
• Galvanized 8-penny nails
• Glass cleaner
• Window film kit
• Blow dryer

Instructions

Behind-the-Trim Window Insulation

1. Put on all protective gear.

2. Remove the window trim using a crowbar. Pull out any nails with the hammer. If your window trim is held onto the wall with screws, then use a cordless drill and screw bits to remove the trim.

3. Inspect the insulation that is behind the trim. It may be worn away, or there may be none at all. Use a utility knife to cut out any old insulation.

4. Insert backer rod insulation into the space between the window frame and the wall studs. Pack it in as tightly as you can.

5. Spray in non-expanding foam to fill in the smaller spaces.

6. Install the old trim using new stainless steel screws or 8-penny galvanized nails.

Window Film Insulation

1. Clean the glass surface with a glass cleaner.

2. Measure the width and height of each window. Add 1 inch to the width measurement and 1 inch to the height measurement. This is to allow the window film to shrink to fit.

3. Unroll the window film from a kit, and cut it based on your measurements. Use the utility knife to do this.

4. Apply double-stick tape, which comes with the kit, to the outer edge of the window glass. Leave the paper on the top portion of the tape for now.

5. Apply the window film to the window, starting from the bottom and working your way up. Peel back the double back tape as you go and press the film to the window glass.

6. Run the blow dryer over the film to heat shrink it to fit in place. Trim off any excess film with the utility knife.

References

• Apartment Therapy: How to Insulate Existing Windows

Resources

• Youtube.com: How to Insulate Existing Windows