How To Insulate Windows With Pictures

There are multiple ways to check your windows, so choose the option that works best for your current conditions. If in doubt, you can still insulate a window you aren’t sure about. Since many forms of insulation are fairly inexpensive, doing so may ultimately prove more cost-effective than leaving it alone.

To detect small leaks, you may need to moisten your fingertips before running them along the seams. Wet skin is more sensitive to shifts in air current than dry skin.

When moisture builds up in the corner of the window or along one of its edges, the problem likely lies in the seams. Moisture that builds up in the middle of the window panel may indicate some type of crack or chip in the glass.

This can be a difficult type of check to perform since the sun needs to shine directly on the window. You’ll also need to verify that the light you see is coming from beneath the frame instead of the glass itself.

Watch the smoke coming from the candle. If it gets sucked into the frame at any given point, there is a leak at that specific point.

This option is fairly inexpensive and easy to apply, but you’ll need to replace the strips periodically. When you peel them away, they may leave a residue or cause chips in your paint, so be prepared to touch up the area if you don’t plan on immediately applying another strip. The surfaces must be very clean and very dry or the strips won’t stick long. On a cold day, these surfaces will be slightly wet from condensation, so dry them with a hair drier. To clean them, use fine sand paper or steel wool.

Manipulate and press the putty in place using your fingers. If you need to remove the caulk, you can peel it away with your fingers, as well.

Apply an even, continuous bead of caulk along the entire exterior seam. You should be able to use it on most building materials. When cured, the sealant should block drafts and moisture, making it resistant to mildew and other fungi. Cured caulk can also be painted. When applying expansion foam, test its expanded volume with a small drop placed in the corner of the window. Once you’ve determined how much it expands, use that knowledge to apply the necessary bead amount around the entire seam.

You can also purchase draft snakes or draft snake kits online and at some superstores or department stores. Foam-and-fabric draft snake kits will allow you to customize the snake to fit the length of your windowsill; simply cut the enclosed foam tube down to size and insert it into the washable cover. When making your own draft snake, note that heavier materials (denim, corduroy, etc. ) tend to work better than lighter materials (linen, knits, etc. ). Note that this will only insulate the seam along your windowsill. You won’t be able to use a draft snake to seal the top and side seams.

If any thumb latches are missing or broken, replace them. They pull the sashes together to close the gap. Scrape off drops of paint on the contacting surfaces of the upper and lower sashes. Lower the upper sash and raise the lower sash as far as they can go. This will expose both surfaces so you can scrape off the paint. If the upper sash can’t be lowered, try cutting off the drops of paint by sliding a hack saw blade between the sashes.

Note that this is only a temporary fix. The polish should seal the crack and prevent it from spreading for several months, but it will eventually wear off. Cracked window glass will need to be replaced.

As with nail polish, weather-seal tape should only be used as a temporary fix. You’ll eventually need to replace the cracked window glass to prevent the crack from getting worse.

This is another inexpensive and simple solution, and it’s as simple to remove as it is to apply. You may wish to soak the tape in rubbing alcohol before peeling it away, though, to minimize the risk of peeling away any paint or leaving any sticky residue. The film will create a noticeable haze over your window. Light should still shine through, but it may not be the most aesthetically pleasing option.

Bubble wrap can be even cheaper than window insulation film. Opt for bubble wrap with large bubbles since it tends to insulate better than the smaller bubble type. Trim the bubble wrap so that it slightly overlaps the seams of your window. When applying it to the window, the bubble-side should face the glass. If desired, you can apply a double layer of bubble wrap for even better insulation. If the bubble wrap won’t stick to your window on its own, you may need to use double-sided tape to help it stay in place. Bubble wrap will block the view from the window, but it should allow light to come through without difficulty. To remove the bubble wrap, simply peel it away, moving from one corner to the diagonally opposite corner. The bubble wrap itself usually won’t leave any stain, but you may need to clean the window to return the glass to full visibility.

Cellular shades are also known as honeycomb shades due to their unique structure. Folds of fabric create layers of air pockets, and these layers trap more air than standard shades can. These shades allow light to filter in and can be custom-fitted to match the dimensions of your windows, but they can also be fairly expensive. Heavy curtains have an elegant appearance, but they can also be somewhat expensive, and they’ll only insulate your windows when drawn closed. Unlike cellular shades, curtains will block out the light when closed.

When you purchase a window panel kit, you should get all the necessary components and specific installation instructions. You won’t be able to custom-fit the panel, though, so make sure that the dimensions of the aluminum frame match the dimensions of your window before purchasing the kit. The panel creates a secondary air pocket in between it and the existing window, and excess air flowing through cracks and leaks should get trapped inside that pocket.