Frost King 1-Pack (84"x 110") - geni.us/HTXM Frost King 3-Pack (42"x 62") - geni.us/9ruPe 70% Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol - geni.us/eJBhm DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission.
@@BlueGillage knock on wood is superstition, witchcraft you believe in evil spirits that when ymknock on wood, evil spirits will be afraid and leave. it means you have no faith in the Lord Jesus Christ who died on the cross, who is your mediator in heaven, who has power to forgive your sins.
I’ve used it for years. For some windows I run the tape around the outside of the window trim, it’s easier to trim off the excess and looks cleaner. For other windows I make 1x2 frames, attach the plastic and then add a strip of foam insulation. I then slid them into the window. This way I can take them out on warm days to open the window to air the house and put them back in for the cold night. I remove and store them in summer. I get many years of use before I need to replace the plastic.
I used this method in the winter time. I highly recommend using shower curtains for the thickness & a better price than buying the thin plastic rolls. The shower curtains are sold in most grocery stores, so no need to go to the hardware store as well.
@AutumnTrusty I use a staple gun to tack down the shower curtain & try to stretch the curtain to flatten out a bit, overtime it will flatten itself out.
We used to do this when we lived in Ohio. Not needed in Florida. It does help for sure. When I lived in an apartment with a slider I had to put the thermostat on 90 to get 70 degrees. That stopped when we put plastic over the slider. Good advice for sure.
Its the same situation in hot summers. You're trying to insulate the space and keep it at a different temp then whats outside. The actual different between winter and summer months is that the more sunlight you can block out in summer with blinds or w/e, the lower your bill will be. And then the opposite would be true for winter but to a much less degree since the suns rays are much more faded.
Given the impossibility of removing the double-sided tape in the spring time, this spring, I put on thicker plexiglass that I bought used and cut to size, and screwed them over the exterior of my sunroom windows (3). This winter, I haven't had to use the space heater in the sunroom when temps dropped to subzero. My parents had gotten a product kit with that sandwiched a very thick clear plastic sheet (reusable/cut to size) between 2 plastic frames. Those should last several years and probably was more expensive, but better than the heat shrink alternative.
I used it over 40 years ago on my parents' bedroom windows (single pane). The windows were on the NW corner of the house (the cold side). The plastic came down about 2 years later & my dad said he could immediatly tell a difference. It was cold & windy winter in central Illinois.
My sister lives on the 2nd & 3rd floor of a house 3 blocks from the Atlantic Ocean in NJ. She has been doing this for over 30 years. It helps tremendously.
I have used that product before on a window at work. It helped a lot. I had difficulty just because of the location of the window and a desk in the way. I think in your example, I might have only pulled tape backing off of the top and hung the sheet from there first then removed a side and stick it down, then the other side and then of course the bottom because for me it would be sticking every which way I wouldn’t have wanted. Another thought is to pull down a little of the backing on all four corners. Apply the plastic to those small sticky parts. Once it’s where you want it, then those loose pulled backing pieces can be pulled all the way to its other end and the plastic can be smoothed onto the remaining sticky tape. Great tutorial!
I was actually able to cut a hole in the plastic film and reinforced it with clear tape. It allowed me to have access to the wand in order to open/close the blinds. It shrunk nicely around it/didn't show too much. It certainly stopped that air convection that you can feel coming off a cold window and dropping down to the floor
I always use it and have great results. It also keeps humidity inside when it gets cold outside, and you get less moisture/ice buildup on the inside of the windows when it really gets cold. Also, when it gets windy outside, I use an incense punk to check for leaks at the corners.
I used this on a few windows on my old house when I bought it. Removing it also removed the paint where the tape line was. Granted my house probably had a lot of layers of old paint that was ready to let go.
I just use the roll plastic It's 2.7 mil thick, and I just cut it to size. Works great. I have a very old house with super inefficient window, which is why I chose this route.
What I really want to thermally improve is the glass sliding doors to the patio, without losing the ability to occasionally use the door to access the patio.
I would highly recommend this for anyone who cannot afford to get new windows. I tried to use the kit he mentions but it did not come in a large enough piece of plastic. I bought clear multipurpose vinyl covering to cover my door wall and large windows in the sunroom and front room. I secured it with painters tape.
I use to use a this on my bedroom windows in my old apartment(Chicago suburbs). Worked great,but what I also started doing was putting a small square over the electrical outlet under the window as well,especially since I wasn't using them. I could feel cold air coming from it so I figured,what the hell,why not? After a while,I just got lazy and packed up a thin blanket over the window because I didn't like not being able to open the blinds like I wanted. Worked just as good.
I have used these and the things people should know is the film is easily torn and that it is a single season use only, they are not re useable for the next season unless you never remove them. I used them for 2 season before I was able to replace the windows in my home. We did find it to be very effective for the two seasons, although removing the tape was difficult and sometimes removed the paint.
I used these kits...removed and wrecked the paint. My solution....a roll of plastic film doubled up put on with painters tape. Removes easily. Use heavy curtains too.. Open blinds partly or pull up all the way for light.
I've been doing the inside of the window, and not the full outside frame. Couldnt figure out why it wasn't working. I'm going to redo it today. Thank you for showing the full installation the correct way.
Tip: Don't remove all the backing too early. Instead just pull down 1 inch off each corner and get the plastic mostly in place. Then pull the tape backing off. This prevents accidentally touching the tape and ruining the plastic.
I could try this in the shed. As I noticed unless your shade/curtain control is outside the frame you can’t access it to open/close. Thanks for posting this!! Handy to know.
Thanks for the temperature measurement. It looks like a 3 degree improvement, which is good. By feeling, I notice less cool air flowing below the window.
I kind of like the pkexiglass insider storm windows better. When we lived in AL, the previous homeowner out them in. I think they were mfd. In LA. They required a 1" wood strip all around the window that became a place to attach a magnetic strip all around the window. Double hung window insiders were in 2 pieces and could be stacked so the window could still be opened. The windows had an edge that covered the edge of the plexiglass and a couple small handles making it possible to grab and pull them out easily. Those are permanent and can be left up all year but one can pull out, reach in and adjust any blinds and shades as desired. They insulate better than thin plastic, and make a huge difference in outdoor sound not being heard inside too. Much cheaper than window replacement!
Hey hey from Iowaaaay! We have draft not from the window but around the outside of the frame. I do what you’re not supposed to, tape the wall outside the frame and put up the plastic completely covering the entire window. . I DON’T heat shrink because I gently remove the plastic and roll off the tape so that I can use the plastic multiple years before replacing
There is suppose to be caulk to eliminate the seam between window and wall. Both inside and on the outside between window and outside wall. The exterior caulk needs replacing every few years if it is worn/cracked.
Had this on several windows and the tape left a sticky residue when removing if from the trim. I also didn't find much of a significant different in temperature with it on. The drafts just moved from coming in through the window to coming in through the cracks in the trim. I suggest putting weather sealing gaskets on the window sash's if they're letting in air and duct seal compound in the sash channels - which in my house get very cold.
I personally would have left the blinds up or slanted as it would be nice to get natural light in the room. You can always close the window at night with curtains. For energy savings insulated curtains even better.
i saw you can use bubble wrap. Spray the window with water, and press the bubble side against the window. You can remove it with no issue when it becomes warm again.
As someone who lives in a 130-year-old house, which is balloon frame build, with 10 foot ceilings on the first floor and 9 foot ceilings on the second… I have quite a history on the overall benefit of this type of barrier. I probably used more than 100 of these kits on a total of thirty-seven windows for more than 10 years and eventually decided that the money would be better spent saving up to put in better windows! First off let me say that the only justifiable reason to use this process, is to increase the comfort in the rooms that are drafty because of severe air penetration. As far as being an economical solution (to reduce heating cost) to a drafty house, the benefits are extremely ambiguous! The money you save on heating just turns into money spent on the kits you need to seal up the windows. Even if you keep the barrier up year-round, it only lasts for a couple of years on any windows with sun exposure, because the ultraviolet light and heat from the sun deteriorate the film such that by the 3rd year it becomes brittle and tears, making it useless! Even in the rooms where the sun exposure doesn’t deteriorate the film, static electricity on that film begins to attract dust in the air and clouds your ability to even see through the film itself eventually. I am not totally against people trying the product on a limited basis, but overall… by the time you consider the total cost and the time it takes to install the kits properly on the windows, many people are going to find that it isn’t as good of a solution as it might look at a glance.
Thanks for the feedback from your years of experience. I am surprised you didn't see the benefit of the insulation kit pull through on your heating cost 🤔.
Nice. It should also help eliminate moisture that condenses behind the blinds. I get < -30C for some nights every winter (Alberta), and I have cellular blinds and even run humidifiers a bit. So there is a lot of frozen condensation. It's annoying to have to go around with a towel constantly to wipe up the drips. I think next winter i will at least seal up the windows that I never open the blinds on. Worried though that kids fingers will be poking holes in that plastic.
I would imagine using a heat gun or if that's too much just a hair dryer. I removed a lot of stickers in the past off of other material real easily this way .
Forgive my crazy ignorance?? I would have to go back 50? years to when many had no double glazing right enough. But for the past two decades all windows are double or triple glazed in UK. Walls are insulated by one method or another, as is the loft space. Even the garage windows are double glazed in our area. Wouldn't it be easier to ditch these 50 yr old windows with, at least double glazing units or better triple glaze? Helps keep the heat in, and the burglars out! 💪 A simple solution. Great video though and this idea has merit in caravans👍
We forgive you mate...but the same is true in the US also. Single pane glass hasn't been common in New homes for 50 years. Most of these kits are for historic homes....which you guys have too. Many of them have been retrofitted with storm cover panels or replacement double pane or shatterproof 3pane safety glass. The former is the most common today...two panes of glass sandwich a lexan pane of plastic...ie 3 pane. Despite TV, we don't tear down all our structures to build new ones every decade. Probably half the nation live in homes over 40 years old. Mine is just shy of 140.
Flir Cameras are great, but combining that with a blower door test is an excellent way to find sites of air intrusion. Try that Scott, and show your results.
FYI, Frost king instructions mention to put on the tape and leave it for 10-15 minutes before removing the backing. I assume to make sure it properly adheres to the frame.
You have to be cautious when you replace or insulate windows on older structures. The window actually performs an important function in winter to keep mold out of your house if your walls are not well insulated. Lower temperature drops the condensation point (Taupunkt) and condensation on windows during winter prevents condensation on walls, specially corner walls. If you over insulate the window and thereby move the lowest temperature point to walls (around 13 C) then the condensation will happen on your walls and cause mold. Check your wall temperature in the winter first before over insulating your windows. If the temperature is around 13 to 14 C then consider insulation or special ventilation in this areas.
We are using this exact window cover this year for the first time on our ground level (the coldest space). In a 3-level home, we have noticed a slight temperature difference. Waiting to see the gas bill next month to compare!
I did it. I dont' know if that was usefull, but that definitly helped a bit. I like the idea of having frames insert to be able to remove it, that's honnestly the worst part I found to this method : windows are sometime hard to put on, and the double sided tape may remove some of the old pain or let sticky things. Frame inserts looks like the idea of the century.
The previous owners of our home had used these kits and struggled to get the tape and residue removed. By the time it was my problem, I resorted to sanding it off the window trim with a diamond sanding pad. Anyone attempting to remove these should probably try a hair dryer or heat gun held at a distance and have a plastic scraper ready. For what it's worth, I caulked around the windows and trim prior to painting, replaced the bottom seals, and it eliminated the draft they were attempting to prevent.
I used the 3M brand a couple years ago and had a terrible amount of condensation build up. The 3M rep said you have to have a very dry/low humidity in the room before installing this. I ripped it out ran a dehumidifier over night and tried again. With the temperature outside changing constantly, I still got a couple condensation patches but not as bad.
Great video! Is there any way to work around an AC window unit? I'd like to keep a working access to it. Here in Texas, it's in the 30's but may be in the 80's in a couple of weeks.
We got 2 packs of this stuff for the bedroom when we lived in a mobile home that we'd freeze in. We never got around to using it, and eventually we ended up moving. We still have it brand new in storage, lol.
I've used this product, works well. My problem is when I remove the plastic in spring what washes the sticky tape off the surface of the window frame? I've tried glue be gone but nothing works but scrubbing for hours?
I came here for this comment. I agree. Double-sided tape (and "nano tape") can be a nightmare to remove. I also would never have peeled off ALL the backing before attaching the plastic. That just sounds like frustration waiting to happen.
The one time I used this, I had the same problem and haven’t used it since. I have room darkening curtains and just keep them closed when it’s really cold which means below freezing for me. That’s just for the windows that are on the N/NW side and don’t get direct sun. The other windows I leave the curtains open until a half hour or so before sundown because the sun coming in produces enough warmth that the heater doesn’t come on…unless it’s in the 20’s or lower during the day. 🥶
This definitely stopped the draft in my older fixer upper for now until I can replace the windows. Immediate difference and my heat doesn't come on as often now. The only downfall is the inability to operate my blinds.
What concerns me is the double sided tape. What's the cost of the product and how hard is it to remove double sided tape. We don't have trim all the way around our windows. Not sure who does now days.
This video was made about a year ago, so I'm sure there are better products that don't restrict the normal use of your blinds and are easier to remove.
If your window trim is MDF, for the love of dog be super careful removing it. I'd never owned a house with MDF trim before, and it made a mess I'm not sure how to fix. The plastic window insulation kits work great, but remove slowly until you see how trim is reacting.
I love your channel and applaud the degree of professionalism you bring to every project. This one, I have to say, surprised me to see. It sounds fine, and the plastic will definitely help cut down heat/cold transfer, but oh man will there be a problem pulling that off again. Rare to see paint jobs that are well enough done to allow the tape to be pulled back off with taking the paint too. Get some 24 month no cost financing from a window company you trust, and have new windows installed. I know, that isn’t the DIY way your channel is focused on. In this case I would not go DIY for the reason given. Sorry😕
This definitely helps with single pain windows, especially will older warped wood frames. But I'd be skeptical of the effectiveness with newer double pains that have argon insulating gas inbetween the glass.
I wish they made a larger piece of plastic. I've recently discovered a leaky double door 6' wide by 80" tall. Waiting for warmer weather for proper fix but it would be nice to have a bandaid until then.
Love this stuff. Being using it on my windows for years now. Makes a big difference. Though I've found that the type will ruin colored PVC trim. No issues with the white or painted wood... just the colored PVC stuff.
I wonder how this would compare to using thermal drapes? I wouldn't want thermal drapes in every room of the house but in rooms you rarely use, thermal drapes would be much easier to work with. Anything that supplies an insulating barrier would make some difference.
Question: Won't the double sided tape leave a sticky residue around the window trim when using it to tape down the film, if so how do you remove the double sided tape when you need to? Any other alternative options to use other than the double sided tape? Thanks
I leave several inches around the window as I reuse the plastic for a few years. If I find the plastic is really hard to work with at the start of the winter, I put an X in a corner so I know to throw it away come spring. Half of my windows are currently 70 years old and several have dry rot from years of neglect. Putting up the plastic, be it inside or outside, does wonders! However, I found the frost king brand tape is garbage; I recommend the 3m. Sadly, if you have a south-facing window, it will always leave residue inside.
I live in a 1-bedroom apartment with 1 window in BR and 2 windows in LR. Of course it's easiest to apply the film outside the blinds but betcha there are a lot of people who are not willing to keep the blinds closed all winter -- I NEED what little light comes in even on gloomy days in central Indiana. So how about doing a video where the film is applied UNDER the blinds so they can be opened and closed? At night when it's coldest, closing the blinds does add another barrier to keep cold air out.
Not having access to the blinds would be a nonstarter in my home. I use weather sealing tape from 3M, I don't think it was frost king. It goes over the middle area where the two panels meet, and you could go around the perimeter of each window too. Probably not as good as a full window cover, but it does something.
That alcohol will likely take off a little paint. Same with the double sided tape. But other than that this does work. Make sure the seal around your window is good first. You don’t want lock in moisture there…
Has anyone noticed if doing this also has a bonus feature of noise reduction? I live in Arizona and I'm considering doing this for the upcoming summer, to help keep heat out of our old thin apartment windows. #reverseuse
I used that one year, many years back. It definitely worked. But, as folks have noted, it is finicky. The double-sided tape is tough to remove. People tend to have furniture in front of the windows, move it or try to work around it. The problems of it has always made me less than motivated to use it again.
I tried this a couple of years and didn't really notice a huge difference in either the way my house felt or in my utility bill. And removing it in the spring either left a sticky residue from the tape or the tape took paint with it. Wasn't a great choice for me.
I've searched for similar product that would fit on the glass only. But can't find anything. I can't lose the ability to open sliding glass door and some windows. Will have to use insulated drapes.
Tip from using these for 2 years: Keep the back cover of the tape on and only remove as you're going down. If the plastic down below sticks to a tape before you have the top lined up, it's going to have a massive crease or will rip off. The plastic sheet is really thin.
So, I want an insulation layer that goes under the blinds, so that I can keep using the blinds even though the insulation layer is in place. I saw a good video where a guy uses a sheet of Lexan (or plexiglass) that fits into a metal frame, and the metal frame is attached to the window frame with magnets -- so it's removable.
Same in the US. This is for older homes that have not had modern replacement windows. Mostly over 40 to 50 years old. I don't recall seeing any home built past 1980 with unlined single pane sash windows... Maybe even before that.
What I did was have the blink stick stick out an an angle on the side. That way all I have to do is twist the stick to open and close the blinds. Works out great.
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Frost King 1-Pack (84"x 110") - geni.us/HTXM
Frost King 3-Pack (42"x 62") - geni.us/9ruPe
70% Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol - geni.us/eJBhm
DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission.
My only issue with these is in the spring when you remove it the tape leaves a residue behind. Other than that it works well
Try the product called "Goop," it works wonders.
PAM may remove the sticky part without removing the finish.
I found the frost king brand tape is garbage; I recommend the 3m. However, if you have a south-facing window, it will always leave residue sadly.
Painters tape first. Rated for shorter periods but word is it works seasonally
@@ccocala720 or WD40.
I saw someone create a little wooden frame insert to the inside of the window. Then attached this plastic to the frame instead. Easily removable.
Not a bad idea, I like it!
I did the same thing. I made mine like 10 years ago and they're still holding strong. Knock on wood.
@@BlueGillage Nice, thanks for the feedback!
I used blue painter's tape to tape the edge of the plastic sheet to the wall around the window. That's easy to remove too.
@@BlueGillage knock on wood is superstition, witchcraft you believe in evil spirits that when ymknock on wood,
evil spirits will be afraid
and leave.
it means you have no faith in the Lord Jesus Christ who died on the cross,
who is your mediator in heaven,
who has power to forgive your sins.
I’ve used it for years.
For some windows I run the tape around the outside of the window trim, it’s easier to trim off the excess and looks cleaner.
For other windows I make 1x2 frames, attach the plastic and then add a strip of foam insulation. I then slid them into the window. This way I can take them out on warm days to open the window to air the house and put them back in for the cold night. I remove and store them in summer. I get many years of use before I need to replace the plastic.
Yes...around the outside worked best for me
Used to do this all the time in my 100+ old house with single pane windows. Rope caulk too. Made a huge difference in the comfort level.
Yeah, I think that is where you get the massive impact. I had a rental property from 1904 and it made a BIG difference.
Wait how does a cold surface effect the indoor tempature if theres no air blowing
@@Warp2090 conduction.
@@EverydayHomeRepairs never tried it but one could triple pane it by covering the window sash and the frame.
@@Warp2090 also, air is constantly moving. Look at the space lit by a sun beam.
I used this method in the winter time. I highly recommend using shower curtains for the thickness & a better price than buying the thin plastic rolls. The shower curtains are sold in most grocery stores, so no need to go to the hardware store as well.
Are you able to get the wrinkles out of the shower curtain when you do it?
@AutumnTrusty I use a staple gun to tack down the shower curtain & try to stretch the curtain to flatten out a bit, overtime it will flatten itself out.
We used to do this when we lived in Ohio. Not needed in Florida. It does help for sure. When I lived in an apartment with a slider I had to put the thermostat on 90 to get 70 degrees. That stopped when we put plastic over the slider. Good advice for sure.
Its the same situation in hot summers. You're trying to insulate the space and keep it at a different temp then whats outside.
The actual different between winter and summer months is that the more sunlight you can block out in summer with blinds or w/e, the lower your bill will be. And then the opposite would be true for winter but to a much less degree since the suns rays are much more faded.
Given the impossibility of removing the double-sided tape in the spring time, this spring, I put on thicker plexiglass that I bought used and cut to size, and screwed them over the exterior of my sunroom windows (3). This winter, I haven't had to use the space heater in the sunroom when temps dropped to subzero.
My parents had gotten a product kit with that sandwiched a very thick clear plastic sheet (reusable/cut to size) between 2 plastic frames. Those should last several years and probably was more expensive, but better than the heat shrink alternative.
New windows last summer and it’s unbelievably made a difference for the better
Oh yeah, can be HUGE change for sure 👍👍
I used it over 40 years ago on my parents' bedroom windows (single pane). The windows were on the NW corner of the house (the cold side). The plastic came down about 2 years later & my dad said he could immediatly tell a difference. It was cold & windy winter in central Illinois.
My sister lives on the 2nd & 3rd floor of a house 3 blocks from the Atlantic Ocean in NJ. She has been doing this for over 30 years. It helps tremendously.
I have used that product before on a window at work. It helped a lot. I had difficulty just because of the location of the window and a desk in the way. I think in your example, I might have only pulled tape backing off of the top and hung the sheet from there first then removed a side and stick it down, then the other side and then of course the bottom because for me it would be sticking every which way I wouldn’t have wanted. Another thought is to pull down a little of the backing on all four corners. Apply the plastic to those small sticky parts. Once it’s where you want it, then those loose pulled backing pieces can be pulled all the way to its other end and the plastic can be smoothed onto the remaining sticky tape. Great tutorial!
Some thermal backed curtains will also help.
I think its just time to get some quality double pained windows at that point.
I was actually able to cut a hole in the plastic film and reinforced it with clear tape. It allowed me to have access to the wand in order to open/close the blinds. It shrunk nicely around it/didn't show too much. It certainly stopped that air convection that you can feel coming off a cold window and dropping down to the floor
Great video Scott. Who doesn't want to save money on their heating bill.
I should have done this last week when we were hitting negative temps for highs 😂
I always use it and have great results. It also keeps humidity inside when it gets cold outside, and you get less moisture/ice buildup on the inside of the windows when it really gets cold. Also, when it gets windy outside, I use an incense punk to check for leaks at the corners.
Did this in an old house with the sash windows once. It made a huge difference.
I used this on a few windows on my old house when I bought it. Removing it also removed the paint where the tape line was. Granted my house probably had a lot of layers of old paint that was ready to let go.
I just use the roll plastic It's 2.7 mil thick, and I just cut it to size. Works great. I have a very old house with super inefficient window, which is why I chose this route.
What I really want to thermally improve is the glass sliding doors to the patio, without losing the ability to occasionally use the door to access the patio.
I would highly recommend this for anyone who cannot afford to get new windows. I tried to use the kit he mentions but it did not come in a large enough piece of plastic. I bought clear multipurpose vinyl covering to cover my door wall and large windows in the sunroom and front room. I secured it with painters tape.
I used these products in my old house. Makes a huge difference.
Just wondering if that would create unwanted condensation, inside or outside maybe some thick curtains or thick fabric blinds if they make them.
I use to use a this on my bedroom windows in my old apartment(Chicago suburbs). Worked great,but what I also started doing was putting a small square over the electrical outlet under the window as well,especially since I wasn't using them. I could feel cold air coming from it so I figured,what the hell,why not?
After a while,I just got lazy and packed up a thin blanket over the window because I didn't like not being able to open the blinds like I wanted. Worked just as good.
I have used these and the things people should know is the film is easily torn and that it is a single season use only, they are not re useable for the next season unless you never remove them. I used them for 2 season before I was able to replace the windows in my home. We did find it to be very effective for the two seasons, although removing the tape was difficult and sometimes removed the paint.
That is a great use case. Use it until you can afford to fix or replace the windows. 👍
I used these kits...removed and wrecked the paint. My solution....a roll of plastic film doubled up put on with painters tape. Removes easily. Use heavy curtains too.. Open blinds partly or pull up all the way for light.
THX SCOTT🤗 GREAT 💡,WE DID IT FOR MANY YEARS,YEARS AGO AND GAINED COMFORT 🤗AND SAVED MONEY 💴💚💚💚
I've been doing the inside of the window, and not the full outside frame. Couldnt figure out why it wasn't working. I'm going to redo it today. Thank you for showing the full installation the correct way.
I just did this to my house. I wasn't expecting much, but the change was dramatic.
Tip: Don't remove all the backing too early. Instead just pull down 1 inch off each corner and get the plastic mostly in place. Then pull the tape backing off. This prevents accidentally touching the tape and ruining the plastic.
I could try this in the shed. As I noticed unless your shade/curtain control is outside the frame you can’t access it to open/close. Thanks for posting this!! Handy to know.
Window insullation shrink plastic with thick thermal curtains made a big differencein my bedroom which has large windows.
Thanks for the temperature measurement.
It looks like a 3 degree improvement, which is good.
By feeling, I notice less cool air flowing below the window.
I kind of like the pkexiglass insider storm windows better. When we lived in AL, the previous homeowner out them in. I think they were mfd. In LA. They required a 1" wood strip all around the window that became a place to attach a magnetic strip all around the window. Double hung window insiders were in 2 pieces and could be stacked so the window could still be opened. The windows had an edge that covered the edge of the plexiglass and a couple small handles making it possible to grab and pull them out easily. Those are permanent and can be left up all year but one can pull out, reach in and adjust any blinds and shades as desired. They insulate better than thin plastic, and make a huge difference in outdoor sound not being heard inside too. Much cheaper than window replacement!
Hey hey from Iowaaaay! We have draft not from the window but around the outside of the frame. I do what you’re not supposed to, tape the wall outside the frame and put up the plastic completely covering the entire window. . I DON’T heat shrink because I gently remove the plastic and roll off the tape so that I can use the plastic multiple years before replacing
There is suppose to be caulk to eliminate the seam between window and wall. Both inside and on the outside between window and outside wall. The exterior caulk needs replacing every few years if it is worn/cracked.
Yup, unfortunately, we haven’t. I told the spouse when the weather is nicer we WILL get that done!
Had this on several windows and the tape left a sticky residue when removing if from the trim. I also didn't find much of a significant different in temperature with it on. The drafts just moved from coming in through the window to coming in through the cracks in the trim. I suggest putting weather sealing gaskets on the window sash's if they're letting in air and duct seal compound in the sash channels - which in my house get very cold.
I personally would have left the blinds up or slanted as it would be nice to get natural light in the room. You can always close the window at night with curtains. For energy savings insulated curtains even better.
i saw you can use bubble wrap. Spray the window with water, and press the bubble side against the window. You can remove it with no issue when it becomes warm again.
As someone who lives in a 130-year-old house, which is balloon frame build, with 10 foot ceilings on the first floor and 9 foot ceilings on the second… I have quite a history on the overall benefit of this type of barrier. I probably used more than 100 of these kits on a total of thirty-seven windows for more than 10 years and eventually decided that the money would be better spent saving up to put in better windows! First off let me say that the only justifiable reason to use this process, is to increase the comfort in the rooms that are drafty because of severe air penetration. As far as being an economical solution (to reduce heating cost) to a drafty house, the benefits are extremely ambiguous! The money you save on heating just turns into money spent on the kits you need to seal up the windows. Even if you keep the barrier up year-round, it only lasts for a couple of years on any windows with sun exposure, because the ultraviolet light and heat from the sun deteriorate the film such that by the 3rd year it becomes brittle and tears, making it useless! Even in the rooms where the sun exposure doesn’t deteriorate the film, static electricity on that film begins to attract dust in the air and clouds your ability to even see through the film itself eventually. I am not totally against people trying the product on a limited basis, but overall… by the time you consider the total cost and the time it takes to install the kits properly on the windows, many people are going to find that it isn’t as good of a solution as it might look at a glance.
Thanks for the feedback from your years of experience. I am surprised you didn't see the benefit of the insulation kit pull through on your heating cost 🤔.
I grew up in a house that was build in 1821, and was drafty as a windy day. Dad was putting up plastic every winter, all my life I lived there.
Nice. It should also help eliminate moisture that condenses behind the blinds. I get < -30C for some nights every winter (Alberta), and I have cellular blinds and even run humidifiers a bit. So there is a lot of frozen condensation. It's annoying to have to go around with a towel constantly to wipe up the drips.
I think next winter i will at least seal up the windows that I never open the blinds on. Worried though that kids fingers will be poking holes in that plastic.
You should go over how to remove the tape when removing the film so it does not pull up the paint or ruin the finish
I would imagine using a heat gun or if that's too much just a hair dryer. I removed a lot of stickers in the past off of other material real easily this way .
@@randyman8984the instructions on my kit say the tape can be removed by heating
Forgive my crazy ignorance??
I would have to go back 50? years to when many had no double glazing right enough.
But for the past two decades all windows are double or triple glazed in UK.
Walls are insulated by one method or another, as is the loft space.
Even the garage windows are double glazed in our area.
Wouldn't it be easier to ditch these 50 yr old windows with, at least double glazing units or better triple glaze?
Helps keep the heat in, and the burglars out! 💪 A simple solution.
Great video though and this idea has merit in caravans👍
We forgive you mate...but the same is true in the US also. Single pane glass hasn't been common in New homes for 50 years.
Most of these kits are for historic homes....which you guys have too. Many of them have been retrofitted with storm cover panels or replacement double pane or shatterproof 3pane safety glass.
The former is the most common today...two panes of glass sandwich a lexan pane of plastic...ie 3 pane.
Despite TV, we don't tear down all our structures to build new ones every decade. Probably half the nation live in homes over 40 years old.
Mine is just shy of 140.
Wow.. great video. Finally, the only window sealing that makes sense for a newbie! Thanks
Flir Cameras are great, but combining that with a blower door test is an excellent way to find sites of air intrusion. Try that Scott, and show your results.
FYI, Frost king instructions mention to put on the tape and leave it for 10-15 minutes before removing the backing. I assume to make sure it properly adheres to the frame.
You have to be cautious when you replace or insulate windows on older structures. The window actually performs an important function in winter to keep mold out of your house if your walls are not well insulated. Lower temperature drops the condensation point (Taupunkt) and condensation on windows during winter prevents condensation on walls, specially corner walls. If you over insulate the window and thereby move the lowest temperature point to walls (around 13 C) then the condensation will happen on your walls and cause mold. Check your wall temperature in the winter first before over insulating your windows. If the temperature is around 13 to 14 C then consider insulation or special ventilation in this areas.
We are using this exact window cover this year for the first time on our ground level (the coldest space). In a 3-level home, we have noticed a slight temperature difference. Waiting to see the gas bill next month to compare!
Infrared is not recommended to measure temperature on glass, since it reflects back some IR.
They are great!!! ...needed to use them on a bathroom glass block window.
I did it. I dont' know if that was usefull, but that definitly helped a bit. I like the idea of having frames insert to be able to remove it, that's honnestly the worst part I found to this method : windows are sometime hard to put on, and the double sided tape may remove some of the old pain or let sticky things. Frame inserts looks like the idea of the century.
The previous owners of our home had used these kits and struggled to get the tape and residue removed. By the time it was my problem, I resorted to sanding it off the window trim with a diamond sanding pad. Anyone attempting to remove these should probably try a hair dryer or heat gun held at a distance and have a plastic scraper ready.
For what it's worth, I caulked around the windows and trim prior to painting, replaced the bottom seals, and it eliminated the draft they were attempting to prevent.
I used the 3M brand a couple years ago and had a terrible amount of condensation build up. The 3M rep said you have to have a very dry/low humidity in the room before installing this. I ripped it out ran a dehumidifier over night and tried again. With the temperature outside changing constantly, I still got a couple condensation patches but not as bad.
Thanks for the feedback 👍
Great video! Is there any way to work around an AC window unit? I'd like to keep a working access to it. Here in Texas, it's in the 30's but may be in the 80's in a couple of weeks.
We got 2 packs of this stuff for the bedroom when we lived in a mobile home that we'd freeze in. We never got around to using it, and eventually we ended up moving. We still have it brand new in storage, lol.
I've used this product, works well. My problem is when I remove the plastic in spring what washes the sticky tape off the surface of the window frame? I've tried glue be gone but nothing works but scrubbing for hours?
I came here for this comment. I agree. Double-sided tape (and "nano tape") can be a nightmare to remove. I also would never have peeled off ALL the backing before attaching the plastic. That just sounds like frustration waiting to happen.
The one time I used this, I had the same problem and haven’t used it since. I have room darkening curtains and just keep them closed when it’s really cold which means below freezing for me. That’s just for the windows that are on the N/NW side and don’t get direct sun. The other windows I leave the curtains open until a half hour or so before sundown because the sun coming in produces enough warmth that the heater doesn’t come on…unless it’s in the 20’s or lower during the day. 🥶
I apply it to the outermost part of the vinyl (🤷♂️), the tape is easier to remove and you can still use the blinds.
The package suggests using a blow dryer or possibly a heat gun on low. I’d be more inclined to use a blow dryer. I think it would be safer.
Sounds like Sarah rapper cling free would work just fine too or bubble wrap. I’ve heard works very good directly on the window.
This definitely stopped the draft in my older fixer upper for now until I can replace the windows. Immediate difference and my heat doesn't come on as often now. The only downfall is the inability to operate my blinds.
What concerns me is the double sided tape. What's the cost of the product and how hard is it to remove double sided tape. We don't have trim all the way around our windows. Not sure who does now days.
The biggest issue I have seen over the years is trying to remove the tape completely without removing the paint 😬
It almost always works very well, but as said, the double sided tape is really hard to remove easily and without damaging the paint.
Then I am not a fan of the product. Need a better method. Would even be worth a heavier material with grommets or Velcro
I always use the 3m kit it works real good done it for 40 + years
Nice, thanks for the feedback!
This video was made about a year ago, so I'm sure there are better products that don't restrict the normal use of your blinds and are easier to remove.
If your window trim is MDF, for the love of dog be super careful removing it. I'd never owned a house with MDF trim before, and it made a mess I'm not sure how to fix. The plastic window insulation kits work great, but remove slowly until you see how trim is reacting.
I have molding that I do not put tape on anymore. When removing the tape the cheap finish came off to.
Sounds like an issue with the priming and paint rather than the substrate. No?
I love your channel and applaud the degree of professionalism you bring to every project.
This one, I have to say, surprised me to see. It sounds fine, and the plastic will definitely help cut down heat/cold transfer, but oh man will there be a problem pulling that off again. Rare to see paint jobs that are well enough done to allow the tape to be pulled back off with taking the paint too.
Get some 24 month no cost financing from a window company you trust, and have new windows installed.
I know, that isn’t the DIY way your channel is focused on. In this case I would not go DIY for the reason given. Sorry😕
This definitely helps with single pain windows, especially will older warped wood frames. But I'd be skeptical of the effectiveness with newer double pains that have argon insulating gas inbetween the glass.
I would agree with that 👍
I wish they made a larger piece of plastic. I've recently discovered a leaky double door 6' wide by 80" tall. Waiting for warmer weather for proper fix but it would be nice to have a bandaid until then.
Love this stuff. Being using it on my windows for years now. Makes a big difference.
Though I've found that the type will ruin colored PVC trim. No issues with the white or painted wood... just the colored PVC stuff.
I wonder how this would compare to using thermal drapes? I wouldn't want thermal drapes in every room of the house but in rooms you rarely use, thermal drapes would be much easier to work with. Anything that supplies an insulating barrier would make some difference.
Question: Won't the double sided tape leave a sticky residue around the window trim when using it to tape down the film, if so how do you remove the double sided tape when you need to? Any other alternative options to use other than the double sided tape? Thanks
I leave several inches around the window as I reuse the plastic for a few years. If I find the plastic is really hard to work with at the start of the winter, I put an X in a corner so I know to throw it away come spring. Half of my windows are currently 70 years old and several have dry rot from years of neglect. Putting up the plastic, be it inside or outside, does wonders!
However, I found the frost king brand tape is garbage; I recommend the 3m. Sadly, if you have a south-facing window, it will always leave residue inside.
I live in a 1-bedroom apartment with 1 window in BR and 2 windows in LR. Of course it's easiest to apply the film outside the blinds but betcha there are a lot of people who are not willing to keep the blinds closed all winter -- I NEED what little light comes in even on gloomy days in central Indiana.
So how about doing a video where the film is applied UNDER the blinds so they can be opened and closed? At night when it's coldest, closing the blinds does add another barrier to keep cold air out.
Not having access to the blinds would be a nonstarter in my home. I use weather sealing tape from 3M, I don't think it was frost king. It goes over the middle area where the two panels meet, and you could go around the perimeter of each window too. Probably not as good as a full window cover, but it does something.
Should attach using velcro strips. Just take off the velcro to open windows if needed, re-attach it using velcro after closing window.
Good video, but it was the door video that got me excited
Have used similar in the past and it works great with one exception. If you have cats, they will shred this stuff like coleslaw in about a day. 😉
How about first replacing the blinds with a motorized version, controlled with a remote?
That alcohol will likely take off a little paint. Same with the double sided tape. But other than that this does work. Make sure the seal around your window is good first. You don’t want lock in moisture there…
Has anyone noticed if doing this also has a bonus feature of noise reduction? I live in Arizona and I'm considering doing this for the upcoming summer, to help keep heat out of our old thin apartment windows. #reverseuse
I used that one year, many years back. It definitely worked. But, as folks have noted, it is finicky. The double-sided tape is tough to remove. People tend to have furniture in front of the windows, move it or try to work around it. The problems of it has always made me less than motivated to use it again.
Use the duck max strength heavy duty window insulation kit it works much better
That's terrible, not being able to open the blinds.
Open the blinds and put up curtains
@waderay1394 yea, so people can see inside your home at night😅😅😅😂
I tried this a couple of years and didn't really notice a huge difference in either the way my house felt or in my utility bill. And removing it in the spring either left a sticky residue from the tape or the tape took paint with it. Wasn't a great choice for me.
Have any ideas for walls that are temporary for apartment
Great video as always. Can you tell me where you got that door? I'd love to get one just like it.
How are the blinds get opened
Light? How do u open the blinds /shade?
Get some plastic drop cloths cut to size, double tape
I've searched for similar product that would fit on the glass only. But can't find anything. I can't lose the ability to open sliding glass door and some windows. Will have to use insulated drapes.
Thanks for the helpful info.
Is it necessary to use the hair dryer - or will it still work without .
Tip from using these for 2 years: Keep the back cover of the tape on and only remove as you're going down.
If the plastic down below sticks to a tape before you have the top lined up, it's going to have a massive crease or will rip off. The plastic sheet is really thin.
Thanks for the feedback Sujay.
Can this plastic be removed and re-used the following year or is it just one and done?
So, I want an insulation layer that goes under the blinds, so that I can keep using the blinds even though the insulation layer is in place.
I saw a good video where a guy uses a sheet of Lexan (or plexiglass) that fits into a metal frame, and the metal frame is attached to the window frame with magnets -- so it's removable.
I used this kit, the doublesided tape runnier my frame, impossible to get it off in the spring, ugh!
If you keep blinds closed, does the heat still lose at the same rate.
In Europe (and other world places) we have double/triple glass windows. I don't know why USA is not using those
Same in the US. This is for older homes that have not had modern replacement windows. Mostly over 40 to 50 years old.
I don't recall seeing any home built past 1980 with unlined single pane sash windows... Maybe even before that.
how do you remove the double sided tape off the trim the easiest way?
So how do you open and close the blinds???
Better have some automated shades
You don’t, that way no one sees the junky plastic lol
What I did was have the blink stick stick out an an angle on the side. That way all I have to do is twist the stick to open and close the blinds. Works out great.
Open the blinds and put up curtains
Love Love Love this!
Although it's not as effective but I would line my removable outside screens with plastic and it keeps wind away from the windows.
Would you use this on a natural gas fireplace that isn’t used? I think I have a lot of heat loss on mine.
Works only for winters or summer time too? Or i need to take down for spring time