Insulating and covering windows helps improve energy efficiency by reducing drafts and heat transfer. You can use various methods, from sealing gaps around the frame to adding specialized films and curtains.
Here are common ways to insulate and cover your windows:
Insulating the Window Structure
Addressing drafts and gaps around the window frame is a crucial first step in insulation.
1. Re-seal Around Your Window Frame
Over time, the sealant around your window frame can deteriorate, creating small gaps where air can leak in or out.
- Method: Apply new caulk or sealant around the exterior and interior perimeter of the window frame.
- Benefit: Seals small cracks and prevents drafts.
2. Apply Polyurethane Foam Insulation Around Your Windows
For larger gaps between the window frame and the wall opening, polyurethane foam can provide a strong air seal.
- Method: Use a can of spray foam specifically designed for windows and doors (which is less expansive) to fill gaps during or after installation.
- Benefit: Fills larger voids and significantly reduces air infiltration.
3. Install Weather Stripping at the Bottom of Your Windows
Weather stripping creates a seal between moving parts of the window (like the sash and the frame) when it's closed.
- Method: Apply adhesive-backed foam, rubber, or V-seal weather stripping to the bottom and sides of operable window sashes.
- Benefit: Stops air from leaking through the edges where the window opens and closes.
Covering the Window Surface
Once the structure is sealed, you can add layers or films to the glass itself to further reduce heat transfer.
4. Equip Your Windows with a Thermoplastic Film
Thermoplastic films, often known as window insulation kits, create an insulating air pocket between the film and the glass.
- Method: Apply double-sided tape around the window frame, stretch the film over the opening, and use a hairdryer to shrink it taut.
- Benefit: Creates an inexpensive, invisible barrier that reduces heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
5. Dress Your Windows with Thermal Curtains
Thermal curtains are made from thick, dense fabric, often with multiple layers or a special lining, designed to block light and insulate.
- Method: Hang thermal curtains on a rod, ensuring they cover the entire window opening and preferably touch the sill or floor to maximize effectiveness.
- Benefit: Adds a significant layer of insulation, blocks drafts, and can help regulate room temperature. They also offer aesthetic appeal.
Here's a summary of the methods:
| Method | Location | Primary Function | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Re-seal around frame | Frame Perimeter | Air Sealing | Prevents drafts through small gaps |
| Polyurethane Foam | Frame/Wall Gap | Air Sealing & Insulation | Fills larger voids, reduces air leakage |
| Weather Stripping | Operable Sash Edges | Air Sealing | Stops drafts through moving parts |
| Thermoplastic Film | Glass Surface | Insulation (Air Gap) | Reduces heat transfer, inexpensive |
| Thermal Curtains | Window Opening | Insulation & Draft Block | Adds insulating layer, regulates temperature |
By combining these techniques, you can significantly improve your window's energy performance, leading to a more comfortable home and potentially lower energy bills.
