Best Weatherproofing Window Insulation Kits in 2022

Last update: January 4, 2023

Can I install 3M window film myself?

You can technically install 3M window film yourself, but we would not recommend it. The process is fairly involved and requires some specific tools and knowledge in order to do it properly. If you're not comfortable with that, we suggest you leave it to the professionals.

Can plastic sheeting be used as insulation?

Plastic sheeting can be used as insulation in a variety of ways. It can be used to insulate walls, floors, and ceilings. It can also be used to insulate pipes and ductwork. Plastic sheeting is a versatile material that can be used in a variety of applications.

Can you use Saran wrap to insulate windows?

Saran wrap, also known as cling film, can be used as a temporary measure to insulate windows. By creating a seal around the window, it can help to prevent heat loss. However, it is not a permanent solution and should only be used in emergency situations.

Do window insulation kits actually work?

Window insulation kits are a great way to save money on your energy bills. They work by creating an airtight seal around your windows, which prevents heat from escaping. Kits typically include weather-stripping and caulking, and can be applied in just a few hours.


Duck Brand Indoor 10-Window Shrink Film Insulator Kit, 62-Inch x 420-Inch, 286216 Review:


We recently purchased a 200-year-old home, and we'll be replacing many of the windows over time. Our area of the Northeast gets VERY COLD in the winter (it's currently 2F, but it was -5F this morning!). Even in storms, the antique windows are lovely yet drafty. When I noticed this device and its affordable pricing, I asked myself, "Why not?"Eight upstairs windows, including one each in the dining room and guest room, a bathroom, and a hallway, were covered. We increased the temperature in the upstairs bedrooms from 66 to 67 F (with the thermostat set to 72 F below to try to get enough heat into those bedrooms) to 70 to 71 F ( ) now that the drafts are GONE. Outside, it was really cold at the time. Clearly, these window coverings are keeping warm air inside and cold air outside. The thermostat can be slightly lowered so that the furnace won't run as frequently. These products, in my opinion, have already paid for themselves enormously! Not to mention, the bedrooms are MUCH cozier.Installation was simple, if a little time-consuming when installing many windows. Worth the little bit of time and effort.How they appear: I had my doubts about how these window films would appear; other reviewers had said that they were completely clear, but I didn't buy it. But they are - without a doubt. Very impressed; check attached photographs. The presence of window films is hidden by drawn curtains. Except for the bit where the windy breeze doesn't blow the curtains, ha!Today, I'm purchasing two more of the five window kits. I'll be covering more windows with them and will have extra materials on hand in case kids try to break in (not stressed about that, though, because this product is so reasonably priced).Would I suggest this item? ABSOLUTELY!Image 1 shows a small window with the right side freshly covered in film and the left side dried by blow drying.Image 2 shows a larger window with tape on the right side but no film installed; film installed on the left side and blow drying completed.Image 3 shows a sizable window with film inserted and the film completely dried. Ha! A dirty window with a clear film.



3M Indoor Window Insulator Kit Insulates 5 - 3'x5' Windows Review:


Great results. This is the secret. Decide which side of the plastic sheet is the edge without unfolding it. After taping the windows, take the tape off until it is completely visible. Cut a piece that is long enough to have a few extra inches of plastic sheet on both sides of the window while it is still folded. Take the entire thing and adhere the edge of the sheet-facing side to the tape running across the top of the window. All that is left to do is draw it down to the window's bottom. Stick the bottom and sides of the sheet by pulling it down firmly. I can finish a window in about five minutes, and since the film is wrinkle-free, I don't even need to shrink it. Make sure to adhere it to the window's top straight, or leave yourself enough additional space so that even if you do it crookedly, it will still rest on the tape around the bottom and sides.I will take them down, fold them, and store them for reuse the next winter. They can be reused multiple times if you don't shrink them or at least cut them a little large. Just a roll of the tape needs to be purchased.



Duck Brand Indoor 5-Window Shrink Film Insulator Kit, 62-Inch x 210-Inch, 286217 Review:


We recently purchased a 200-year-old home, and we'll be replacing many of the windows over time. Our area of the Northeast gets VERY COLD in the winter (it's currently 2F, but it was -5F this morning!). Even in storms, the antique windows are lovely yet drafty. When I noticed this device and its affordable pricing, I asked myself, "Why not?"Eight upstairs windows, including one each in the dining room and guest room, a bathroom, and a hallway, were covered. We increased the temperature in the upstairs bedrooms from 66 to 67 F (with the thermostat set to 72 F below to try to get enough heat into those bedrooms) to 70 to 71 F ( ) now that the drafts are GONE. Outside, it was really cold at the time. Clearly, these window coverings are keeping warm air inside and cold air outside. The thermostat can be slightly lowered so that the furnace won't run as frequently. These products, in my opinion, have already paid for themselves enormously! Not to mention, the bedrooms are MUCH cozier.Installation was simple, if a little time-consuming when installing many windows. Worth the little bit of time and effort.How they appear: I had my doubts about how these window films would appear; other reviewers had said that they were completely clear, but I didn't buy it. But they are - without a doubt. Very impressed; check attached photographs. The presence of window films is hidden by drawn curtains. Except for the bit where the windy breeze doesn't blow the curtains, ha!Today, I'm purchasing two more of the five window kits. I'll be covering more windows with them and will have extra materials on hand in case kids try to break in (not stressed about that, though, because this product is so reasonably priced).Would I suggest this item? ABSOLUTELY!Image 1 shows a small window with the right side freshly covered in film and the left side dried by blow drying.Image 2 shows a larger window with tape on the right side but no film installed; film installed on the left side and blow drying completed.Image 3 shows a sizable window with film inserted and the film completely dried. Ha! A dirty window with a clear film.



Duck 286218 Extra Large Patio Door Shrink Film Window insulation kit, 1, Crystal Clear Review:


We recently purchased a 200-year-old home, and we'll be replacing many of the windows over time. Our area of the Northeast gets VERY COLD in the winter (it's currently 2F, but it was -5F this morning!). Even in storms, the antique windows are lovely yet drafty. When I noticed this device and its affordable pricing, I asked myself, "Why not?"Eight upstairs windows, including one each in the dining room and guest room, a bathroom, and a hallway, were covered. We increased the temperature in the upstairs bedrooms from 66 to 67 F (with the thermostat set to 72 F below to try to get enough heat into those bedrooms) to 70 to 71 F ( ) now that the drafts are GONE. Outside, it was really cold at the time. Clearly, these window coverings are keeping warm air inside and cold air outside. The thermostat can be slightly lowered so that the furnace won't run as frequently. These products, in my opinion, have already paid for themselves enormously! Not to mention, the bedrooms are MUCH cozier.Installation was simple, if a little time-consuming when installing many windows. Worth the little bit of time and effort.How they appear: I had my doubts about how these window films would appear; other reviewers had said that they were completely clear, but I didn't buy it. But they are - without a doubt. Very impressed; check attached photographs. The presence of window films is hidden by drawn curtains. Except for the bit where the windy breeze doesn't blow the curtains, ha!Today, I'm purchasing two more of the five window kits. I'll be covering more windows with them and will have extra materials on hand in case kids try to break in (not stressed about that, though, because this product is so reasonably priced).Would I suggest this item? ABSOLUTELY!Image 1 shows a small window with the right side freshly covered in film and the left side dried by blow drying.Image 2 shows a larger window with tape on the right side but no film installed; film installed on the left side and blow drying completed.Image 3 shows a sizable window with film inserted and the film completely dried. Ha! A dirty window with a clear film.



3M 2145C 2145 Window Film Mount Tape Review:


With the other Scotch indoor insulator kits, I use this (like their "Indoor Window Insulator Kit" for 1 XL window).You can seal up a good number of windows with even just one 1 XL window kit if you measure all of your windows beforehand, then arrange the forms and measurements on a blank sheet of paper so the shapes fit together efficiently and you are not wasting large chunks of plastic. However, you will require extra tape. Do yourself a favor and just purchase an additional roll of this tape up front because none of the Scotch kits I've ever used has enough tape.Since none of the local retailers carry it, I can at least order it here and receive it within a few days thanks to Prime Shipping. Other double-sided tape brands that I've attempted to use for sealing windows are dreadful. The tape to use for the task is THIS one.One piece of advice: When cleaning your windows, keep a pair of tweezers close at hand. So you don't have to spend two minutes fiddling with the tape's edge to get the plastic seal to pull away from the sticky section when you feel like you are in some weird yoga posture attempting to get the tape in the perfect location for the window to get sealed properly. It is much simpler to simply use tweezers to remove the small little tab away when you can reach up and do so.



Great Stuff 99054816 Multipurpose Insulating Foam Sealant, 12 oz, Black Review:


I was quite happy to discover amazing black items. It provided a quick fix for a little outbuilding/garden shed on our property, something I had not seen locally. I used it to fill the space between the cedar siding and metal roof. Where foam had been applied in the past, it was still visible, but last summer, wasps started to enter more easily.For best effects, I kept the foam inside the home during winter and waited for a milder day.I'm not sure if the product is as sticky as regular foam, but it did the job. The fact that some "worms" fell to the deck below didn't bother me because it will be replaced. I would definitely use a drop cloth or something if you are over something newer. The fact that it didn't expand as much as conventional gaps/cracks foam wasn't a major issue either. In my application, the overhand conceals the hue, which is more reminiscent of glittering charcoal, but I can imagine scenarios in which it might need to be touched up with a deeper, flatter color to "disappear."Will definitely purchase again; ideally, the commercial bottles for use with a foam cannon will be accessible shortly.



Frost King V76H Shrink Window Kit 84-Inch by 120-Inch, Clear Review:


I've been using this as a foot print for my lightweight trekking tent after cutting it down to size and taping loops into each corner. It is far less expensive than purchasing other lightweight solutions and is incredibly light and small. It has held up exceptionally well over a variety of treks and terrain types that I have used it on. very robust and impervious to punctures. Although it's an unusual use for this device, I would nevertheless suggest it to any traveler searching for affordable DIY gear.



Frost King V73/9H Indoor Shrink Window Kit 42 62-Inch, Clear, 9-Pack Review:


For old wooden single-pane windows, it works wonders. Some of the windows in my house, which dates to at least 1930, are old. It took me around 30 minutes to complete using this method on two old single-pane windows, including washing the surfaces and clipping the excess afterward (you need wait 10 minutes after peeling the tape to allow it to cure). I may have erred in any number of the following ways when they are combined: 1 inadequate cleaning/degreasing of the surface 2. failed to apply tape to an optimal surface, 3. over-blow-dried and shrunk, causing too much tension. I believe this since the tape on one of the windows to which I put the kit peeled off the frame's bottom. I placed the tape to the horizontal surface, which I assume is the main cause, but since it only covered one window and didn't cover the entire item, I assume the other two elements also played a role. Due to its location behind a bed headboard with an open frame design and potential for pillow contact, it could potentially have been mechanically damaged. Whatever the cause, because it isn't really noticeable, I shoddily taped it together. Only until I could feel the chilly air blowing through the tape and saw condensation collecting on the plastic's room side due to the extreme cold did I realize the tape had ripped off. After being fixed, it was once again perfectly airtight. If you don't mind having your blinds in a fixed position in the summer, I might even consider using it.Furthermore, there is a good deal of information. My windows are rather huge (typical for my age, I assume), so I was a little concerned, but there was more than enough to work with. I'm quite happy with this purchase.



3M Indoor Patio Door Insulator Kit, 1-Patio Door Review:


With this plastic, I'm very happy. My room no longer has as many drafts, but I don't detect much of a difference in the way the cold is blocked. The "R Factor" hasn't really increased much, in my opinion.This was set up by myself on my own. Despite being short, I had no trouble performing it.I have a sliding Andersen door that is 23 years old. Although I would really like to replace it, I must choose the inexpensive route. I used a lit match to try to find where the drafts were coming from, but the wind blew the match out.I started by caulking the massive air leaks with a detachable rope-type caulk. This plastic was not supposed to be blowing.I used a paper towel soaked in rubbing alcohol to clean all the painted trim. To prepare the surface for the tape, this was advised.I had to be inventive because the base trim on my sliding patio door wasn't there to put the tape on. I bought a 1 1/2" x 1/2" piece of white PVC trim and trimmed it just slightly larger than I needed. By creating strain, this kept it in place. Since the area is carpeted, I was unable to connect trim to the floor. This trim matched the other wood trim surrounding the door in thickness. I was able to tape all four sides because of this.The door itself is set back from the other trim by about 1 1/2". I cut a second piece of trim to fill the space even though the 6-foot piece of trim fits with some stress. To secure it, I used sticky back Velcro. As it is difficult to convey, I am trying to attach a photo to demonstrate how I handled this.I should mention that I took the handle off the door. The external handle is screwed to the interior handle. I anticipated that the handle's outside would come off, but it didn't. To ensure that the other part of the handle stays in place, I put the screws back into the holes.I applied all the tape, pushing it firmly into place while rubbing my thumb over the painted wood trim's face as well as the PVC trim piece by the floor. I then gave it some time to rest to see if it had set. Only the top strip of tape had its protective paper removed, and I affixed the plastic after that. I then repeated the action at the base. One side comes last, then the other. I did so by gradually removing the protective paper.To avoid having to move a step stool, I lined up dining chairs all the way along the wall. This allowed me to easily reach the top by walking sideways. similar to scaffolding Being short requires creativity.I applied a hairdryer as instructed. You can watch videos online to better understand that section. I started at the boundaries and worked my way in.I still had enough plastic to make another small window. Additionally, I bought the XL size kit and completed a few windows that were each over 9 feet wide. And I completed them on my own. Although having a helper would make it simpler, I'm only saying that if little ol' me can do it without getting it all twisted up, you can too.The bottom trim piece did slightly pull out of place due to the heat shrinking, thus I will admit that I regret stretching the film too taut in the first place. When taping, I don't believe you should pull it tight. curve in learning.It was as clear as glass and sealed up like a drum. For individuals who cannot afford window replacement, it is a fantastic option.



3M Indoor Insulator Kit, 2-Window Review:


With this plastic, I'm very happy. My room no longer has as many drafts, but I don't detect much of a difference in the way the cold is blocked. The "R Factor" hasn't really increased much, in my opinion.This was set up by myself on my own. Despite being short, I had no trouble performing it.I have a sliding Andersen door that is 23 years old. Although I would really like to replace it, I must choose the inexpensive route. I used a lit match to try to find where the drafts were coming from, but the wind blew the match out.I started by caulking the massive air leaks with a detachable rope-type caulk. This plastic was not supposed to be blowing.I used a paper towel soaked in rubbing alcohol to clean all the painted trim. To prepare the surface for the tape, this was advised.I had to be inventive because the base trim on my sliding patio door wasn't there to put the tape on. I bought a 1 1/2" x 1/2" piece of white PVC trim and trimmed it just slightly larger than I needed. By creating strain, this kept it in place. Since the area is carpeted, I was unable to connect trim to the floor. This trim matched the other wood trim surrounding the door in thickness. I was able to tape all four sides because of this.The door itself is set back from the other trim by about 1 1/2". I cut a second piece of trim to fill the space even though the 6-foot piece of trim fits with some stress. To secure it, I used sticky back Velcro. As it is difficult to convey, I am trying to attach a photo to demonstrate how I handled this.I should mention that I took the handle off the door. The external handle is screwed to the interior handle. I anticipated that the handle's outside would come off, but it didn't. To ensure that the other part of the handle stays in place, I put the screws back into the holes.I applied all the tape, pushing it firmly into place while rubbing my thumb over the painted wood trim's face as well as the PVC trim piece by the floor. I then gave it some time to rest to see if it had set. Only the top strip of tape had its protective paper removed, and I affixed the plastic after that. I then repeated the action at the base. One side comes last, then the other. I did so by gradually removing the protective paper.To avoid having to move a step stool, I lined up dining chairs all the way along the wall. This allowed me to easily reach the top by walking sideways. similar to scaffolding Being short requires creativity.I applied a hairdryer as instructed. You can watch videos online to better understand that section. I started at the boundaries and worked my way in.I still had enough plastic to make another small window. Additionally, I bought the XL size kit and completed a few windows that were each over 9 feet wide. And I completed them on my own. Although having a helper would make it simpler, I'm only saying that if little ol' me can do it without getting it all twisted up, you can too.The bottom trim piece did slightly pull out of place due to the heat shrinking, thus I will admit that I regret stretching the film too taut in the first place. When taping, I don't believe you should pull it tight. curve in learning.It was as clear as glass and sealed up like a drum. For individuals who cannot afford window replacement, it is a fantastic option.


Does putting plastic on windows help keep cold out?

One reason to put plastic on your windows is to keep the cold out. By doing this, you can lower your heating bill because your home will retain heat better. There are kits available that have double-sided tape to attach the plastic to your windows. The plastic is clear, so you won't even notice it's there.

Does window film keep cold out?

Window film does an excellent job of keeping cold out. It is like an extra layer of insulation for your windows. It works by reflecting heat back into the room and keeping the cold air from coming in.

How do window insulation kits work?

Window insulation kits work by creating an airtight seal around your windows. This seal prevents warm air from escaping your home in the winter and cool air from entering your home in the summer. The kits come with weatherstripping and caulking that you apply around the perimeter of your window. Once the seal is complete, you can then add the window insulation film. The film is applied directly to the window glass and creates an additional barrier against heat loss.

How do you insulate windows?

One way to insulate windows is to use window film. Window film is a thin plastic film that is applied to the inside of a window. It helps to block out drafts and keep heat in.

How do you keep your windows warm in the winter?

There are a few things you can do to keep your windows warm in the winter. One is to invest in some good quality curtains or blinds. This will help to keep the heat in and the cold out. Another is to make sure that you seal any gaps around your windows. This can be done with weatherstripping or caulk. Finally, you can also use a window film to help insulate your windows.

How do you seal outside windows?

Outside windows can be sealed in a number of ways. One common method is to use silicone sealant. This can be applied to the window frame using a caulking gun. Another option is to use weatherstripping. This is a strips of material that can be applied to the frame of the window.