How to Seal Windows and Doors From the Cold

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Most people who live above the 35 th parallel are likely experiencing a bit of cold weather right about now. Though November’s weather can be downright schizophrenic in its oscillation between balmy days and freezing rain, December tends to settle down a bit so winter can establish itself more firmly. In addition to leaving us chilled every time we leave the house, these frigid days bestow upon us the added bonus of cold drafts through our homes—particularly in older buildings where there are cracks and gaps around windows and door frames.

In order to fend off freezing temperatures in our living spaces, it’s a good idea to add some insulation to the areas that let in the greatest amount of cold air: windows, and doors. Though most modern homes have double-paned glass, and doors that have been well-fitted to the frames, older dwellings may have slanted walls and ceilings which contribute to ill-fitting windows and such. If you suspect that there are leaks and cracks around yours, wait for a windy day and then move a lit stick of incense all around the frames: the incense smoke will flutter when it encounters a draft. Marking off the most leaky areas with a pencil will help you to seal them more effectively, and to do so, you have a few options available to you.

WINDOWS

Since you’re unlikely to be cracking windows open for a bit of fresh, freezing air in the middle of winter, the best option is to seal them up until spring.

Rubber Sealing Tape

This tape is inexpensive, and simple to use: you just measure your window frame, cut pieces to the right length, and peel off the backing to stick them to your windows—it’ll seal off the vast majority of leaks, and can be removed quickly and easily once the weather warms up again. This doesn’t affect the quality of light coming through your windows, but can wreak havoc on your frames: when you remove the tape, it can leave a gummy residue behind that’s difficult to remove, and it will often tear off bits of paint from any coated surface it’s come into contact with.

Plastic Insulation Film

My favourite way to seal windows is with the sort of insulating shrink-wrap that you can get at your local hardware store. It comes in sheets that you apply to the outside edges of the frame with double-sided tape, and then you use a hairdryer to shrink it, thus creating an airtight seal. The tape it uses rarely causes any damage to the frame, and though the window itself can look a bit cloudy over time, it’s not terribly noticeable, and doesn’t dim any sunlight.

By sealing up your windows for the winter, you’ll not only stop drafts from seeping into your home, you’ll also save on heating costs: you won’t have to crank up your heater to combat the cold, so your electricity or gas bills will be lessened as well.

DOORS

Insulating doors is a little bit trickier than windows, seeing as how we tend to use them on a daily basis for entering and exiting our homes. Since most of us aren’t keen on barricading ourselves into our houses for the entire winter, door-sealing options have to be as effective as possible without restricting movement through them.

Closed-Cell Foam Tape

This tape is similar to the sealing tape used for windows, only it’s a bit more hardcore: those closed cells are little pockets of air, so they insulate rather effectively. This stuff is ideal for exterior doors through which outdoor air is more likely to seep in.

For interiors, consider a door snake: these are long tubes of fabric that are placed at the foot of doors to stop drafts from slipping in through the gaps beneath entryways. Since cold air sinks and is more likely to slink in at floor level, blocking off those lower door gaps can actually help to keep your rooms nice and toasty.

In addition to these sealing ideas, consider hanging heavy drapes over your windows and even over hopelessly drafty doors: though we’re unaccustomed to seeing curtains over doors nowadays, they were used quite extensively in the past to help insulate homes in wintertime. A velvet drape hung at the back of one’s bedroom door can be a lovely decorative addition, and using heavy window curtains is actually a great way to keep your home warm—keep south-facing drapes open during the day to let in as much sunshine as possible (it’s warming!), and then close them as the sun is setting to keep all the toasty-ness inside.

Featured photo credit: old farm in the mountains at winter via Shutterstock

13 Ways to Insulate Windows from Cold

It is often not so crucial whether your heating is good enough, but whether your windows are well insulated. If you want to preserve the heat of your home, you should insulate windows in your home as soon as the colder weather begins. The result of that small and often inexpensive effort will be felt almost instantly. Let’s consider the options you have.

1. Secondary glazing

If you want to insulate windows in your home in the long run, you should think of secondary glazing. It is actually window panes with a thin frame.

After installing it on the inside of the window, the space between the secondary glazing and window will create a so-called buffer zone without airflow.

It is a convenient and discreet option, especially for heritage houses. Secondary glazing will improve the thermal performance of each window without affecting the appearance of the building negatively.

2. Thermal curtains

Thermal curtains have a special lining that will help to insulate windows effectively if you cover them entirely. Unfortunately, curtains block sunlight at the same time, but you can solve that by attaching them to a window curtain rod. That way, you can tie your curtains on the side throughout the day.

The best advantage of their usage is the prevention of airflow. Consequently, curtains will hold warm air inside your home during a cold period of the year and keep the house cool during the summer. Plus, they will reduce outside sounds and improve the beauty of your room thanks to different colors and designs.

One of the most practical solutions is adding bathroom window curtains. They will protect your privacy and keep your bathroom well-insulated.

3. Cellular shades

As a reliable alternative to curtains, cellular shades will insulate windows powerfully thanks to ‘honeycomb cells’ they contain. These cells will keep your house warm by ‘catching’ warm air.

Therefore, you should install your cellular shades as close to the window panes as possible. Plus, if you pick out the right dimensions fitting your windows and hold their sides tight to the wall, they will create a convenient sealed air space.

Keep in mind that a combination of curtains and cellular shades provides double insulating power. However, it can be quite expensive option.

4. Window insulation panels

One of the excellent options is to insulate windows with insulation panels. It will be enough to set up the aluminum frame to the interior side of the existing windows in your home.

These frames have a type of weatherstripping at the perimeter that can seal the windows. Basically, you can finish the entire job by yourself since a panel kit contains instructions and all the necessary components for insulation.

Always measure windows accurately before purchasing the window insulation kit to make sure that the panel fits appropriately.

When you achieve that, a secondary air pocket will be created between the existing window and the panel itself. Consequently, if there is any leaking through cracks, the excess air will get trapped inside that pocket.

5. Window insulation film

A window film is an excellent and practical solution to insulate windows in your house successfully. It will create an insulating barrier between the window and the interior of the house.

You can purchase a kit in a local store. It includes plastic shrink film and double-sided sticky tape. Measure what size of the film you need and cut it precisely.

Use the double-sided tape to apply the film to the indoor window frame and heat it with a hairdryer to remove folds.

The advantage of this inexpensive solution is its simplicity. You won’t have any trouble applying and removing this film. When you decide to take it out, it is better to soak the tape in rubbing alcohol. That way, you will minimize the occurrence of any damage and problems with sticky residues.

The negative side of this solution is that it is not aesthetically pleasing. Even though light can still shine through, the window will look blur.

6. Removable magnetic window insulation

There is one more excellent solution to insulate windows in your home, especially if you want to open them from time to time during the winter.

Instead of impractical tape, this solution includes magnets holding the insulating vinyl over the window. Thanks to them, you can put on or out a cover as desired.

The procedure of installation is not complicated. Apply a few coats of magnetic paint to the trim of every window you want to insulate.

After measuring the vinyl, you need to cut it appropriately to fit the window. Then attach magnetic tape to it. The principle is based on the connection between the magnetic tape and magnetic paint that will hold the vinyl on the place.

7. Bubble wrap

I like bursting bubbles among my fingers, but don’t find bubble wrap the most beautiful way to insulate windows. However, it is a convenient, practical, and cheap solution.

Always pick out bubble wrap with larger bubbles since they provide better insulation than smaller ones. Start by spraying a mist of water over the glass surface of the window panes.

Then, press the bubble side of the wrap to the moist window. If you have a problem with placing it, you can add some glycerin to the water.

In the end, don’t forget to seal the edges with double-sided tape to keep it attached to the glass. The great thing is that you can apply bubble wrap within a few minutes.

The disadvantage of this solution is that bubble wrap blocks the view. On the other side, it will allow unobstructed passage of light through the window. Also, be careful since the tape can leave a trace of glue and raise the color when you try to peel it off.

8. Rope caulk

Have you ever thought that it is possible to insulate windows with rope caulk? Actually, it is a useful option for sealing possible cracks. Purchase a package of a long, rolled rope caulk in a local store and cut it in pieces which length depends on the dimensions of your windows.

Then, put it into free spaces along the edges of the window panes. Repeat the procedure on the outside of the windows, if possible, to get extra insulation. Once you want to remove the caulk, it will be enough to peel it away with a knife or your own fingers.

9. Rubber weather sealing

Buy self-adhesive weather sealing strips in the local store and cut them to match the size of your windows. Then, seal the strips off along the inner edges of the frame.

It is an inexpensive and quick option to insulate windows in your home. Keep in mind that it is necessary to replace the strips from time to time.

When you try to peel old strips away, you will probably notice a colored residue. It won’t be a problem if you plan to add new ones right away. Otherwise, you may need to paint the area.

10. Weather-seal tape

If your windows don’t seal properly, one of the options to solve this problem is a weather-seal tape. You can choose among different types to insulate windows, but foam strips are the most popular, easy to use, and cheap.

Measure the width and height of your window and cut a strip of the tape of appropriate length. Place it along the edge of the window, and it will prevent airflow for several months.

Basically, the weather-seal tape is a temporary fix. Keep in mind that it will leave the glue residue on your window after removing it.

11. High-performance sealant

It is a more durable solution than rope caulk, regardless of whether you want to use low-expansion foam or high-performance caulk sealant.

You will need a caulk gun to squeeze the sealant into the gaps along the exterior window edge or a shooter foam gun if you choose to apply expansion foam.

Make sure to apply the sealant or foam without breaking the lane. After it cures, the sealant will block airflow and moisture, and prevent the growth of mildew, as well. The great thing is that you can use it on most building materials.

12. Draft snake

The beauty of this solution is in its simplicity. Pick out the fabric in the desired color and sew the draft snake as an elegant solution to insulate windows in your home. You can choose various fillings, such as polyester stuffing, chopped sponge, and dried rice.

Take care that the tube matches the width of each window you need to insulate. Then place it along the inside bottom of the window. Unfortunately, you can’t use your draft snake to seal the top and sides of the window.

13. Nail polish

If you notice small cracks in the glass of your window, you can solve the problem by painting them with nail polish. It is not a complicated procedure. Apply a few coats of colorless nail polish directly over the fissures. Always let each coat dries entirely before applying the next one.

Keep in mind that this is not a permanent solution. The nail polish can seal the damaged area and prevent the spreading of cracks for a few months. Be prepared that you will need to replace cracked window glass eventually.

Warmest Way to Cover Cold Windows

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Energy agencies say windows can leak 30 percent or more of the home’s heat in winter months. While old windows may need to be replaced to effectively fix the problem — and save your wallet long-term — you can cover the glass and window seams in various ways to keep cold air out and warm air in. While any one method helps, use them together to save the most and keep those windows airtight.

Caulking

Cover the seam where the window meets the wall with a line of caulk (often this means the casing, or trim, surrounding the window frame, which covers the gap between the window jambs and the structural wall framing). Remove any old caulking with a screwdriver or putty knife. Then wash the area to remove any dirt or dust; allow it to air-dry. Use a caulking gun or convenience tube to apply a thin bead of caulking, then smooth the bead with your finger. Seal along both side edges of casing. The caulk helps stop airflow when the gaps between the jambs and wall framing aren’t properly insulated and air-sealed.

Weather Stripping

Choose a commercial weather stripping that allows the window to open without sticking but still forms an airtight seal on problem joints. Most products have an adhesive on one side; you simply peel off the adhesive and attach the weather stripping in a line down the crack or window frame while the window is open. Cut off any extra weather stripping once the entire frame has been sealed. When you close the window, make sure the airflow has been stopped but that the window still closes properly and will lock.

Shrink Wrap

Enclose your windows with a layer of tight plastic to keep cold air out, and warm air in. Kits can be purchased at home repair stores for less than $7 at the time of publication. Wipe down the glass, frame and sill, as well as the wall around the window, to remove any dirt or dust. Then simply cut the plastic sheeting to the size of your window opening (typically overlapping onto the window’s casing), attach it with the provided double-sided tape, and heat it with a hair dryer to shrink it tight and remove wrinkles.

Curtains, Drapes or Blinds

Cover the glass with functional yet decorative insulators. Hang cellular blinds to allow light into the room while still holding cold air out. Thermal curtains are heavily lined to rebuff cold air and retain a room’s warmer temperatures. During the day, pull them open to allow sunlight to enter and warm the room naturally. As the light fades, pull them closed to cover the window and block the cooler air trying to enter. Or layer several thicknesses of curtains or drapes to block cold air and provide an insulating cover on the window. These should also be thrown open on sunny days to allow the light into the room, trapping warmer air. Blinds are not as insulating as fabric, but consider using both options.

Draft Snakes

Also known as draft stoppers, these filled fabric tubes are placed against the length of windows to stop drafts from coming in. Even if you’re noncrafty, you can easily make one with old tube socks or nylons filled with rice, simply tied off with rubber bands. Measure the window for the proper length, and lay the finished product on the sill against the window seam to block any air leaks.