Basic Ways to Insulate Your Windows

by Mark Row

Having a Draught-Free Home

If you have ever found yourself using an extra blanket when reading by the window or feeling cold shivers while watching television in your living room, you should probably check your windows and try dealing with the problem with proper window insulation. It is not uncommon for people to often overlook windows and window frames when thinking of insulation, although researches have shown that a lot of heat is lost through old, draughty windows and doors. Not to despair, since there are quite a few effective yet basic ways of insulating your windows and keeping your home well sealed and protected.

Why Insulate Your Windows

First thing first, let’s talk about some benefits of having a well insulated window. Namely heat loss through windows appears as conduction (when heat escapes through the glass), infiltration (the cold air coming in through unsealed gaps and holes and the warm air escaping out), probably the greatest source of heat loss – radiation (heat exchange between cold and warm objects) and convection (the movement of cold and warm air causing temperature drops).

Well, proper insulation will deal with all of the named problems resulting in a more stabile, constant and comfortable inner temperature. Sealing those gaps, cracks and holes between the glass and the frame will prevent heat loss, while some other methods will keep the inner glass temperature more constant and reduce condensation risks, which is something you most definitely want to avoid. This can all lead to energy saving, lower electricity bills and a smaller carbon footprint, but also turn your home into a peaceful and calming oasis due to noise level decrease.

Insulation Options

Know that there is more than one way to insulate your windows, some are more time and money consuming and should be performed by a professional, others are basically a DIY project. Before opting for one, you will need to make certain assessments and make some choices. Firstly, the method and material will depend on the type of the window and its placement, but also on what you are expecting from insulation and what you are willing to sacrifice. Namely, some types of insulation will potentially block your window (or at least a part of it) and thus decrease the level of light in the room, so just asses how important adequate lighting is for you (for example, it could be a greater issue in your kitchen than in your bedroom). Then consider how much are you willing to pay, since some materials are maybe more efficient but also more expensive. On the other hand, some will only protect you from the cold whilst others will insulate your home during the summer as well. Once you have answered the previous questions, determine the greatest source of heat loss (that is identify the window that needs to e insulated the most), take necessary measurements and you are ready to go onto the next step.

Now, let’s consider your options in window insulation. One possible solution could be replacing your windows with brand new double-glazed (or even triple-glazed) windows or, if this is too costly for you or applicable regulation do not allow you to (when living in a listed building for example) adding another frame and glass pane inside the window reveal which is maybe not as effective as double-glazing, but is less invading and easier to install.

Another option is weather stripping which is the best option for sealing the gaps between the window sill and window frame, since especially in older windows, even when fully closed they tend to let some cold air in. The weather stripping rubber is very easy to place, just close the window as tight as you can, clean the sill form dirt and dust, stick the tape onto the sill and let the window compress it. An alternative is the so called draft snake filled with foam or rice, which is more durable.

If you are thinking of insulating the window frame, consider spray foam sealants which are very effective but need to be placed carefully due to the expanding factor, so make sure not to overdo it and ultimately cause more damage than good. Another option is using insulating films for your windows which come in kits and can be found in any hardware store. If you notice any bubbles in the plastic sheeting (meaning that some air has leaked through during the installation process), just use a hair dryer to attach the film tightly onto the window.

You Can Also Use Window Insulating Films

Finally, if you want a more lasting solution for window insulation which has more than one use, you can always opt for some energy efficient window treatment like wooden blinds, interior shutters or heavy drapes which will keep the cold air trapped between the glass and the window covering, keeping you safe from draughts and air leakage. This can also contribute to your interior design since there are a number of different colors, patterns and styles of these window treatments which will serve you both during the winter and summertime. Of course, all or some of the above mentioned options are not exclusive, meaning that you can successfully combine them and more drastically improve your home energy efficiency.

If you know any other Window Insulating Method post it in the comments below.