Anyone still cover windows with plastic??

**steve-in-kville** · 10-03-2007, 08:38 AM

My MIL does this... late in october she covers all her windows with plastic using double stick tape. We have a drafty house and I'm tempted to try it myself.

Does anyone else do this?

**Rompers1** · 10-03-2007, 08:43 AM

We used to do this until we were able to purchase new windows. The only thing I didn't like was that in either peeled the paint off my windows or the tape would come off.

**mom22grls** · 10-03-2007, 08:47 AM

We do it. You can tape it to the wall around the trim...that seemed to help. The paint doesn't come off of our walls as easily as it does the trim.

It helps a ton!

I can't *wait* until spring, though to get the plastic off.

**PB&J** · 10-03-2007, 10:22 AM

We used to do that when we lived in a really drafty house. It helped a lot. We just bought a house a little over a year ago and got lucky, it has brand new, energy effient double paned windows. No drafts at all!

**frugalfarmwife** · 10-03-2007, 11:20 AM

I did this last year and it helped a LOT! We bought the kit for it and removal didn't hurt out paneling at all.

LOL, the biggest problem was the bloodhound slobber/noseprints, we couldn't just wash them off and you CAN'T keep Cleotis away from windows!

kj

**Kabocha Girl** · 10-03-2007, 01:11 PM

We do it every year. I don't like the sticky residue it leaves, but it sure helps with the heating bill. It's easy to do, too.

**Laurie in Bradenton** · 10-03-2007, 02:08 PM

No here in South Florida we use plywood and in the dead of summer too. lol

Laurie in Bradenton

**Missourimom** · 10-03-2007, 03:42 PM

My mom used to use it all the time when I was kid. I was finally able to talk dh into it this year because our funds are sooo tight and we just can't swing hefty heating bills this winter. I also put large old comforters over each of our basement doors to cut back on the drafts. The wind really whips through our doors here.

**boogiemum** · 10-03-2007, 04:54 PM

Hmm, never thought about it. I wonder if I should give it a try to help keep the A/C in?

**sdrjeolsen** · 10-03-2007, 04:56 PM

We used to do it, helped lower the heating bills a lot. Now we have really good windows, so its not an issue.

**claimsgirl66** · 10-03-2007, 06:27 PM

I do it each winter as well on 2 large, drafty windows where the wind blows just so. I get one of the kits,use a hair dryer and comes out pretty good. The trim on these 2 windows are painted with a semi gloss so the tape comes off well & I just rubbed the residue off with my fingers in the spring, Been doing it 4 winters now. Certainly worth a try.

**Edna_E** · 10-03-2007, 07:42 PM

Most years I do. It definitely makes a difference, not only on the bills but on the overall comfort of my drafty house!

**peanut** · 10-03-2007, 08:26 PM

We have for several years now. The tape ripped the finish off our drywall though, so I'd attach it inside the window well or to the trim. Then caulk around/under the trim to seal further leaks. DH took the trim off one year and caulked the gap between the window and the house framing, which was considerable!

This fall though, we're replacing two basement windows. They are sliders and falling apart. Time for something more weathertight. It gets down to -50C, including wind chill, here in winter...and the wind is significant!

Another thing to consider is to cover the window with layers. We start with a mini blind or sheers, and cover that with a lined drape or curtain. As long as there's about 1/2" between each layer, it ups the insulation value. Not sure by how much, but it made a real difference to how drafty the house was.

Another thing is to keep carpet/rugs on the floor. I can't because of allergies, but I noticed a real breeze when we picked them up. DH has caulked under the baseboards on the exterior walls too since then.

Also, if you have a fireplace, get an insert put in. Especially if it's an old fireplace. Money and heat go up the chimney. Alternatively, build a plug to stop airflow in the winter. I've seen them made out of plywood.

Jean

**kabin63** · 10-03-2007, 10:53 PM

Before we remodeled our house and installed new windows we did it. Only my Dh used wood lathe and thicker plastic and installed it on the outside old siding. It helped a lot. I also put up old blankets occasionally, especially when it was a strong NW wind. This year I am looking for a caulk that is semi permanant, so I can caulk where the windows come together, in case any of the seals are not quite tip top. It will make a difference in your heating bills if you decide to do it.