Plastic or Window Quilts?

**Bellaboo** · 10-18-2007, 04:09 PM

I don't know if I should put plastic over my windows or try a window quilt. Which would work better? Would it be redundant to use both?

**EnergyBoomer** · 10-18-2007, 08:43 PM

I suggest using the window quilts at night only to avoid using lighting during the day.

The plastic lets light in by day but seals and insulates the window 24 hours a day.

Hope this helps.

Energy Boomer

**Jaded** · 10-18-2007, 09:08 PM

I used to use plastic, and it was amazing how it poofed out when the drafts came through! Geez!

I want some insulated curtains. It's not so bad here in the winter, but I think I can do better. My house is 26 years old, so I'm sure I have drafts.

**Bellaboo** · 10-18-2007, 10:29 PM

good point energyboomer. I'll use the plastic and then the quilts at night and in rooms that don't get used much like my son's when he's at school. Thanx for the help.

**Dancing Lotus** · 10-19-2007, 09:43 AM

I would think the plastic would do better at blocking the draft but the quilts would do better at blocking the radiant cold air . So if you have both why not use both?

**kabin63** · 10-22-2007, 12:05 AM

I have another idea too. I went to the hardware store today and purchased some "Seasonal Caulk" to put on the areas that might not be covered. Then after warm weather returns you just peel it off and you're good to go till next year. I am giving it a try this year just so I don't have to worry about covering the windows so heavily for winter and I can take advantage of the sun more.

**Edna_E** · 10-22-2007, 05:14 PM

The key point to the plastic being effective is that it has to seal well all the way around. It is much less effective if there are "leaks" for the cold air to go through.

**shoiji** · 10-26-2007, 12:08 PM

All this talk about blankets and window quilts made me think about my drafty windows and doors. I am in an apt. complex and the windows and doors are pretty cold in the winter. So I was able to buy some blankets at Family dollar. Just need to go to the craft store to get some metal loops to use to hang the blanket over my sliding glass doors. Hope this works to save on heating. Thanks for the idea!

**momof42003** · 10-27-2007, 06:01 AM

Since my dh has a "phobia" about using the plastic on windows, he thinks it would be a bad idea trying to get the kids out if there was a fire, I am trying window quilts this year in the kids bedrooms.. I have heavy drapes in the diningroom, and have mini blinds in the livingroom and kitchen. I may go and get that caulk, because I know for a fact there are leaks in the window frames and such...

**EnergyBoomer** · 10-27-2007, 10:53 AM

The removable caulking you folks are talking about cost about $5 a tube and has a brand name of Seal 'N' Peal. It is made by DAP Products so you can ask for it by name. It is clear, sticks good and it will peel off by stretching it. Any residue crumples when you rub it. It comes off cleanly.

I would NOT recommend it for fire escape routes. If you use it to seal a door or window shut you may have trouble opening it quickly in an emergency. It would be easier to rip through plastic than to quickly peal off all the caulk before opening a fire escape window or door.

**steelergal** · 10-28-2007, 09:23 AM

I am with EnergyBoomer on what I do! I am currently putting up our plastic on our windows (I know I am running behind- I want to get it done today before the frost sets in tonight! Only 7 more to go!)- when it is really cold and windy I will put quilts over our windows and our doors.

**shoiji** · 10-28-2007, 01:57 PM

Put the blankets up on the windows and sliding glass door. For the windows cut them out of a blanket. Luckily picked up off white so you really can't tell in the bedroom. The sliding glass door when I was trimming the bottom I noticed the difference in temperature already. It is breezy here and will be going in the 30's tonight.

Thank you thank you!

**bamber** · 10-28-2007, 05:27 PM

What kind of plastic do you use for windows? How do you put it on? Is it really visible from the outside? What about the blankets?

**Alice Chalmers** · 10-29-2007, 12:10 PM

The plastic is in kits you can buy at the hardware store.

We just put up plastic, and at some point I'd like to make window quilts. We just moved here and they're initially expensive, so that will be an ongoing project.

**steelergal** · 10-30-2007, 07:23 AM

This year we are using Frost King 6 mil plastic sheeting (have to buy the tape seperately). You can only see it somewhat from the outside (mainly on the pieces that had a crease in it).

We usually use the kind that you use a hair dryer on to remove the wrinkles and make it air tight- but it was soo expensive this year (I used to be able to get the larger pack on clearance at Wal Mart for $3). In order to do our bay window and 1 other window costs over $13- we would have to buy more to cover our remaining 10 windows!

I will be looking into making window quilts this spring (hopefully when they will be on sale!).