Heat shrink film for covering windows

[Rehan]

Any comments on the heat shrink window film kits like the one described here (http://www.homestore.com/HomeGarden/HomeImprovement/HowTos/HowTos/CRHO_InstallingHeatShrinkPlasticOverWindow.asp?poe =homestore)? I'm thinking of installing them on a few windows this winter, for the first time...

[skuntbehavior]

it works.
use to own a house that was 15 years old. the windows needed replacing and that was a cheap alternative for the winter. the house was 2300 sq. feet. we put that stuff on every window and ended up lowering the thermostat. very efficient.

[synaptech]

Works well and it will keep the cold out as long as you keep it sealed, the unfortunate part is that is also keeps all the fresh air out too. In undergrad we used this to seal up all the big leaky windows, but with a couple of smokers we soon decided it was better to have one or teo windows that could be opened - eve if we were a bit cold. A good hair dryer should be enough, but a heat gun would be better.

[dealforme]

Originally posted by skuntbehavior@Dec 1 2003, 11:35 PM
it works.
use to own a house that was 15 years old. the windows needed replacing and that was a cheap alternative for the winter. the house was 2300 sq. feet. we put that stuff on every window and ended up lowering the thermostat. very efficient.
I second this. Works like a charm and really easy to install.

[itsmypostoffice]

very easy to use and no mess no fuss [good bonding exercise for with the wife/gf, husband/bf, bf/bf, gf/gf...you get the idea]. CT sells packages of precut sheets so it can`t get any easier.

[jedijome]

they work really well , you'll really notice a difference. worth the money if you ask me.

[blackhawk]

Yeah, I use it every winter and they make an excellent seal. Try to leave a window or two uncovered though for ventilation.

Pets can be a problem though as they'll claw it. The cheaper films (CT for one) can tear easier when installing.

I just use a good hair dryer and work from the middle out.

[grant]

I put this on some skylights and it got brittle and broke after a few years.

Don't go too nuts with the heating or you'll ruin your sheet & have to start over again.

[Rehan]

Okay, so I bought a $4 installation kit from Canadian Tire, and it seems to work well...but it only covered one relatively small window. That would get pretty expensive, if I want to do that every year throughout the house. (Unfortunately, the builder couldn't get Low-e Argon windows in the right size when we were choosing upgrades for the house...)

Where can I find a good deal on the heat shrink stuff in bulk?

[grant]

I think the plan is to put it up and leave it up for a few years :)

[skuntbehavior]

my wife just picked up some of the Lepage Roll-on window insulator kit stuff. going to check it out right now.
will report.

[mrken]

Originally posted by itsmypostoffice@Dec 1 2003, 10:04 PM
very easy to use and no mess no fuss [good bonding exercise for with the wife/gf, husband/bf, bf/bf, gf/gf...you get the idea]. CT sells packages of precut sheets so it can`t get any easier.
So you wrap this around them or what? :D

[Powderworker]

I used it... didn't see much of an improvement with heating costs, or keeping drafts out of the room.

Best thing about it though was that our windows had a problem with icing up during the winter. This stuff kept them ice free, and saved the window casings from rotting!

[fakishan]

I never understood why we have to use a heatgun to make the poly sheets stick? My first experience with it failed misereably. Can't I use mounting tape on the metal rim of the windows? makes for something tighter I would say. 5m mounting tape is a buck at dollarama, thick (1mm) poly sheets can be bought at home depot in a large roll enough for the whole house, maybe even two winters. (not in the paint section, but the CGC/lumber section). Comes out much cheaper than buying them kits, and fo rthose who have space to save the sheets, it can be resused next winter since you didn't use a heatgun.

[Sylvestre]

one downside, that tape is super sticky and tends to take off paint when you remove it in the spring!

[fakishan]

one downside, that tape is super sticky and tends to take off paint when you remove it in the spring!


I realize that. I just test peeled it and what happens is, a small glue film is left while the big chunk comes off. The remaining film can be washed off with Goo Gone, or orange/lemon based degreasers, maybe even wd40 and jigaloooo.

[corrupt123]

yes, vary good

last year in my old house the temp was literally 7 degrees in my room... there was a door that led ouside and a huge window, and the house was old so they werent insulated well, if they were insulated at all.

anyways, before i put in the film i had to wear so much clothes it wasnt een comfortable, not to mention there was frost and ice INSIDE my room in places. anyways, after i put un the insulation it was smooth sailin all winter.

[SquealADeal]

Thanks for this post. I am certainly going to do this also!

[D-Sisive]

where can one find a sheet big enough to cover a 10x5 foot window

yea i have 2 that big in front of the house and its a cause of alot of heat lose in the winter (the windows are double paned, whatever that means, supposedly better insulation but i see water condensation between the 2 glasses at times when its really cold outside and warm inside)

[Linux]

We're going to do this in the Laundry room, washroom upstairs, and all basement windows and see how it works :)

[Rehan]

where can one find a sheet big enough to cover a 10x5 foot window

yea i have 2 that big in front of the house and its a cause of alot of heat lose in the winter (the windows are double paned, whatever that means, supposedly better insulation but i see water condensation between the 2 glasses at times when its really cold outside and warm inside)
Canadian Tire has it, and it's on sale in stores beginning tomorrow. Look for Product # 64-2605-8 (25-foot roll, 64" width) or 64-2606-6 (25-foot roll, 84" width).

http://www.canadiantire.ca/assortments/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=140847439 6670339&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524443285569&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395438793&bmUID=1132247236840&assortment=primary&fromSearch=true

[divx]

Canadian Tire has it, and it's on sale in stores beginning tomorrow. Look for Product # 64-2605-8 (25-foot roll, 64" width) or 64-2606-6 (25-foot roll, 84" width).

http://www.canadiantire.ca/assortments/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=140847439 6670339&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524443285569&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395438793&bmUID=1132247236840&assortment=primary&fromSearch=true
the regular price is $20 and the sale price is $16, sale begins on friday?
also, how many window can this cover? $16 for 1 window is a bit expensive, gona cost $200 to do all windows.

[Rehan]

the regular price is $20 and the sale price is $16, sale begins on friday?The sale price is valid online beginning today and in store beginning tomorrow.

also, how many window can this cover?Get out your measuring tape and your calculator. It's 64" x 25' for $15.99 and 84" x 25' for $19.19.

[divx]

The sale price is valid online beginning today and in store beginning tomorrow.

Get out your measuring tape and your calculator. It's 64" x 25' for $15.99 and 84" x 25' for $19.19.
that's only for the warp right? do I need to buy a heatgun separately? if so, how much and which one do you recommend?

[Rehan]

that's only for the warp right? do I need to buy a heatgun separately? if so, how much and which one do you recommend?That includes the plastic wrap and some double-sided tape. The only other thing you need is a hair dryer, which is used to shrink the plastic with heat.

[Deal_Princess]

where can one find a sheet big enough to cover a 10x5 foot window

yea i have 2 that big in front of the house and its a cause of alot of heat lose in the winter (the windows are double paned, whatever that means, supposedly better insulation but i see water condensation between the 2 glasses at times when its really cold outside and warm inside)
You see fog inbetween the two panes because the gas inbetween them has leaked out there for making for leaks and trapped moisture. A window in my house has this too will need to be replaced eventually.

[mart242]

Okay, so I bought a $4 installation kit from Canadian Tire, and it seems to work well...but it only covered one relatively small window. That would get pretty expensive, if I want to do that every year throughout the house. (Unfortunately, the builder couldn't get Low-e Argon windows in the right size when we were choosing upgrades for the house...)

Where can I find a good deal on the heat shrink stuff in bulk?

Based on what you're saying, you've got a fairly recent house. I don't think that this film is worth it in yoru case. It's only for older houses with drafty windows.

[mart242]

yea i have 2 that big in front of the house and its a cause of alot of heat lose in the winter (the windows are double paned, whatever that means, supposedly better insulation but i see water condensation between the 2 glasses at times when its really cold outside and warm inside)

That means that your window is broken. There shouldn't be any condensation between the two panes.

[divx]

is the warp suppose to stick onto glass windows? we just cover the outside frame with it.

[cliff]

is the warp suppose to stick onto glass windows? we just cover the outside frame with it.
just tape the trim along the inside of the window. The film covers the entire window + trim. Then you use a hair dryer to shrink it.

[bfg_16]

i've put them up in my bedroom and it does help for sure...can feel a noticable difference......this is the first year i've tried it!! now gonna do it every year!

[mlc2000]

ITs easy and cheap (just like my last girlfriend) :cheesygri

[NDman]

Bought a package from CT couple of weeks ago. Haven't got around to install it yet. That'll be this weekend. Hopefully it'll help. It's a stop-gap for that room for now until we upgrade the windows next year or in 2 years

[divx]

just tape the trim along the inside of the window. The film covers the entire window + trim. Then you use a hair dryer to shrink it.
so it goes on the inside? I installed it on the outside. Should I double seal and do on the inside as well?

[mcychung]

I used it... didn't see much of an improvement with heating costs, or keeping drafts out of the room.

Best thing about it though was that our windows had a problem with icing up during the winter. This stuff kept them ice free, and saved the window casings from rotting!

I have a huge problem with my windows icing up too! I have to keep wiping them to keep them ice free. But what causes this in the first place. Is it because of the quality of the windows. Its nice to know that sealing them would help.

[Rehan]

Based on what you're saying, you've got a fairly recent house. I don't think that this film is worth it in yoru case. It's only for older houses with drafty windows.Yeah, it's a fairly new home (5 years old now), but unfortunately the windows in some rooms aren't very good.

[fakishan]

warning, if you have too much humidity in your house then the condensation will form on top of the plastic film, which will then drop onto your walls. if you don't use film, they'll drip towards the window and freeze.

solution is to get a dehumidifier. i don't have one so I had to open my ceiling exhaust vents (loosng heat through that)....

[divx]

warning, if you have too much humidity in your house then the condensation will form on top of the plastic film, which will then drop onto your walls. if you don't use film, they'll drip towards the window and freeze.

solution is to get a dehumidifier. i don't have one so I had to open my ceiling exhaust vents (loosng heat through that)....
air too dry will make you nose bleed.

[MrDisco]

air too dry will make you nose bleed.

so will watching hentai

[MrDisco]

Any comments on the heat shrink window film kits like the one described here (http://www.homestore.com/HomeGarden/HomeImprovement/HowTos/HowTos/CRHO_InstallingHeatShrinkPlasticOverWindow.asp?poe =homestore)? I'm thinking of installing them on a few windows this winter, for the first time...

i put them up last year on all the windows (including the patio door). similar to other people's comments, i found:
-its a little awkward to put up (though kinda fun to watch the plastic shrink when the heat is applied). having an extra pair of hands to apply it to larger windows is recommended
-the tape can remove the paint when you goto remove it in the spring
-condensation does occur on the inside of the wrap

now this may be a coincidence but one of our thermal windows developed a crack mid-winter. this may or may not be as a result of the film (or some kid throwing his baseball around :P).

as an aside Home Depot offers 3M insulation sheets which are professionally applied by them. they reduce glare, absorb UV rays, and act as an insulator. I'm thinking of getting the security version which has all of those benefits plus acts as a barrier for any would-be thief. if they try and break the glass the fragments stick to the film and generates a very loud shattering noise. the film itself is quite strong and can slow a thief down by 20-30minutes as they try and cut through it.

[Shifty]

re: icing on windows - as was said, it's because the humidity in the house is too high. You likely have a newer home, and newer homes are vapour sealed and much tighter than old houses.

Unfortunately, a dehumidifier will not help much, it's not possible for them to get humidity down to a level where this won't happen. I'm guessing the people this is happening to are mainly in Ontario? That's because because builders here have resisted building code changes that require HRV/ERV's (ventilation systems with heat recovery) in new homes, like they do in many other provinces. New homes absolutely REQUIRE these, and because they are not put in, many people are having problems with window ice, and even worse, very poor air quality and mold. You ever wonder why your new home has a switch on the main floor for the upstairs bathroom fan? That's the builders 'solution' to this problem, you're supposed to run that fan 24/7 year round to expel humid air out, and suck fresh air in through the minute air leaks in the house (even new homes have some leaks). This is an inadequate solution, obviously, it doesn't move much air and it costs you money in heat loss and energy.

My three year old home has an ERV that I had put in when we bought the house, it not only solves the problems above, but also makes the air in the house just feel better, like you have all the windows open year round without the temperatures changes. After it was put in, I had an energy audit done to identify the air leaks in the house, which were mostly in the basement penetrations for utilities, and around windows and doors. I sealed them all up tight, the only air coming into this house now is through my ERV, which captures the cool/warm air (depending on season) energy, so my heating cooling bills are also low.

The down side? It cost about $2500 installed. You can buy a crappy one made by Venmar at HD for much less, but don't waste your money on it. If you get one, do your research and find someone who knows their stuff with these.

[MrDisco]

My three year old home has an ERV that I had put in when we bought the house, it not only solves the problems above, but also makes the air in the house just feel better, like you have all the windows open year round without the temperatures changes.

funny enough today's star (thursday) mentions the exact same effect. they refer to the unit as an HRV but the end result is the same - fresh air in your home.

makes you wonder why we put up with sub-par construction in ontario :(

[Rehan]

makes you wonder why we put up with sub-par construction in ontario :(Most people have no idea about the actual quality and they just judge homes based on what they see on the surface... :(

[MrDisco]

Most people have no idea about the actual quality and they just judge homes based on what they see on the surface... :(

whatever happened to the R2000 home? ontario should mandate a R2006 code of varying levels which clearly spell out how good a home is in categories such as insulation, air quality, and energy efficiency. it could be like an EnerGuide rating so people know what they're buying.

[Shifty]

Funny, I'm a Star subscriber ($1 a week thanks to RFD!), but haven't read my paper yet today! The CMHC site actually has a lot of info on this, I've read pretty much everything there is to know on this issue.

HRV's and ERV's are similar systems, the ERV is a bit better because it also works in summer to keep humidity levels in the right range.

[Shifty]

Oh, and R2000 homes are still around, you just won't see any many major builder building them. They figure people won't pay more for it, because the benefits are less obvious. People will choose upgraded floorings and other finishes, and happily pay for them, but they won't pay a little more to ensure their home is healthy to live in, kind of sad.

I think there are some smaller builders doing R2000 homes, but none near me, or else I would have bought one!

[blexann]

not sure if this has already been posted but I buy the wrap in bulk from home depot or CT - it works out to be cheaper than the kits and you dont have to pre-measure the window.

[mart242]

Funny, I'm a Star subscriber ($1 a week thanks to RFD!), but haven't read my paper yet today! The CMHC site actually has a lot of info on this, I've read pretty much everything there is to know on this issue.

HRV's and ERV's are similar systems, the ERV is a bit better because it also works in summer to keep humidity levels in the right range.

HRV = retains heat only. ERV = retains heat and humidity.

[mart242]

Oh, and R2000 homes are still around, you just won't see any many major builder building them. They figure people won't pay more for it, because the benefits are less obvious. People will choose upgraded floorings and other finishes, and happily pay for them, but they won't pay a little more to ensure their home is healthy to live in, kind of sad.

I think there are some smaller builders doing R2000 homes, but none near me, or else I would have bought one!

I think that the r2000 homes program has been replaced by the more popular "energy star" program. Low-e argon, better insulation, 2 stage furnace and a few other things. Most builders in the ottawa area are offering this now. R2000 wasn't a big hit and too expensive.

R2000 is a technical standard that ensures homes are more comfortable and energy efficient, with better indoor air quality and quality construction. While the ENERGY STAR program focuses on minimzing energy consumption, R2000 homes are built to a much higher standard and the design also takes into account a variety of other factors including indoor air quality, passive solar heat gain, and optimal building envelope design. Halliday Homes is an award-winning R2000 builder.

[StrayB]

Slightly off topic, but does anyone have a solution to reduce heat loss on sliding doors and exterior french doors? The coldest rooms (12-15C on a really cold day) in the house are the ones with these doors.

[blexann]

Slightly off topic, but does anyone have a solution to reduce heat loss on sliding doors and exterior french doors? The coldest rooms (12-15C on a really cold day) in the house are the ones with these doors.


off topic ? you can cover them with the shrink wrap that is being discussed in this thread.

[StrayB]

I want to reduce heat transfer, not seal off the entire door.

[blexann]

I want to reduce heat transfer, not seal off the entire door.

thats the purpose of the shrink wrap - to seal the entire door.

[SAS-1]

thats the purpose of the shrink wrap - to seal the entire door.

That's why he said "Off Topic" he needs something that will insulate but not seal the entire door.

Back on topic, my neighbours use this stuff with great results. When I lived in the student ghetto we had windows that sometimes had visible gaps when closed. We put it up and the next day we could notice the furnace coming on less. It's a nice temporary solution until you can get new windows.

Thanks for the info about HRVs. I've seen these mentioned in some home ads and was curious of their exact use.

[odd person]

Most people have no idea about the actual quality and they just judge homes based on what they see on the surface... :(
last year, when painting a room for the first time in 15 years - no one used this room until then - we found that the wall didn't meet the ceiling in a few places

[TorontoEh]

hey guys sorry to bring up old but very useful thread :)

Question is, if I get these sheets from CT/HD and install them according to the first link posted by rehan, will this help my condensation problem in my master? As I don't have a VENT so basically my bathroom windows usually have vapours on it and even my master windows have condensation in winter?

Or with the above, I should also get a small de-humidifier for my master?

I'd appreciate your advise :)

Thanks

[mon1]

Which brand is the best? easiest to use?

[blexann]

hey guys sorry to bring up old but very useful thread :)

Question is, if I get these sheets from CT/HD and install them according to the first link posted by rehan, will this help my condensation problem in my master? As I don't have a VENT so basically my bathroom windows usually have vapours on it and even my master windows have condensation in winter?

Or with the above, I should also get a small de-humidifier for my master?

I'd appreciate your advise :)

Thanks


It will not help your condensation problem except for the condesation will now appear on the film rather than your window. A dehumdifier will help or open windows in other rooms.