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About Clear Insulating Window Film Kits - (Heat-Shrink Plastic)

last month
last modified: last month

Dear all,


Thanks for your help in advance. We are looking for some cheap solutions that we can keep the window insulated to save energy bills (for gas furnace) during winter (we live in San Francisco).


It seems that there are clear insulating window film kits (e.g., Duck 286218 Extra Large 84 x 120") or XFasten Transparent Window Weather Sealing Tape 2" x 30 yards (50.8mm x 27.43m).


For extra large windows in the sun room, which solution would work better? If our window is wider than the standard size of insulation kit, can you overlap them?


Also other than these sealing tapes or the s=insulating window film kits, is there any other solutions that would be easy to install and remove later (after the winter is over)? How about temporary caulking? Would that work as well? Thanks!

Comments (9)

  • last month

    "Rope caulk" works well, is easy to apply, and removes fairly easily. One brand name is Mortite. I've used the 3M films but windows were not large. I've even cut foam boards to a tight fit and placed in openings. I used 1" EPS foam board.

  • PRO
    last month

    Spend your money on humidity management. It isn’t like SF actually gets anything close to being even ”cool”, much less cold. The humidity is what makes people feel as though it’s colder than it is.

  • PRO
    last month

    Shirtless Packers fans in the snow laugh at 50 degrees being considered cold. That’s sunbathing weather.

  • last month

    I've used window film a LOT (I live in North Dakota, grew up in MN). Our current house has new windows facing East and South, and we haven't had any condensation or draft issues since we moved here. In our last house, we covered all the windows for years; after replacing the windows, we only put film on the bedroom windows, which faced NW (the direction of our prevailing winter winds). I always used 3M brand. For large windows, they do make one big enough for patio doors.


  • last month

    You can try window inserts. This is a company that makes them, but I suspect you can find how-tos on-line.

    Insulating Inserts – WindowDressers

    How to Build Window Inserts - DIY | PJ Fitzpatrick

  • last month

    This YouTube video shows how to build interior storm windows (he wanted to block out noise - but they are the same as the ones for insulation).


    My daughter lives in an older home - when she first found the interior storm windows stored down in the basement, she called me to ask what they were (hers are made with glass). One was missing - my SIL used the below video to make one for an upstairs window.


    In the video, plexiglass is used instead of the plastic used to insulate windows.


    This photo right before he removed the protection film covering the plexiglass. He also makes a comment about how he should have used white screws instead of regular silver ones.




    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrRraS3zspU



  • last month

    For large sunroom windows, the clear insulating film kit (like Duck or 3M) will work better than tape, it creates a full air barrier over the glass and helps retain heat. You can overlap film pieces slightly if the window’s wider than the kit. Use weather-sealing tape around edges for extra draft protection. Removable caulk or rope caulk also works well for sealing gaps and can be peeled off in spring.

  • last month

    Sounds like a ChatGPT comment, but window film doesn't work better than tape, tape is integral to the application and sealing of the window film. It's included in the window film kits. And if you overlap film, you will have the tape showing which is unsightly.