Save Your $$$ Fix For Drafty Windows, by Home RenoVision DIY on YouTube. 2 min 13 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 13 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Clean the window frame and trim with a damp cloth. Dust and grease stop the tape sticking, so let the surface dry fully before you start.
Measure the width and height of the frame, then add about 5 cm to each side. Cut the film to that size with scissors.
Peel the backing off the double-sided tape and press it around the whole frame, keeping it close to the edge. Run a continuous strip with no gaps.
Press the film onto the tape at the top corners first, then work along the top, down both sides and across the bottom. Pull it gently so it sits flat.
Run your hand over the tape line to seal the film all the way around. Any loose edge will flap and let cold air back in.
Hold the hairdryer on a low to medium heat setting about 10 to 15 cm from the film. Move it slowly across the surface until the film shrinks tight and clear.
Work in sections and stop as soon as the wrinkles smooth out. Too much heat in one spot can melt or split the film.
Check the edges once the film cools. Press down any lifting tape, and patch small holes with a scrap of clear tape.
Tips and common mistakes
Shrink the film on a mild day, since very cold film can crack when heated.
Leave the tape strip slightly inside the frame edge so the film does not touch the glass.
Do not cover vents, gas appliances or window openings you need for escape.
Keep the hairdryer moving and never rest it on the film or the sill.
Questions
Can I still open the window with the kit on?
No. The film seals the window shut for the season, so fit it on windows you do not need to open. Remove it in spring by peeling the tape slowly.
Will the film damage paint or varnish?
Usually not, but warm the tape with the hairdryer for a few seconds before peeling it off. Test on a hidden corner first if your trim is old or flaking.
How much does a kit cost to run?
A kit is a low-cost item from a hardware or department store and covers several windows. One kit per average window is a good rule.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
