Duck MAX Strength Heavy Duty Insulating Film for Patio Door/Extra Large Window, 84-Inch x 120-Inch, Indoor, 284352

Product Information

Plastic film insulation kits are the easiest and most cost-effective way to seal off your windows. These kits include double-sided tape and a plastic film that is attached to a window and then shrunk with a hair dryer to create an airtight seal. If you want to insulate your garage doors or windows all year long, the best window insulation kit is the Reach Barrier 3009 Garage Door Insulation Kit. It keeps the temperature moderate in your garage, so you can comfortably utilize the extra space for a home gym or hangout.

The Frost King Extra Large Window Insulation Kit is the best window insulation kit if you’re needing to insulate two large picture windows or if you have multiple small windows. It comes with two 62 x 210-inch plastic sheets with 168 feet of double-sided mounting tape, which is enough to cover two picture windows or 10 separate windows without fear of running out. In general, Shaver says that installing insulation on the inside of a window is going to be more effective. He notes, “This placement creates a dead air space helping to reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency.” Window insulation kits are an affordable solution to cut the cost of your energy bill and make a home less drafty. For those who cannot afford to replace windows, they’re a good option to upgrade ones that are not energy efficient. Some window insulation kits claim to reduce a home’s energy consumption by up to 35 percent. While that’s a significant savings, users will want to install these products carefully and on every leaky window to experience their true potential. Why Trust Bob Vila

Installation & Instruction

Some kits will have varying levels of clarity of the film, though most shrink kits will have clear film to allow you to see out your window. Unlike window insulator kits that won’t allow you to open your windows or can be annoying to look through, they won’t obstruct your view and you can still open your windows. The kit comes with Scotch film tape to keep cold drafts out and warm air in, which will reduce your heating costs during the cold winter months. The film shrinks tight around your door frame and is made to reduce condensation and prevent frost build-up. The film creates a perfectly transparent, wrinkle-free fit.

Installing the tape is easy, as you apply it by simply pressing it onto your windows. Applying the tape will also keep out pollution and dust, which keeps the inside of your home a little cleaner as well as a little warmer. The tape is designed to come off without leaving residue and without damaging wood trim, but you may want to test a small spot just to be on the safe side. It’s also resistant to punctures, making it a durable choice. The kit includes one durable 62 x 210 inches and 84-foot roll of mounting tape that is double-sided to make attaching it easy. Each kit comes with enough material to cover five 3 x 5 windows, so your energy bill is sure to go down.

Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement. Keep in mind that it’s not recommended for use with plaster, drywall, or unfinished wood because the tape can pull up those surfaces. It is safe to use on painted or finished wood, aluminum, or vinyl. After the film is secure, shrink it with a hairdryer. The result is a surface so transparent you’ll have a clear view of falling snowflakes. As long as you’re careful while removing the tape, you can store the kit to use again next year.

According to Dominguez, it’s easy to install a window insulation kit, but he advises to not go it alone. “You’re going to want someone to help you install your kit,” he says. “Installation is easy, but it’s not a one-person job. You’ll appreciate having help from a friend the first time.”Keep in mind that high winds can cause small wrinkles in the film and after a long winter of wind, it most likely can’t be reused. Foam tape window insulation works by creating an airtight seal around the edges of windows,” Shaver says. “The foam tape, which has adhesive on one side, is applied to the window frame and if necessary to the top and bottom of the two sashes. When the window is closed, it compresses, producing a seal that acts as a barrier against drafts and heat loss.” Keep in mind that foam tape generally isn’t designed to last multiple seasons, but it can be an excellent option if you’d rather not have plastic film covering your windows. The best window insulation kits are effective, affordable, and easy to install. Most kits are installed by placing double-sided tape around the perimeter of the window jamb. Then, window film is applied to the tape. At the bottom of the window, the film is attached to a piece of tape on the sill, making a seal. Finally, the film is heated with a handheld hair dryer to create a transparent airtight seal that’s free from wrinkles. FAQs At the end of the season, remove any residue left by the mounting tape immediately with rubbing alcohol.

With the exception of a ladder and an extension cord to reach it, this insulator kit is installed the same way–and just as easily–as an indoor kit. Simply measure, cut, tape, shrink, and trim. We were pleased to learn that it pulls just as tight and clear as the indoor options. You'll notice some differences between shrink window insulation kits when it comes to their application process. "There are two basic types of shrink window kits: one with a pre-taped top [that] rolls out and the other with flat folded film which requires all four sides of the window to be taped before placing the film against it," Shaver says. "Both work equally well, and choosing one or the other comes down to personal preference." Made with puncture-resistant shrink film, this 126-inch-long by 62-inch-wide indoor option is perfect for homes with children, pets, and other high traffic and is easy to install and remove cleanly, making it suitable for first timers. For added reliability, this option can be used on painted wood, aluminum, vinyl, and finishes/varnished wood, but it can’t be used on plaster, drywall, or unfinished wood. Despite fitting larger windows, the kit is still available at an affordable price. “It’s a budget buy, but it’s effective,” Domniguez says. The tape is rated for temperatures as low as -4°F, which may not be the best option for extra-cold winters.

For a window insulator that won’t make it impossible to open your windows–or blurry to look through, the best window insulator is the Yotache Foam Tape Weather Strips. Because they are only attached at the edges.