How to Bubble Wrap Windows for Winter

Kristi Neighbourly Lead from Tikipunga

ITS THAT TIME AGAIN!

How to use plastic bubble wrap on windows to keep your house warmer in winter.

Materials for Bubble-Wrapping Windows

roll/rolls of large-bubbled wrap

scissors

spray mister

Cutting Tips for Bubble Wrap

Depending on your needs, you may opt for non-perforated bubble wrap because you need to cover taller windows. If so, use a pair of sharp scissors (sharpen them, if necessary, before you begin cutting, to reduce tearing) to cut panels to fit.

If some of your windows are the same size, you can use the first piece you cut as a guide by placing it over top of the long sheet and then cutting across pieces to the same length.

When you apply sheets to windows for the first time, trimming an edge isn't problematic and can be done in seconds.

Sheets of bubble wrap are sturdier than the standard thin plastic in the window kits. Because the wrap has more stiffness, it is much easier to work with and cut than thin plastic that sticks together and sticks to you because of static.


Just Mist and Press . . . It's So Easy!

Panels stick easily and effortlessly to windows.

How to Apply Bubble Wrap to Windows

Now for the fun part. You will need a spray mister.

Set your mister nozzle to fine and spray your window.

Lightly spray the bubbled side of your cut panel. Start on the outer edges, then spray over center area. Make sure entire surface is covered in mist.

Place the bubble wrap over the window and line it up at the top and align the straight edge along one side of the window.

Gently, using your palms, press the bubble wrap to the pane, and ensure it is stuck all the way down. You do not need to exert pressure. Doing so might result in bubbles bursting. If you need to move the panel over a tad, gently pull and pat it into place.

That's it. The wrap will easily stick to your window and you can go on to the next sheet and the next window. It really doesn't get much easier than this.

Watch the Video to See How Easy It Is to Apply Bubble Wrap to a Window

An Alternate Method of Applying Bubble Wrap to Windows

You can still stick bubble wrap to your windows, even if you don't have a spray bottle or if the one you are using breaks (as happened to me).



Wipe over windows with a damp cloth.

Run the bubble side of your wrap under your tap, ensuring that outer edges and all other areas are covered with water.

Tilt and shake pieces of wrap over sink to get rid of excess water.

Apply panels to windows.

Removing Bubble Wrap From Windows

When your heating season is over, it's a simple matter to remove bubble wrap from your windows. Start in a corner and pull each sheet off. The sheets come off easily and there is no sticky tape to deal with.



Storing Cut Pieces for Use in Future Years

Stacks sheets of wrap in a closet where they will be undisturbed until the next heating season.



Pros and Cons of Insulating With Bubble Wrap

In the section below, we'll discuss some of the pros and cons of using bubble wrap to insulate windows.



Pros

Bubble wrap is effective in preventing heat loss/cold seeping into rooms.

Reduces heating costs because of better heat retention.

Lets light into rooms in the dark winter months.

Is an easy method to effortlessly cover windows in record time.

Can be purchased in good-sized rolls.

Cons

Visibility is reduced because you aren't using clear plastic to cover your windows, so if you enjoy looking outside, you might opt to leave some windows clear.

Caution: Remove Wrap Yearly



As seen in the video below, leaving bubble wrap on windows can lead to degrading of the plastic. It is better to remove the panels in spring for use in future years. Of course, this also allows you to enjoy the views from your windows in warmer weather!



This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.