DIY WINDOW INSULATION: How To Fix A Drafty Window With PVC Pipe Inserts for $11 Or Less
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- Опубліковано 6 лют 2025
- Window insulation kits are annoying and wasteful! This year I made PVC pipe inserts to weatherize / winterize my single pane windows. This DIY solution is cheap, effective, and easy to set up and take down. Give it a try! Please note, the hardware store ran out of foam insulation at the time I created this video... Any gaps you see in my window inserts have since been filled and my house is WAY, way warmer. :-)
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Haters gunna hate, but my DIY window inserts work like a dream! :-) This is the second winter in a row that I've rocked these puppies on the windows and kept warm. They work well even with all the gaps that people on UA-cam keep pointing out. Though I'll admit, if you spend a few extra bucks and wrap the window inserts in pipe foam so that you eliminate all the cracks, you'll save even more on your heat bill. My point is: don't listen to the nay-sayers. Try it for yourself, save a few hundred buck on your heat bill this winter, and smile quietly to yourself.
Very good idea! Thanks
Great idea for temporary use but next year try to make a second layer window , it s easy , you gonna need a dehumidifier (if you cant borrow one , pick a day during the summer with low humidity) and just some cheap parts from a local tool store . I m attaching a link below , in Greece the cost for a square meter of glass 3mm thick is about 12 dollars , the 4 meter alluminum profil 10 dollars and about 12 dollars for two silicon tubes . Also you shall use a double sided tape between the aluminum profil and the glass (it makes quite a difference in insulation and vibrations )
ua-cam.com/video/N9cZdAyx2ow/v-deo.html
idk, there are big gaps between the PVC frames and the window sash. Pipe insulation isn't going to fit much better. IMO proper rubber weather stripping is going to give you a much better seal. I don't think garage door weather stripping is too expensive, and glued or epoxied to the PVC would give a near perfect seal and still be flexible enough to install and remove easily.
Excellent idea in fact I'm going to get with it now to make... Cheers 👍🏼
Ignore all the people who think they know what they're talking about. This works. I have an enclosed patio/sunroom with several large old windows. It's unlivable during the winter months due to the cold air wafting through. My dad and I followed this exactly. We're 4 days into not turning on the central heating. These + a $50 space heater keeps it plenty warm. This is an inexpensive, genius of an idea. I wanted to leave a review from someone who actually tried it and is super grateful.
Nice!so this is really worth trying?I have a horrible draft in my windows
Senior who loves the idea this can be popped out if needed and reused.hopefully all the bedrooms can get this added
@@michaeldematteis9944 on my 4th year. still works. I’d make more for the other windows but throwing heavy curtains + blankets over them works well too.
OUT OF ALL THE VIDEOS I HAVE WATCHED ABOUT WEATHERPROOF ING YOUR WINDOWS, THUS IS THE BEST VIDEO OF ALL. U WOULD HAVE NEVER THOUGHT ABOUT USING THIS TECHNIQUE. THANKS👍👍👍❤🙏
If you really want to make them permanent, just buy roll of marine vinyl: It's crystal clear, and comes in variety of thicknesses, up to almost the same thickness as glass pane. It's used to make windows on boats.
Instead of bubble wrap, simply wrap the vinyl around both sides of the window to create a double layer, with an air gap between.
This costs a bit more initially, but you can't beat that crystal clear, wrinkle-free marine vinyl.
Even used in to build insulated covering for feral cat shelter.
I use 1”x2”wood instead. You need L brackets for each corner. Only because it follows the shape of the window. Also I buy cheap upholstery plastic or “clear” drop cloth plastic rolls (the good stuff) from home improvement stores. And I do put pipe wrap or pool noodles around the frame. I do like videos like this one because they can can spark an idea in another persons’s mind…….SO, good share.
Is there a video that shows your method? I typed in L bracket in home depot but couod not find something similar to the pvc corner fitting
@@xxsmilesxxback12 with 1”x2”wood you don't need a curve L bracket, a regular one would do
@@xxsmilesxxback12 Try looking for corner brace, they have them at most hardware stores. They look like and L shape with on or two holes for screws. And there are two types, one that goes on the on the inside/outside of the corner and one that goes on the flat side. Hard to describe properly here but if you saw the two brackets you will understand what i mean.
Thank you. My house was built in ‘54. I have beautiful single pane windows. Extremely drafty and thin! This is an amazing idea.
For a heavier type of plastic I used clear shower curtains. They work great
@@ChitownVibez but that's back to the problem with sticky tape residue on your window frame/sill. =p
Love the Internet because of comments like these
has it got duck's on?
And they are only &1.00 at the dollar store ;)
@@rnupnorthbrrrsm6123 damn
There's a difference between people pointing out issues and remedies, and those hating. The haters just don't understand how valuable these kinds of videos are to us problem solvers. You showed the first iteration of something, and it's not that difficult to make fixes if you want in the future.
Meanwhile, I don't care much about reusable frames for my windows, but this concept is the perfect way for me to get a wife-approved solution to our open stairwell constantly stealing heat from the downstairs. This one video for one problem has already got me figuring out solutions to the 3 problems I was brainstorming. Thanks for the video!
The idea I’ve been procrastinating successfully for a decade now is to use 4 pieces of 1”x1” wood, but otherwise the same (with adhesive strip of insulation foam around the edge). I was gonna measure the top and bottom pieces exactly, but make the side pieces a little shorter because they would be wedged between the top and bottom pieces.
Your idea to make it a more permanent frame has inspired me to finally do it.
Thanks 😺
Excellent and creative idea.
I have used 6 mil on my garage windows in winter for 20 years.
Can be -20 outside and I am in shorts and t shirt working
6m plastic sheet? I attached some of the window plastic film shown in the first part of the video and to me they never worked that well. Just looking for advice on maybe the plastic film was not thick enough? thanks Gaz
For my small windows i used paint stirring sticks the longest ones . Dollar tree clear shower curtains. L brackets for corner stability... Thank you fir this... The possibilities are wide open...👍👍👍
Omg... Ur a genius!... I'm fighting with the sticky tape. And now sanding my window frames. I'm saving this video so will remember!
Great twist on the flimsy plastic that's really impossible to install and keep airtight on my 1885 windows! Will definitely try this 👍🏼👏🏼
If you don't seal all the edge of the PVC to the window frame, you will not provide much insulation - the principle is a dead air space between the film and the window.
Agreed! I’m waiting on my local hardware store to restock more foam pipe covers. Then all me cracks will be sealed.
You could use door sealing foam that has sticky tape on one side mount the tape to the PVC frame and push it against the window for a better seal.
True,il stick it directly to the glass.
I like the frame insert idea. And take the time to deal with cracks and you got a good dead air barrier. That's where some bubble wrap will help also.
@@BoutenkoFilms or use bubble wrap perhaps?
Thank you sooo much for mentioning how wasteful the kits are (and the tape residue)- I have stopped using them some winters as none of it is recyclable (also takes a lot of time for me to manage with health issues)- thanks so much for this idea!!!! Wish I had seen this earlier than Jan :)
Another place to purchase some excellent plastic, by the yard (or metre) is fabric stores. Places such as, 'Joanna's fabrics' have sometimes 6 different thickness of completely transparent plastic, on rolls. You can use these plastics for _everything_ from: boating & RV's to table clothe covers & even shower curtain liners!
One of the best insolation windows I have seen so far. Thanks great
Great idea! i have an old house with drafty single pane windows and aluminum frames. Every year is such a hassle. Thanks for the tip!
I love the frame idea , exactly what I have in mind! But thinking of using wood frame and stick it around the window frame with velcro tape
Thank you. Every good idea makes a difference in everyone life. Thanks for sharing a simple, easy and cost effective idea.
Great idea! You could easily make inserts out of window/door/baseboard trim to cover up the unsightly PVC frames. Or even make them out of wood and permanently fasten trim to them. So many options!
That's a great idea!
Do you have an idea of how to my neighbor's cigarette smoke from coming into my house? I don't smoke.
Love your creativity and thinking out of the box! We live in a 125yo plus aged home and the windows are definitely drafty. Totally agree with you on the overpriced and single-use window plastics which are blown in tightly and use the foam tape. Somewhat in the same vein of what you did, I tried making a removable insulation panel with a frame cut from a 4 x 8 sheet of insulation board I already had. For the plastic, I purchased some very clear shower curtain panels and attached it to the foam frame. The framed plastic was snug in the window and the test one did a good job of stopping the drafts. HOWEVER, you can't cut that foam smoothly and w/o making a mess and it had to be 5-6 inches wide for stability. Aesthetically, the idea isn't there yet, but trying to figure out how to easily make these while improving the looks, too. Thanks for your inspiration!
Clear shower curtain works great!!! Dollar tree ones...👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Good ideas. thank you for sharing these tips. By the way, You can remove the glue from the window with the WD-40 spray.
This is ingenious! I create so many things with PVC this is perfect for my needs. Running out to my garage to get started on this. Thank you so much for posting this.
I would put pipe foam all the way around for improved insulation. Also you could glue aluminium foil or mylar sheets facing with the reflective side inwards. This way you "bounce" radiating heat back inwards
Also add thick curtains behind all doors, this reduce the hot air leakage everytime you go in or out of your house (airsluice). And improve roof insulation improve your efficiency tremendously, a cheap and simple beginning would be having thermal reflective film on the roof.
I just spray water on the glass and put bubble wrap on, with bubble side against glass. Smooth out to size and trim. Easy stick on ( no tape) and off (just pull off) and can reused again next year. No hassle, no mess, install in mins with less a lot less $$$. Works great, even on sliding glass doors.
Thanks!
Thanks i live in double wide 2 big sets of bay windows definitely doing this. Thanks
My house has aluminum frame horizontal sliding windows. During the winter the cold air floods in thru the crack between the 2 window panes. I use the water & bubble wrap method to cover the center slider (could cover the entire window, but the worst problem is where the sliders meet). It definitely helps keep the cold from streaming through the crack.
@@ElizabethDial l
And I may be the only one but I actually like the look of the bubble wrap in the windows, and love the fact that it lets light in.
No hack saw! Use copper pipe cutter. No mess, no danger of slicing your hands. Cut pipe insulation at angles so you square corners for solid seal.
What a genius idea, thanks for sharing.
Some great ideas here. I have used bubble wrap to insulate aluminum frame windows. It really works. I have also used zip lock bags cut and taped to size. Kind of red neck but it worked too.
Dude don’t listen to haters ! I think your idea is effin amazing! Thx!!!!
This is an awesome idea.
How many pvc pipes do you need for a 46 1/2 length 95 inches window frame ?
Fabric stores, such as Joann fabric sell heavy vinyl that is crystal clear. Reasonable price and different mills available. Look for it in the drapery, upholstery section
Lots of good ideas. Have been exploring these shrink wrap window coverings and was suspicious about removal of the adhesive. A way around that might be to put the tape on the outer edges of the trim, rather than the face. But as you said, that still means trashing the whole thing each Summer. And a new layer of adhesive every year, on top of the old one(s). Another possibility for your idea might be to use clear plastic for *both* sides of the pipe. Then you end up with two layers of plastic, separated by about a 1" air gap. Using the retail shrink wrap might result in a clearer view? Could also make a wood frame of 2x2's (and weather stripping along the outside, for a good fit and air seal). I've also considered plexiglass, but that will cost substantially more. But the end result would be very good and sturdy.
I can do this on my vinyl screen porch. Been looking all day for an answer. Thank you.
We recently replaced some of our windows but not all of them. The old windows have screen inserts. Do you think if i took those, removed the screen and used the frames and added plastic to them that it would create a workable insert to keep drafts out?
I think you did a great job with sharing this idea. Thank you.
This is pure genius! Can’t wait to try it 😊
old video but still very usefull. Helped my family this year. thank you
I use 1x2 and mount them to the outside of the house also use them to insulate front and back patios
Can you do the same for an apartment slider door????
I'm ignoring the nay-sayers. The 8 windows on the back of our house need to be replaced, but that'll have to wait until we have the money. For less than $300, I made inserts (with bubble wrap) for those 8 windows, plus the 6'×6' window in the front of our house and 2 bedroom windows. We live in Texas (so not Northern/ cold weather-rated windows). We kept our thermostat set at 67° and stayed warm during the recent Polar Vortex when temperatures dropped to around 0° (December 2022).
Spray some cooking spray on that sticky tape residue. That usually works to get sticky stuff off surfaces pretty easily.
I like this. I might even go with pallet wood which is plentiful and free. Just gotta have the proper saws and drills to cut the wood to size.
I actually REALLY like this idea!!!!
does it help against the noise, too? if not, is there anything else you cold recommend? THANK YOU!
❤ thank you so much for sharing its genius you should patent that:-) God bless stay safe and stay warm LOL
Friggin' brilliant! And so easy too.
Hi, 5 years late here, but I was just thinking about doing something like this just in the past recent months, I did not realize others have already been doing this. However, in my idea, instead of PVC, I was thinking of that hard type of closed cell foam, or perhaps a wood frame. Then any gaps around the frame I will just try to fill with more foam or whatever. You were correct, constantly buying new plastic & removing them would be so tedious & the expense accumulates yearly. Now I have to figure out how much of it & the cost since our home has about 30 windows in it, of various sizes, because yeah it's that big of a house, heh. The reason is that the windows are old, all or most have lost their R-value & it would be multiple thousands of dollars to replace most or all of them. Anyway, so thanks to your video, it was educational & it should help me, & others, with further tinkering & ideas.
01/27/24
My parents use those shop brought ones, it's winter here and they help alot. When it becomes hot im not sure how they remove them, is there anyway to tranfers the ones on the window to the frame when removing?
I have forward this video to a few friends of mine who are homeowners what a great idea. I'm not sure if I could manage the pipe thing I don't have anything to cut it with but great idea I'm going to redo the bubble wrap and the plastic wrap. Somebody on here said use heavier plastic like a shower curtain that would be good.
I’d try goo gone or another adhesive remover on the residue.
I use a hair dryer to heat up the double side tape to remove it. You can scrape it away quite easily then. Any residual residue is wiped with a cotton pad spritzed with mineral oil (works for bandaid residue on your skin gently, also)
A little bit of WD-40 also removes tape/stickers/adhesive residue easily from wood. Soaking strips of a paper towel in vinegar & laying it on sticky residue over glass or metal has worked for me as well. The trick is to just let WD-40 or vinegar "soak" for about 5 min; then wipe away with a damp wash cloth (the ultra cheap, rough cotton kinds you can buy from Walmart for about $3 in a pack of 8).
I still like the idea of an insulated insert, tho. I also live in a 1920's house w/ some of its original single pane windows. I rent & can't replace or permanently modify them. I also have problems w/ my hands (disability issues). So, it can be difficult winterizing my ultra large windows with the temporary plastic sheet & tape... also removing them.
*Just sharing other tips for removing adhesive residue for those who don't mind using the temporary plastics each year, tho! Always test a spot before soaking a whole area in WD-40 or vinegar, tho!
Excellent 👏👏👏👏👍
to get the residue off of the windowsill from shrink wrap, you might try a dash of mayo, let it sit for a bit and see if it will scrape off afterwards. The oil in the mayo wil dissolve the adhesive.
Great Idea! My mom has a similar window issue, with the price of natural gas, this is worth the small investment now. Thanks.
Did a simlar thing to make shade cloth covering for sky light windows on the roof.Pipe fit tight around the outside of the frame. cloth held on by zip ties.
How do you think they would work for AC in the summer?
This would be a great idea for blackout for windows!!
Walmart or Dollar store clear shower curtains...?
My windows were installed in 1918.
Replacing them with double payned.
I hate to do that. The original windows have a ripple to them . Almost looking back in time.
I did this it works, Thank you for sharing this idea
Just wondering why you didn't use a hair dryer to shrink plastic. Makes it invisible and totally see threw?
Very clever! Thank you!
so you store these all year for 1 season?
Thinking of doing the same thing, but using a window screen frame backed with weatherstripping pressed against the window frame.
got a video on your dyi project?
Great idea!😊
I wouldn't care if my friends saw that insulation. it's my house.
I agree with one person comments that that this method does not stop the draft coming in, as these 4 little elbows create gaps between the window and the PVC. So it is not 100% sealed at all.
Great idea thanks
Great idea! I have to try this! Thank you so much!
That is pretty wild. I really like that. Thanks for showing this video.
good going-great idea
the only problem i see with your pcv pipe set up and this is if you look on the side ect. of the window because of having to use the elbow joints to connect them , it leaves a opening on all sides it does not fit flush against the window pain and so would let air come around them. a person can use a would trim and make it for it more flush doing the same thing . you could use the pipe foam insulation all the way around your pvd pipe to keep drafts from around all edges though.
Whoa! Totally Cool
Great Idea!
Thank you for sharing.
Use a heat gun. Simple to remove the tape residue. Great video!
They make PVC trim and molding that can be constructed to seal perfectly,
Inside or outside,,
I prefer the inserts on the outside of my windows on my vinyl sided home, seal to the siding creates a solid barrier for the whole wall.
Try mayonnaise for the sticky tape residue. I know it sounds crazy but I've used this on all kinds of incredibly sticky stuff that nothing would take off.
Wonderful idea
You can get thicker high quality vinyl at craft stores that's so fabric.
Thank u for sharing
Great idea. Thanks.
THANK YOU ! 🙌
Thanks awesome and easy
Real nice
This is genius man
Brilliant!
I use clear shower curtains , they are stronger than the window kit
$1.25 each at Dollar Tree
Thank you so much!
Good idea
Wouldn't the cold air still flow through then?🤷♀️
If you're already using PVC pipe you could directly add a second layer of plastic on the inside of the frame (maybe add some handles for easier mounting).
Triple Insulation ;) Or even sandwich bubble wrap in between.
And there is some bubble wrap which has a two complete layers of plastic on the outside - it should insulate even better.
Smart idea.
Valiant try but fails on effectiveness. I would build a frame to hold a sheet of plexiglass. The frame should be large enough to rest on the window frame, add trim along the bottom for complete seal. Then apply self sticking weather stripping to the frame for a good seal and place over the window. Apply clips to hold the frame in place. A little more expensive but long lasting and much more effective.
If your guests are that critical you don't need them in your life. If work related use a restaurant.
Try removing the sticky from the tape with wd40
I was about to make the same suggestion but then I read your comment. It works.
ingenious👏👏👏👏
I see cracks around the frame, 😅😅😅 need to fix that too, or you're definitely going to have drafts.