Adding bubble wrap or saran wrap to your windows does help insulate them, but not very well. And these fixes look sloppy, especially when they have to be done over each year, leaving adhesive marks or chipped paint. What bubble wrap can't do, is create dead air space between it and your window.
Simple! Bubble wrap is a natural insulator. The layer of trapped air in the bubbles forms a barrier that keeps warm air in and prevents the unwanted cold from entering.
The insulating properties of bubble wrap help maintain stable indoor temperatures, reducing the reliance on heating and cooling systems. This translates to substantial energy savings and lower utility bills over time. Bubble wrap insulation offers a remarkable level of versatility and ease of installation.
Bubble Wrap Disadvantages
The biggest problem with the most common bubble wrap is it's not easily recyclable. You must take a few extra steps to make sure you dispose of it properly. Additionally, bubble wrap is bulky.
While it is often referred to as insulation, the technically correct term for bubble wrap is 'radiant barrier'. This is because it is designed to reduce heat transfer by radiation, thereby reducing heat loss and increasing energy efficiency.
This wrap helps to insulate to prevent temperature change, and it can be used to keep items warm or cool during transport temporarily. It is also used as a protective moisture or humidity barrier for short-term shipments of plants, foods and medicines. Thermal bubble wrap is available in rolls or pouches.
Find large pieces of bubble wrap, preferably with medium to large-sized bubbles. Using scissors, cut the sheets slightly smaller than your window glass. Spray a thin film of water onto the window glass with a spray bottle. Apply the wrap, bubbly side toward the wet glass.
It is important to note that the bubbles always go against the item you're wrapping. Our top tip to help you remember, is to place the bubblewrap flat side on the surface. Then place the item on top to wrap, which will ensure the bubbles face inwards and offer better protection!
Honeycomb paper is a sustainable alternative to bubble wrap. It's made from recycled materials, and it's biodegradable and compostable.
According to a material data sheet I found on Google the melting point of bubble wrap is 105C. So around 221F.
The best way to insulate your garden shed is to cover the walls and floors with a material that will prevent heat loss. There's a few different materials that you can use. Even bubble wrap can do the trick!
An R-value is a measurement that shows the ability of a material to resist heat transfer. The higher the R-index, the more effective insulation is regarding heat resistance. The R-value of bubble wrap insulation is very low (1.0 or 1.1) and it is affected by compression.
To summarize, bubble wrap cuts the amount of heat that escapes through your windows by half. If less heat escapes, you need less heat from your furnace.
Bubble wrap is full of air which has a very low thermal conductivity. It does not conduct heat well. Plus, since the air is contained in bubbles there is little air movement to advect heat well.
Which Side of bubble Touches the Object? The bubbles should be facing your object to provide the ultimate protection. This is especially true for fragile items during shipping. Not only will the bubbles help keep your items safe, but this method also helps keep the bubbles safe.
Use as much Bubble Wrap as you need to fully cover the item. Additional layers provide additional protection, so don't worry about using a little extra. In fact, some movers recommend wrapping especially fragile or valuable objects twice, just in case.
Bubble wrap is an inexpensive and easy way to insulate and reduce the amount of heat that escapes out your windows. Check out our videos for practical ways to keep your home warmer, drier and healthier this winter.
Apply the bubble wrap while the window is still wet and press it into place. The bubble side goes toward the glass. To remove the bubble wrap, just pull it off starting from a corner.
Thus, if you're thinking that bubbles should be facing the outside of the package, you're wrong. When packaging materials, the bubbles or air pockets should be facing the inside of the package. This way, if any part of it is jostled or hit, it'll stay protected.
If you already have double glazing, then adding a layer of cling film or other secondary glazing could still make you a little warmer, but the benefit will be much less than when dealing with a single glazed window.
The Best Window Insulation
That material is spray foam insulation. If you want to learn more about the benefits of foam insulation for the rest of your home, check out the Learning Center on our website.