Does bubble wrap keep cold air out?

Author: Jade Kilback  |  Last update: Monday, September 29, 2025

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.

Will bubble wrap keep cold out?

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.

Can you insulate with bubble wrap?

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.

What is the one downside to bubble wrap?

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.

Does bubble wrap protect from heat?

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.

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What does bubble wrap prevent?

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.

What size bubble wrap to insulate windows?

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.

Do bubbles on bubble wrap go inside or outside?

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!

What is better than bubble wrap?

Honeycomb paper is a sustainable alternative to bubble wrap. It's made from recycled materials, and it's biodegradable and compostable.

What temperature does bubble wrap melt?

According to a material data sheet I found on Google the melting point of bubble wrap is 105C. So around 221F.

What to put on a window to keep cold out?

  1. Use Weather Strips. Weather strips are an inexpensive way to seal doors and windows in your home. ...
  2. Install New Door Sweeps. Installing a door sweep along the bottom of an exterior door can block out cold air. ...
  3. Apply Foam Tape. ...
  4. Insulate with Window Film. ...
  5. Hang Insulated Curtains. ...
  6. Recaulk Windows and Doors. ...
  7. Use a Door Snake.

Will bubble wrap insulate a shed?

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!

What is the R-value of bubble wrap?

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.

Can I use bubble wrap as insulation?

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.

How to insulate windows cheaply?

The Best Low-Cost Ways to Insulate Windows for Winter
  1. Re-Caulk or Re-Seal to Insulate Windows for Winter.
  2. Air Seal Windows With Foam Tape for Better Insulation.
  3. Install Low-E Storm Windows Over the Existing Frames for Better Insulation.
  4. Insulate Windows by Installing Plastic Film Around the Glass.

Why is bubble wrap a bad insulator?

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.

Is there a wrong way to use bubble wrap?

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.

What are the pros and cons of bubble wrap?

Here are some of them:
  • Bubble wrap is lightweight. Bubble wrap is very lightweight and easy to carry, use and store.
  • Bubble wrap can be reused. ...
  • Bubble wrap is easy to use. ...
  • Bubble wrap is durable. ...
  • Bubble wrap is versatile. ...
  • Bubble wrap is expensive. ...
  • It's not biodegradable. ...
  • Flammability.

How many layers of bubble wrap is enough?

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.

Does bubble wrap keep cold in?

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.

Which side of bubble wrap goes against the window?

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.

Do you bubble wrap up or down?

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.

How to seal your windows from cold air?

5 tips for insulating a window from the cold
  1. 1 – Re-seal around your window frame. ...
  2. 2 – Apply polyurethane foam insulation around your windows. ...
  3. 3 – Install weather stripping at the bottom of your windows. ...
  4. 4 – Equip your windows with a thermoplastic film. ...
  5. 5 – Dress your windows with thermal curtains.

Can you use cling film to insulate windows?

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.

What is the best insulation around windows?

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.

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