Not only does moisture in the air make your living space feel uncomfortable, but it also can lead to the growth of mold. Adding a layer of plastic sheeting over your windows will generally stop winter condensation, but there is more to the equation.
This moisture build-up on the glass can make your home feel damp, 'muggy,' and uncomfortable and lead to possible mold growth if not careful. Putting a layer of plastic sheeting over your windows can help stop winter condensation from causing a problem in your home.
If you have leaky holes that let the cold air in during the long freezing nights, you are the right person to apply plastic for windows. Furthermore, if you have old, single-pane windows, and you can feel the draft circulating through your home, it is time to apply this plastic and keep your home warmer.
Putting the film on the outside would only expose it to weathering elements, so by putting it inside, it's better protected. Before putting up the plastic film, first take down any curtains, drapes or blinds so you can more easily reach the inside of the windows.
Moisture Issues on Your Windows
One serious problem with installing window insulation film is condensation. Because the plastic film has to be airtight – you need to make sure there are no gaps where air can get out or you'll experience zero insulation benefits – there is no place for moisture to go.
Where Plastic Helps. When warm, moist air comes into contact with cold window glass, water droplets form on the window's surface. Plastic film stops the formation of condensation on the interior of your window glass by creating a barrier between the air and the glass.
To help with clearing the condensation away, you can make a simple, home-made solution by mixing two cups of water with two cups of white vinegar and a couple drops of washing up liquid. Pour this mixture into a spray bottle if you have one and spray the solution straight onto your window.
An insulating window film applied over a window can help the window retain up to 55 percent more heat in winter, potentially reducing your heating costs up to 30 percent. These films are less effective at reducing summer heat gain, though.
When installed properly, plastic window wraps can save you a noticeable amount of money on utility bills. Even better, they can provide a quick fix for uncomfortable leaks and drafts around your windows and doors.
That plastic strip is called glazing bead.
When you're dealing with old, drafty windows, you essentially have two options: replace them or seal them with insulating window film—a.k.a. plastic wrap. This kit by 3M—a leader in consumer products—insulates up to five windows, and the company claims it lowers heating costs and saves energy.
Acrylic Plastic Sheet
Acrylic is a popular choice for windshields, drive up windows and similar applications. It is particularly resistant to UV radiation, which makes it ideal for outdoor recreation applications, including vehicle and marine use. It will resist scratching better than glass and is fairly easy to seal.
Fill up a container (preferably a spray bottle) with white vinegar and sprinkle generously on the moldy windowsill. Leave the liquid on the mold for about one hour to completely break down the mold components. Then scrub gently with a brush and warm water.
Window insulation film can mean as much as a 30% to 40% decrease in your utility bills. Window films are one way to make your windows more energy efficient. You might be able to save up to 19kWh per square foot of glass on your energy costs.
The reason it happens is because the external air is warmer than the temperature of the glazed pane's surface – and the dew point of the air is higher. It is more likely to occur at night or early in the morning when temperatures are low, particularly if there is a clear sky and almost no wind.
Opening the windows at night, when the outside air is at its lowest damp level, is key as you will release the warm, damp air inside and lower your home's humidity level. Keeping curtains open allows air to circulate against the window, which prevents condensation from forming.
The answer is humidity and condensation. The warm, indoor air can condense around cold, drafty windows, making them “sweat” with moisture. That, in turn, causes the window sills and casings/trim to become damp and grow mold.
Condensation in double-pane windows happens when there's a critical difference between the temperature levels inside and outside the glass pane. This condensation is akin to the condensation on the outside of a cold glass when left out under the sun.
When cold weather sets in, condensation can appear on windows and sliding glass doors. Often called "sweaty windows," the condition is the result of high humidity and low temperatures. It can block the view, drip on the floor, and freeze on the glass.
250x Stronger Than Glass: Polycarbonate plastic windows are also 30x stronger than acrylic. Clear polycarbonate plastic has an incredible level of impact resistance, but it is also just as clear as glass. It provides a margin of safety that no other clear glazing material on the market can surpass.