Weather stripping vs. shrink wrap (mover, house, dryer)

[Declan's Dad]

It's been particularly cold these past few weeks so I've repalced all the original weather around my windows and caulked the casings yet I still feel slight drafts. the home is only 12 years old with vinyl windows but it pains me to think I'm not doing all that I can to save every penny onheating costs.

Has anyone tried the using the shrink wrap that you apply with a hair dryer? My wife is concerned that it damage the window trim but I've heard it's very effective at reducing heat loss.

Any adivce or stories you can share would be appreciated.

Thanks

[purehuman]

I know a few people that do this...you can't even see it (I had to do a double take)...it's amazing, and it really does keep the drafts out and the heat in.

[Valerie C]

I grew up in an old, drafty house with single pane windows, and can tell you that the thin plastic sheets that you shrink with a hair dryer DO keep out the drafts. However, you'll need to figure out exaactly where the drafts are coming in from: between the windows? From between the window trim and the wall board? Your home is only 12 years old and you shouldn't be having to put up an airtight barrier, but good that you're taking the steps to do it and save energy. As far as damaging the window trim, Goo Gone or the 3M Adhesive Remover should get rid of any residual adhesive from the double sided tape.

[bignhfamily]

The biggest problem I've encountered with the shrink wrap is that kids LOVE to put their fingers through it. It's so thin. I use a 6 mil sheet of plastic and staple it to the exterior of our four North facing windows on my house. Then I put a strip of duct tape over the staples and fold it over the brickmold trim. Not very pretty but very practical.

I don't bother with the rest of the windows cause it gets so hot in here from the wood stove that a little draft feels good