We all want to save money, especially before the holidays! As you start preparing your home for winter, one of the easiest and most cost efficient ways is to use window shrink film. True story: I had been turned off shrink film years ago after all the years my dad put it in; it looked awful, a real eye sore. I have since learned that when this is installed properly, is it hardly noticeable. It wasn't the window film, it was my dad!
Step 1: As we discussed in the last issue of THE HAMMER, you need to locate your drafty windows. Of course, you already know your regular offenders, the trick is to find the ones that are not so obvious. You can use a lit candle (the flame will flicker rapidly) or a piece of paper (when inserted in closed window should not be able to move). You can measure the windows (so you'll know how many packages you will need) or just eyeball their size and count how many you will do.
Step 2: Give your windows a wash to help the shrink film blend in. Also wipe down the molding so the tape will adhere properly.
Step 3: Get your supplies together. You can do this before washing your windows if you're looking to put that off as long as possible. You will need to purchase enough shrink film for all of your windows. Be sure to read the package to make sure it includes the tape. If not, you can purchase two-sided tape separately. You will also need a hair dryer, that generates adequate heat. I use my wife's as I no longer have enough hair to require a dryer of my own.
Step 4: Apply the tape on the molding around the window; be sure to get both sides, the top and bottom.
Step 5: Cut your film to size making sure that it matches up with the tape; you will want a little bit of excess. Hold the unwrapped film up to the window, match the corner to the corner of the window. Mark where you will need to cut, leaving 1/2" to 1" at the bottom for folding. Be brave and start cutting! This reminds me of wrapping a present: you can always cut the excess off, but you are left with that awful gap if you don't have enough. This is the gap you try to match up with the same paper, but it never looks right.
Step 6: Apply the film; if it's your first time, start with the least obvious window. You will learn as you go. I find it is easier to remove part of the tape backing as I go so I can make sure the window film is lined up. The alternative: remove all the backing and try to match up the window film; this is how you get lines and places where the film bunches up. But, do what is easier for you. Be sure to lightly stretch the sheet across and down. Fold the excess at the bottom in towards the window (away from you) and attach it to the tape on the bottom.
Step 7: Time to do some shrinking! Using a high heat setting, hold the blow dryer 3" to 5" from the film. As I can best describe as gently sweeping, move the blow dryer back and forth and up and down on the film. Be careful here: do not leave the blow dryer in one place too long as you will melt a hole which defeats the whole purpose of the film in the first place. Take your time and happy shrinking!
Step 8 and 9: If you have excess, cut it off now. Marvel at how handy you are. It's okay to gloat.
Want to make your gloating even more glorious? Craftwood has 3M Rebates on window shrink film kits through 12/15/09.
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