Start your weatherproofing project by sealing your windows. Begin with the exterior of your home. Poorly sealed windows and doors can let in a tremendous amount of cold air. Use caulk around the window frames, applying it with a standard caulking gun. Caulk can be applied to any area where you see a crack or a gap on your home’s exterior. Smooth it out with your finger covered with a latex glove,
a metal spoon, a foam paintbrush or an ice cube. For wider gaps and cracks, use an expanding foam sealant to fill the space. Now it's time to move inside. Eliminate air leaks by using either weatherstripping or plastic sheeting from a window insulation kit. There are a variety of weatherstripping options to choose from, such as vinyl foam, sponge rubber, rope cord caulk and a few others. Ask your local True Value expert for
help in deciding which is right for your home.
If you use weatherstripping, no matter which material you choose, the application is simple. Make sure the area is clean and dry, then apply it between the sash and the frame of each window. If you're using foam or rubber weatherstripping with adhesive backing, just take a pair of scissors or utility knife to cut the strips to the length of the window, then peel off the backing and press it into place. For rope cord caulk, simply tear to fit. The weather stripping should not interfere with the operation of the window.
If you find that a window insulation kit is right for your needs, simply tape down the edges of the plastic sheet. Double-sided tape is usually provided inside the kit. Then use a hair dryer to shrink and seal the sheeting over the window.
(You can also get an insulation kit for outside seals. Simply nail the cover over the window to create dead air insulating space.)
One thing to keep in mind: This is a one-shot solution. If you loosen the tape, you have to start all over so only do this on windows you'll never want to open all winter long.