How to Insulate an Old Window That Sweats & Water Freezes On

During cold days and winter months, you may notice a patch of sweat, or condensation, forming on the inside of your window, which can freeze if temperatures outside are cold enough. Spotting this kind of moisture on your window means a cold draft of air from outside is coming through your window and hitting the warmer, humid air inside. To remedy this problem, you’ll need to insulate your old window to stop the sweat from forming and freezing.

Storm windows
Old towel
Plastic window sheeting
Tape measure
Scissors
Double-sided tape
Hairdryer

Instructions

- 1
  Install or close storm windows around the windows in your home to keep the outside air from coming into direct contact with the main windows. Wipe down any condensation you see to make the space between the windows dry. Wipe the inside of your main windows, as well, to dry them.
- 2
  Measure the height and width of the window frames for the windows that have been sweating. Cut one piece of plastic window sheeting for each window you want to insulate.
- 3
  Run double-sided tape along all four sides of the window frame. Place the pre-cut plastic over the windows and align the top portion with the tape at the top of the window. Press the top edge to the tape at the top, followed by the sides and then bottom until the plastic covers the window.
- 4
  Blow hot air back and forth along the edges of the window, using a hairdryer to shrink the plastic in place and seal it to the tape and window.
- 5
  Trim off any excess plastic around the outside edges, if needed. Pull the plastic off in spring when freezing temperatures are no longer expected.

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