How to Put Plastic Over Windows for the Winter

Remove any window treatment to allow amply room to maneuver freely. Inspect the window to be sure it is tightly closed and locked.

Clean the glass and the surrounding window casing with an all-purpose spray cleaner and paper towels. Be sure to wipe the casing completely dry.

Measure the length and width of the window. Add 2 inches to the measurements to allow for a little overhang around the window. Transfer these measurements to the insulating plastic and cut to size with scissors. Set the plastic aside.

Cut two pieces of double-sided tape to match the width of the window casing at the top and bottom. Remove the backing from one side of tape. Adhere it to the top and the other piece to the bottom.

Measure the length between the top and bottom tape on the left and right side of the window casing. Cut the pieces to size with scissors. Remove the backing from one side of tape. Adhere it to the left side and one piece to the right side of the casing.

Remove the backing from the front side of all four pieces of tape.

Stand on a step ladder, if necessary, to be eye level with the top of the window. Hold the plastic with both hands and center it against the top of the window casing. Be sure to have a few inches of over hang on the sides and top. Stick the plastic to the tape and run your fingers along the tape to secure the plastic.

Pull the plastic gently down toward the bottom of the window. Pull it is just enough so that most of the wrinkles come out but not so hard that it comes loose from the top tape. Center it against the bottom tape and tack it to the tape in three places, the middle and the corners. This holds it just enough to position, adjust and stick the sides.

Tack the plastic to the tape along the sides of the window casing. Start at the top on one side of the window. Gently pull the plastic toward the side and tack it onto the tape in three or four places. Work your way down toward the bottom of the casing. Repeat the process with the other side.

Inspect the plastic. If the plastic needs to be straightened, pull the plastic free from the tacked spots and readjust. Once the plastic is positioned correctly, run your fingers along all sides to secure it to the tape.

Plug in a hair dryer and set it on the highest setting. Hold it an inch away from the plastic. Move along the edges of the plastic first and then work your way to the middle of the plastic. The heat causes the plastic to shrink removing the wrinkles.

Cut the excess plastic around the edges with a utility knife.