
No matter where you live, knowing how to weatherproof windows in your home will save you money and keep you a little warmer when the cold winds blow.
As someone who lives in the northern U.S., I know the importance of weatherproofing windows before temps start to drop. In this article, I’ll explain the most effective (and mostly DIY) methods, including weather stripping, caulk, shrink wrap, and low-E windows, as well as a few, like thermal curtains, that can work in a pinch.
I’ll also share my experiences using many of these methods in my own home.
Project difficulty: Beginner / Intermediate Estimated time to complete: Depending on the method you choose, it can take from one afternoon to a couple of days to do all the windows of your home. Project cost: From $50 to $600, depending on your chosen method. *Installing Low-E windows might require professional help and is a costlier project (around $115 to $350 per window plus labor costs.) |
Project | How Effective | Cost |
Weather stripping | High | Low to Medium |
Caulk | High | Low |
Draft Snakes | Low | Low |
Storm Windows | High | High |
Thermal Curtains | Low | Low to Medium |
Shrink Wrap/Plastic Film | High | Low |
Install Weather Stripping

Weather stripping blocks drafts by sealing the spaces between the window frame and the window itself. It is important that the weather stripping does not hinder the window’s operation, allowing it to open and close smoothly and lock while still filling any gaps.
Place weather stripping between the sash and the frame, ensuring that the window sash can accommodate the movement of the panes — whether they slide up and down, sideways, or outward.
The most common weather stripping materials are:
- Foam
- Rubber
- Felt
These materials can be secured using magnets, tension, or self-adhesive backings, so choose the material that works best for your window.
Note: Apply weather stripping when temperatures are above 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Apply Caulk
There are two types of caulk you can use to seal up your windows: removable and permanent. Let’s learn about each so you can choose which works best for you.
Removable Caulk
If you’re looking for a temporary way to block those winter drafts, consider using removable caulk. These products serve a dual purpose by combining the benefits of weather stripping and caulking.
There are two types of removable caulk available: rope caulk, also known as seal-and-peel caulk, which comes in various colors, and a clear, removable sealant that comes in a caulk gun. In both cases, you can seal around the interior of your windows in the fall and easily remove it come spring.
Note: If your caulk fits in a half-barrel caulking gun, buying one with an automatic release is a good idea. But many types of caulk also come in smaller squeeze tubes (like toothpaste), which don’t need caulking guns at all. Remember that you’ll need about half a cartridge for each window.
Permanent Caulk
Now that we’ve tackled the temporary caulk solutions, what if you’re seeking a more permanent, long-lasting fix? Regular caulk has long been essential in home improvement tasks, particularly for sealing gaps around windows. The same application advice from above can also be applied to permanent caulk.
Here are some important factors to keep in mind when using permanent caulk on the interior of your home to help minimize drafts and the exterior of your home, where the windows are exposed to the weather:
- Interior: Check to see if there are any gaps between the trim board and the drywall. Here is where you may opt for a clear, paintable caulk that can be painted over later if you want to conceal its look.
- Exterior: Check the outer surface of your windows for any noticeable leaks around the storm windows where they join the wood trim or where the trim meets the siding. Be sure to use caulk that is specifically made for window and door trim.
Pro Tip: Before you buy permanent caulk, check the label, especially if you’re applying in cooler weather. Some work best when temps are at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit, while others can be applied at colder temperatures.
Use Draft Snakes to Diminish Drafts

Also known as draft dodgers, draft snakes are long fabric tubes filled with materials that help reduce airflow from the outside. They aren’t fixed to the window; instead, they are positioned on the sill to reduce cold drafts and help lower energy costs.
Even though these snakes are just a temporary solution, they can be quite effective and will do in a pinch or until you can apply a more permanent fix. (They are also used for doors.)
Winterize with Low-E Storm Windows
Installing low-emissivity (Low-E) storm windows is a highly effective method for weatherproofing your drafty windows. These permanent storm windows feature an ultra-thin, nearly invisible metallic layer that reflects heat back into your home.
The Low-E coating is permanently bonded to the glass during manufacturing, which means it cannot be easily removed or reapplied, unlike temporary window films that can be added later.
Note: Low-E windows can reduce energy loss by 30% to 50%, but you’ll need to make an upfront investment of $115 to $350 per window. Look for the Energy Star certification to ensure your windows meet the proper heat transmission and air filtration standards.
Remove Window-Unit Air Conditioners
It may seem obvious to suggest that you should remove your portable window-unit air conditioner for the winter, but you might be surprised by how many homeowners leave theirs in place. The thought of removing it and reinstalling it in spring can feel like a hassle, leading many to keep it there throughout the colder months.
However, taking it out and storing it in the garage is much better. Many smaller units have accordion-style side panels; if these aren’t secured tightly to the window, it’s remarkable how much air can escape or come in.
Note: If you lack the motivation to remove your window air conditioner, you can purchase AC covers designed for portable window units that hang outside the window. These covers help protect your air conditioner from snow, ice, and freezing temperatures.
Hang Thermal Curtains

This is a picture of a thermal curtain being used in a doorway. However, it was originally used for sliding glass doors to a balcony in an apartment. If you have floor-to-ceiling windows, this type of curtain can help reduce drafts.
Installing thermal curtains can help reduce drafts, although they won’t completely eliminate them. These curtains consist of several layers of fabric, including a heavy insulating material, which are stitched together and hung on curtain rods.
These dense layers of material capture air leaks behind the curtain, forming a thermal barrier that separates the outdoor air from your indoor environment. They are specifically made to insulate your windows, helping to keep warm air out during the summer and cold air out in the winter.
Added Bonus: They can also function as blackout curtains to prevent light from coming in. For example, they’re incredibly useful for east-facing bedroom windows that receive bright morning sunlight.
Cover with Shrink Wrap/Plastic Film
Weatherproofing your windows with shrink wrap involves applying a plastic film over the windows and securing it with double-sided tape. This process creates an insulating layer of air between the window and the interior of your home, preventing outside air and moisture from entering while retaining the conditioned air from your heating and cooling systems.
Firsthand Tips on How to Use a Window Insulation Kit
Before you attempt to weatherproof your windows with shrink-wrap, here are some insights from my colleague, Sarah, whose dad recently tackled this annual fall project:
- Choose a “practice” window first. (To err is human…)
- Clean the window inside and out before you apply the plastic.
- Check the shrink-wrap kit for the film size. Some kits are wide enough for only one window at a time, not a twin (side-by-side) window.
- Keep the heat source 4 to 6 inches from the plastic. Be careful not to get too close, especially with a commercial heat gun. You might melt the plastic, creating a hole in your film. (If this happens, duct tape can help seal the wound.)
Pro Tip: Before you begin, decide whether to leave one or a few windows plastic-free to let fresh air in the house from time to time (more applicable for Southern states).
Note: For an added layer of protection from those winter winds, feel free to apply removable caulk or weather stripping before installing your shrink wrap. Revisit the caulk sections that appeared earlier in this article for suggestions.
Weatherproofing Rebates and Incentives
Homeowners can explore available financial incentives or rebates in their city and/or state for weatherproofing their homes. One such benefit is the Home Energy Rebate Program offered by the Department of Energy.
Additional federal assistance options include tax credits and the Weatherization Assistance Program.
Read More:
- How to Winterize a House
- How to Keep Your Home’s Pipes from Freezing
- How to Know if Your Pipes Are Frozen
- How to Unfreeze Pipes in Your House
- How to Insulate the Pipes in Your House
Note: Home Gnome may get a referral fee for matching you with pros in your area.
Main Photo Credit: Olga Ionina / Adobe Stock Free / License