Insulating windows questions

[WilliamP]

I've been looking to minimize heat loss through the windows.
One option seems to be the clear plastic shrink-wrap sheeting.

Is there anyone out there who's done this and might have valuable tips on the process?
It looks as if removing the window 'treatments' would be necessary to do a good job with taping.
Also -- I wondered about unscrewing the interior frames of the windows - applying the film and tape and then replacing the white metal frames. I thought it might be easier than stretching and working around the raised metal frame.

When I mentioned this to my wife she was afraid that the windows might fall out, or seals would be broken, or something else horrible.
So -- she urged me to ask the Forum.

Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
WP

[Spike99]

If you want to be serious about insulating a TT, 5er or TH, simply remove one window (by removing its inner o-ring with a cordless drill) and pull back its outer siding approx 1/2" away from the RV wall. With flashlight in hand, look inside the RV's inner wall cavity. You'd be amazed on such little fiberglass batt insulation being used (at the factory). And, there's no vapour barrier either - to also act as a wind break. Seriously... Remove a window and have a long look inside the TT's walls. Insulating the window with plastic sheet is little improvement - compared to what's lacking inside the wall cavities. If you want to be serious about properly insulating a TT/5er or TH, remove all its windows, remove its outer wall hatches, doors, remove its corner trim, remove its outer siding and hire a contractor to apply Close Cell - 2lbs Spray foam within its outer walls. Then, simply re-install its siding, its windows and door/hatches. Spray foam is R7 per inch (inside TT walls, you'll get R14+) and contractor spray foam inside the wall cavities stops wind / moisture entering inside as well. If serious about insulating a TT, apply contractor grade CC-2lbs (medium density) on its outer walls, within its roof cavity and underbelly areas. Much better then water wicking fibreglass insulation garbage (which holds water / moisture and rots out walls). Such an upgrade is a very DIY task. But, hire the Spray Foam contractor for the much better Contractor grade Spray Foam. DIY Spray Foam kits are too watered down.

[WilliamP]

Thanks for the information Spike.
That's more project than I care to take on seeing that I will probably sell this unit in spring.
At the moment, I feel the inner walls and then I feel the much colder single pane windows and would like to minimize that particular heat loss, even if that doesn't solve the problem completely.
Any suggestions about the windows?

[glazier]

I took the interior ring off of the window in my bedroom and cut 1/8" lexan to fit, and installed it like a storm window. I used 1/8" MR10 scratch resistant material, (I own a glass shop), but you could use just general purpose polycarbonate. You do have to remove the window treatments, but you blinds stay in place, 4 screws should take them down.

[RedHorse1]

If you don't mind the light loss, cut pieces of Reflecix and mount with Velcro. I've done this for storage. The last campground was rather well lit at night. The bride suggested a piece for the door window to block some of the light.

[WilliamP]

Thanks again to everyone -- I removed the interior window rings (the windows did not fall out and Spike - the walls are filled with about 1" of styrofoam) and used the shrink wrap plastic. It worked extremely well -- everything looks neat and tidy since the rings covered all the tape and loose edges -- can hardly even tell it's there. The heat loss was greatly reduced and our little rig is much more snug and cozy.

[RedHorse1]

William,
Do you plan to leave it on year-round? Is it designed for permanant installation. I've been aware of the window shrink wrap but have never used it or even seen an installation.

[Ela1948]

Originally Posted by WilliamP

Thanks again to everyone -- I removed the interior window rings (the windows did not fall out and Spike - the walls are filled with about 1" of styrofoam) and used the shrink wrap plastic. It worked extremely well -- everything looks neat and tidy since the rings covered all the tape and loose edges -- can hardly even tell it's there. The heat loss was greatly reduced and our little rig is much more snug and cozy.

How much time did you have invested in installation per window?? I had thought about that plastic idea but thought that the effort wouldn't be worth the return. Glad to hear that it works that well.