How To Insulate A Window Or Door

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Shannon from www.house-impr... shows you two ways of insulating the gap around a window or door. He shows how to use fiberglass batt insulation and expanding foam in a can. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to stop by our forum.

[@longfordboy2538]

This guy is great!, Speaks well and seems like someone you would like to hang out with Well done! Thank you

[@VTV-Live]

Spraying foam in 2 passes was a great tip.

[@punchion]

The best videos I've found on the web by far. Concise, instructional and easy to understand. Good job Shannon!!

[@twiincentral8780]

Started watching you even before I had a house, I just wanted to say thank you for all the knowledge you’ve shared! Really appreciate it.

[@HouseImprovements]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Condor1970]

What I find interesting, is so many window install videos really stress the need for a water drain gap on the bottom with those little blocks. Yet, you filled that whole gap with foam. I personally do the same, since the real moisture barrier is properly installing exterior trim, then properly caulking the outside trim and flashing to prevent water from getting behind the window to begin with. The better quality spray foams are also waterproof to prevent water from even in there, which is best for insulating, and creating an additional moisture barrier from the outside.

[@jasonHadley420]

im soo glad you did not just stuff Fiberglass in there like a Bunch of other Contractors do... Good Job Man as always!!

[@rsz90182]

I saw other videos and this guy's knowledge is much superior than others and he transfers his knowledge right into a beginners head like me to do it right. XD.

[@jamesfox8930]

Shannon, your one of my favorite fix it guys on KZbin. Been watching your videos for years. Keep up the good work, buddy!

[@HouseImprovements]

Thanks 👍

[@HomeOwnerRepair]

I never knew that holding the can upside down works better. Great video.

[@andrewcarr2431]

yep, tells you to on the instructions on the can. but hey, who reads instructions?

[@naskutak]

This 👦 is so good 👍.. I have been watching him for a while and he's really really good explaining stuff into details with very true and good and also accurate information

[@peterzhang6813]

Thank you very much, you have helped a lots of homeowners do the diy job, thanks again

[@shirleykeith4512]

Very well explained. You're the guy I want to work on my house. the last house we had built had the window jambs buckled in because they didn't use low expanding foam.

[@brianmurray667]

Great demonstration! All your videos have that in common. Thanks.

[@timfallon8481]

Always great videos from this guy.

[@jdavis417]

It's impressive!

[@markhamgarden3592]

DIDN'T KNOW I CAN'T SQUEEZE THE INSULATION. THANKS

[@WindowsandSidingATX]

Great information! A lot of people just don't know this stuff.

[@dlouque]

Just watched several of your videos in the past couple of days and I really learned a lot. Thanks so much for such great tutorials. My house was flooded in Isaac and though I've done some stuff myself, I'm making sure the mexicans my contractor hired is doing it right.

[@GuardianOfOneTruth]

Guy you are awesome... you explain in layman's term. you are easily understood

[@mikewarren8809]

Excellent video. Good job Shannon - well presented and well shot. I'll use the hybrid method for insulating my window replacement.

[@simomilosic7345]

We also use so called expasion tape. It is pretaped on window before installing and it expands after, so the tape fills the gaps. We inport it from Germany. The tape itself is better than foam cause it moves with the window. That depends on whether season outside.

[@HouseImprovements]

Interesting I have never heard of that.

[@leonidtumarkin3662]

Real good instructor and knowledgeable. Thank you

[@CLyon-cc9jp]

Good videos. I hadn't thought of doing two passes. I usually overfill and make a mess. Makes sense on the air barrier of the first pass. I want to add that gloves really should be worn while doing the foam. If you get it on your hands there is nothing that will get it off that I have found. Mineral spirits, acetone, even gasoline (!) will not soften it so it can be removed. If anyone knows what will get it off, aside from some kind of VERY strong abrasive, please post it. I have gotten it on my fingernails and it is there for days until it finally just wears off. I always tell myself I will be extra careful, and I always fail and get some on my skin. Best just to put some disposable gloves on of some type and avoid the problem. Also, use care when dispensing. Try not to pull the trigger all the way down as it will come out too fast. Take your time and squeeze gently to get moderate flow of the foam.

[@friggerx3150]

If you get it on your skin use acetone before it cures and it comes off. But you gotta be quick.

[@simomilosic7345]

In my country we are using foam on specialy designed pistol. You Just screw it on and reuse it. The foam won't get dry in the pistole cause the design of pistol prevents it. We don't Use the other method ever. But nice job and a great video.

[@HouseImprovements]

Yup we have foam guns as well ,I just have never got into one, not sure why? LOL

[@mitchelljermaine]

Regarding the 2in gaps and high cost of foam. They make medium expansion high density foam for those situations.You have to wait about a day to make the second pass, but it does the job all the same without having to mess with the strips.

[@scottsteibel]

Thanks for posting

[@1zeagle]

very well explained and you answer peoples questions - I will try this myself, thanks vey much

[@CalvinLifts]

Hi Shannon,great videos,so easy to follow and understand. Please keep up the good work. At some stage,could you do a video on how to install a pergola,starting from the wall plate. Much appreciated. Cheers.Burle

[@chrisheffernan6600]

Thank you Shannon

[@AllaroundNbackagain]

The insulation chinking works but most people don’t do the extra layer of tape from the wall onto the edge of the window jamb. If done properly it’ll seal it good and the casing will cover the tuck tape. The spray foam is superior but expensive.

[@mae2759]

What if your gap between the window and the framing is thinner than the thickness of the straw and you can't get your straw in there?

[@HouseImprovements]

Sometimes you can squeeze the straw with pliers to make it flatter to fit if its the smaller style straw ,if it's the larger straws you can't. You are stuck with sliding batt insulation in there with a thin bar. After that use the foam and carefully seal the very last bit if you can.

[@GardenReflections]

Thanks! This was both interesting and helpful!

[@goosecouple]

Nice job on the spray foam.

[@annimomma5774]

Thank you

[@jesse977]

This guy is a pro.

[@jesussolis6356]

Awesome, man.Thanks for the video

[@justme-ti1rh]

Thanks for your videos they are very helpful.

[@gyver471]

Great explanation thanks

[@jgehbinv]

Shannon, thank you for producing EXCELLENT how to videos! I have 2 bay windows in which the undersides of the units show exposed plywood. I have about a 1 inch gap between the plywood and bottom edge of the window unit. I would like to fill that gap with insulation, because when it gets cold, the hardwood floor area in the house gets really cold. Any ideas how to do that? Thanks! Jeff G. Richmond, Va.

[@keithkevin6452]

Amazing!!!! thanks man. Perfect explanation

[@HouseImprovements]

Glad you liked it!

[@andyh7537]

Regarding cleanup of your hands, brake cleaner is not super nice to your skin but it will remove spray foam easily (just use gloves though if you can). You can also use it to clean out the straw and the connector on the can and have a better chance of re-starting the can if you only use a partial.

[@HouseImprovements]

Thanks for the tip!

[@SolidSmooth1]

Pretty informational. Like it.

[@gconn190]

Well done.

[@benjatn3404]

GREAT VIDEO,THANKS!

[@170dude]

Thank you. great video

[@tadjuz]

thank you for video.

[@rumplestiltskin72]

thanks Shannon

[@thomasgregory8941]

Good video. Thanks.

[@sammani8395]

Thank you! helpful video.

[@ushillbillies]

helped alot...thanks...

[@hannahs_house]

Thank you so much for your informative videos. By the way, you look IDENTICAL to my daddy. 😳 Only he has a very southern accent. 😂

[@agentcmac]

Safety glasses, and proper gloves with that spray foam.

[@da324]

Let's Nerf the world.

[@josephmoma9556]

God bless you You good man 💕🌹

[@al3645]

Spray foams works best but check window manufacturer warranty. Some require no spray foam and won’t honor wAtranty if it’s used.

[@cookesflooring]

Good Video.

[@tamerhamdy3308]

wonderful

[@ripley664]

Thank u very helpfull

[@Illyrianwarship7]

Im a new construction DIY'er and I'd like to know why you wrap the walls in plastic after insulating? Is this also an insulation method? Also great video! great tips!!

[@HouseImprovements]

This is the air/vapour barrier. It keeps warm moist air from in the house from entering the cold wall cavity and also keeps drafts out of the house.

[@gardenlostbooks]

Hello. It is a good idea to put fiberglass between the two window glass, adhered inside the wood frame? I think the fiberglass can reduce de resonance of the glass and improvement the efficiency of the system! I believe!

[@jeremylester4527]

Good vid.

[@muyy1]

I live on cold place, the fiberglass will cause moisture maybe? Can i use rock wool, my gap is 2 inch big, that's why i can't use spray foam.

[@randluka]

Great videos, thank you! I have a question; how did you get your framing flush with the window frame their? do you have a video talking about framing around windows? I'm framing my basement and is struggling with the windows, they have vinyl borders that are flush with the concrete. Thanks

[@HouseImprovements]

The window jambs actually are sticking into the building past the farming by 1/2". This allows them to be flush to the face of the 1/2 Plywood that will be on the interior of the wall of this garage. I order my windows to fit.

[@diegosalas3497]

Great tutorial, BTW you look like Nek (Italian Singer)

[@321AUDIO]

good job man

[@florand]

In the beginning of the video i was like why not silicone but when i saw the gap. i realized i would need a 50$ worth of silicone for each window.

[@peterbergeris6510]

I have gaps between window and sheet rock which is too big for caulk. What is best solution so I can put down a bead?

[@davidcunningham2984]

excellent

[@dianelap67]

You are very talented there is nothing you can't do! My grandson wants to live in the shed this winter and wants to install drywall the shed has plywood inside and outside with insulation in between, he wants to put the drywall over the plywood, is this a good idea, my husband says the drywall will crumble. Shed is 12x16, I would like to help him but at 73 there is not much I can do except purchase the material, will I be wasting my money on drywall and a wall heater that says it can heat a room 240 sq feet. We live in Canada, 30 or 40 below is pretty cold what do you advise? Shed has one little window that needs to be insulated too. The raccoons come in via the ceiling of the shed but can't get inside the shed, it has insulation for a ceiling and he covered that with a thick plastic? Thank you for your great videos, I could watch your work all day, very good at what you do. D. R-Lapointe

[@HouseImprovements]

The drywall should be fine if there is heat I guess

[@dianelap67]

Thank you not sure how much heat there will be. Thanks for your help

[@tomlangley8852]

30 to 40 below and your Grandson wants to camp out in the shed? LMFAO! ...Bubbles?

[@gtguy181]

Naw I wanted to do something like this when I was a kid. Attic, the garage, and tree house, etc. Imagination was the limit. We even built a pine branch trench over two fallen pine trees. Dug deep and used pine branches as joist and covered with pine straw for shingles. Worked pretty good. Just be happy he isnt in a closet somewhere with a tablet.

[@Carolina4Sale]

What spray product would you use for replacement windows? Any suggestion would be appreciated. TIA

[@jaanushiiemae2164]

There is also a third option to use expanding tape.

[@HouseImprovements]

Never have heard of expanding tape?

[@TwistedWinter]

I always thought you shouldn't hold a can upside down when you use it? I seem to remember a can of compressed air comes out VERY cold if you shoot it upside down...

[@studiosingyourstyle]

Where do you mention this certain type of weather strip? KZbin has taken me all over to wasting time yet can’t find a link for this “certain type” all your other videos talk about everything but this “certain type” of strip. Will you please post link or include link for this certain type of strip?!!!

[@HouseImprovements]

I have no idea what you are referring to , we do not mention anything about "weather stripping" in this video? Maybe we can help you in our forum?www.house-improvements.com/forums/

[@chrishowell4619]

Shannon, great videos. What brand of spray foam do you recommend?

[@HouseImprovements]

really any low expansion brand made for windows and doors

[@gecko4310]

I enjoy your videos but one recommendation wear eye protection and gloves when using this stuff

[@2care4lots]

I had replacement windows put in last summer and found out throughout the cold months they were not insulated. What can I do to insulate now? Thanks.

[@Thekid1996]

Terry T just take off the trim and you can Insulate them now. It can be done anytime by just removing the trim and revealing that gap

[@jakewalter3729]

Terry T I

[@DMeJan808]

nice!!!!

[@flightmedic7169]

Quick question when you do the bottom doesn’t that block the gaps you left on the silicone when you installed it for the water to come out thru. Thanks for your videos

[@HouseImprovements]

really with sprayfoam you should not get moisture and if you do it will stay to the exterior and find the openings left as drains.

[@flightmedic7169]

HouseImprovements so sorry to bother again but forgot to ask you what nails to use and also my window is from window depot and doesn’t have holes do I just make my own for the nails

[@flightmedic7169]

HouseImprovements I bought some GRK R4 #9 2” multi purpose screws. Hope this works. Thanks

[@filipe6953]

when compressing the insulation you loose the R-Value but you also stop the air flow, does that amount for anything good ass far as heat or cold loss from the room?

[@pthsdo]

How do you clean the overspilled hardened foam off of vinyl window for those of us who didn't see this video before spraying?

[@andrewcarr2431]

any heavy duty chemical based remover such as Acetone will do it prior to being cured, otherwise you have to scrape it off. don't ask me how i know this.!!

[@kennethzimmerman2842]

you are good

[@nautiques1000]

Shannon have you ever had to apply foam around windows during below freezing temps?I was wondering how it would work as long as the product was kept warm in the can.

[@HouseImprovements]

yup keep can warm and I would not apply under -10 C. Not sure what the manufacture recommends?

[@nautiques1000]

Thank you sir!

[@chris14388]

So my inspector says I need to trim the foam around the windows to put caulking around it. Can you suggest a tool that can trim deep enough in so the caulking won't be all bumpy? Any advice would be great thank you!

[@HouseImprovements]

not sure why you need to caulk it? If you sprayed once and filled about half way and then filled the rest after the first dried you can trim off the excess and its sealed. Anyways you gotta please the inspector i guess now. There is no real tool that will do what you want neatly . I assume you have drywall on walls so gouge out the best you can with anything and then fill with caulk. If it was me I trim the foam flush and would use tuck tape and tape the drywall to the edge of the window frame and the window trim would cover it all.

[@TheFahQue]

The sound makes me want to drink a Rootbeer float

[@bonniewilliams9171]

Old fashioned original a &w rootbeer float! Wow!

[@tousshong9438]

Is this thing water tight? I did my windows and I have some gaps on the outside frames areas so could I use this stuff beside silicone caulking etc...??

[@mitchelljermaine]

It is, but IMO, cualking is best for those gaps. Just make sure you're using the exterior kind that says on the label that it will not crack (often a latex type).

[@thedyslexic9936]

after the first pass with the foam, can you just fill the rest with batt insulation?

[@HouseImprovements]

Sure, but be sure you have a couple of inches of foam first and let it cure and expand.

[@adamcoates2892]

Is it ok to use the foam if a layer of batting is behind it (going toward the outside of the window/home)?

[@HouseImprovements]

That would be fine.

[@marcelametcalf7808]

Is there a rule on how big your basement window needs to be ? I want to make mine bigger . Thanks

[@HouseImprovements]

There are rules for window sizes and types in bedrooms and being able to get out of them . Check your local "window egress" codes

[@studiosingyourstyle]

I’m not interested in watching the link that’s total soundproofing for beginners. I already know more than a beginner. I’m only interested in the weatherstrip that you’re mentioning in this video but yet not including the link on the video. I don’t know how I could be more clear than what I’m searching for here.

[@HouseImprovements]

???

[@Tonymatraca21]

Just curious when applying the foam , when it expands, will it expand and seep down into the spots left open for the condensation to escape?

[@HouseImprovements]

Good point Anthony, when installing the foam there is a chance that the foam method may fill those voids , I have never seen it actually come out of those spots . If it is completely filling the void all around the window there is really no place for the condensation to form . When using batt insulation there will for sure be some gaps were it is not pushed completely in. I leave the drains no matter which way I insulate just in case though.

[@alexdabarber1747]

What spots you referring to I’ve never heard of spots for condensation to scape

[@kriskersch622]

I didn't think there was one made. But a stiff tube (small PVC/CPVC?) modified to fit over the supplied straw taped or laser glued in place. I will be looking at the hardware stores.

[@jerrys6832]

Doesn't filling the bottom with foam defeat the purpose of having a path for water to drain out. Would backer bead pressed in a short distance and flush with the inside surface work?

[@HouseImprovements]

If it is filled with foam water should not get in?

[@keithtraa]

insulate the bottom just like the sides and top.

[@GmGarlo]

Thanks great tips ,I live in Ontario, so what are the best basement windows to buy

[@HouseImprovements]

That is a tough question. There are many brands. Look for windows that meet "Energy Star" specs. They will have stickers to prove that they are approved . One brand I use a lot is. "All weather"

[@larrymaloney877]

+GmGarlo , windows are rated by U value. The lower the U value the better it insulates. Since we are more familiar with R value do a simple conversion...divide 1 by the U value. The result is the R value. The higher the R value the better the window insulates. Keep in mind, however, the best insulated window is no better than the worst wall. Insulate with closed cell foam and it will be air tight. Cutting closed cell foam does not reduce it's ability to block air infiltration. Never use fiberglass to insulate a window. It leaks air and most often it's packed in so doesn't insulate at all. Spend the money on foam and it will pay dividends on comfort and energy savings.

[@tkonlyme]

Someone did this with my windows but I was told it can damage the window due to the pressure. Am I misinformed?

[@HouseImprovements]

Use the proper low expansion window and door foam and dont over fill it in one application. fill about half way and let it expand and cure then top it off it it need more.

[@soniasiamo9446]

Why after we did insulation and vesper berries .....got moisture can you tell me why please thanks

[@HouseImprovements]

New wood can have moisture in it when its first being installed and started to dry out. So if you framed and insulated and installed vapour barrier in a short amount of time you will traps me moisture mac there , small amounts will dry to the exterior and you should be ok.

[@satto123123]

I replace my 30 year old window with a new one but while I was doing the installation I forgot to put the paper insulation outside. so how this is going to affect and what can I do to fix it without unscrewing the whole window. From outside the siding is all done but from the inside its unfinished wall.

[@HouseImprovements]

Please ask your questions in the forum please. www.house-improvements.com/forums/

[@rayqueen4904]

How do you determine how many cans of spray to get for a house?

[@HouseImprovements]

Really depends on a few factors. Size of can, size of gaps you are filling and size of windows. A can this size with 3'x3' windows ,2x4 walls and with about a 1/2" app all around would do about 3-4 windows.

[@tesla4002]

Why is there a gap in all the windows ??

[@HouseImprovements]

this is the space between the wood opening and the window frame. It is needed for easy installation and squaring up the window . it is insulated after the install.

[@tesla4002]

Thank you. I guess the people that installed my windows did not insulated .. there is too cold or hot around the edges

[@miltonmartinez6811]

How many window of that size can be fill with that bottle?

[@HouseImprovements]

All depends on the depth and width of the gap. With this window and about 3/8" gap al the way around you would get at least two windows usually.

[@jgkrus]

Is this the same procedure with doors?

[@HouseImprovements]

yes

[@salehalmeshari2681]

the way he's talking is so funny.

[@kriskersch622]

Is there a stiff straw extension to get into difficult places?

[@HouseImprovements]

+Kris Kersch Not for theses cans but there guns you can buy to screw onto other types of cans that have a rigid metal nozzle.