Bubble-Wrap to insulate windows

[Joe Blake]

During our present hot spell here in Western Australia (so far three consecutive days of 40+ degrees centigrade with more to come) I've found that a lot of heat seems to come into the house via the single paned glass window. Even though it's shaded under the eaves it appears that the heat is coming from the outside air. I am considering ways of "double glazing" this and other windows on the eastern side of the house. One thought that crosses my mind is to cover the external surface of the window with plastic bubble wrap, as used in packaging. The window is used more for light than the view.

A couple of questions arise.

Firstly, has anybody tried this, and how does it work.

Secondly, does anybody have any thoughts on which side of the bubble wrap should go against the glass, the "bubble" side or the flat side? I suppose my own thought experiment would tend (slightly) to having the "bubble" side to the window, but I'd be willing to listen to any arguments to the contrary.

My second approach I'm considering is to construct a frame from PVC water pipe (20mm diameter) using right-angle "elbow" joints, and then stapling a sheet of flat polycarbonate roofing onto the frame and then "press fit" the faux window into the frame. I'm thinking of cutting thin strips of roll-up camping mat and gluing them onto the window side of the PVC frame to give an air seal.

Has anybody any comments or suggestions of either or both these thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

Joe

[Paul Bailey]

I Know people that have tried this in cold climate applications with some success. Any application of whatever to get to a tri pane or thermopane will of course make a sizable improvement in impeding heat heat gain or loss through any window. Window heat loss or gain in most climates is LARGE so the higher the R-value!! good luck with the test. Paul

[Joe Blake]

It may work in cold weather, but it certainly seems to do zilch in hot.

It's 10 minutes to midnight and the air temperature inside the house is 30.5 degrees Centigrade. Windows and doors are open, but nary a breeze.

Anyway, plan B is already in train. I've arranged to purchase some more fibreglass batts tomorrow to finish insulating my roof space, a job I started over 12 months ago. Even with only 2/3rds (or less) of the ceiling insulated the impact was immediately noticeable, in both summer and winter. (I hate to think what it would be like NOW if I hadn't insulated some of the house already!!!!)

I know the insulation is working because I purchased a non-contact infra-red thermometer.

http://www.greenpowertalk.org/showthread.php?t=445

And it shows that there are "hot" and "cold" spots everywhere.

Global warming?

Round here it is, for sure.

Swelterin' Joe

[Paul Bailey]

Well I didn't know you were uninsulated in some places!!!Of course you need to start there first. REMEMBER Insulation doesn't cost you Money ...It pays you money. Paul B.

[Joe Blake]

It was a case of needs must as the Devil drives. I initially couldn't afford to insulate the whole house, so I did the most important bits first, ie the bedroom and part of the living room/office. And up until our present heat wave, it was sufficient, with the normal mix of hot and cool days giving the thermal mass of the bricks in the house a chance to cool down.

However, the average max temperature for Jan/Feb is listed as 30 degrees C and over the last week or so it has been up around 38-41. The average min temp is 16 degrees. But I don't think it's reached that low for quite some time, and certainly in no sustained fashion.

Anyhow, I've now got the new batts and it only remains to install them. Only ... brand new problem. I tried to get up into the roof space about an hour ago and it would seem I've ... er ... "bulked up" somewhat since the last time I was up there, and I'm trying to work out a way of getting a quart into a pint pot, pot being the operative word.

If it ain't one damned thing it's another.
:eek: :eek: :mad: :mad:
Joe

[Rob Beckers]

Hi Joe,

See the bright side: Once you are up there rolling out bats in that sauna-like climate under your roof, you'll be loosing weight at a rate that would put weight-watchers to shame!

Synergy Joe! It's all about synergy... :D

-Rob-