How to Use Cardboard for Insulation

How to Use Cardboard for Insulation
Written By
Alina McKee
Alina McKee
Published: Apr 22, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

The only cost that you will incur for this project is for the aluminum foil and tape, so it is an economical solution to a common problem.

Things You Will Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Corrugated cardboard
  • Scissors
  • Metallic duct tape
  1. Measure the window you would like to cover with the cardboard shutter. You will want to measure the window's glass, not the frame, to get an accurate measurement for this project.

  2. Cut four pieces of cardboard to the same size as your window.

  3. Cover one side of two pieces of cardboard with aluminum foil by taping the foil to the cardboard.

  4. Sandwich the cardboard without foil between the two pieces of cardboard that are covered in foil. Make sure the foil-covered sides are facing outwards. If done correctly, the "bread" of the sandwich will be foil and the "meat" will be cardboard.

  5. Tape the cardboard sandwich together. Use several strips of tape on each side to make the shutter sturdy.

  6. Tape the shutter to your window using one long strip of tape for each side of the shutter. The cardboard will insulate your home from the cold, and the aluminum foil will insulate your home from the heat by reflecting the sun's rays.

The Drip Cap

  • Your windows could be costing you money.
  • The only cost that you will incur for this project is for the aluminum foil and tape, so it is an economical solution to a common problem.
  • Cut four pieces of cardboard to the same size as your window.
  • The cardboard will insulate your home from the cold, and the aluminum foil will insulate your home from the heat by reflecting the sun's rays.

References

Photo Credits

windows image by christophe morgado from Fotolia.com

windows image by christophe morgado from Fotolia.com

Alina McKee

Since 1998 Alina McKee has written for dozens of traditional and online beauty, fashion, health and parenting publications including Pregnancy.org, Mama Health and Real Beauty. As a professional artist, her articles about these subjects…

Sponsored
HomeSteady Logo

HomeSteady is the ultimate guide for all your household needs, from cleaning and HVAC to electrical, DIY and maintenance.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.