Chasing the Chill Out: My Hempwool Window Insulation Project for a Cozier Homestead (and Lower Bills!)

For years, I've been striving for a more self-sufficient lifestyle here at Bumbleberry Homestead. We've got the garden humming, the chickens clucking, and the pantry stocked with home-canned goodness. But there was one persistent thorn in my side – our drafty, old farmhouse. Specifically, the single-pane windows that seemed to bleed heat in the winter and AC in the summer, sending our energy bills sky-high.

I knew something had to be done, but the thought of replacing all the windows was daunting (and expensive!). That's when I stumbled upon the idea of insulating them with hempwool. It’s a natural, sustainable, and relatively low-cost option, and the more I researched, the more convinced I became that it was the perfect solution for us. This blog post is my deep dive into the process, sharing my experience, tips, and hard-earned lessons so you can tackle your own DIY window insulation project and create a cozier, more energy-efficient home. And what better place to share this with than the Better Homes and Harvests community?

Why Hempwool? A Natural Choice

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's talk about why I chose hempwool. There are plenty of insulation options out there, but hempwool stood out for several reasons:

• Sustainability: Hemp is a rapidly renewable resource that requires minimal pesticides and herbicides to grow.
• Breathability: Hempwool allows moisture to pass through, preventing mold and mildew buildup. This is crucial in an older home like ours.
• Natural and Non-Toxic: Unlike some conventional insulation materials, hempwool doesn't off-gas harmful chemicals, making it a healthier option for my family.
• Excellent Insulation: Hempwool provides comparable insulation to fiberglass or mineral wool, keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
• Relatively Easy to Work With: No special equipment is needed, and it’s much less itchy and irritating than fiberglass.

(Image: Before photo of a drafty single-pane window with frost buildup in the corner.)

Step-by-Step: Insulating Single-Pane Windows with Hempwool

Okay, let's get down to business. Here's how I tackled this project, step by step:

1. Assessment and Preparation:

• Identify Problem Windows: Walk around your home on a cold day and feel for drafts around your windows. Note which windows are the worst offenders. These are your priority targets.
• Measure Your Windows: Accurately measure the interior dimensions of the window frame. You’ll need these measurements to cut the hempwool to size. Measure twice, cut once!
• Gather Your Materials and Tools:
  • Hempwool insulation (I purchased mine from a local supplier specializing in natural building materials. Search online for "hempwool insulation near me").
  • Utility knife or sharp scissors.
  • Measuring tape.
  • Straight edge or ruler.
  • Staple gun (optional, but helpful for securing the hempwool).
  • Safety glasses and gloves (recommended).
  • Dust mask (especially if you have allergies).
  • Drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect your floors.
  • Caulk or weather stripping to seal any gaps around the window frame (optional).
  • Fabric scraps and filler for draft stoppers (more on that below!).

2. Cutting the Hempwool:

• Cut to Size: Using your measurements, cut the hempwool into rectangles that are slightly larger than the interior dimensions of your window frame. This allows for a snug fit. I found it easiest to compress the hempwool slightly and cut it with a sharp utility knife on a cutting board.
• Layering (Optional): Depending on the thickness of your hempwool, you may want to layer it to achieve the desired insulation value. I used two layers for my windows.

3. Installing the Hempwool:

• Clean the Window Frame: Wipe down the interior window frame to remove any dust or debris.
• Insert the Hempwool: Carefully insert the cut hempwool into the window frame, pressing it firmly against the glass. Make sure it fits snugly and covers the entire surface of the glass.
• Secure the Hempwool (Optional): If desired, use a staple gun to secure the hempwool to the window frame. This will help prevent it from shifting or falling out. I only stapled the top edge, allowing for easy removal in the spring.

4. Sealing Gaps (Optional):

• Caulk or Weather Stripping: If you notice any gaps around the window frame, seal them with caulk or weather stripping to prevent drafts. This is an important step for maximizing energy efficiency.

5. Hand-Sewn Draft Stoppers: The Finishing Touch

While the hempwool significantly improved the insulation, I wanted to add an extra layer of protection against drafts. That’s where my hand-sewn draft stoppers come in. These are simple fabric tubes filled with rice, beans, or even fabric scraps, that sit at the bottom of the window to block cold air from seeping in.

• Measure the Width of Your Window: This will determine the length of your draft stopper.
• Cut Fabric: Cut two pieces of fabric (I used old flannel shirts) to the desired length, plus extra for seam allowances. The width should be about 8-10 inches.
• Sew the Tube: Sew the two pieces of fabric together, right sides facing, leaving one end open. Turn the tube right side out.
• Fill the Tube: Fill the tube with your chosen filler (rice, beans, or fabric scraps). Make sure it's packed firmly.
• Sew the End Closed: Sew the open end of the tube closed, creating a sealed draft stopper.
• Place at the Bottom of the Window: Position the draft stopper along the bottom of the window to block drafts.

(Image: Close-up photo of a hand-sewn draft stopper made from flannel fabric.)

Budget Breakdown:

Here's a rough estimate of the costs involved in my project:

• Hempwool insulation: $50 - $100 (depending on the number of windows and the thickness of the hempwool)
• Utility knife/scissors: $10 (already owned)
• Staple gun: $20 (already owned)
• Caulk/weather stripping: $15 (optional)
• Fabric for draft stoppers: $0 (recycled old clothing)
• Filler for draft stoppers: $5 (rice)

Total Cost: $90 - $150

This is significantly less than the cost of replacing the windows!

Challenges and "Aha!" Moments:

• Cutting Hempwool: I initially struggled with cutting the hempwool cleanly. I found that using a sharp utility knife on a cutting board and compressing the hempwool slightly made the process much easier.
• Snug Fit: Getting the hempwool to fit snugly in the window frame required some patience. I learned to cut the pieces slightly larger than the dimensions of the frame and then trim them as needed for a perfect fit.
• The "Aha!" Moment: The most rewarding moment was feeling the immediate difference in temperature after installing the hempwool and draft stoppers. The room felt noticeably warmer, and the drafts were gone!

(Image: Before and after comparison photo showing a window without insulation versus a window with hempwool insulation and a draft stopper.)

The Impact on Our Homestead:

This project has had a significant impact on our homestead. Our home is noticeably warmer and more comfortable, and our energy bills have decreased. But more than that, it’s given me a sense of accomplishment and a deeper connection to our home. Knowing that I’ve taken a step towards greater self-sufficiency and sustainability is incredibly rewarding. It’s opened up new possibilities! We hope to continue making sustainable choices, and inspiring others as well.

Legality and Safety Considerations:

Always check your local building codes and regulations before undertaking any DIY home improvement project. While insulating windows with hempwool is generally considered safe, it's always a good idea to consult with a professional if you have any concerns. Ensure adequate ventilation in your home, especially during colder months when windows are sealed for extended periods.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action:

Insulating our windows with hempwool was a game-changer for our homestead. It's a relatively simple and affordable project that can significantly improve your home's energy efficiency and comfort. If you're looking for a sustainable and DIY-friendly way to reduce your energy bills and create a cozier home, I highly recommend giving it a try.

What I recommend to others wanting to get started:

1. Start small: Pick one or two of the draftiest windows in your home to test the process.
2. Source your hempwool locally: This reduces your carbon footprint and supports local businesses.
3. Don't be afraid to experiment: Try different techniques and materials to find what works best for you.
4. Document your progress: Take before-and-after photos to track your results and inspire others!

Small steps can lead to big changes. By embracing DIY projects like this, we can create more sustainable, self-sufficient, and comfortable homes for ourselves and future generations. Now go forth and chase those chills away, fellow homesteaders!