Do-it-yourself insulation of window glass for the winter. Effective ways to insulate windows for the winter with your own hands. What time to choose for work
Window structures made from polyvinyl chloride are self-sufficient products that do not require additional thermal insulation.
If you are increasingly thinking about PVC, because in winter they still allow the cold to pass through, then there is definitely something wrong with some of the structural elements. Let's look at this issue in more detail.
What does a PVC window consist of?
Any plastic window structure includes the following components:
- profile;
- rubber seals;
- glass unit;
- adjustment fittings;
- there is a window sill at the bottom and slopes on the sides.
If a breakdown occurs in one of the listed components, there will be blowing.
What does thermal insulation come down to?
Insulation of plastic windows consists of slopes. In the context of other elements, this is only about troubleshooting. Due to the profile, for example, drafts never occur. Modern high-tech plastic is not wood. The material cannot dry out or move.
Double-glazed windows lose heat if depressurization occurs in certain areas of the product. If you don’t want the windows to let the cold in, insulate the slopes or look for the cause of the breakdown. Let's start looking at insulation window design from the slopes.
Protecting slopes from the cold
For plastic windows, it is advisable to make slopes from plastic. It is best to line them with hard plastic. Why? The material is excellent for additional thermal insulation.
In this case, the opening that appears between the wall surface and window frame, filled in special foam. Other options are foam insulators or slabs made from basalt fiber. Choose a material that suits your current tasks.
External and interior wall also needs to be insulated. Only this time the materials are no longer insulating, but protective properties. From negative impact various external factors protects the insulator directly.
Elimination of sash misalignment
Window and wall structures sometimes shrink. Unfortunately, nothing can be done about this. New buildings especially suffer from this “illness”. Shrinkage, in turn, leads to a slight distortion of the valves, which negatively affects the thermal insulation of the structure. The solution to the problem is debugging the hardware.
Tool
Adjustment of the pressure of the sashes with your own hands is done using special eccentrics. When turning the hand, they go behind the “calling pads”. These elements are installed along the frame perimeter. To ensure tight pressing, the eccentric is rotated clockwise.
Each element described has a risk. When she “looks” towards the street, this indicates a weakening of the pressure. If the pointer is facing the rubber seal, the sash is pressed well against the frame structure.
Loops
The hinges of a plastic window also have their own mechanism responsible for the pressure. The device is adjusted using a hexagon. The rule is simple: a strongly retracted tongue means a tight fit of the sash. To extend it, you need to turn the hexagon counterclockwise. When the loops are located with right side, the turn is made in the other direction. This time clockwise.
As you can see, there is nothing complicated - the misalignment of the valves is eliminated easily and simply.
If the described actions do not help, and the cold does not go away, it means that more serious problems have arisen. In this case, you will have to contact the experts.
Preparing the window for winter:
Replacing the rubber seal
What's happened rubber compressor? Its main task is to ensure a tight fit of the sashes to the frame. For greater reliability, it is made of rubber and does not allow cold to pass through when closed.
If you properly care for it and regularly treat it with special compounds, the seal will last quite a long time. However, few owners of PVC windows take care of the element, which is almost always hidden by the sashes. Many people don’t even know that it needs to be lubricated with special mixtures.
So it turns out that in about five years the rubber seal loses its density. And when a product becomes unusable, it must be replaced.
To perform the replacement, the glass unit is removed from the sash. We remove the glazing bead and take out the required element. The rubber seal can be changed simply: the old one is removed, the new one is inserted through the groove. If desired, secure the product with adhesive. Don’t be confused by the color difference - insulation is made from black and gray rubber, but there are no differences.
Attention! Be extremely careful when removing and inserting the bead. The element is easy to break as it is very fragile. If the glazing bead becomes unusable, it will not be possible to install the double-glazed window back.
Alternative insulation methods
In addition to all the methods listed above, some tricks can help prevent the cold from getting in. Let's look at a few of them.
Wool blinds
It's slightly unconventional, however effective method insulating windows with your own hands. Regular blinds are simply wrapped in strips wool fabric, thanks to which they become reliable protectors from the cold penetrating through the windows in winter.
Heat-saving film
Insulation of plastic windows can also be done with heat-saving film - quite inexpensive and at the same time effective option. But you need to glue the film so that there is no air left under it, that is, “bubbles”; not only will this depend on appearance windows, but also the quality of thermal insulation.
This is the most modern way insulation of the room. With this system, an oil heater is placed on the window sill, and an electric heating coil is installed in the glass itself.
But if you decide to use just this heating method, then it is better to complete the installation while the double-glazed windows themselves are still being installed, but you can do this later by purchasing the system in a specialized store.
Curtains
It may sound strange, but curtains can protect you from the cold. They serve as an effective barrier to air and keep out the cold in winter if it does penetrate through the windows. In addition, passing through the curtains, the air, although not significantly, warms up.
Window sill insulation
Cold air can also penetrate through the joints between the adjacent parts of the window sill. They need to be sealed well. Also, if the work is done poorly, “black holes” may remain under the window sill itself, so it must be dismantled and the joint between the slab and the window block must be further processed.
To do this, we open the small plugs on the window sill, unscrew it with a screwdriver, and all possible cracks open to us from where it can come. cold air.
Results
Remember one simple thing - if a plastic window loses heat, there is a problem with one of the elements of the system. Eliminate the problems, the structure will regain its lost properties.
The only thing that requires full insulation is the slopes and, possibly, the window sill. No other thermal insulation work is required. PVC windows are already protected from the cold to the highest level, since they were originally designed to create comfortable atmosphere in any room.
Here. The issue of insulating plastic windows seems strange, to say the least, because the manufacturers of these products assure that the home will be protected from sounds and cold, and the process of insulating windows is a thing of the past.
But, unfortunately, after a couple of years, citizens notice that insulating plastic windows for the winter is an extremely necessary external and internal process.
If the operation was not performed, then you can seek help from specialists and order additional insulation or resort to independent thermal insulation.
The second option will be cheaper, but will require certain skills and abilities, which you will learn about after reading the article.
What you need to know about plastic windows?
Plastic windows replaced wooden ones in the 90s and immediately gained wide popularity.
And this is not surprising, because its cost is several times cheaper, it attracts excellent thermal insulation and noise insulation, ease of operation, fire resistance and environmental friendliness of plastic, high level fresh air passage.
Just think: plastic windows do not require painting or various cleaning procedures - just wipe the frame and glass with a soap-water solution. Not windows, but a dream!
But it is known that ideal materials do not exist in the world; everything has its drawbacks, and plastic windows are no exception. How not to make a mistake and install it in your home quality windows? Let's figure it out.
Plastic windows are arranged in the same way; the elements include a profile, a double-glazed window and fittings. The quality of the window directly depends on the quality of the materials used.
Seals and proper installation play an important role.
The key to high-quality and durable service of a plastic window is the correctly selected profile.
Ease of operation, attractive appearance, made from natural components, sufficient width - these are the criteria that should be taken into account when choosing a profile.
Experts advise not to skimp on the profile, since thermal insulation largely depends on this element.
The choice of double-glazed windows is also worthy of attention. It is he who protects the house from sun rays, retains thermal insulation properties, prevents glass from fogging, and reduces energy costs.
The number of glasses in a window varies. Despite the fact that double glazing weighs more, requires professional installation, and costs more than single glazing, they are more popular.
Double glazing is very warm and makes your home comfortable all year round.
The fittings are metal parts, serving as sash assistants during opening and closing of the window.
It is important to choose high-quality fittings that ensure a tight fit of the sash to the frame, are designed for a large number of window openings, and have a presentable appearance.
Don't forget about the seals. It seems like a completely inconspicuous detail, but it is one of the most important functions of the window - protective.
The seal protects the home from moisture, drafts, noise, and dust. Therefore, the choice of this part should be given due attention.
Over time, window seals wear out. In this case, it is necessary to replace them with new ones.
An important criterion for the high-quality and long-term service of a plastic window is proper installation. Installing a structure is a complex and responsible procedure.
You should not try to do this yourself; it is better to seek help from the installation team, which will guarantee that the issue of thermal insulation will be resolved in good faith for a long time.
So, the quality of plastic windows depends on the materials used to make them. It is important to be careful and prudent when choosing a plastic structure, because this will help make living in the house warm and comfortable.
Do-it-yourself insulation of plastic structures from the outside
If the thermal insulation system of plastic windows fails, it is worth increasing their insulation.
A properly carried out procedure will help correct window installation errors (if any) and solve the problem of thermal insulation.
To insulate plastic windows you can use:
- mineral wool (fireproof, safe);
- polystyrene foam (cheap, but not bad);
- foam for installation;
- sealant (reliable, inexpensive);
- construction tape (improves insulation);
- heat-saving film (excellent insulating material for glass);
- so-called “warm” mixtures in the form of a primer.
To choose the right insulation, you should know its properties, operating conditions (inside or outside), and installation features.
WITH polyurethane foam convenient to work with, but it is subject to negative influence sunlight and temperature fluctuations, therefore it is often used for internal insulation.
Suitable seasons for insulating plastic windows for the winter with your own hands are spring and summer. It is advisable to carry out the procedure on a quiet, warm day.
Insulation of plastic windows from the outside implies insulation of street window slopes.
If the external slopes are not insulated, then carry out insulation procedures internal slopes pointless: drafts and cold will be frequent guests of your home. Ignoring external insulation will lead to the formation of fungus.
It is possible to insulate the slopes of plastic windows from the outside yourself, but not in all cases.
If you live above the second floor and there is no balcony, then you shouldn’t risk it: turn to the experts for help. If the situation allows and all precautions are taken, then get down to business yourself.
If the window was recently installed, you should plastering work(remove dried foam, treat slopes with a primer).
Then install the corner and glue the fiberglass mesh onto the tiles. After allowing it to dry, then you need to use glue again, then level it with a spatula. At the end of the procedure, water-based paint must be used.
The insulation material must be covered installation seam and cover part of the frame.
External insulation plays important role in the thermal insulation system, and its absence can lead to dire consequences and reduce all other efforts and efforts to nothing.
We insulate PVC openings inside
Insulation of the inside of plastic windows includes insulation of slopes, window sills, double-glazed windows, adjustment and replacement of the seal, and adjustment of fittings.
Insulation of PVC window slopes from the inside consists of the following steps:
- removal of excess polyurethane foam;
- treatment of slopes with antibacterial primer;
- leveling the surface using plaster mortar;
- re-priming;
- gluing a suitable foam board to the surface;
- installation and putty of the corner;
- fixing the platband;
- final surface coating to suit your taste.
To insulate the window sill you will need polyurethane foam. Simply eliminate the old foam and foam the problem areas with new material. Works better with small cracks silicone sealant.
Now let's look at the technology of insulating double-glazed windows. If you decide to install a single-chamber double-glazed window, then you should think about the insulation process at the stage of window installation.
You can try to insulate the glass unit yourself. To do this, you will need energy-saving film.
First of all, we take the glass out of the frame. Now use the desired side (you will see marks on it) to glue the film onto the glass using water.
Use a plastic spatula to smooth out the film, being careful not to allow bubbles to form underneath. We cut off the excess parts of the film and install the double-glazed window in place.
Adjusting and replacing the plastic window seal is part of the insulation process.
The procedure should be carried out every few years, since the seals are exposed to moisture and different temperatures lose their properties.
When replacing a part, try to distribute it evenly along the window frame and sash. When making adjustments, ensure that the fit is properly adjusted. window sash.
You can purchase a sealant at any hardware store.
The process of adjusting the fittings of plastic windows is quite simple. To do this, open the window and find the location for installing the awnings.
We return the lock to its original position and check the level of fit of the window sash. It is done!
A draft represents the flow of air created in a room, coming from the street through open doors, windows, cracks in them. In the summer, a draft brings real help, in the autumn-winter season it leads to heat loss, as a result, despite the heating, we freeze, and the bills charged for heat delivery rise.
A common cause of drafts is leaky, improperly adjusted windows. Due to the cracks in window frames ah 20-30% of heat is lost. How to insulate plastic windows for the winter with your own hands and prevent drafts? About it we'll talk in this article.
Start heating season – last call when you need to make sure that the window frames are sufficiently sealed, prepared for winter, and cold air does not penetrate into the room. How to do it?
Simple ways check for cracks:
- run your hand along the edges of the glass, door jambs, the flow of cold air is immediately felt by the palm;
- bring a lit candle and follow the flame.
You should pay attention to the condition of fittings and hinges. If you feel a cool breeze on your palm, you need to carry out small renovation work.
How to properly insulate old windows for the winter?
After 10-15 years, PVC windows become insufficiently energy efficient. If the frames, profiles are in good condition, they need to be thermostatically controlled. With the cold weather approaching, many are wondering how to insulate plastic Euro-windows with their own hands.
To save on heating costs, it is often recommended to replace old frames. This is not always necessary. There are methods to improve thermal insulation window openings cost effective. What is better to use?
Isolation stages
Upgrading window units usually includes replacing the glazing unit, replacing gaskets, repairing or replacing fixtures, and repairing plaster. You can do some or just one of these steps. The optimal effect is achieved through the following work:
How to adjust plastic windows?
Adjusting the euro window and installing it in the correct mode effectively eliminates the problem of uncontrolled breakthroughs air masses inside, helps reduce heating costs.
What you will need:
- screwdriver;
- original keys for window adjustment (can be replaced with a regular hex key of suitable size).
Checking the position of the sash relative to the window frame
The setup begins with checking the position of the sash, stages of work:
- Outline the window in the corner with a pencil.
- Open the sash to check the distance between the closed sash and the frame. It should overlap correctly.
- The sash adjustment screws are located on the upper and lower hinges of the window. Screws allow you to adjust it vertically and horizontally (from right to left). After tightening the screw using a hex key, install the sash so that it overlaps the frame by a few millimeters.
The degree of fit of the sash to the frame
Check the degree of fit of the sash as follows:
- Insert a piece of paper between the sash and the frame.
- Close the window.
- Try to remove the paper - if the paper comes out easily, you need to increase the seal.
To improve the fit, the eccentric screws on the window fittings must be replaced or adjusted. They usually have small “dots” on them - markers that show the direction of the screws. By unscrewing the locking screws relative to the gasket, you can change the degree of fit:
- increase (the point faces the “exit”)
- reduce (the point must be indoors).
The adjustment will allow the sash to fit more tightly to the frame, increasing the tightness of the Eurowindow structure. After adjustment, window closing may become more labor-intensive process. If you don’t want to make the adjustment yourself, you can use the services of professionals.
Checking the condition of the gaskets
The condition of the gaskets affects the breathability of window frames; it is important to take care of them by lubricating them with appropriate products:
- silicone grease,
- technical Vaseline.
The lubricant will preserve the properties of the Eurowindow for a long time. However, if the gaskets are deformed, cracked, or “extend” beyond the frame, they must be replaced with new ones. The gasket is cut into suitable pieces and carefully glued. Can be used:
- self-adhesive gaskets,
- rubber seals.
It is important to replace the gaskets before frost sets in!
Before sealing window frames, you should thoroughly clean the frames with a special product for caring for window frames.
Checking the fittings
Fittings are a key element of the window frame, although at first glance they are not very noticeable. Worth checking before winter technical condition fittings:
- if they “sit” too loosely, they should be tightened;
- Lubricant may be required (Vaseline works great).
Gaps between frame and glass, trim and wall
Heat also escapes through such gaps; it is necessary to eliminate all gaps. There are several options to solve the problem.
Thermoresistant paper
A popular option is shrink film for insulation. PVC windows. The film is attached using double-sided adhesive tape directly to the window frames. Films form an additional layer on the glass, increasing the thermal insulation coefficient. Self-adhesive thermal insulation films with low-emissivity coatings are popular, give an excellent effect, and do not require additional processing.
Films allow you to create an additional layer of air, increasing the thermal insulation of the glass unit:
Thermal film - inexpensive, efficient material. The film is installed inside and outside. The film mounted inside is more stable and is not exposed to gusts of wind or adverse atmospheric factors.
After tension warm air from a regular hairdryer, the film becomes transparent and does not distort the image. During the heating season, when insulation of double-glazed windows is not required, the film can be removed.
Window insulation - video
When compacting, you must be careful not to overdo it. It is important to provide micro-ventilation, in which a small amount of fresh air enters the premises. Microventilation is important for:
- operation gas system,
- reducing humidity levels,
- Fresh air improves our mood.
“Closing it in a jar” too tightly is a bad idea.
Old windows sometimes cause trouble by letting drafts inside. There are several options for how to seal windows for the winter at home. The choice of insulation option for window openings depends on their condition and budget.
Wooden windows are replaced with new ones made of PVC or metal plastic, for the reason that they lose the ability to retain precious heat in an apartment or house. When installing a double-glazed window, few people are interested in how it will behave in the future. Will the cold be allowed to pass through, is it necessary to carry out insulation, how effective is it?
Many consumers are wondering how to insulate a plastic window. Like any other structure, metal-plastic or plastic system has weaknesses. They act as a direct path for heat to escape from the room.
Why is it blowing? This is exactly the question homeowners often grapple with. If you are also among them, then you should consider the main components and deal with design features window block. The most common places for inflation are:
- rubber compressor;
- window frame perimeter;
- window bead;
- window fittings.
In order to determine where it is blowing from a plastic window, you must run your palm over the surface of the block. You can also use a lighter. The last procedure is very simple. It is similar to the previous one. The fire will be sensitive to drafts, so you can detect blowing.
Before insulating a plastic window, you can take a sheet of paper and clamp it into the sash. If you pull the corner, you can easily pull out the sheet. In this case, we are talking about insufficient sealing of the glass unit. This indicates that the seal is not pressed well against the frame.
Why is it blowing from the window?
Over time, many consumers wonder why it starts to blow from a plastic window. There can be many reasons. Among others, it is worth highlighting:
- installation error;
- distortion of the glass unit;
- physical wear and tear of window components;
- violation of operating rules.
The most common cause is an installation error. It may be due to non-compliance with technology. Sometimes it happens that the window is simply warped. This problem remains relevant for residents wooden houses and new buildings.
Window components may experience physical wear and tear. This especially applies to rubber seals. In order not to have to decide over time the question of how to insulate a plastic window, you must use it correctly. The seal must be washed and treated with glycerin from time to time. Such care will prevent loss of elasticity and cracking of the material.
What you can do yourself
If you want to solve the issue of ventilation, then you can replace the seals with your own hands, insulate the contours of the frame, and insulate the window opening and window sill. It is necessary to do this work before the onset of cold weather. This is due to more comfortable working conditions, optimal humidity, material requirements, absence of drafts and reduced risk of getting a cold. When it’s warm outside, you can do not only outdoor, but also internal insulation.
If you are thinking about the question of how to insulate a plastic window, then first you need to choose a material. For this purpose the following are usually used:
- polyurethane foam;
- mineral wool;
- Styrofoam;
- expanded polystyrene.
The first option allows you to fill all the voids around the perimeter of the opening. This approach will eliminate air movement. Foam is 90% air, so it will be an excellent insulator. But in a frozen state, it must be protected from ultraviolet radiation, low and high temperatures.
Mineral wool will become great solution for thermal insulation of internal slopes and window sills. It has a limited range of uses for insulation. As for polystyrene foam, it is widely used for insulating slopes. It is advisable to use rigid insulation when the thickness of the installation seam is no more than 3 mm. In all other cases, it is better to purchase mineral wool.
If you want to solve the problem of how to insulate plastic windows for the winter, you can consider silicone sealant. It will eliminate blowing between the elements of the double-glazed window. Dry mixtures for slopes are also widely used. With their help, you can also provide thermal insulation from the outside. But if you purchase construction tape, you will need to stick it on top of the sealant. Sometimes it is used as an independent insulation.
Preparation for thermal insulation of a window block
In order to insulate window unit, you need to prepare:
- seal;
- sealant;
- construction tape;
- heat-saving film.
The latter is also called energy-saving. In a great way thermal insulation will become mechanical methods. This should include adjustment fittings.
External insulation of slopes
Quite often, owners of houses and apartments wonder how to properly insulate the slopes of plastic windows. The first step on the path to promotion thermal insulation properties the design becomes a dew point displacement. This will prevent the appearance of dampness and the development of fungus.
You can cover the cracks, but this measure will be temporary, since over time the plaster will become covered with cracks and the polyurethane foam will open. The latter, under the influence of external factors, will begin to collapse. You can cover the insulation with plaster, protecting the layer from atmospheric agents.
First you need to prepare rigid insulation and clean the surface of the slopes from protruding parts and dirt. The base is primed. On glue solution or foam insulation is installed. It is better to use foam, as it eliminates the need for wet work and sets in a short time. With its help you can strengthen the insulation sheet as firmly as possible.
If you are faced with the task of how to insulate the slopes of plastic windows, then you will have to seal all the cracks with glue, install perforated corner, polymer mesh and finish the surface with plaster. When installing a layer of thermal insulation, it is necessary to ensure that the material covers part of the window frame and protects the installation seam.
Thermal insulation of low tides
If you want to insulate the ebbs, then it will be enough to fill the cracks with foam or place thermal insulation material inside. In order to protect it from contact with moisture, it is necessary to mount it on top metal strip low tide It is located at an angle of 5°. The horizontal edge should extend beyond the façade by 30 mm. The side edges are folded up. The place where the plank will adjoin the surfaces must be treated with sealant.
Internal thermal insulation
If you are among those who want to insulate a plastic window from the inside, then you should take care of the slopes, which are not so influenced by external factors, but can still become a place through which heat escapes. It is important to leave the slopes aesthetically attractive.
First you need to treat the cracks, remove dirt and old foam. A primer is applied to the surface. The cracks are filled with polyurethane foam. Its excess should be removed after drying. Next are installed thermal insulation materials. They can be cotton wool or polystyrene foam. At the next stage, you can begin installing drywall. It is important to produce finishing its surface, covered with putty and painted.
Thermal insulation of window sill
If you want to insulate plastic windows for the winter with your own hands, then you can also work on the window sill. The gaps between it and the wall are a place of significant heat loss. Before starting work, it is important to determine the weak point of this part of the window unit. Blowing can occur between parts of the window and window sill.
In this case, a sealant is usually used. Heat can escape into the space between the wall and the window sill. In this case, thermal insulation must be carried out before installing the window sill by laying an insulating layer. After finishing installation work distance between concrete or brick wall and the window sill can be filled with foam.
Insulation by adjustment method
If you want to solve the problem of how to insulate plastic windows with your own hands, then you can take a comprehensive approach. For this, in addition to the above methods, adjustment is usually used. You can eliminate the misalignment of the sash.
Some property owners change the seal. You can do this yourself. Old material is pulled out and a new one is installed in the groove. Before doing this, you must decide which seal to choose. After reviewing the assortment, you will understand that black and gray seals are available for sale. The former are characterized by greater plasticity, while light shade due to the presence of additives that reduce the price and worsen the properties. The material is not so airtight when pressed.
Alternative methods
If you still cannot decide for yourself the question of how you can insulate plastic windows with your own hands, then you can use more simple methods. To do this, many use thick curtains, which retain the ability to retain heat indoors. Sometimes improvised means are used, but some of them can spoil the appearance of the double-glazed window.
The following are used as insulation:
- window tape;
- soaked paper;
- foam;
- strips of white fabric.
You can purchase heat-saving film, which is also called energy-saving film. It is glued to the doors. It is important to prevent the formation of air bubbles and the formation of folds. The film can reduce heat loss by 75%.
If you want to understand how to properly insulate plastic windows, you can use electric heating. In this case, there is a heating cable around the glass unit, which will heat the spiral. Sometimes it is installed on the window oil radiator. Most in a technological way is the electric heating of the glass unit.
You can install heated windows. This technique is used at the production stage. It involves installation on inside glass conductive film. It is transparent and contains conductive threads. In this case, the glass is heated from the inside. If you still haven’t decided how to insulate plastic windows for the winter, you can use an integrated approach. It is most appropriate in a private house or apartment, as it allows you to eliminate possible reasons heat leaks.
Using a special tool
For insulation, you can use the method of adjusting the pressure of the sashes. An eccentric is used for this. Elements are installed around the perimeter. To ensure tight pressure, the eccentric is rotated clockwise. There are risks on the elements. When they are facing the street, this indicates a weakening of the pressure. If the pointer faces the seal, you will ensure that the sash is well pressed to the structure.
It is also important to pay attention to the hinges. They have their own mechanism. It provides pressure. You will need to use a hex wrench when adjusting the device. By sliding the tongue, you can ensure a snug fit of the sash. To extend, you must turn the hexagon counterclockwise. When the loop is on the right, the turn is carried out in the other direction - clockwise. The misalignment of the sashes is very easy to eliminate.
Finally
Now you know how to insulate the slopes of plastic windows inside. For integrated approach You need to pay attention to the window sill. Experts do not recommend performing other thermal insulation work.
You should also be prepared for the fact that insulation can negatively affect the ventilation in the room. Complete tightness is not only protection from the cold, but also fogging of the glass, which causes the destruction of slopes and the occurrence of fungus.
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When the weather gets colder and the first frosts appear, the owners wooden windows There is a problem associated with their insulation. You can deal with such a disadvantage yourself. This is not a complicated process that allows you to save about half of the wasted heat. In today's review we will look at how to insulate wooden windows for the winter, as well as what materials are best to use.
Wooden windows require a special approach
Wood windows are a natural material that will help create an optimal indoor microclimate. Natural wood has many advantages, but it also has certain disadvantages. Over time, such frames can dry out. This creates cracks and crevices.
You can tell if the frames are not sealed by the patterns on the glass. To avoid this, you need to start insulating at a temperature of +5 degrees. To identify cracks you need to use a lit candle.
The heat-saving properties of windows are influenced by a large number of factors. For example, the peculiarities of wood processing, the tightness of the glass and the formation of cracks.
For your information! Before insulating window openings, you should thoroughly wash the windows. The material will adhere well to a degreased surface.
How to insulate wooden windows for the winter: methods
To figure out how to insulate windows for the winter with your own hands, you need to understand how thermal energy leaves the building. Leakage occurs through gaps in window sills, glass, slopes and frames. Over time, the building shrinks. In this case, gaps may form between the slopes and walls. Similar disadvantages arise when errors occur during installation.
In some cases, gaps can be filled construction foam. To insulate the slopes, you will need a layer of several layers. In this case, you can use plaster or make slopes from PVC material. Additionally, the resulting voids are treated, for example, with polystyrene foam.
Note! The presence of cracks can be checked by bringing a damp hand closer to the frame. At the same time, you will feel a cold breeze.
How to insulate wooden windows for the winter
Before you choose how to insulate windows for the winter with your own hands, determine how firmly the glass is attached to the frame. If the surface rattles, then there is a problem with the seal. In this case, you need to remove the glass and distribute a layer of sealant along the contour. After attaching the beads, visible cracks are also treated with sealant. It is better to carry out all work wearing special gloves. After you check the tightness, you can choose the insulation material. Let's look at each option and learn about their benefits.
Related article:
Do-it-yourself window insulation with film
The technology of insulating old wooden windows using film material is often used in the country. When choosing a material, do not forget about values such as frost resistance and transparency. In regions with severe frosts, you can use a special film with thermal insulation characteristics, which is used for greenhouses and can withstand even 40 degree frosts.
Attach the film from the outside using a stapler. Pieces of film are placed under the staples. It is important to ensure the correct tension so that gusts of wind do not tear it. If this happens, the film can be sealed with tape. Thermal insulation film deserves special attention. She represents composite material
Most often, such material is stretched from the outside of the house. A piece is cut to fit the dimensions of the glass with minor allowances. Using a spray bottle, a soap solution is applied to the surface of the glass, and then the film is glued.
Helpful information! Before gluing this material, you need to thoroughly clean and wash the glass.
Application of paper
The most used method for insulating wooden windows for the winter is to use paper. First, the surface must be thoroughly washed. Then cotton wool, padding polyester or pieces of foam rubber are stuffed into all joints. All gaps are covered with strips of paper. In this case, wallpaper glue or PVA is used, which is diluted with water.
The disadvantage of this technique is that when it gets warmer, the paper will need to be removed and washed. Alternatively, you can use strips of fabric instead of paper. It adheres well to soapy water.
How to insulate with sealant
Sealant can be used as insulation for wooden windows. The the material is suitable, if the gaps small size. This method is done immediately for several years, because the sealant is very difficult to remove. To prevent the frames from getting dirty, they need to be glued masking tape, and the sealant is squeezed into the prepared holes using special device. It is important to level the composition immediately, as it hardens very quickly. To remove excess, you can use a rag soaked in a vinegar solution.
This material can be different types. For insulation is suitable polyurethane or theocol. The first option is easier to apply and can be painted. The selected sealant must have moisture-resistant and antifungal properties. It will become excellent protection from mold. A good option will become polyurethane foam.
How to insulate with foam rubber?
This type of insulation for window frames, such as foam rubber, has been used for many years. This is an elastic material that allows you to fill any depressions. First of all, the outside of the frames is glued with paper, then foam rubber is used, and then paper again.
You can immediately buy foam rubber, which is cut into different sizes. It is important to choose a thickness that suits a specific window. You can also purchase insulation with an adhesive side. It needs to be sealed with special tape.
Using paraffin
Proven technologies include paraffin. It should be used for frames with small gaps. The material is melted in a water bath, and then the solution is distributed into the cracks using a syringe. If the recess is large, then you can push a piece of rope into it and fill it with paraffin on top.
How to insulate using special seals
An excellent alternative to foam rubber is a rubber seal or PVC material. A tubular profile is known. This material has a variety of markings, using which you can choose suitable option. PVC materials have excellent thermal insulation characteristics. Rubber materials are more durable. When choosing such a material, it is worth choosing softer products.
