In this article we will figure out how to insulate plastic windows for the winter with your own hands to enjoy a pleasant temperature in the house during frosts.
What determines the need for insulation?
By installing polyvinyl chloride (PVC) windows, which are modern high-tech structures, many consumers are confident that such products are guaranteed to protect their homes from the cold. Theoretically, this is how it should be. Properly installed plastic windows perform their task for a long time - they retain heat. But even the most best PVC profiles Over time, they lose their performance characteristics and the level of thermal insulation of the room decreases. If plastic window structures were initially installed in violation of technology, problems with them will begin quite quickly.
Winter insulation of plastic windows from any manufacturer is usually required due to:
- natural wear of the seal;
- linings extending from the glass unit;
- violations of the geometry of windows caused by shrinkage by the wall of a residential building;
- loose adjusting locking elements of PVC construction;
- wear and tear of the materials from which the products were made;
- improperly installed window sill or slopes.
Problems with polyvinyl chloride structures are solved in two ways. You can call specialists from a company that deals with additional insulation, sale, and window repair. And they, in a short time, professional level will do everything necessary work. Comfortable? Without a doubt. But the problem is that the cost of the services of such specialists is often similar to the cost of purchasing a new PVC profile. Not every person will agree to pay that kind of money. In this case, it makes sense to figure out how and with what to insulate plastic windows. And try to complete all the activities yourself.
What kind of work can you really do yourself?
At home, it is impossible to eliminate serious defects in plastic windows. With your own hands you can insulate only the following elements of a PVC product:
- internal slopes;
- window frame contour;
- ebb and window sill outside the room.
At the same time, you should not forget about safety precautions. For example, it is undesirable to carry out external work in cases where windows are installed in apartments above the second floor of the building. Important nuance. Insulation should be done exclusively in warm weather. Choose a dry, windless summer or spring day, understand the technology for performing the work in advance, and stock up the necessary materials and tools. And only after that start recovery operational properties windows
At the first stage, you need to clearly determine which areas of the window structure require insulation. Bring the lit lighter to the window profile and begin to move it around the perimeter of the PVC product. In places where the flame begins to fluctuate, insulation needs to be done. The most vulnerable areas are the joints of the frame and wall surfaces, slopes and ebbs. If there are significant leaks, you won't even need to use a lighter. The wind blowing will be felt with an open palm.
You should also analyze the condition of the window fittings. It often causes the seal of a plastic structure to break. If you see any defect or malfunction on the fittings, simply install a new part. You may not need to take any further steps after this.
Be sure to examine the condition of the profile clamping mechanism. It is this that ensures the tightness of the window. Pay attention to the rubber seal. During operation, the gasket installed on the PVC structure loses its density (the phenomenon is due to climatic conditions and mechanical stress). This leads to a significant reduction in the volume and thickness of the elastic. If the gasket has cracks, gouges, or wrinkles, it should be replaced immediately. In the next section we will describe in detail how to restore the tightness of a window profile.
We reanimate thermal insulation - the procedure for different situations
Let's start by replacing the worn out rubber seal. If this is the reason (the gasket has become thinner and lost its original elasticity), proceed according to the following scheme:
- 1. Dismantle the glazing bead along the area of the structure with the detected flaw.
- 2. Remove the linings and carefully remove the glass unit.
- 3. Pull out the old seal and install a new one. The length of the latter should be 40–50 mm longer than the initial piece. You will cut off the extra centimeters after installing the new elastic band. Its installation should be done without tension or excessive force.
- 4. Install previously dismantled parts (glazing beads, linings, package) in reverse order.
Before installing a new gasket, remove dust from the window grooves, wash them thoroughly and dry them. Then installing the seal will not cause any difficulties. He will stand up like a glove.
In cases where the seal looks intact, proceed to adjust the clamping mechanism. To perform this operation, you need to stock up on a special window key. First, inspect the glass unit. Lightly press it and release it. If it does not wobble too much, strengthen the clamp with silicone sealant. Such a composition should not include acids, which can negatively affect the rubber seal. If the double-glazed window is noticeably wobbly, you will need to adjust the special. with a trunnion key - metal cylinders fixed in slots. Loosen any existing bolts. And then tighten the hooks that hold the cylinders.
In some cases, it is necessary to adjust the adjusting locks on the windows. Two screws should be found in the area where the plumb lines are located for the PVC structure. One of them is responsible for the level of pressure on the sash, the second holds it in a given position. Take a screwdriver, loosen (completely) the fixing screw, and then gradually tighten the clamping element (clockwise). After tightening, close the window, arm yourself with a lighter, and check the structure for drafts. If the flame fluctuates, slightly tighten the adjustment screw again. Carry out the specified sequence of operations until you are sure that there is no draft.
Insulation for PVC windows – which one to choose and how to use?
Additional thermal insulation of plastic window designs can be done different materials.As a rule, for these purposes they use:
- Mineral or stone wool. Slightly outdated, but quite effective heat-insulating materials for plastic windows (especially their window sills).
- Construction foam. This insulation should be used with caution. It cracks and then collapses under the influence of elevated temperatures and the rays of the sun.
- Silicone sealant. Easy-to-use material with high energy-saving properties.
- A primer with water-repellent characteristics (for example,). An additional layer of paint must be applied to it.
- Styrofoam. Used for filling gaps in slopes.
- Heat-saving film. Modern way insulation of plastic structures, which is very popular among home craftsmen.
Let's see how to use energy-saving film. This insulation option guarantees high-quality results with little effort. You will need a hairdryer, tape (required double-sided), sharp scissors, or better yet, a stationery knife. Insulate the window according to simple algorithm. First, remove dirt and dust from the metal-plastic structure using a damp rag, and degrease the cleaned areas. After this, cover the window frame with double-sided tape.
Cut the energy-saving film to the required dimensions using a stationery knife. Attach the resulting strips to tape. All that remains is to spray the glued insulation with hot air from a hairdryer and, if necessary, remove air bubbles from under the film (carefully pierce them with a knife). Described technique for owners plastic products is the most profitable in terms of financial expenses.
Internal and external slopes of windows are insulated, as noted, with foam plastic, as well as three-layer special panels, pieces of extruded polystyrene foam, and fiberglass materials. Small cracks (up to 4 cm wide) can be sealed with polyurethane foam. Internal slopes are insulated with foam plastic as follows: treat the problem area with a primer, plaster the surface, install a foam sheet using mounting adhesive, wait for the insulation to set, and apply a layer of putty on top. Some home craftsmen additionally cover the thermal insulation layer with plasterboard sheets.
Outside, the slopes are insulated a little differently. Treat them with a primer. In this case, it is necessary to use formulations with antibacterial additives. Then you plaster the surface (if it is smooth, you can do without this step). Cut a slab from a piece of polystyrene. It should cover the entire slope. Mount the slab using a metal corner and dowels (you can additionally use mounting adhesive). Install a fiberglass mesh over the resulting structure. It is usually placed on an adhesive composition. After the slope has dried, you need to paint it with water-based paint.
Preparing a window sill for winter is a simple matter!
Separately, I would like to say a few words about how to insulate the window sill of a plastic window. If this element of the PVC structure is installed poorly, there is a high probability of the formation of a wide and deep crack.
Also, illiterate installation causes the appearance of relatively small gaps between the contacting parts of the window sill, under which it is often placed. In both the first and second cases cold air will penetrate into the home. This cannot be allowed. Do the following:
- carefully open the special plugs on the windowsill;
- use a screwdriver to unscrew the fasteners;
- remove the window sill.
All problem areas that were not previously visible under the dismantled structure will open before you. Seal small gaps with silicone sealant or polyurethane foam. Large holes should be filled with stone or mineral wool and covered on top plastic sheet and secure the last one. After this, put the window sill in place. Now your home will be much warmer.
If the cold enters the house through a plastic window, do not rush to call the specialists. As you can see, many jobs can be easily done with your own hands, achieving good results. Try to bring comfort and warmth back to your home yourself!
Problem wooden windows The problem is that over time, cracks form in them. Over decades of operation, many ways have been invented to get rid of drafts, but the best of them is to install sealed double-glazed windows. If this is not possible, the most suitable ones will help you seal your windows for the winter. available materials.
“Folk” methods of sealing cracks in windows
You should cut newspaper of equal thickness (4-5 cm is enough), soap them and glue them in the right place. Instead of soap, you can use wallpaper glue. This method of embedding requires preliminary additional insulation windows using cotton wool. This method is good because in the spring it is easy to remove the paper by moistening it with water. Instead of newspaper, you can use any unpolished paper. Window paint will not be damaged with this insulation.
You can moisten newsprint and twist it into bundles that fit into the cracks between the frames. With the same success they use paper towels, rags, cotton wool. You can stick strips of foam rubber on the inside of the frames and close the window tightly. Or seal the cracks using masking or regular adhesive tape.
Modern methods of sealing windows for the winter
One of the most effective is sealing cracks with transparent silicone sealant. It is applied evenly using a gun. After the silicone has hardened, its excess is cut off with a sharp knife. To avoid damaging the paint on the window, this work must be done as carefully as possible. Instead of sealant, you can use polyurethane foam, but here you will need skill in working with this material: foam tends to form a layer that is too thick, unnecessary for small window cracks.
The retail chain sells special rubber-based adhesive tapes. One window will require at least 10 meters. The tapes come in different widths, which allows them to cover even fairly large gaps in old wooden frames. The technology for sealing windows for the winter is quite simple and does not require much labor.
Regardless of which insulation method was chosen, it will be necessary to first degrease the window in those places that are to be sealed. This can be done using any liquid that contains at least 50% alcohol. In the case of tape, if the window is not degreased, it will not stick tightly to the frame and will come off after a few days. Sealing of cracks begins only after the alcohol-containing liquid has dried. If the old paint is coming off and peeling, it is recommended to remove it using a chisel or other suitable tool.
Most people only remember in the fall that winter is ahead, and therefore it’s time to insulate their homes, preserve the warmth that is in the house, then no bad weather is scary! Two-thirds of the heat leaves the room through the windows, which means we’ll deal with them first. In our article we will tell you how to insulate windows.
If installing double-glazed windows is not part of your plans, you will have to tidy up the old frames. Their service life does not exceed ten years, but in our houses, frames, as a rule, last much longer. The wood dries out and warps from dampness, so gaps appear between the frames and the frame, the glass moves, and cracks form. No matter how much we cover the frame with paper around the entire perimeter, this does not add heat.
First of all, open both doors and carefully inspect all the glass. If they are not tightly adjacent to the bindings, then the cracks must be covered on both sides with soft dough-like putty. At the same time, you can strengthen the glass by tapping with a hammer on the heads of the nails in the glazing beads, and then remove the putty that has come out with a rag.
For more reliable thermal insulation, you should remove the glass and reinsert it using double putty. If putty is not at hand, you can use it for insulation. oil paint. Having taken out the glass, you need to cover the folds with a thick layer of paint and, without waiting for it to dry, glaze the entire frame again, and then paint over the glazing beads. The paint, filling the cracks, will prevent the penetration of cold. If there is no paint, the cracks can be filled with well-mashed plasticine, but keep in mind that under the influence of heat it melts and stains the windows.
Masters believe that best way- insulation of windows using tubular profiles (sealing gaskets). Seals are distinguished not only by size, but also by material. The most practical are foam pads, polyethylene foam and rubber. All this can be bought in stores and markets.
Or you can try to seal the windows using old proven methods:
We cover the windows with old newspapers.
Roll each newspaper into a tube slightly wider than the distance between the two window sashes. Place the rolls vertically between the doors close to each other and close the doors.If you are not going to open the windows in winter (except for the vents), then plug all the holes with tow, rags, foam rubber or cotton wool.
Cover the joints on top with narrow strips of white cloth, which must first be soaked in hot water, squeeze and lather thickly with any soap. Where the gaps are wide, you can stick it in several layers.White rags on white doorposts are almost invisible; the soap solution does not allow drafts to pass through, in the spring everything is removed with one movement of the hand (just wet it with water and remove), washed, ironed and put away until next autumn.
The method takes a lot of time, cotton wool, favorite newspapers and old sheets. In addition, in winter, due to temperature changes, the fabric may peel off, and you will have to start all over again.
A less catastrophic method of insulating windows is to fill all the cracks with foam rubber or cotton wool, and seal the top with strips of fabric from an old sheet. The strips need to be cut 4-5 cm wide, wet, wrung out and thickly soaped with laundry or other (whatever you don’t mind) soap.
The fabric does not turn yellow like paper, retains its decent appearance all winter and is easily removed in the spring. You can take regular paraffin, from which candles are made, and melt it in a water bath at a temperature of 65-70 degrees. Then you take a disposable syringe, also heat it up and fill it with paraffin, then you simply inject it into all the cracks. Linen cord can also be used as insulation. Well, if it blows through the glass part of the window, replace the old glazing beads with new ones.
Know that in panel houses cracked and split interpanel seams Not unusual. If you have this, the apartment will be cool, no matter how hard you try. Tease housing departments and other service organizations.
Make an “inspection” of the entrance: demand that the utility workers glaze all the windows, make sure that entrance doors the “front” porch was tightly closed - contribute to this matter, after all, this is the house in which you live. And, of course, the balcony: if it is glazed, you understand, the internal temperature will become higher.
Inexperienced housewives, trying to finish the job as quickly as possible, try to simply seal the cracks with masking tape or medical tape. Indeed, the plaster will last all winter, but in the spring, when you open the window, you will peel it off the frame along with the paint. The tape will dry out in a month and will no longer cover the cracks.
With the onset of the first cold weather, a brisk trade in “self-adhesive” foam tape with an adhesive base begins in the markets. It is inserted between the frames, making a small outlet (35 mm) so that the gap between the frames and the window frame is maximally closed.
It is almost impossible to guess the exact size of the gap. If there is not enough foam rubber released, then the cold will penetrate into the house, and if there is a lot, then the frames will begin to close more tightly and a gap may appear in another place.
According to the rules, a porous self-adhesive seal is installed exactly between the frames, and access to cold air is blocked by a tubular seal inserted into a groove specially cut in the frame along the entire perimeter. This method of insulation will allow old windows to survive at least seven winters without worries.
One of the oldest methods of insulating windows has again turned out to be in demand: metal, plastic and wooden shutters have come into fashion. The most commonly used are roller shutters, which help save 10 to 15% of heat in the house.
If you decide to use putty, don’t be lazy to prepare it yourself. Store-bought putty, similar to plasticine, is not suitable for insulation. Old painters advise making a paste from building plaster (alabaster) and chalk in a 2:1 ratio. Add a little water, knead like dough, and use a spatula to rub the paste into the cracks. Excess can be easily wiped off with a wet cloth. This putty is especially good for interior work, since it is practically invisible on white frames.
To seal cracks on the street side, it is better to take other ingredients:
Sift fine sand (3 parts), add flour (1 part), pour boiling water over it and mix thoroughly. If the paste turns out runny, add sand. This putty adheres well to wood and paint, but is easy to clean, just run a wet cloth over it. It is more convenient to seal the window paper tapes, and with strips of cotton fabric, thickly soaped laundry soap. The fabric is much more elastic than paper, it fits the loops and latches more tightly, and can be easily removed in the spring.
Some companies offer to insulate windows by replacing the internal glass with a vacuum double-glazed unit, the service life of which is at least 40 years. In terms of cost, this method is not much cheaper than installing new frames. More practical option installation of a polymer heat-reflecting film in the interglass space.
Start insulating your windows by checking the frames. Make sure that the glass is tight, and if this is not the case, then treat the gaps between the glass and wooden frame silicone sealant. It is better to use a sealant that becomes transparent after drying.
If the frames are old and, as the craftsmen say, they are damaged, it is necessary to fasten the corners with special metal corners.
Is it possible to make batteries heat up more? Can! Take a leaf aluminum foil and stick it behind the battery. This stunning heat reflective screen will direct heat into your home so you don't waste heat on your walls.
The next source of draft is the door. If you are not going to leave the premises for the next six months, then you can do with it the same as with the windows, that is, seal it tightly. If you do not welcome such a feat, then you can nail a strip of felt along the contour of the door or glue the same tapes.
Welcome winter in a warm, cozy home!
A warm home means coziness and a comfortable atmosphere in the family. Since ancient times, people have sought to warm their homes, while inventing more and more new means and materials. Today, when building houses, consumers are divided into two camps: some install plastic windows and are completely confident in their practicality and safety, while others adhere to the “old rules” and install wooden windows in their homes. There is another category - those who, for some reason, have not yet replaced their old windows.
It has been proven that uninsulated windows lead to half the heat loss. Therefore, insulating old wooden windows is a necessary and justified measure.
How to insulate wooden windows
There are several ways to solve this problem. Of course, due to our mentality, we are accustomed to using proven methods, as they say, “from the bins of our ancestors.” These methods are effective, but modern materials used for insulation are in no way inferior to them.
The main reason for the entry of cold air into the room is the presence of cracks and cracks through which cold seeps. All main methods of insulating windows are based on eliminating gaps in the structure and plugging cracks.
Traditional insulation methods
Everyone remembers from childhood how to insulate wooden windows using improvised means. To do this, use strips of fabric, fill the cracks with rags and cotton wool, and seal them with tape. Of course, they are effective to some extent, but first you need to understand the nature of heat loss.
There are several factors influencing heat transfer:
- thermal conductivity of walls, floors, ceilings and door and window openings;
- conductivity sun rays through a double-glazed window;
- heat loss through gaps, cracks or porous materials.
- When insulating windows, all three factors must be taken into account.
Traditional insulation methods - affordable way keep the room warm, but not always comfortable. How to insulate wooden windows using improvised means? Let's look at some options.
Paper is used as a filler for cracks. To do this, use newspapers or toilet paper. Pre-soak and grind to a paste. Next, cracks and crevices are filled with this mixture. After drying, apply masking tape over the filling. This option protects the room from the penetration of cold air through the cracks at the joints of frames and sashes, but does not protect in any way from the influence of other factors.
The cracks can be filled with cotton wool, tow or foam rubber. The insulation technology is similar. The space between the glass unit, frame and sashes is filled with material, excluding air from entering, after which the gaps are sealed with tape, cloth or strips of paper. But using this method has a bad effect on the condition of the windows after dismantling. Usually, appearance can only be restored by painting.
One of the popular methods is insulation using strips of fabric. To do this, the cracks are filled with any insulation, for example, paper or rags. And then sealed with strips of fabric soaked in kefir or steep soapy solution. This option is convenient because in the spring such tapes are easy to dismantle and no traces remain on the surface of the windows. To remove the stripes, just wet them and wash the window.
Another cheap option is to insulate wooden windows with rubber or foam self-adhesive sealant. This material is sold in any hardware store and is quite inexpensive. When installing adhesive tape, you must pay attention to the accuracy of its placement, excluding creases and gaps. This insulation will last you one season. In addition, traces of glue are also difficult to remove, and sometimes you have to resort to painting.
The cracks in wooden windows are covered with window putty. This allows you to eliminate any gaps, even invisible to the eye, and create conditions for almost complete tightness. In this case, in addition to heat preservation, we get excellent sound insulation. This method is not recommended due to the fact that it is very difficult to clean the window afterwards.
If condensation or ice appears on the glass, use a heat-saving film, which is installed on the glass from the inside. The effect is achieved by reflecting infrared radiation and the presence air cushion between glass and structure.
Film installation can be done even by people who do not have the skill. The material is a two-layer sheet, which is separated before installation. Double-sided tape is glued to a previously cleaned and degreased surface, with which the canvas is secured. The film must be stretched, heated with a hairdryer, and carefully straightened, avoiding the formation of folds and bubbles. This method is a relative of insulation using polyethylene film, which is nailed to the outside of the frame.
How to insulate wooden windows using polyurethane foam everyone knows. Foam is a universal material that has firmly entered the world of repairs. This is due to practicality and accessibility. With its help you can foam cracks and crevices, chips and defects. The holes are filled with material and allowed to dry. Then the excess is removed with a regular construction knife.
The foam has a porous structure, which makes it possible to achieve high thermal conductivity; in addition, in a liquid state, the material fills the entire space of the crack, eliminating the gaps between the insulation and the window frame.
Important! The cut located on the outside of the window is covered with paint or plaster, since the porous texture of the material allows moisture to pass through, and crumbles under the influence of sunlight and heat.
Used as insulation silicone sealant. This method is convenient for eliminating gaps between a wooden frame and glass. Of course, this is a labor-intensive process, but it's worth it. It can be considered one of the most effective methods of insulation. Technology: glass is removed from the frames, the frame is cleaned of dirt, dust and old paint, sealant is applied, glass is inserted and another layer of silicone is applied, after which the glass is secured with glazing beads.
Advice! Simultaneously with the insulation process, it is recommended to carry out ongoing renovation work, for example, changing fasteners, sanding cracks, removing rotten areas and puttingty.
It is recommended to use a clear sealant. This will create an aesthetic appearance of the window. Silicone is a reliable method of insulation that will retain its properties for more than one season. The disadvantages include the fact that during operation the transparent strip changes color and acquires a yellowish tint, which spoils the appearance.
Innovative methods
IN last years the method is becoming increasingly popular Swedish insulation wooden windows. It is based on the same insulation using a special sealant made in Sweden (hence the name). The tape is made of a special material based on rubber and silicone. The seal is a tubular strip that is mounted into a slot in the frame.
The material has high strength, practicality and thermal conductivity. True, there is one drawback - the high cost. In addition to the fact that the material itself is not cheap, do-it-yourself installation is almost impossible, since installation requires work skills and specialized tools. However, if you have the necessary skills, then feel free to get down to business.
In recent years, the popularity of plastic windows has increased significantly. Despite this, wooden windows are still quite common. Therefore, the question of how to insulate wooden windows for the winter remains relevant to this day.
In winter, up to fifty percent of heat is lost through old windows. There are 7 known ways to insulate windows for the winter.
Heat transfer mechanisms
There are three main mechanisms of heat transfer:
- direct heat transfer (heat conduction) through windows, walls, doors, ceiling and floor;
- infrared radiation through;
- convection - heat escapes through porous materials, cracks and cracks.
Traditional methods of insulation
If the budget is limited, then we often insulate wooden windows for the winter with improvised materials. Short review budget methods of insulation:
- If the windows do not close tightly, use self-adhesive rubber seals of suitable thickness. You can purchase them at any hardware store. There are times when the glue does not stick well. In this case, use a hairdryer or fan heater.
- Toilet paper is soaked in water, wrung out and stuffed into the cracks. Paste on top
- Using cotton wool, foam rubber or tow, the joints between the frames and sashes are clogged, after which they are sealed with tape.
- Relatively cheap, but reliable material- self-adhesive foam rubber or polyethylene foam. It simultaneously has the properties of insulation and adhesive tape. Sold in rolls, like tape.
- The cracks are covered with plasticine or regular window putty. But the method has a big disadvantage - it is difficult to remove them from the window in the spring. This method is used only in extreme cases.
Using heat-saving film
One way to insulate wooden windows for the winter is to use heat-saving film. If in winter from the inside window glass condensation and ice appear, this is a sign of low thermal insulation properties. The problem is typical even for modern double-glazed windows. The film is installed on inner side frames, parallel to the glass.
It simultaneously performs two actions: it prevents heat loss in the form of infrared radiation and creates a thermal insulating layer of air between the film and the glass. It makes it possible to avoid the effect of “crying windows”.
Installation of thermal film is simple and quick. First of all, the frame is cleaned and degreased, and glue is applied around the glass. Conventional film is sold folded in two layers (the layers are separated before use).
The film is glued to the tape so that it covers the entire glass. They pull it on, not paying attention to the wrinkles that form. In this case, you should ensure that the edges of the film are securely seated and that no bubbles form. After this, hot air from a hair dryer is blown onto the film. Under its influence, it stretches and smoothes out.
Insulating windows with paper and soap
This method is one of the oldest and is used quite rarely. Newspaper paper is torn into pieces, moistened in water and all the cracks between the frames are sealed with the resulting mass. Before you insulate wooden windows for the winter with your own hands, you should prepare necessary tools: knife, flathead screwdriver or metal ruler. When all the cracks are sealed, strips of paper and adhesive tape are glued over them. You can also use fabric. The strips of paper must first be lubricated with soap, which will allow them to be securely attached to the surface. The method is relatively cheap, but has one serious drawback - removing the paper without damaging it is problematic. Often windows have to be repainted.
Insulating windows with foam rubber
This type of insulation is similar to the first. The only difference is in the material used, that is, instead of paper they use foam rubber. It is necessary to familiarize yourself with the installation technology before insulating wooden windows for the winter. Advice from experts is not at all necessary, since the technique is quite simple, and any errors can be easily eliminated.
Strips of foam rubber are sold at any hardware store. Compared to paper, their dismantling is simple. You can also stick strips of paper, pre-lubricated with soap, on top of them.
Insulation with polyurethane foam
The best advice on how to insulate windows for the winter will certainly be given by specialists. The use of polyurethane foam is one of the most effective ways. In recent years, it has become widely used both in construction work, and in everyday life. blow out all cracks, chips and other defects. After the cavity is filled with foam, it is allowed to dry. The excess is cut off with a regular knife.
When foam is used outside, all areas must be plastered. This must be done because the foam crumbles in the sun and turns into dust. In general, the material is reliable and durable.
How to insulate windows for the winter: instructions and step-by-step technology
The silicone-based method requires more effort than conventional crack sealing, but it is the most effective. This is due to the fact that the method allows not only to minimize heat losses, and also improve the overall sound insulation of windows.
The technology is as follows: the places where the glass is attached are insulated with silicone. First of all, the frames are removed from the hinges and placed on the floor, after which the glazing beads are dismantled. You will need a flathead screwdriver for this, but a knife will also work. It is important to be extremely careful as the beads may break. It is advisable to purchase spare ones in advance. After dismantling them, the glass is removed. All work should be carried out with gloves, as there is a high probability of cutting yourself.
The place where the glass was previously located is cleaned of all kinds of contaminants and filled with sealant. At the next stage, the glass is put back, after which they pass the sealant a second time and hammer the glazing beads back. Upon completion of the work, the frame is hung back. In parallel with insulation, it is recommended to repair the frame: remove old paint, fill cracks, install high-quality locks. In the question of how to insulate wooden windows for the winter, every little detail matters important role.
Tip: It is best to use a clear sealant as it will not be noticeable if it gets on the glass.
Eliminating cracks
Under influence different temperatures wooden frames often crack. Before insulating wooden windows for the winter, all these cracks should be sealed.
The following materials are used for this:
- melted paraffin;
- sealant;
- a mixture of sand and flour in a ratio of one to three.
There are other methods, but they are less common. If you use any of them, the windows will have to be repainted.
Insulation of windows along the perimeter of the frames
IN general case Window insulation is the sealing of cracks where the window sashes adjoin the window frame. Sealing of joints can be achieved using rubber tubes with an adhesive base, foam rubber tubes, polyurethane foam and other materials.
One of the most effective ways to place a seal is to glue it to the transom of the window along its entire perimeter. When the window closes, the seal will bend and block the cold air flow from the street. It is important to ensure that the frame bends the seal and does not slide over it.
If the frame is wide enough, then the seal is glued in several rows. To securely fasten it, it is nailed along the edges with small nails. This will prevent the material from peeling off. It is important to carefully inspect the frame before insulating the windows for the winter. Insulating wooden windows using weather stripping can result in them not closing. Therefore, sometimes the frame needs to be trimmed so that the seal does not push the sash forward, as a result of which the window does not rest against the adjacent sash.
This method is most effective when used in conjunction with placing windows on silicone sealant. One of the main advantages of the method is that once winter passes, it is not necessary to dismantle the entire seal, so it can be used for several years.
Finally
Wooden and plastic windows have their advantages and disadvantages. They are distinguished by their soundproofing and thermal insulation characteristics and absolutely demand different care. In our climatic conditions, the issue of window insulation still does not lose its relevance, and therefore requires careful and in-depth consideration.
Having studied the mechanisms of heat transfer from the apartment to the outside, as well as the design features of the building, it is possible in the shortest period of time with minimum costs insulate the room efficiently and reliably. Windows play perhaps the most important role in this. Therefore, they are insulated first. The article described the main options for how this can be done efficiently and professionally. We hope the tips presented will be useful to you.
