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The better to insulate the windows in the apartment. Window seam sealant is a simple solution to important problems. Insulation of slopes and window sills

With the onset of cold weather, we begin to worry about the heat preservation of the room. And since the bills for public utilities only grow, more and more people turn to the issue of thermal insulation. A large percentage of heat loss falls on windows and can range from 1/3 to 1/2. This problem is faced not only by the owners of old wooden windows, but also plastic ones. To keep warm and ensure comfortable conditions window sealing is done different ways- some of them are temporary and will not last longer than one season, while others, more laborious, will protect windows for several years. In this article, we will look at the main causes of seal failure and how to deal with them.

Causes of violation of thermal insulation

Wooden windows are highly economical and reliable. They can last for more than a decade, but with prolonged use, their thermal insulation characteristics deteriorate: cracks, gaps appear, glass fogs up, and frost often even appears. This happens for various reasons. These include drying out of wood, deformation of the structure of windows or the building itself. The drying of the wood leads to the appearance of cracks and the destruction of the wooden structure.
The deformation of the building can cause the window to warp, and its frame will not fit snugly against the wall. This will immediately lead to a strong loss of heat. Plastic windows, in comparison with wooden ones, are designed to improve thermal insulation and create comfortable conditions in the room. But not always their use will allow you to keep warm - there are a number of reasons for this. Such reasons include:

• poor quality installation
• seal defects;
• problems with double-glazed windows;
• mechanical damage.

Poor installation - common problem associated with the low qualification of the employees of the installation company. It can arise not only because of the inattention of workers; errors may be made even at the measurement stage, due to which the window will not fit snugly. The seal is designed to protect against the penetration of cold into the room. In the closed position of the window, the seal fits well to the frame. But due to impact low temperatures the rubber seal wears out quickly. Double-glazed window is the main barrier to cold air. Violation of its tightness can lead to frost or condensation. Cause mechanical damage is improper operation, which occurs from heavy loads. In this case, not only the frame structure, but also double-glazed windows and slopes may suffer. Slopes additionally help to seal the windows. Problems with them may arise due to poor installation or wear. As a result, the structure is destroyed and cracks or gaps are formed through which cold penetrates. There is a relationship between some reasons. For example, improper installation can lead to problems with slopes and double-glazed windows.

Did you know? The first double-glazed windows were created in Germany in the 19th century.

Common places to inflate

Before starting work on sealing windows, it is necessary to identify places of blowing.
Common places for blowing in wooden windows:

• windowsill;
• the junction of the window frame and sash;
• wooden frame;
• glass.

  Often weak points in wooden windows are the joints of glass and glazing beads, window sashes and frames (in particular, vents that often open). It is also worth noting the vulnerability of the junction of the window frame to the opening. To determine the place of blowing in plastic windows, it is necessary to inspect inner part window profile. If a layer of dust forms on it, then there are problems with thermal insulation in these places. An exception to this case is the upper hinge of the window profile. In this place, the formation of dust is explained by the design features. At the plastic windows following places blowing:

  • sash perimeter;
  • windowsill;
• junction of impost and frame;
• window hinges;
• sealant.

Did you know? Doing research various means, protecting from the effects of radiation, Japanese scientists have identified materials that reflect heat when applied to the surface of the glass.

Identification of problem areas

If examining common inflation points fails to identify the problem area, other methods can be used. The first way is to swipe around the perimeter of the window wet hand, in the place of inflating there will be a feeling of a strong temperature difference. Another option is to inspect the inside of the frame, but this method is only suitable for plastic windows.
If these simple methods do not allow you to identify problem areas, you can use the flame of a candle or lighter. If you hold a burning candle along the window frame, the junction with the slope and the window sill, the flame will begin to oscillate in places of blowing.

What and how to insulate

Window insulation measures are divided into two categories: temporary and conditionally permanent. Temporary ones are held annually with the onset of cold weather - these include warming with paper, cotton wool, foam rubber. Conditionally permanent methods include methods using mounting foam, sealant, rubber or polymer seals. Let's look at each of the methods of thermal insulation.

Newspaper (paper strips)

This method is very old, our grandmothers used it. Over time, the method of insulating windows with newspapers or paper strips has undergone some transformation, and now there are several options for its implementation. Paper putty can be made to seal window holes and seams.

It is necessary to grind paper or old newspapers, soften with water, and add clay or crushed chalk to the resulting mass. We cover the cracks with such a mass; for this it is better to use a knife or a metal ruler. Such a tool penetrates well into hard-to-reach places. Window tape or paper strips are suitable for closing this putty. You can also use strips of fabric. You can glue them with soap and water: pre-moistened strips are smeared with soap and covered with paper putty.
Another variation of this method involves warming with paper rolls. The cracks are sealed with twisted paper tubes soaked in water. The joints of the frame and glass are sealed with paper strips smeared with soap.

Important! When using adhesive tape, the layer may peel off old paint so it may need to be repainted.

This method is very effective, but is only a temporary protection against the cold. With the onset of warm days, the insulation must be removed. But at this moment there is new problem associated with the careful removal of paper.

Energy saving film

new trend in the thermal insulation of windows is the use of energy-saving film. The principle of its action is to reflect infrared rays and reduce heat loss. Such a film winter time protect your home from the cold summer time will prevent the room from heating up. It is a good barrier to maintaining a comfortable climate in the house.
Such protection can be applied to the entire surface of the window, and not just to the glass, which creates additional thermal insulation. Energy-saving film is also called the "third glass". There is a film that is glued to the window frame and forms an additional protection 0.5-1 cm wide. After its installation, the temperature in the room rises by 3 or even 7 ° C. The use of this method is convenient for both plastic and wooden windows.

Styrofoam, polyurethane foam, basalt wool, foam rubber, paraffin

Other materials are also used to insulate windows. For example, foam rubber, paraffin, polystyrene or polyurethane foam. Consider the features of the application of each of these materials. The use of foam strips will help protect windows from drafts. This material easily penetrates into the gaps between the sashes and the window frame. Narrow foam strips are great for wrapping window sashes around the perimeter, fit snugly and allow the window to be used in winter.
If you stick such a sealant in several rows, this will improve the tightness of the room. Cracks larger than 2 mm can be sealed using flat foam rubber. To fill the gaps with foam rubber, use a thin and blunt object, such as a screwdriver or a table knife. After filling the cracks, they are sealed with adhesive tape, which provides additional thermal insulation. It is convenient to seal small cracks with paraffin. Using steam bath, it is heated to 60-70 ° C - in this state it is easy to draw it into a syringe - after which the slots are filled with it.

Paraffin is an excellent draft barrier. If the gap is large enough, then use a clothesline in combination with paraffin. But such protection is enough for only one season. insulate wooden windows You can use a sealant (acrylic or silicone). These sealants are applied to the border between the glass and the frame, as well as between the window sill and window profile. To seal window frames, it is necessary to first dismantle the glazing beads, clean the debris and apply sealant to the junction of the glass with the window frame.

It is possible to mount glazing beads only after the sealant has completely dried. It should be borne in mind that after dismantling the glazing beads, you may need new ones, since they often break. Thus, you will not only insulate the window, but also make repairs.

Important! To seal cracks in wooden windows, you can use wood putty or a mixture of gypsum and chalk. After performing insulation work, varnish and paint can be used as a topcoat. Unlike sealant or paraffin, such a coating lays down without problems.

Styrofoam can be used as slope insulation, which is used both for external and for interior decoration. Before using the foam, it is necessary to pre-treat the surface: remove dirt and old mounting foam. To insulate slopes, it is better to use sheet foam, which is easy to use and has high thermal insulation properties. Styrofoam is glued to the slope and all cracks are sealed.
A reinforced mesh is glued onto the foam base, then plaster can be applied and painted. Basalt wool, like polystyrene, is an excellent heat-insulating material. The use of this material will allow you to insulate slopes and window sills. The advantages of this material include resistance to fire. When using this material for external insulation of slopes, additional finishing is required, since given material easily gets wet and loses its thermal insulation properties. Sometimes a simple insulation or sealant is not enough to insulate windows. For example, when there are big gaps or through at the junction of the window opening and the frame. In such cases, it is better to use mounting foam. With its help, you can not only insulate the slopes, but also isolate the space under the windowsill. But during prolonged contact of the mounting foam with external environment it deteriorates its insulating properties and may even be partially destroyed. Such insulation is very effective and affordable solution heat loss problems.

Important! For sealing, you can prepare your own putty. To do this, mix 1 part chalk and 2 parts building plaster with the addition of water. This putty will be an excellent alternative to mounting foam.

The window structure can also be sealed using a tubular profile. It is characterized by high reliability and long service life, which will allow them to be classified as conditionally permanent methods of insulation. The installation of such an insulator is best done in the warm season, but it can be done with the onset of cold weather, the main thing is that the temperature does not fall below -10 ° C. It is attached to the window frame with a self-adhesive strip. Such isolation is laborious, but the result will not be long in coming. The tubular sealant is used for thermal insulation of the window according to the so-called "Swedish" technology.

Before starting work on window insulation, it is necessary to determine the size of the seal. To do this, use a piece of plasticine wrapped in polyethylene. It is placed in the gap between the sash and the frame and the window is closed. Depending on the size of the gap, a tubular seal is used in sizes E, P, D. To install the seal, it is necessary to make a slot in the base frame. Fix the seal with glue. The use of this method allows you to insulate windows for 20 years, or even more.

The progress of work on the insulation of wooden and plastic windows

Each of the warming methods given above is effective. But any work carried out in the complex is much more effective than using them separately. Let's look at the procedure for sealing work.

Step 1: Replacing the seals

People who are faced with the problem of violation of the thermal insulation of windows, first of all, replace the seal. It is best to do this work in dry and warm weather. Replacing the seal on wooden windows is quite simple. But with plastic, the situation is different - the seal on them wears out after 5 years of operation. It is recommended to replace only the one that has already worn out and does not cope with its functions. In other cases, using silicone putty a couple of times a year can extend the life of the seal. To replace the rubber seal on the windows, you need to pry off the old one and pull it out. Before inserting a new seal, it is necessary to wipe the grooves from dust. A new seal must be purchased of the same thickness and preferably from the same manufacturer. A new seal is inserted into the cleaned grooves. For the convenience of performing this operation, it is recommended to remove the sash. Thus, the seal on the sashes and the window frame is replaced. To change the rubber gasket that protects the double-glazed unit, it is necessary to perform more complex and time-consuming operations.

Important! Seals different manufacturers have a different structure, and may also differ in color.

First, remove the glazing beads that hold the double-glazed window. Now you can easily remove the glass and pull the seal out of the grooves. Just as when replacing the seal on the sashes, the grooves must be cleaned. rubber gasket it is recommended to cut off with a margin of 6 cm, in which case it will fit snugly around the entire perimeter of the double-glazed window. The new seal is placed in the grooves, after which you can collect everything back. For additional fixation of the seal, you can use glue.

Step 2: Pressure Adjustment (new designs only)

For many, this feature in plastic windows may seem like a novelty, but manufacturers recommend adjusting the pressure 2 times a year. It has to be different for every season. To make this adjustment, you will need a 4mm hex wrench or pliers, depending on the design of the window. At the end of the sash there is an eccentric with a risk, which is required. An eccentric is a device for adjusting the fit of the sash to the window frame. In plastic structures, it is possible to exhibit winter and summer mode, as well as the average, which is set by default.

By rotating the eccentric, you can adjust the tightness of the flaps. Usage winter regime allows you to keep warm in the room due to a tighter fit. And with the onset of warm days, the windows are switched to summer mode, which allows you to increase air circulation. In some cases, such an adjustment is not enough, therefore, an additional adjustment of the loops is carried out. If winter ventilation is provided for in the window design, then both the lower and upper hinges are adjusted. And in cases where such a function is not provided, it is enough just to adjust the lower hinges. To make these settings, you need to open a window. In the open position, move the sash to the ventilation position. Only in this position can the top hinge be adjusted. By turning the adjusting screw, you can change the fit of the sash to the frame.

Step 3: Insulation of slopes

A variety of materials can be used to insulate slopes. The most popular of them: polystyrene foam, polystyrene foam and a sealant with a polyvinyl chloride layer. All of them provide good thermal insulation. Before deciding on a material for sealing, it is necessary to examine the external and internal slopes. Poorly performed work or wear of the material can lead to the fact that the thermal insulation of the room is broken. In such a situation, before starting the insulation, it is necessary to remove old stuff and reinstall the slopes. Thermal liners can be used to insulate slopes from the inside. After their careful fixation and strengthening, the slopes are cosmetically finished. Basalt wool can be used as such liners. Another option is to stick foam on the inner surface of the slopes. Then it should be puttied or covered with drywall.

Did you know? There is a myth that thermal insulation materials repel mice, but such materials do not exist.

Another way of finishing and sealing is the installation of so-called "sandwich panels". Such a panel already has a heat-insulating layer, which makes them convenient option slope insulation. For additional sealing, a layer of cotton wool can be used as the basis for the sandwich panel. An important point in the process of slope insulation is the inadmissibility of the presence of air gaps.
To avoid this problem, you can use special adhesives. They are applied around the perimeter of the treated surface, as well as on the seams. Properly applied adhesive promotes good adhesion to the slope surface.

Step 4: Working on the window sill

One more problem area in the thermal insulation of the window is the window sill. Poor installation may result in big problems during operation. For example, if the space under the window sill is not sufficiently filled with mounting foam, there may be formed air pockets that break the insulation. Another problem is the destruction of the foam under the influence of mechanical loads or thermal factors.

Important! When installing window structures in winter, you need to use the so-called "winter" mounting foam, which provides better sealing.

In such situations, re-sealing with mounting foam is required. To carry out such work, it is first necessary to remove the old foam, and then fill the space with a new layer. But such material does not allow closing small gaps. You can seal them with sealant. It penetrates well into the cracks and completely seals them. In addition, it repels water well. The combination of such materials will close all problem areas.

Step 5: Paste the glass

Sometimes after eliminating all problems, heat loss remains at a fairly high level. In such cases, glass is pasted over to provide thermal insulation. For this, they can be used various materials. For example, for better protection from exposure to low temperatures, you can paste over with adhesive tape the junction of the glass and the frame. An energy-saving film can also be used as a heater for glass.

Packaging film, or, as it is also called, bubble film, can also be used to insulate windows. Such a film can be bought at any hardware store. It helps to protect the house from the cold and improves the energy efficiency of the building. It takes very little time to install, and subsequently it does not require special care. The film can be repeatedly glued and peeled off. Such a seal does not prevent the ingress sun rays.
For installation, you will need scissors, a spray gun and a film with bubbles. We cut the film to the size of the glass and wet its flat side. We apply the film with the wet side on the abundantly moistened glass. Water provides good adhesion to the surface. The applied film is well leveled. This insulation helps protect the glass from unnecessary losses heat, and most importantly - it is a very convenient and economical method. The use of the film leaves no traces, which makes it easier to care for the window after removing the seal.

Step 6: Warming from the outside

From the outside of the building, slopes and low tide are insulated. The lack of thermal insulation of external slopes will not allow you to reliably protect windows from drafts and cold. For thermal insulation of external slopes, foam plastic 5 cm thick and a mounting grid are used. Finishing slopes from the outside is often accompanied by complete insulation of the building, but this work can be carried out separately.

Important! The foam should cover part of the window frame and completely cover the mounting seam.

In the process of performing such work, pre-prepared foam strips are tightly glued to the previously cleaned surface. At the end of such work, the foam must be plastered, which will protect it from further destruction. When performing thermal insulation work, it must be remembered that for the correct distribution of light in the room, the slopes must have an expanded angle with respect to the window.
Drain - very important point to ensure the tightness of the window. To prevent moisture from accumulating, the slope should have a bevel of 5 ° and protrude from the building by 4 cm, and the side edges should be bent upwards. This shape will allow water to flow freely without penetrating under the ebb. For additional protection against moisture, the places where the tide is attached to the window and slopes are additionally sealed.

How to stick a heat-insulating film

Such protection, due to its multilayer structure, has a low heat transfer coefficient. The energy saving effect is provided by air gap. Protection of 15 microns allows you to increase the temperature in the room by 3 ° C. For installation, you will need a knife, scissors and a hair dryer. For wooden structures The film can be applied both to the entire surface of the window, and only to the glass. If you stick it on the entire surface of the window frame, then it is necessary to seal the cracks, and for the convenience of work, remove the handles. Windows must first be thoroughly washed and degreased.

A double-sided adhesive tape is glued to a clean surface around the perimeter. The film is folded in two layers, so you need to separate them. We cut the film to the size of the window. It must be borne in mind that the film must be glued to the adhesive tape, so it is worth making a margin of 2 cm. Before gluing, we check the correctness of the measurements. If all measurements are correct, then you can remove the protective paper strip from double sided tape. You will need help to move forward. Gently distribute the film over the entire surface of the window and glue around the entire perimeter. At the moment, you can ignore the wrinkles that form. When gluing, do not stretch the film too much, as it has a heat-shrinkable structure. Use a hair dryer to smooth out wrinkles. Under the influence of hot air, the film is smoothed and settles. Another option for sealing windows is to stick the film directly on the glass surface. In this case, the double-glazed window is removed from the frame, after which it can be applied to the window. She has different coverage sides, one of them is metallized. helped

Warm house pledge cozy atmosphere and comfort for all family members. To make our home warmer, we use energy-saving technologies, make underfloor heating, use alternative sources heat.
An important factor is not only the accumulation of heat in the cold season, but also its preservation. Experts, not without reason, believe that about 40% of the heat leaves through our windows.

It's no secret to anyone that panoramic windows, big windows to the floor is one of the main causes of heat loss. Plastic and wooden windows also need to be insulated, thanks to which it will be possible to significantly save on heating in winter.

Insulate plastic windows for the winter with your own hands

Plastic windows that have been in operation for a long time also need to be insulated in winter.
If the window served you for a long time and the first season began to let in the cold, then you need to adjust the locking mechanism and change the insulation. Frost, condensation or frost inside the frame may indicate a window depressurization.

1. Replacing the plastic window seal

Replacing the plastic window seal can be done independently. It is better to buy a sealant "native". If you can not buy one, you can consult with the seller in the hardware store. To select the appropriate sealant, it is enough to take a small piece of the old one with you.
It is better if the rubber seal is black. There is not so much street dust on it.

First you need to remove the handle of the sash handle so as not to damage it. Lay the sash inside(where the handle is) down. Next, you need to remove the old insulation by prying it with a knife, clean and degrease the groove. After the insulation is laid around the perimeter of the window, it is necessary to cut the sealing profile 0.25-0.5 cm longer than the perimeter. This seal residue must be pressed into the groove. The frame seal is also being replaced.

After that, the sash is installed in place. The sash is mounted from top to bottom on the lower hinge, then the parts of the upper hinge are connected by moving away from itself, the pin, lock washer and hinge overlay are installed. We close the sash with a lock and check the quality of the work performed, testing the joint for a draft.

It is advisable to clean and wipe the seal 1-2 times a year. Wipe the seal with a dry cloth from accumulated dirt. Then it is better to degrease the plastic window seal with soapy water and apply silicone grease. Such preventive work will save the sealant from high temperatures in summer and will allow it to retain its qualities longer in the cold.

2. Adjustment of plastic window fittings

Over time, plastic window locks require adjustment. The fixed part of the lock is on the frame. The main indicator for adjusting locks is a bolt head recessed into the structure, which has a groove for a hex key. This is an adjusting bolt that changes the position of the wedge, behind which the locking "tongue" of the lock goes. Adjusting this wedge changes the tightness of the sash against the frame in the closed position. IN summer period closing density can be weakened, and in winter, on the contrary, the density should be maximized. To adjust the lock of the plastic window, use a hex key.

3. Warming of slopes and window sills.

It is good if, when installing a plastic window, slopes and PVC window sills were installed at the same time. If a draft is heard through a plastic window, you need to take care of the insulation of slopes and window sills. Large gaps can be filled with tow or foam rubber. From above, the slots can be filled with mounting foam or alabaster. Then complete the treatment of cracks with sealant.

We warm wooden windows for the winter with our own hands

4. In order to eliminate drafts in the house, it is necessary to lay in all the cracks between the frames and glass pieces of paper, which before that are wetted and twisted into a tourniquet. On top of such a heater, paper is usually used to increase tightness. The disadvantage of this method is that after the cold weather, the dried paper from the frames will need to be removed, and the frames themselves will need to be repainted.

5. The next method of wooden insulation is to place cotton wool and pieces of foam rubber. From above, you can stick strips of unnecessary fabric 5 cm wide. Before using such fabric strips, they must be wetted, wrung out and lathered with soap. Compared to paper, the fabric will not yellow and can be easily removed in the spring.

Important: the foam seal absorbs moisture, so it must be replaced annually.

6. Insulation of window slots using paraffin. First, the paraffin must be melted to a temperature of 70 degrees. Then, using a heated syringe, paraffin is injected into the cracks.

7. Warming with tubular profiles. Such profiles are sometimes also called gaskets. Such heaters are made for large and small cracks. The advantage of the insulation is that it is invisible, as it is glued to one side of the frame. Service life up to at least 5 years. A feature of these profiles is that you need to start insulating the window before you start extreme cold. Since such profiles can be installed at a temperature of at least 10 degrees. Seals from pvc is better tolerate frost. When choosing rubber seals, it is better to give preference to softer ones.

8. Another modern and convenient way insulate wood windows heat-saving film. The peculiarity of this material is that it has two sides, plain and with a metal coating. Due to this, it transmits the sun's rays through itself, but does not transmit infrared radiation back. This explains its heat-saving effect. The material is glued to both glass and frames. With proper execution, it will be almost invisible to the eye, and the room will immediately become much warmer.

Window insulation using Swedish technology

The patented name for this technology is EuroStrip. In some countries it is also called Canadian technology.

Insulation of windows Swedish technology good because it allows you to save environmentally friendly wooden windows, providing them with good tightness for many years. Also, this technology is good in that it allows you to reduce street noise at times and reduce the penetration of dirt and dust between the doors to almost zero. The cost of window insulation using Swedish technology is ten times lower than the cost of installing new plastic windows.

The material for sealing using this technology is made of wear-resistant and durable rubber, which contains natural rubber. The material is also not affected by water and is able to retain its heat-saving properties in the temperature range from -53°C to +128°C. That is, for any weather conditions Swedish insulation will protect the house from drafts. Of particular note is the savings in heat in the apartment. After the work carried out, the temperature in the house rises by an average of 3-5 ° C. The specially made wide profile provides you with protection from rain, wind, noise and dust. Aesthetically, the window retains its original appearance. With the doors closed, the insulation is not even visible.

High-quality insulation of windows according to Swedish technology is carried out in stages, in compliance with all technological requirements.

The process of warming wooden windows using Swedish technology:
1) First you need to thoroughly wash the windows.
2) Check the sashes. Do they close tightly and do all the mechanisms work.
3) Remove the doors from the hinges.
4) Excess layers of old paint are worn off the sashes, which interfere with closing and opening.
5) Create grooves along the entire contour of the flaps with a cutter.
6) A special high-quality sealant is rolled into the grooves. 7) To reduce the penetration of dust and dirt, window sashes are insulated between themselves and inside.
8) The sashes are put in place, while the fittings are replaced.
9) The sashes are checked and right job wooden window fittings.

Specialists who are engaged in window insulation say that it is better to entrust such insulation work to professionals. Since the work on the insulation of windows using Swedish technology requires special skills and the appropriate tool. The use of a cutter when rolling the seal into the groove ensures that the seal does not peel off and fall out over time.

Alternative ways of warming

Heat leaves the house through dirty windows. Do you want to make your home warmer? wash all windows before the onset of cold weather. It has been proven that a window, if it becomes dirty and loses transparency in the visible part of the spectrum, increases transparency in the infrared spectrum. And the heat leaves the house due to drafts and going outside infrared radiation. It is best to wash windows using ethyl or ammonia. This will clean the grease buildup on the windows in the kitchen and avoid streaks on the glass.

Use woolen blinds. Ordinary slats are wrapped with strips of wool and fabric. Such blinds become a good protection from the cold.

Electric window heating. It involves the installation of a special heating coil on the windows, which provides heating. This method of heating should be provided at the stage of window installation.

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Installation and installation of windows Window accessories

Greetings. In this article I will talk about how and how to insulate wooden windows for the winter. There are many ways to make old windows more airtight, but, as practice shows, not all of them are equally good. Consider those methods that you can apply on your own and decide which one is the best.

Ways to do it yourself

Among the methods suitable for thermal insulation of windows, I note the following:

• Filling gaps with mounting foam;
• Sealing technological gaps with window paper or adhesive tape;
• Pasting of glazing with thermal film;
• Installation of a sealant on an adhesive basis along the line of the porch;
• Sealing glass in the frame using sealant;
• Installation of the seal along the line of the porch into a milled groove.

The listed methods of insulation provide the greatest efficiency if they are used not separately, but in a complex.

Method one - use mounting foam

This method is suitable for you if the windows are old, and with the onset of warm weather, they are supposed to be replaced with new double-glazed windows. The fact is that having processed the technological gaps with mounting foam, it will then be impossible to open the sashes.

Warming instructions are as follows:

• We open the inner and outer sashes, and clean the perimeter of the porch from dirt - the area where the sash adjoins the frame;

• Lightly moisten the perimeter of the porch with water from a spray bottle;
• Carefully apply foam from the balloon around the perimeter of the porch, while trying not to get on the glass and on the windowsill;

• We close the sashes by turning the handles all the way and inserting the latches;
• We perform a similar procedure with the porch window;

• After the first row of glazing is strengthened, we wait for the foam to dry and cut off its excess;
• If necessary, we carry out insulation on the second - the inner row of glazing.

Even one row of glazing after processing with mounting foam will not only be insulated, but also isolated from noise. After the second row of glazing is insulated, the window will not see through at all and let in sounds from the outside, since there will be no gaps at all.

Please note that a window insulated with mounting foam will not be suitable for ventilation. Therefore, it will be necessary to take care of other equally effective methods of ventilation.

Method two - seal with tape or paper

This method of insulation is the simplest and probably the most budgetary. To seal windows, you will need a regular (not masking) wide adhesive tape or special paper tapes for pasting windows. If you decide not to spend money at all, you can use old newspapers cut into strips as a material for sealing gaps.

Why do I recommend using ordinary tape instead of masking tape on old windows? Ordinary plastic tape is completely sealed, unlike the paper counterpart. In addition, ordinary adhesive tape is much better glued to various surfaces and is better retained on them.

The gluing instruction involves cleaning the perimeter of the junction of frames and sashes from dirt and flaking. Then the adhesive tape is glued at the beginning of the gap, gradually unwound and glued along the entire gap. It remains to carefully iron the perimeter of the gluing with your own hands so that the adhesive tape adheres well to the surface, and the work can be considered finished.

If there are cracks in the old glazing, do not be too lazy to immediately seal them with wide adhesive tape from the outside and from the inside.

With newspaper strips or with special paper, everything is a little more complicated, since you have to pick up glue or prepare a paste. For these purposes, leftovers are suitable wallpaper glue or paste from a small amount of flour diluted with water. If newsprint is used, you can make a thick soapy solution and glue wetted strips onto the frame.

The method is good because its price is cheap, but there are a couple of significant drawbacks. With the onset of the warm season, when dismantling the strips, fragments may come off along with the insulation paintwork. Mold or fungus may appear on strips of paper glued with flour or starch paste.

Method three - gluing thermal film

The use of heat-saving film is not new technology. IN country houses, many years ago, a translucent oilcloth was stuffed from the inside of the frames through a glazing bead.

As a result, more or less isolated additional air chamber. The disadvantage of the solution was low visibility through a translucent oilcloth and a low degree of light transmission.

The modern version of mounting the film on the windows is preferable, because the polyethylene is absolutely transparent and even. And, most importantly, during installation, you can do without a glazing bead and not spoil the frame.

Installation instructions for a thermal protective film purchased in a special kit are as follows:

• Remove the handles from the inside of the window sashes;
• If necessary, we pass with fine sandpaper, removing protruding irregularities from the surface of the valves;
• We clean the prepared surface from dirt and dust;
• We glue double-sided tape along the perimeter of the wings, carefully pressing it so that it does not move away from the surface anywhere;

• After the adhesive tape is glued, carefully remove the outer protective film;

• We straighten the thermal protective film, apply it to the frame and glue it to the adhesive tape;

• With a household hair dryer, we heat the glued film around the perimeter of the frame so that it aligns and better sticks to the adhesive tape;

• With the same hair dryer, we heat the main surface of the film and disperse the remaining wrinkles;
• We fasten the handles in place and along the edge of the glued adhesive tape, cut off the excess film.

Method four - the use of a rubber seal

In this instruction I will show how to glue the tubular insulation along the porch line. However, using a similar instruction, you can paste over the frame with solid rubber seals and foam rubber.

The installation instructions for the seal are as follows:

• We open the sashes, in the porch of which we will carry out gluing wide open;

• With a chisel or knife, we clean the remnants of old seals from the porch or simply level the surface so that there is a protrusion with a right angle along the perimeter of the frame;
• Next, knead the usual plasticine into balls with a diameter of 2 cm;

• We glue plasticine balls into the porch around the entire perimeter at a distance of 30 cm from each other;
• We cover the sash until it stops, and then open it;

• We remove the lumps of plasticine one by one and examine how deformed they are;

The recess on each of the plasticine lumps is the degree of pressing the sash to the frame. That is, the side of the recess is equal to the thickness of the seal to be selected. Therefore, we examine the removed lumps, determine the smallest value and select the sealing cord from it.

• We transfer measurements from lumps of plasticine to paper for calculations, which cord and in what quantity to buy in order to ensure a tight porch of the sash;

• From the end of the cord, we separate the protective tape and apply it to the frame from the corner;
• Gradually removing the protective tape, apply and level the sealant;

• We insert the edges of the tubular seal into each other so that they do not stick out and do not peel off.

Method five - sealing the glass in the frame with a sealant

Another problem with old windows is that the glazing bead around the perimeter of the sash does not press the glass tightly enough. As a result, when opening and closing, a bounce is heard. But it’s not so much the rattling that is terrible, but the fact that the gap between the glass and the glazing bead lets cold air in from the outside and contributes to the formation.

You can completely dismantle the old glazing bead and install a new one. If long-term window repair is not your plan, I recommend using a sanitary silicone sealant.

By pressing on the glass, we squeeze out the sealant so that it enters the gap from the tube spout. After walking along the perimeter of the glazing bead, stop pressing on the glass and gently wipe off the excess sealant that will squeeze out from under the glazing bead.

Method six - warming in Swedish

Insulation of windows using Swedish technology is the same use of tubular insulation. But, unlike the previous instructions, the sealant is not glued to the wood, but inserted into a special milled groove and held there by spacers or seals on the edge.

Swedish window insulation technology is not limited to installing a cord. In addition, the sashes are adjusted to the frame so that there is no distortion and gaps, and, if necessary, old fittings changes to a new one.

Instructions for warming according to Swedish technology are as follows:

• Along the perimeter of the narthex, a groove is cut with a milling cutter (depth 8 mm, width 3 mm);
• Starting from the corner of the sash or from the beginning of the mounting plate, insert the cord into the groove with the mounting edge forward;

• We roll the cord with a special roller, gradually inserting it along the entire length of the groove.

The advantage of the technology is that the cord is firmly held in the groove, which means that it will not move away from the sash longer, unlike the glued seal. There is also a drawback - for warming according to Swedish technology, you need a special tool.

Agree that it is unprofitable to purchase a milling cutter and a pressure roller for performing one-time work.

Conclusion

From the article, you learned how to insulate windows for the winter, and you can choose the method that is suitable for self-fulfillment. I also recommend watching the video in this article. If you have any questions about the proposed instructions, write about it in the comments.

With the onset of cold weather diligent host seeks to escape the cold without causing significant damage family budget. Let's figure out how to seal old wooden windows for the winter. All methods are focused on doing it at home with your own hands using improvised means and inexpensive heaters.

According to thermal images of houses, a significant part of the heat leaves the premises through walls, windows, doors, and roofs. The insulation of these nodes allows you to increase the heat-saving properties of the house. However, complete insulation is an expensive task, plus, it is far from always possible to do it yourself.

But sealing windows for the winter is a relatively simple and easy-to-implement event that everyone can do, and the effect is confirmed by an increase in the temperature in the room by 2-4 ° C, depending on the chosen method of insulation.

10 ways to seal windows for the winter

Summarizing the experience of previous generations, you can write a whole encyclopedia on the topic: how to seal windows so as not to blow.

Consider the proven and affordable methods of insulation, for ease of comparison, arranging them in the form of a rating, in ascending order of the cost of the work:

1. Paper for pasting windows

More like paper putty. This is the cheapest method, since all you need to seal the windows is a selection of old newspapers and water. To increase the effectiveness of the putty, you can add 2 parts of crushed chalk or 1 part of clay to it. The resulting mass is highly plastic, which makes it easy to seal even the smallest cracks. The window is easily washed from the putty during operation (as long as it remains wet). Window insulation with paper effective method, but only for one season, in addition, the glued window does not make it possible to open the sashes in winter period. With warming, the putty is removed from the cracks, and the window is washed out.

Price: 0 rub.

pros: free and easy.

Minuses: the need for annual repetition of work, there is no way to open a sealed window, it is not aesthetically pleasing and the presence of additional decor in the form of gluing paper or fabric strips.

2. Paper tape or fabric strip

Most fast way eliminate draft. You can’t count on significant insulation, but the work can be done quickly and at minimal cost.

approximate price: 100-130 rubles / roll, strips of fabric (used material).

Advantages A: cheap, high speed;

Flaws: minimum efficiency, peeling off adhesive tape in a draft.

How to seal windows with soap and paper (toilet) - video

3. Cotton wool or foam rubber for windows

Technical cotton wool is cheaper, but it is sold in large quantities.

With the help of cotton wool or foam rubber, large gaps can be sealed, for example, between window sashes or a sash and a wall, a window sill. Cotton wool / foam rubber must be sealed on top with paper tape or special adhesive tape, because cotton wool is difficult to seal small cracks. In this case, the paper tape will perform a function not only decorative, but also increase the efficiency of insulation.

average cost: cotton wool (50 rubles / 200 gr.), foam rubber (30-35 rubles / skein).

Dignity: simplicity and lack of wet work.

Flaws: the cost of insulation increases (+ the price of wool or foam rubber), additional finishing of the insulated seam is required. In addition: cotton wool and foam rubber absorb moisture, work must be repeated annually, and a sealed window cannot be opened for ventilation.

How to seal windows for the winter with a newspaper - video

4. Self-adhesive window foam

A more technological way to seal windows and fight drafts. This method is good because it allows you to do without sealing the cracks with paper or fabric strips. Due to the presence of a sticky (adhesive) tape on the foam rubber insulation, it can be glued to the inside of the window sashes.

approximate cost: 60-75 rub./roll.

pros: The window can be used as usual.

Minuses: after gluing, the insulation may prevent the window from closing, foam insulation non-hygroscopic and not protected by anything. With a snug fit of the sashes to the frame, you need to either cut (cut, adjust) part of the wood, or choose other methods of insulation. If the gaps are large, you will have to decide how to seal wooden windows in addition to this material.

5. Self-adhesive window seal

Most owners of old wooden windows prefer this particular type because of the optimal combination of price / effect achieved. The rubber seal is glued to the inside of the window sash. Due to the fact that the seal is hollow, it does not create problems when closing the sash. It adheres well to the frame due to the adhesive strip that opens when glued. The sealant lasts 1-2 years.

average price: 84-100 rubles / roll.

Dignity: longer service life, window operation mode is not disturbed, aesthetics.

Flaws: cost, labor intensity, you can install a low-quality seal (many fakes), the likelihood of the seal peeling off the frame.

6. Building putty for windows

Allows you to seal the glass seat. First you need to remove the old putty or glazing bead, apply a new composition, level and paint or close with a glazing bead and paint. In this case, the putty is applied in a thinner layer, which reduces its effectiveness.

approximate cost: 30 rubles / pack.

Dignity: relative cheap putty, hygroscopicity.

Flaws: the complexity of the work, the need to periodically renew the putty. It does not allow to protect against blowing between the frame and the sash.

7. Window Sealant

This method involves the application of sealant at the junction of the glass to the seat. Before starting work, the window must be washed and degreased. When applying, try to squeeze out the sealant with the same pressure to ensure a beautiful sealed seam.

average cost: 200 rubles / pack.

Dignity: the speed of the method.

Flaws: the cost of insulation increases due to the cost of the sealant and the gun for it, does not eliminate blowing through the frame.

8. Paraffin for window insulation

A budget way to eliminate blowing through the pores in wood. For processing, paraffin must be melted and applied to the surface of the window frames.

approximate cost: 139 rub./kg.

Dignity: eliminates heat loss through the frame wood.

Flaws: laborious, does not protect against blowing through the perimeter of the frame and glass.

9. Thermal window film

The energy-saving film allows you to close the junction of the glass to the frame, and also reflects thermal radiation in the infrared range. Due to this, part of the heat remains inside the room.

average price: 270-550 rub./sq.m. mainly sold in rolls 1.52x30 m.p. (45.6 sq.m.).

Dignity: efficiency.

Flaws: high price films, drafts remain between the sash and the frame.

How to tighten a window with a film - video

10. Windows insulation using Swedish technology

An effective type of window insulation according to Swedish technology using Eurostrip sealant. It consists in the fact that the sealant is not glued to the surface of the sash, but is inserted into a specially made groove. The configuration of the seal also matters. The herringbone holder contributes to the secure fixation of the seal in the groove and ensures its long service life.

Theoretically, all of the above methods are suitable for both wooden and plastic windows. But as the reviews testify, the most popular are insulation using Swedish technology and pasting a heat-saving film.

It often happens that colds come unexpectedly and sunny days are replaced by chilly winds and rains. Therefore, the weather in the house should be taken care of in advance and you need to start with the windows. If you make the right choice when deciding how to seal windows for the winter, you can keep up to 2/3 of the heat in the room.

Contrary to popular belief that only wooden windows need to be insulated with one's own hands, plastic structures also often need to improve heat-saving qualities. This happens if the life of plastic windows has ended or the structures were installed in violation of the technology.

To insulate windows for the winter with your own hands, you need to create the most airtight space between the frames, since the air in closed space, has excellent thermal insulation properties.

To obtain comfortable temperature in the room, you need to eliminate the gaps through which cold air enters.

To insulate wooden frames, one (or both) of traditional ways: gluing sealing gum, sealing gaps with cotton wool, glue and paper strips, fabric or tape. An adsorbent can be placed between the frames - a substance that absorbs moisture, for example, Activated carbon, silica gel, soda or salt.

Preliminary preparation of wooden windows

Before starting work, wash and wipe the windows, inspect the gaps between the frames and glass. Such gaps appear when the frames dry out, and the window putty in which the glass is installed crumbles.

Repair stages

1. Check the condition of the glazing beads - long wooden slats, with the help of which glasses are strengthened in window frame. It is better to immediately replace rotten and cracked elements with new ones.
2. Pull out problematic glazing beads and nails. Take the glass out and clean it of putty residue with alkaline products, such as soda ash diluted in water.
3. Clean the frames from putty and paint in places where the glass is inserted, wipe dry and treat with transparent silicone sealant.
4. When installing glass, try not to pinch it. Secure the glazing beads with window nails.
5. Coat the remaining gaps with the same sealant, let it dry for 2-4 hours and wipe the windows with a special detergent.

How to insulate wooden frames

Window structures made of wood are usually insulated with:

Modern profile seal

Window seal profiles

This material is sold at any hardware store and is a tape, with or without an adhesive layer. Such a seal is also called a tubular profile and is made of the following materials:

• foam rubber
• rubber
• polyvinyl chloride;
• polyethylene foam;
• polyurethane

Adhesive-based seals are more popular. But their disadvantage can be considered that they cannot stick as securely as their self-adhesive counterparts.

The foam rubber seal absorbs moisture, so it must be replaced annually. Polymer tape water at all, which significantly increases its service life.

The sealant is easy to use: the tape is glued to the open sash around the perimeter, inside and out. To eliminate especially large gaps, you can additionally use masking tape.

The seal for a wooden window is attached around the perimeter of the frame

For gluing sealant without adhesive base it is best to use a transparent silicone adhesive sealant.

improvised means

The method is suitable for insulating old wooden windows for the winter. , as it is designed to eliminate too large gaps . They can be filled with cotton wool, rags, paper or foam rubber. A special putty for wood is also suitable.

Stages of warming:

• firmly tamp the cotton wool or other material into the slot using, for example, a wide screwdriver;
• glue strips of fabric or paper over the material.

Glue for this purpose can be made from soap solution or two components - water and starch. The recipe is simple: pour a heaping tablespoon of starch with one 200 ml glass of water, bring to a boil, stirring constantly.

Instead of starch, you can use sifted flour. After cooling the paste, proceed to the insulation.

Paraffin can be purchased at any hardware store.

This method was widely used several decades ago among housewives who knew exactly how to insulate wooden windows for the winter, as they made it possible to seal large gaps quickly and without cost.

Melt the paraffin candle in a water bath and pour the hot mixture into a preheated syringe. With this device, you need to quickly process all the gaps.

Putties

Insulating windows for the winter with special mixtures or something similar with your own hands is an effective, but radical method. Removing such insulation often damages the paint, so this method is suitable for old windows that you plan to replace soon.

Adhesive putties, a solution of alabaster and chalk 1: 1, special sealants for window seams are suitable as a heater. The mixture is applied to the gaps, leveled with a spatula and left to dry completely.

Heat-saving film is an effective way to avoid heat loss

This method is suitable for warming wooden window structures and PVC windows.

In hardware stores, you can find a special protective film that has universal properties - in summer it protects the room from sunlight, and in winter it raises the temperature to 5 degrees.

Material the right sizes glued to the frame glazing beads with double-sided adhesive tape and blown with air from a hair dryer to level and make it transparent.

Read more about energy-saving window films

Additional cold bridges

Be sure to check jumpers above the windows, as they often serve as a place for heat leakage. The lintels are insulated from the outside by alternately applying facade polystyrene foam, reinforcing mixture and plaster.

Also conductors of cold can be slopes. For thermal insulation, the side surfaces are sanded, then primed and PVC panels are installed. If voids have formed inside, it is necessary to fill them with tow or polyurethane foam.

Windowsill, incorrectly treated with foam, are insulated by attaching a piece of PVC panel under it, adjusted to size. The voids are filled with the same materials as in the case of slopes.

Read more about window sill insulation (plastic or wooden)

How to insulate plastic windows yourself

To improve the thermal insulation qualities of plastic windows, it is imperative to use a heater. This can be a traditional mounting foam or a sealant suitable for this purpose:

• polyurethane sealant. Experts consider this material ideal for sealing deep cracks, since the mass after hardening increases its volume several times and penetrates far deep into the gap.
• Silicone sealant. This is the most popular and available remedy getting rid of unwanted sources of air entering the room. The sealant tightly fills the gaps and has a high elasticity, which makes it easy to use.
• acrylic sealant. Differs in elasticity and ease of use - its excess can be easily removed during application, unlike silicone sealant. But this material has one drawback - in a short time of operation, the acrylic sealant changes color from white to gray. This is due to its ability to attract dust and dirt to itself.

When insulating plastic windows, follow the main steps:

• Clean the cracks with a stick or brush from crumbled mounting foam or debris.
• Thoroughly go over the slopes, frames and window sill with a degreasing cleaner.
• Fill the gaps with mounting foam or sealant, depending on the chosen material.

Summing up

If the budget does not yet allow you to replace old windows with new ones, do not despair. A variety of materials for their insulation will allow you to choose something for yourself based on financial condition and features of the work.

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