How to insulate plastic windows for the winter - insulation technology from the outside and from the inside. How to insulate plastic windows for the winter. Replacement of the mounting seam, installation of insulated slopes and window sills How to insulate metal-plastic windows with your own hands
Warmth in a house or apartment is a guarantee of comfort, coziness and well-being. To do this, we install central heating in our apartments, build underfloor heating and so on. However, it is important not only to deliver heat to the house, but also to keep it.
Most of the heat leaves our apartments through the windows, insulating which can significantly improve your living conditions in the cold season.
Let's look at quick ways to insulate both modern plastic windows and old wooden ones. Let's start with the simplest and cheapest ...
1. Do you want to insulate the window? - Wash it!
Heat leaves our apartments not only because of drafts, but also goes outside in the form of infrared radiation.
Ordinary glass, being transparent to visible radiation, has a low level of transparency to infrared rays that transmit heat.
But contaminated glass, losing transparency in the visible part of the spectrum, significantly increases it in the infrared spectrum. Therefore, to save heat, it is enough just to wash the window before the start of the cold season.
However, in the spring it also does not hurt to do this - so that less radiant heat penetrates the apartment in an already hot summer.
To wash the window inside and (required!) Outside should be a product based on ethyl or ammonia. This will allow, firstly, to clean fatty contaminants, which is especially important for the kitchen, and, secondly, to avoid streaks left by salt dissolved in water, remaining after evaporation of moisture.
In addition to the glass, the frames also need to be washed - we will glue seals, heaters and so on on them. Doesn't adhere well to dirt, but falls off quickly. You do not want to re-glue the seal in the middle of winter with the windows wide open?
2. Traditional methods of window insulation
An effective way to reduce heat loss is to install a heat-shrinkable energy-saving film on the inside of the frame, parallel to the glass or double-glazed window.
This film has a double action. First, it prevents heat from escaping in the form of infrared radiation. Secondly, it creates an additional heat-insulating layer of air between itself and the glass. This usually allows you to get rid of the effect of "weeping windows".
Installing the thermal film is quite simple. On the frame, having previously cleaned and degreased it, we glue double-sided tape around the glass. The film is usually sold folded in two layers. We separate the layers among ourselves and cut the film according to the size of the glass, plus two or three centimeters from each edge.
We glue the film on the adhesive tape so that its surface covers all the glass. We try to stretch the film, but we do not pay attention to wrinkles. It is more important to ensure that the entire edge of the film "sits down" tightly on the adhesive tape without "bubbles". We direct hot air from a household hair dryer onto the film. Due to its shrink properties, the film itself will stretch and smooth out.
The view at the window with such a film, of course, is not so hot, for it is warm and dry.
New double-glazed windows do not heat. Why?
Similarly, the seal on the frame changes, after which the sash is installed in place.
The procedure for installing the sash is reverse to the order for removal:
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.
In order for the seal on the plastic window not to have to be changed every two to three years, this part requires proper care. It is required to clean and lubricate the seal at least once a year, but preferably twice, before the start of the cold season and at its end.
We wipe the seal on the sash and frame with a dry fleecy cloth to clean the accumulated "rel="lightbox" href="/images/stories/kvartira/7-sposobov-uteplit-okna-na-zimu_8.jpg"> 
mud. Then we wipe the seal with soapy water for better cleaning and degreasing and wipe it dry. We apply silicone grease to the cloth (it can be purchased at any car dealer) and rub it into the seal. This simple procedure will protect the sealant from drying out in the heat and “hardening” in the cold, allowing it to retain its qualities for a long time.
6. We insulate slopes and window sills
For some reason, some people forget that a window is not only glass, a frame and sashes, but also slopes and window sills. What's the point, from the best window, if from under the windowsill it "siphons" all the way? Of course, it is better if, along with the replacement of the window, you also replaced the slopes and window sills with modern PVC structures, however, it is precisely when installing them that the installers often “hack”, knowing that the customer will focus on the frames.
Inspect the places where the slopes adhere to the concrete. If large cracks are found, we fill them with tow or foam rubber and cover them with alabaster on top, or fill them with mounting foam, which will need to be trimmed and sanded with sandpaper after drying. We complete the sealing of cracks with building sealant.
If the initial examination reveals nothing, conduct a more thorough test with a burning match or a wet finger. If "cold bridges" are found, it is necessary to "knock" the cladding layer. A dull sound compared to neighboring areas will indicate the presence of voids under the lining layer. In this case, we remove the cladding and seal the cracks in the manner described above. Do it, really" rel="lightbox" href="/images/stories/kvartira/7-sposobov-uteplit-okna-na-zimu_9.jpg"> 
, follows in the warm season, because mounting foam and finishing building mixtures do not work well in the cold.
You can also make slopes yourself from inexpensive improvised materials, for example, from foam, while saving on PVC slopes and the services of installers. To do this, you will need foam panels at least three centimeters thick, foam glue (for example, "ceresite") and cement mortar.
This work, however, is not the easiest, fastest and cleanest. It is worth thinking twice about whether it would be better to invite a professional. But if you decide for yourself, then in short you will find the following:
The sides of the window opening and part of the adjacent wall should be opened to the base - brick or concrete. This is done in order to drown a layer of insulation into the wall. Here you can expect a lot of surprises, in the form of boards immured by the builders, rolls of tow and other "insulations". The holes will be impressive. There may even be a fair amount of plaster on the adjacent wall falling off, so get ready for a plaster job of the appropriate scale. To ensure reliable adhesion of the future slope to the base, you can fix the reinforcing network with dowels (plastic - so that it does not conduct cold).
After kneading the cement mortar, we apply a layer of plaster on the window opening and on the wall, to the width of the future slope (about 20 cm) from the opening. Clay can be added to the solution. This will give it additional viscosity, and it will be easier to plaster the vertical surface of the walls. We achieve a flat surface and let the plaster dry well.
However, if you are confident in the reliability of the existing layer of plaster, then you can simply carefully scrape off the wallpaper, paint or other decorative wall covering, prime and level the surface with a small layer of putty.
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Next, apply glue to the foam panels with a notched trowel and press the panel to the surface, holding for 10-20 seconds until the glue “sets”. First, we glue the foam to the vertical part of the wall and slopes. The seams between the panels are carefully covered with the same glue. Similarly, we install panels on the horizontal part of the slope in the window opening.
Alternatively, foam can be used. It fills the voids in the slopes well, holds firmly to the base, and the insulation itself can be securely “glued” with it. Here, only, it is a little expensive, but you need a lot of it (a large balloon for a double-leaf window may not be enough).
You can close the foam plastic with drywall, or thin plastic panels, putting them again on glue.
I repeat, the surfaces are complex, there are many angles. Professionals use other heaters and install special facing panels. But if you need to save money or want to do everything yourself - you can try it.
7. Window insulation using Swedish technology
If the installation of a modern window made of PVC profiles is too expensive for you, or is not suitable for any other reason, you can insulate an ordinary wooden window using the newfangled Swedish technology. Such a sonorous name was given to the technology of window insulation using the Euro-strip groove seal, Swedish-made, although analogues made in Eastern Europe have already appeared on the market.
The technology requires the use of a rather specific tool, which not every home master can find, and experience in handling it is needed. So for this service it is better to turn to 7 ways to insulate windows for the winter: Photo 11 "rel="lightbox" href="/images/stories/kvartira/7-sposobov-uteplit-okna-na-zimu_11.jpg"> 
specialists. But all work is done quickly, so the method is quite suitable if winter "suddenly crept up unnoticed."
To install the seal, the window sash must be removed. In the place where the sash fits to the frame, a groove is made with a cutter, where a tubular profile is placed with a special roller, which takes the form of a groove. Additionally, the connection is sealed with silicone sealant. If desired, insulation with a Swedish profile can also be performed inside a double frame. The balcony door is similarly insulated.
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"Swedish technology" also includes the adjustment of sashes, frames and balcony doors, but this must be done in any case, regardless of the installation of Swedish seals.
The effectiveness of such insulation is slightly better than traditional sealing, but it allows you to freely open windows and vents during the winter for ventilation.
We examined the most common ways to insulate windows that do not require major repairs. I hope our tips will help add some warmth to your life.
Insulating windows for the winter is an invariable ritual that is carried out by the owners of wooden frames before the onset of cold weather, which allows you to increase the temperature in the room by 5-10 degrees and reduce heating losses. There are many ways to insulate windows for the winter, both with the use of special sealants and sealants, and with the help of improvised means available back in the days of our great-grandmothers.
Principles of window insulation
The meaning of insulation is to create the most airtight internal air space between the frames. As you know, air is an excellent heat insulator, provided that it is enclosed in a closed space. This space is the distance between the outer and inner frame. It turns out that in order to insulate windows, it is necessary to eliminate the gaps that allow cold air flows from the street to penetrate.
When insulating wooden frames, three methods are usually used: sealing gum is used, the gaps between the frames are sealed and they are glued with strips of paper, adhesive tape or fabric. At the same time, it is not recommended to seal the outer frame with vapor-tight tape - this will lead to their strong fogging, and in cold weather - to freezing. Internal frames, on the other hand, are best sealed to prevent moisture from penetrating into the space between the frames.
Between the frames, it is desirable to lay an adsorbent - silica gel, activated carbon, soda or salt. So that they do not spoil the appearance of the windows, they are placed in small white paper bags. However, in a city apartment with normal humidity, you can do without an adsorbent. If the humidity is high, it is better to sacrifice the appearance of the windows: moisture, condensing on the glass, flows onto the wooden frames, as a result of which the paint peels off and the frames begin to rot.
Before the start of insulation, windows and frames must be washed and wiped dry, check for large cracks, as well as the tightness of the glass. Poorly fixed glass not only allows cold air to pass through, but also rattles in the wind. If necessary, glass can be strengthened, how to do this is described below.
Glass repair and sealing
It happens that even insulated frames do not protect the apartment from drafts, and most often the problem lies in poorly fixed glass. Previously, glasses were framed on window putty, which looked like dirty gray hardened plasticine. Over time, due to temperature and humidity changes, the putty begins to dry and crumble, and after a few years or decades it does not remain at all. At the same time, the glasses begin to rattle, and large gaps are obtained between them and the frame. Silicone sealant will help to correct the situation.
Repair and insulation technology:
- Assess the condition of the glazing beads - rails that hold the glass in the frame. If they are rotten, stagger and crumble, it is better to immediately buy new ones in the required quantity.
- Gently pry the glazing beads and pull them out along with the nails. Take out the glass.
- Clean the frame from the remnants of old putty and excess paint at the place where the glass was installed.
- Remove putty residue from glass with an alkaline solution such as soda ash. It is not recommended to scratch the glass with a knife, as this will leave scratches that cannot be removed.
- The frames are wiped dry and smeared around the perimeter with a transparent silicone sealant, after which the glass is installed.
- The glazing beads are nailed into place using window nails. This must be done very carefully, trying not to pinch the glass, otherwise it will crack when the temperature drops.
- The remaining cracks are also smeared with sealant, removing its excess with a damp cloth. Let it dry for 2-4 hours. After that, the windows are wiped using a window cleaner and the frames are insulated.
Window insulation materials are sold in hardware stores; they are a narrow sealing tape with an adhesive layer of foam rubber or soft polymer. Sealing tapes made of polymeric materials can be used for several years, while windows can be opened and washed without removing the tape. The foam insulation gets wet when it gets wet, so it is better to remove it annually.
How to glue sealing tape? This process is very simple: a sealant is glued around the perimeter of the open window sash with an adhesive layer applied to it, after which the frames are carefully closed with locks. This is done with both external and internal frames; with large gaps, windows from the inside can be additionally glued with masking tape - it is also sold in household goods stores.
Insulation of windows with large gaps
If the frames are too old or severely skewed, they may have huge gaps that cannot be covered with sealing tape. In this case, you will have to caulk the cracks with cotton wool, foam rubber, rags or paper, or putty them with special mixtures. It is done like this:
Window insulation with putty
A more radical method, which allows you to qualitatively insulate not only windows, but also cracks in window sills, is to use building mixtures. For this purpose, you can use glue-based putties, a solution of alabaster mixed with chalk in a 1: 1 ratio, as well as window sealants.
The selected mixture is applied to the cracks with a metal spatula, leveled and left to dry completely. It should be remembered that the removal of such putties can lead to peeling of the paint, so this method must be used carefully. However, it is very effective for old frames that are supposed to be replaced soon - it is often impossible to insulate them with a sealing tape, and putties and alabaster mortar perfectly seal the space between the frames.
You can also use moisture-resistant sealants for outdoor use, while choosing white or colorless. The sealant is applied directly from the tube, smearing all the cracks with it, as well as the joints of the glass and the frame.
Cardinal method of window insulation
If you don't plan to ever open a window, you can use foam. The cracks are filled with it, they wait for it to expand and solidify, after which the excess is cut off with a sharp knife. To avoid yellowing and destruction of the foam, it is covered with ordinary white enamel for outdoor use.
In practice, this method is used extremely rarely, and mounting foam is usually used to insulate a window box, filling it with gaps between it and the walls. This operation is performed at the stage of installing windows, but if you think that heat loss occurs precisely for this reason, you can open the window sill, window slopes and ebbs and foam the window frame.
Video - how to insulate wooden windows for the winter?
Reading time ≈ 9 minutes
Plastic double-glazed windows are considered one of the most hermetic types of home windows, but even they begin to let cold air into the house over time. In this article, we will look at how you can insulate plastic windows for the winter indoors with your own hands. This will increase the indoor temperature by a few degrees and save a tidy sum on heating.
Determination of places of draft
For effective window insulation, it is necessary to find and eliminate the cause of the draft. Otherwise, all procedures aimed at warming will not give the desired effect. To find problem areas, you need to independently check all the critical nodes of the window:
- Glass holders.
- Sealant.
- Loops and handles.
- The junction of slopes, walls and window sill with a window frame.
The appearance of technical malfunctions in one of these places can lead to the appearance of drafts, which in cold weather has a very strong effect on the temperature inside the room.
To determine the exact location of a heat leak, the following methods are used:
Causes of drafts
You should also have basic information about the causes of drafts. With basic knowledge, you can avoid such unpleasant situations in the future.
If we evaluate in detail all the causes of drafts and heat leaks, we can divide them into two categories, if possible, to eliminate them - with the help of window installation wizards and independent problem solving.
The services of professionals are best used to solve such problems:
If the work is done from the inside, then most of them can be done independently.
Plastic window insulation
Depending on the identified place of heat leakage, the work carried out will be different. Let's consider each direction in more detail, and also determine how to insulate plastic windows for the winter.
Slope insulation
If a draft was found in the gaps between the window frame and the wall, then poor thermal insulation should be considered the cause of this phenomenon. It could become unusable from time to time, or there were violations of technology during the installation process.
The most correct would be a complete installation of thermal insulation materials again. To do this, remove the slopes and do the following:
If the cold has already come, and it is not possible to carry out a complete replacement of thermal insulation materials, then you can take temporary measures and treat the cracks with sealant. This will save for some time from the penetration of cold into the house, but in the future it will be necessary to carry out a more thorough reconstruction.
Important! Many sealants have a clear temperature range in which they can be used. Violation of the temperature regime can affect the main qualities of the composition. Be sure to check the possibility of using sealant.
window sill insulation
In case of loss of tightness in the area of the window sill, it is necessary to accurately determine the location of the leak.
Such activities will be enough to insulate the window sill and eliminate any drafts in these places.
Warming by adjusting windows
The reason for the appearance of drafts may be insufficiently tight fit of the locking elements to each other. To eliminate this, you need to know the basic principles of operation of plastic window sashes.
If the windows were initially installed correctly and closed tightly enough, then the problem can be eliminated by slightly shifting the sash. How to adjust the window at home on your own is described in detail in this video:
Windows of most brands have a system for switching to winter or summer mode. To determine in what position the windows are now, you need to pay attention to the locking pins. Depending on the manufacturer of windows, they mark the current state of the window. If the mark is turned inside the room, then the windows are in the "summer" mode, and in the winter mode, if the trunnion is turned in the opposite direction.
When the window is set to summer mode in the closed state, the sash does not fit snugly against the frame. This allows you to maintain micro-ventilation in the premises.
In winter, such ventilation is more of a problem than good, so the window needs to be switched to winter mode. To do this, turn all the trunnions into the desired position.
The middle state is a balance between micro-ventilation and heat retention. It is also called spring or autumn mode.
Important! Windows in winter mode are designed for maximum pressing of the sash to the frame, which means that fogging of the glasses will be almost guaranteed. To avoid the appearance of fungus, it is necessary to regularly ventilate the room even in winter days.
Replacing the sealing material
Another way to insulate plastic windows for the winter with your own hands inside is to replace the sealing gum between the window frame and the opening sashes.
Important! It is worth replacing the seal only if it has become unusable. With regular care and treatment with softening compounds, it can last more than 5-8 years without losing its qualities.
First you need to determine whether the seal is to be replaced. If you are a happy owner of a window with a replaceable rubber seal, then you can proceed to the next steps.
You can familiarize yourself with the procedure for replacing the seal in detail using the example of one of the installation companies:
Attention! If you are not sure about the correctness of the above work, and also doubt your own abilities, we recommend that you seek help from professionals. Most plastic window installation companies can do additional customization and minor restoration work for a fee.
Warming with additional means
Sometimes a plastic window is in perfect order and does not create drafts, but in itself is a place of heat loss. In this case, it must be insulated with additional means. Consider a few simple ways to additionally insulate a window.
The use of improvised means used for, in the case of correctly installed and configured double-glazed windows, shows minimal efficiency. Their main purpose - the elimination of drafts, does not work with hermetically sealed plastic windows.
Now you know how you can insulate plastic windows for the winter in your house and you can put most of the methods into practice. Also remember that windows are not the only place where heat is lost. It will be possible to get maximum heat retention after and..
The perfection of the designs of plastic windows is far from the ideal that is presented in advertising. In practice, it turns out that both cold and loud sounds are passed into the room. That is why the question of how to insulate plastic windows for the winter with your own hands inside an apartment arises over time for most of their users.
The perfection of the designs of plastic windows is far from that ideal.
Reasons for the need for additional insulation
Violation of tightness is the main factor provoking the need for insulation work.
What causes leaks:
- Errors in the installation of the window block;
- Poor installation of slopes;
- Worn insulation;
- Loss of elasticity of the seal;
- Shrinkage of walls;
- Malfunction of mechanisms, window fittings.
Violation of tightness is the main factor
Interesting! A plastic window during installation requires significant destruction of the window opening. Often, builders resort to unscrupulous insulation measures, clogging the impressive holes formed during the construction of the house with literally anything - from construction debris to sand and cement.
Popular for sealing holes in walls and polyurethane foam
Popular for sealing holes in walls is also polyurethane foam, which has a cellular structure, which over time, when condensation forms in facade cracks, exfoliates from the surface and also dries out under the influence of ultraviolet rays. Therefore, over time, insulation will require not only window slots, but also a window sill.
Invite masters or insulate with your own hands?
For self-insulation of plastic windows, it is desirable to be familiar with the technological process of installing window blocks.
It is widely believed that it is better to trust professional specialists to eliminate defects in the sash seal and insulation along the glass contour, as well as malfunctions in window fittings and the locking mechanism. The advantage of performing work by experienced skilled craftsmen is that they provide a guarantee for their services.
The advantage of performing work by experienced skilled craftsmen
Remember! Independent work on the insulation of a plastic window will be considered a violation of the terms of warranty service, if its period has not yet expired.
Some types of work, for example, warming the contour of the frame, slopes, ebbs, window sills, can be done by hand. A rich selection of material on the Internet, which describes in detail how to insulate plastic windows if it blows, with step-by-step instructions in video and text format, are accessible to anyone without special skills.
If there is any doubt about the success of the conceived business, it is better to put it in the hands of experienced people.
The decision on whether to insulate windows on your own or seek help from a master should be taken carefully. If you are sure that you can do it yourself, it is not necessary to spend money on such work. If there is doubt about the success of the conceived business, it is better to give it into the hands of experienced people.
Diagnostics of critical places
To determine what work is required, the window must be examined for places where wind and cold pass through.
To understand exactly where the window lets the cold into the room, you can use a simple trick: take an ordinary lighter or candle, and examine the perimeter of the window for the presence of blown areas, observing the deflection of the flame. In the absence of a lighter, you can use an open palm.
The closest thing to consider is the junction of the window frame to the wall
On a note! The closest thing to consider is the junction of the window frame to the wall. Slopes, window sills and fittings are also subject to mandatory inspection.
It is especially convenient to find gaps on frosty days, when the temperature is contrasting outside compared to the room.
What materials to choose for insulation
The choice of material depends on the condition of the window system.
The most popular insulation for windows indoors:
- Cotton wool, masking tape;
- Foam rubber on an adhesive basis;
- Mounting foam;
- Sealant, putty;
- Rubberized seal
- Styrofoam;
- Mineral wool.
Ordinary packing tape for window insulation will not work.
Important! Ordinary packing tape for window insulation will not work - it is very difficult to wash.
Insulation, if necessary, can be mounted using dowel fastening or adhesive mixture.
Decorative finishing can be done with a plaster mixture
Decorative finishing can be done with a plaster mixture, PVC panels or drywall.
Wash the window first
Not many people know that a dirty window is the cause of heat leakage from the room.
The thing is that heat tends to go outside the window in the form of infrared radiation. Standard window glass is transparent, while allowing the rays of the visible spectrum to pass through, it acts as a barrier to heat-transmitting infrared rays.
Glass covered with a layer of dirt loses its transparency
Interesting! Glass covered with a layer of dirt loses its transparency for the visible part of the radiation, but at the same time, the transparency of the glass for infrared rays increases.
Therefore, the banal timely washing of windows, performed before the onset of cold weather, will help maintain heat in the house.
Before insulating plastic windows for the winter, they should be washed
Before insulating plastic windows for the winter, they should be washed both inside and out. Detergents containing ammonia or ethyl alcohol will qualitatively wash window glass from dirt and greasy stains.
In any case, before carrying out insulation work, you should also thoroughly wash the frames and the window sill, since heaters, seals and heat-saving films do not adhere very well to uncleaned frames.
Window sash pressure adjustment
The rubber seal can lose its elasticity and volume due to the constant opening or closing of the window frame. Cold air begins to flow into the house through the gaps formed.
It is not necessary to change the gasket. You can adjust the clamping mechanism.
The rubber seal may lose its elasticity
Important! A completely leaky seal will have to be replaced.
There are special cylinders in the slots of the metal plugs. They go into the frame hooks and are called trunnions.
The hooks can be moved to the degree of pressure we need, or the trunnions can be adjusted. Loosening the bolt facilitates a change in the position of the hook. To increase the pressure, the hooks are moved towards the street, to loosen the hooks, they are moved to the side of the room.
For those who want to visually see how to insulate plastic windows for the winter with their own hands inside, using the methods of adjusting the clamping mechanism from the room, this process is presented in the video below.
Traditional ways of insulating plastic windows with your own hands
- Cotton wool and masking tape. These materials remain the most economical. Large gaps and the entire frame along the perimeter of the window are laid with cotton wool, after which it is sealed on top with masking tape.
- Adhesive foam insulation. Reliable protection against cold and wind, qualitatively attached to the window frame and does not fall off. In one roll - 3 meters of material, so before going to the hardware store, you can calculate the right amount. The only drawback is that the foam rubber can absorb the resulting condensate, as a result of which the tightness can be broken.
These materials remain the most economical
- putty. This method is suitable for those who are looking for a reliable answer to the question of how to insulate plastic windows, if it turns out that it blows heavily in any of the sections of the frame. Putty is sold in bars weighing 300 grams. For one window you will need one such bar. Hands knead the mass until soft, after which it fills all the cracks. After hardening, the material hardens. The work is quite labor intensive. Putty does not absorb moisture and is very inexpensive.
Sold putty in bars weighing 300 grams
- Silicone sealant. Reliable sealing contributes to the preservation of heat. Ideal for filling voids and gaps, as well as strengthening glass in a frame. However, frames cannot be filled with such material, since with the onset of spring the window may not open.
Reliable sealing contributes to the preservation of heat
- Rubberized seal. Reliable and durable insulation. There are three types, depending on the thickness, for filling gaps of various sizes. Sold in skeins of 10-12 meters. The cost of such material is quite high.
Glass surface insulation
Cold glass has a considerable area and is a kind of refrigeration panel, since in fact it lowers the temperature of the air in contact with it.
Condensation forms on cold glass indoors, which, with prolonged exposure to the window opening and frame, provokes:
- mold development;
- accelerated seal wear;
- the entry of fungal spores into the air inhaled by a person, which harms the health of all people living in the room.
A simple, effective and inexpensive solution for insulating a plastic window is to stick a thermal film on the glass surface. It consists of rare earth metals deposited in a thin molecular layer, as well as nickel and silver alloys that do not let cold air through.
The application of thermal film does not affect the transparency of glass.
Due to the formation of an air cushion between the film and glass, a heat retention coefficient of 154% is achieved. The application of thermal film has no effect on the transparency of glass.
For gluing thermal film you will need:
- double sided tape;
- scissors;
- stationery knife;
Procedure:
- Before gluing, it is extremely important to perfectly wash and wipe the glass dry. It depends on how evenly the film “lies” on the glass surface and how long it will last.
- Apply double-sided tape around the perimeter of the window.
- Separate the edges of the film with a utility knife.
- Cut out a piece of canvas with scissors in accordance with the size of the window and stick it on the adhesive tape applied to the frames.
- Turn on the hair dryer and blow the film with warm air, leveling it on the glass surface. If small bubbles appear, they can be popped with the tip of a knife.
A reliable way to additionally insulate windows is blackout curtains
Checked! Another reliable way to additionally insulate windows is thick curtains that have an air cushion effect similar to thermal film.
Other ways to insulate plastic windows
More serious internal insulation work, such as:
- installation of slopes (with dismantling of old ones);
- window sill insulation with various materials;
- replacement of sealant and insulation;
- adjustment of the level of the window block due to shrinkage of the walls;
- repair and adjustment of mechanical components and fittings
You can also do it on your own, with certain technical skills, attentiveness and diligence. How this is done, you can see in special videos, where all the instructions will be clear even to a beginner.
Plastic windows that really keep the heat in the house is an absolutely feasible task. It is important to detect all blown areas, and, having chosen the most appropriate method of insulation, perform simple step-by-step actions.
Here. The issue of insulating plastic windows seems at least strange, because the manufacturers of these products assure that the home will be protected from sounds and cold weather, and the process of insulating windows is the last century.
But, unfortunately, after a couple of years, citizens notice that the insulation of plastic windows for the winter is an extremely necessary external and internal process.
If the operation was not carried out, then you can seek help from specialists and order additional insulation, or resort to independent thermal insulation.
The second option will cost less, but will require certain skills and abilities, which you will learn about after reading the article.
What you need to know about plastic windows?
The plastic window replaced the wooden one in the 90s and immediately gained wide popularity.
And this is not surprising, because its cost is several times cheaper, it is attracted by excellent thermal insulation and sound insulation, ease of operation, fire resistance and environmental friendliness of plastic, and a high level of fresh air passage.
Just think: plastic windows do not need painting, various cleaning procedures - just wipe the frame and glass with a soap and water solution. Not windows, but a dream!
But it is known that ideal matters do not exist in the world, everything has its drawbacks, and plastic windows are no exception. How not to make a mistake and install high-quality windows in the house? Let's figure it out.
Plastic windows are arranged in the same way, among the elements - a profile, a double-glazed window and fittings. The quality of the window directly depends on the quality of the materials used.
Not the last role is played by seals and proper installation.
Properly selected profile contributes to the guarantee of high-quality and durable service of a plastic window.
Ease of use, attractive appearance, production from natural ingredients, sufficient width - these are the criteria that should be considered when choosing a profile.
Experts advise not to save on the profile, since thermal insulation largely depends on this element.
Worthy of attention is the choice of double-glazed windows. It is he who protects the house from sunlight, retains thermal insulation properties, prevents fogging of glasses, and reduces energy costs.
The amount of glass in the window varies. Despite the fact that double glazing weighs more, needs professional installation, has a higher cost than single glazing, they are more popular.
Double glazing is very warm, contributing to a cozy living in the home all year round.
Fittings are metal parts that serve as assistants to the sash during the opening and closing of the window.
It is important to choose high-quality fittings that contribute to a tight rebate of the sash to the frame, designed for a large number of window openings, and has a presentable appearance.
Don't forget about seals. It seems to be a completely inconspicuous detail, but one of the most important functions of the window is assigned to it - protective.
The seal protects the home from moisture, drafts, noise, dust. Therefore, the choice of this detail should be given due attention.
Over time, window seals wear out. In this case, you need to replace them with new ones.
An important criterion for high-quality and long-term service of a plastic window is competent installation. Installation of the structure is a complex and responsible procedure.
You should not try to do it yourself, it is better to seek help from the installation team, which guarantees that the issue of thermal insulation will be resolved in good faith for a long time.
So, the quality of plastic windows depends on the materials of their manufacture. It is important to be careful and prudent when choosing a plastic structure, because it will help make living in the house warm and comfortable.
Do-it-yourself insulation of plastic structures outside
In the event of a failure of the thermal insulation system of plastic windows, it is worth strengthening their insulation.
A well-executed procedure will help correct window installation errors (if any) and solve the problem of thermal insulation.
To insulate plastic windows, you can use:
- mineral wool (fireproof, safe);
- polystyrene (cheap, but not bad);
- mounting foam;
- sealant (reliable, inexpensive);
- construction tape (improves insulation);
- heat-saving film (an excellent insulating material for glasses);
- so-called "warm" mixtures in the form of a primer.
To choose the right insulation, you should know its properties, working conditions (inside or outside), installation features.
It is convenient to work with polyurethane foam, but it is subject to the negative effects of sunlight and temperature fluctuations, therefore it is often used for internal insulation.
Suitable times of the year for insulating plastic windows for the winter with your own hands are spring and summer. It is advisable to carry out the procedure on a quiet, warm day.
Insulation of plastic windows from the outside means insulation of street window slopes.
If the external slopes are not insulated, then it is pointless to carry out the insulation procedures of the internal slopes: drafts and cold will be frequent guests of your home. Ignoring external insulation will lead to the formation of fungus.
Insulation of slopes of plastic windows from the outside can be done with your own hands, but not in all cases.
If you live above the second floor, and there is no balcony, then you should not take risks: seek help from the masters. If the situation allows and all precautions are observed, then get down to business on your own.
If the window has been installed recently, then plastering work should be carried out (remove dried foam, treat the slopes with a primer).
Then install the corner, and glue the fiberglass mesh on the tiles. After allowing to dry, then once again you need to use glue, then level with a spatula. At the end of the procedure, water-based paint should be used.
The insulating material must close the mounting seam and cover part of the frame.
External insulation plays an important role in the thermal insulation system, and its absence can lead to sad consequences and nullify all other efforts and efforts.
We insulate PVC openings inside
Insulation of the inner side of plastic windows includes insulation of slopes, window sills, double-glazed windows, adjustment and replacement of seals, adjustment of fittings.
Insulation of slopes of PVC windows from the inside consists of the following steps:
- removal of excess mounting foam;
- treatment of slopes with an antibacterial primer;
- leveling the surface with a plaster mortar;
- re-treatment with a primer;
- gluing a suitable foam board to the surface;
- installation and puttying of the corner;
- fixing the platband;
- final surface coating to your taste.
To insulate the window sill, you will need polyurethane foam. Simply eliminate the old foam, and foam problem areas with new material. Smaller cracks are better treated with silicone sealant.
Now consider the technology of insulating double-glazed windows. If you decide to install a single-chamber double-glazed window, then you should think about the insulation process even at the stage of window installation.
You can try to insulate the double-glazed window on your own. This will require energy-saving film.
First of all, we take out the glass from the frame. Now with the right side (you will see marks on it) glue the film on the glass with water.
With a plastic spatula, smooth the film, making sure that bubbles do not form under it. We cut off the excess parts of the film, install the double-glazed window in place.
Adjusting and replacing the plastic window seal is part of the insulation process.
The procedure should be carried out every few years, as the seals lose their properties over time under the influence of moisture and various temperatures.
When replacing a part, try to evenly distribute it along the window frame and sash. During adjustment, correctly adjust the tightness of the window sash.
You can buy sealant at any hardware store.
The process of adjusting the fittings of plastic windows is quite simple. To do this, open the window and find the installation location of the canopies.
We return the latch to its original position, check the level of fit of the window sash. It is done!
