What can be cooked from squid: quick and tasty

As winter draws closer and the weather gets colder, you notice a draft in the apartment. By placing your hand near a window on a windy night, you find a source of excruciating coolness. Enough to endure it and sleep under three blankets! There are many ways to insulate windows. They range from simple to complex, from practically free to quite expensive, from “old-fashioned” methods to modern technology. In this long read, we have tried to collect the most effective methods.

Before taking decisive action, let's consider possible reasons draft coming from windows. It would seem that, wooden windows due to their material, they retain more heat, and plastic is a relatively new achievement of science and technology - it is simply designed for heat and sound insulation. Then why can they let a draft into our house?

Unfortunately, poor-quality installation of windows is quite common. Sometimes workers of installation companies, who call themselves professionals, have a very superficial understanding of the installation of window units.
The second reason may be partly related to the first - an attempt to save money on the installation of plastic windows. Companies often reduce the price by saving on insulation, foam, and even the installation itself. Subsequently, low-quality windows are much more expensive due to the need to additionally insulate them.
Even if cold air does not seep through the gaps, the windows themselves may be to blame, such as the old "single-layer" windows, which provide only a thin glass barrier between the house and the street, not cozy warmth.
A skewed window and a loose fit of the window frame to the wall also threaten with heat loss. Sometimes this happens due to the deformation of the building, which is especially common with old wooden houses.

It is wise to start by diagnosing the situation. Identify the most critical places where the wind blows. Where does the cold come from: from a window sill or window sashes? Maybe the problem is a worn out seal or poor quality slopes?

To determine the exact place from which cold air is blowing, you can simply run your hand over the surface of the window block. If this method does not identify the problem, light a candle or lighter and move them around the frame - the fire is more sensitive to draft.

Look at the windows when it rains. Moisture trapped in a specific location will indicate gaps and crevices. When moisture builds up in the corner of a window or along one of its edges, the problem is likely in the joints. Moisture that accumulates in the middle of a window pane may indicate some type of glass crack.

Perhaps the wind is blowing due to a poor quality seal. Try to invest in open window a sheet of paper and completely close the window. If the paper pulls out easily, as soon as you pull on the corner of the sheet, then the seal is not tightly pressed against the frame.

Before you choose a method of insulation from the available ones, you should think about the goals of insulation. It is clear that temperature regulation is the main task, but what trade-offs are you willing to make? Will you be able to refuse in favor of cheapness nice looking, restrict the flow of light or block access to the window?

You also need to consider the cost. Some materials cost almost nothing: for example, a sealant can be bought for a couple of hundred rubles. More reliable and durable solutions will cost more and may require specialist assistance, but in the long run may prove to be a worthy investment.

Seek help or insulate windows with your own hands?

To insulate windows, you have, in general, only two options: do all the work yourself or contact a professional. With your own hands, you just need to insulate the window sill, frame contour, window opening inside the room or replace the seal. If any defect manifests itself during the warranty period, the installer will have to fix all the problems. In addition, it is worth resorting to the help of installers if external insulation work is required, and the window is located at a significant height - its replacement or renovation work may be associated with an increased risk, and specialists know exactly how to insulate with high quality plastic windows outside.

It is worth remembering that it is better to insulate the windows before the onset of winter - then the working conditions will be more comfortable. In addition, sealants and some others Construction Materials can only be used within a certain temperature range, otherwise they will lose their properties.

How to insulate plastic windows with your own hands

If you need to insulate a window opening, then mounting foam will do. Expanding, it fills the voids in the opening and impedes the movement of air. However, foam is a short-lived material that can be exposed to low temperatures and will do just fine with a small gap. Also a popular insulation is mineral wool, which has heat and sound insulation. She is resistant to high temperatures and easy to install.

Silicone sealant will also help to insulate window frames. It is best to use an inexpensive tool when working with it - a lever syringe. The sealant also blocks moisture, making the windows resistant to mold and mildew. It is also worth choosing a transparent sealant - so it will not be noticeable if it accidentally hits the glass.

Before applying sealant or expansion foam, it is worth checking exactly how much they expand - to determine this, apply a small drop to the corner of the window.

Another way from the category of "cheap and cheerful" is to plug the cracks in the windows with technical cotton wool, and then seal it with masking tape. Previously, instead of scotch tape, they used fabric or paper strips with a paste of laundry soap... But when using this option, its fragility is obvious, and it will not completely eliminate blowing.

A good and inexpensive insulation for plastic windows is foam rubber: cash costs will be minimal. Remove the film from the adhesive surface of the insulation and press the foam window insulation into required places... With the onset of warming, it is very easy to remove it. However, if moisture gets in, the insulation may lose its tightness.

How to insulate the slopes of plastic windows

To insulate the slopes of plastic windows, you can use a variety of materials - sandwich panels, drywall, polystyrene or expanded polystyrene. However, polystyrene is the most fragile of the listed materials and tends to accumulate moisture. If it is necessary to insulate the window from the outside, dry mixtures for finishing the slopes will help.

First, it is necessary to carefully treat the cracks - to eliminate possible contamination and remove the old polyurethane foam. If you have chosen drywall for insulating slopes, then the sequence of actions is as follows:

cut out blanks from drywall the right sizes and we process it with a moisture-resistant primer, wait until the workpieces dry out;
insert drywall sheets in the slot;
fill in the small gaps left between the drywall and the wall, polyurethane foam;
after the foam has hardened, we finish redecorating primer and paint.

External insulation works are carried out at temperatures up to +5 ° C, otherwise building materials may lose some of their properties.

You can use a special heat-saving film for window insulation. It transmits light into the room and at the same time does not "release" infrared radiation. Such a film not only protects the warmth of our home, but also helps to get rid of the "crying windows" effect, that is, from. Also, windows on which a heat-saving film is glued are characterized by greater strength. Before starting work, it is important to wash the glass, treat it with a degreasing agent and wipe it dry. Next, you need to glue the film so that its "metal" side faces the street. The film is glued not only on the glass itself, but also with an overlap on the frame. Some manufacturers make self-adhesive films, but some types of films require tape. To prevent bubbles and wrinkles on the film, use a household hair dryer.

A simple and inexpensive life hack that will help to cope with a draft is to attach a bubble, or "pimple" film to the window. Choose films with large bubbles as they tend to handle cold air better. Trim the bubble wrap so that it overlaps the window frame slightly. Spray water onto the window with a spray bottle, then "glue" a piece of cut wrapping film onto the wet glass. You can reinforce it with double-sided tape. The “bumpy” side should face the glass. The film should set without difficulty and stay in place for several months. If desired, you can apply a double layer of foil for better thermal insulation. The only drawback is that this method blocks the view from the window, but the light will nevertheless enter the room.

Sew a plain fabric to fit the width of the window. Fill it with a solid, free-flowing substance such as sand, rice or polyester, then place it along the bottom of the window. Heavy materials (denim, corduroy) in this case keep the cold air more efficient than light materials (cotton, knitwear, etc.).

Replacing the seal

If the problem is in a worn seal, you can replace it yourself by choosing a suitable one in a hardware store. It is also better to choose a sealant in black: black is the natural color of rubber, and impurities of other colors can spoil the quality of the product. After the old seal is removed, it is necessary to clean the grooves from dust and dirt, process the corners of the frame with glue and cut off the excess with scissors. The resulting joint must also be treated with glue.

People have been using wooden windows for a very long time, so when asked "How to insulate old wooden windows?" there are many answers.

Highly old way which our grandparents used to seal wooden windows with newspapers. They were soaked in water and plugged into the cracks. The space between the glass and the frame was sealed with paper strips. Of course, “paper will endure everything,” and you can use it for the winter, but it will be very problematic to remove newspaper particles in the spring. In addition to the banal inconvenience, there is also a risk of damaging the window covering.
If old windows need to be insulated quickly, and the aesthetic side of the issue is not very important to you, plain paper is also suitable. To make paper putty, you can grind old newspapers, soak them in water, add clay or crushed chalk, and seal the cracks with the resulting composition. Tape is enough to secure the window putty. However, this method is short-lived and will most likely only last for one season.
As a heater for wooden windows, you can use foam rubber - regular or tubular. It will be effective if the wooden sashes have already dried up and do not fit tightly to the frame. Previously, foam rubber was nailed down with small nails, but now you can use ordinary masking tape. This material can serve faithfully for a couple of years, then it will begin to deform and will need to be replaced.
When insulating wooden windows, you can also use a sealant. It is necessary to remove the wooden glazing beads holding the glass with a screwdriver, apply sealant and install the glazing beads back - preferably new ones, since the old ones often break during dismantling.
Wood tends to crack. Therefore, the frame is often covered with a network of small cracks through which heat can escape. To seal them, you will need to clean the glass units from the decorative coating, fill the cracks with molten paraffin, homemade putty, sealant or special putty, and then again cover the frame with paint or varnish.

It just so happened that in our country, winter sometimes comes unexpectedly. Therefore, you should take care of how to insulate the window for the winter in advance, because the leakage of two-thirds of the heat from the room occurs precisely through the windows. In this article we will talk about the most effective materials for thermal insulation of windows.

Putting the frames in order

The frame is the basis of the window structure, and therefore, first of all, you should take care of it. The average lifespan of a wooden frame is about 10 years. In practice, however, old frames can be used 30-40 years old, until they completely become unusable, being replaced by metal-plastic double-glazed windows.

But replacing the frame is quite costly, and the tree tends to dry out. As a result, over time, it jars, and small gaps begin to form between the window frame and the frames.

Over time, the glass looses, which also leads to the formation of cracks. And you can glue such windows with paper as much as you like or plug the cracks with cotton wool - the heat will still evaporate from the room.

Restoration of wooden windows

So, let's see what you can do in this situation:

Examine the windows by opening the sash. You should pay attention to the glass. In the event that they are not tightly enough pressed against the window sashes, it is necessary to coat the cracks with a special window putty on both sides. Remove excess putty with a cloth.
Next, you should strengthen the loosened glass, for this, knock with a hammer on the cloves on the glazing beads.
If you want to achieve perfect thermal insulation, then you should completely remove the glass from the frames, and then reinsert them, reinforcing them with putty on both sides.

Advice! If you do not have a window putty, then instead of it can be used Oil paint, which also covers the cracks well.

Remove the glasses from the frames.
Paint the folds.
Slide the glass back into place without waiting for the paint to dry. Otherwise, you will not achieve the desired thermal insulation effect.
Paint the glazing beads.

Advice! In the absence of paint, it can be replaced with ordinary plasticine. But it should be laid with a very thin layer, otherwise the windows will look unaesthetic. The downside of plasticine is its reaction to temperature, and it can flow under the influence of heat, staining the windows.
Plastic windows - features

If you decide to replace the old window by installing a reinforced-plastic glass unit, then you will have to make the insulation once - when installing it... Insulation of plastic windows is carried out by means of polyurethane foam, which fills the gaps between the frame and the wall.

Sash modern windows equipped with special insulation pads that reliably protect your home from the cold. Polyurethane foam is very often used as a sealant and heat insulator. Most often, with its help, the joints between the layers of the main insulation are smeared, for example, when the loggia is insulated.

Sealing a metal-plastic window with foam.

The choice of insulation

For wooden openings

The question "how can you insulate windows for the winter?" worries, perhaps, every owner of old wooden frames. In this case, there may be several options:

Perhaps the simplest and most obvious way out of the situation is to buy a modern insulation... Such materials are represented by special tubular profiles, which are also called gaskets. They come in a variety of sizes and materials. The most practical and common options are:

Foam seal. There can be three types:
Self-adhesive, has an adhesive side, so you can very quickly insulate windows with your own hands.

The second option is thin foam rubber tapes that are pushed into the cracks, glued with paper on top.

Rubber.

Using rubber insulation

Its price is slightly higher than foam rubber, but such a seal is more flexible and has a long service life, while foam analogs last no more than a year.

As practice has shown, the tubular profile has the greatest effect. It is a soft rubber tube covered with adhesive on one side.

Installing the seal is very simple: position the seal tube so that it is pressed against the frame at right angles without slipping.

Advice! If the gap is too small and the window with the seal is too tight, you should slightly file down the frame.

Polyethylene foam. It is used much less frequently than the first two options.

Any of the above heaters guarantees minimal heat loss in the apartment when used correctly.

Silicone sealant is a modern answer to the question: "how to insulate windows for the winter?". It is ideal for sealing and sealing joints and voids. To carry out the work you will need:

Silicone sealant (white or transparent).

Construction gun.

Flat screwdriver.

The order of work on thermal insulation

We remove the glass by carefully removing the wooden glazing beads with a screwdriver. First, the glazing beads should be moved away from the glass, after which they are slightly raised around the entire perimeter and carefully removed.

Advice! Wear gloves to avoid injury.

After the glasses are removed, you should insert the container with the sealant into the construction gun.

Spread the sealant evenly around the perimeter of the frame where the glass is installed.

Insert the glass, fixing it with glazing beads.

Pasting with newspapers.

Work instructions:

Tear the newspaper into small pieces by placing them in a bowl (basin, bucket, or saucepan).

Fill a bowl with water.

Next, you should wait until the newsprint turns into a pasty mass. It is she who should cover up all the cracks.

After drying, the newspaper mass will harden so much that it will effectively prevent the penetration of cold.

With the arrival of spring, it is very easy to depressurize such windows. When the windows are opened, the hardened mass simply falls off, leaving no trace on the frames.

Advice! In winter, opening windows insulated in this way will be impossible, since it will nullify all the work done. Therefore, leave the vents not insulated.

Warming with foam rubber and cotton wool.

Window insulation with foam rubber.

In this case it comes not about the foam insulation that is sold in the store, but about household way insulation using available means.

Push the foam rubber or cotton wool tightly into the cracks.

From above we glue the insulation with strips of fabric.

Instead of foam rubber and cotton wool, any other materials can be used as insulation: rags, soft porous fabric, etc. It is most convenient to push the material into the gap with a screwdriver. Thus, you can tamp the insulation as tightly as possible.

Thick soapy water or special paste can be used as glue for paper. Kleister will be a more reliable option. It is very easy to prepare it with only two ingredients: starch and water.

Put one tablespoon of starch (top) into a small saucepan.

Fill in 200 ml of water.

Bring this mixture to a boil over low heat, stirring gently.

When heated, the starch will begin to turn into a paste. If it turns out to be too thick, add a little water.

This recipe for making starch paste is traditional, used by many housewives to this day. And, nevertheless, the exact ratio of the components is not indicated in any recipe, since the housewives prepare it "by eye".

Another version of the paste involves the use of flour.

First, sift the flour with a fine sieve. Both rye and wheat flour are suitable for such a paste.

Pour the flour into a shallow saucepan and prepare the paste, as in the previous case.

Fill with a little water.

While stirring, bring to a boil.

You will need less water for flour paste than for starch paste.

Warming with paraffin.

Conclusion

In this article, we covered various materials for window insulation. Which one is better is up to you, taking into account the size of your budget and the specifics of the work. In any case, old windows are not a sentence, and if you do not have the funds to replace them, you should not despair.

In the article, we will figure out how to insulate plastic windows for the winter with our own hands in order to enjoy a pleasant temperature in the house during frosts.

What is the reason for the need for insulation?

By installing polyvinyl chloride (PVC) windows, which are modern high-tech designs, many consumers are sure that such products are guaranteed to protect their homes from the cold. In theory, this is how it should be. Competently mounted plastic windows fulfill their task for a long time - they retain heat. But even the best PVC profiles lose their performance over time and the level of thermal insulation of the room decreases. If plastic window structures were originally installed in violation of the technology, problems with them will begin quickly enough.

Insulation of plastic windows of any manufacturer for the winter is usually required due to:

natural wear of the seal;
overlays extending from the glass unit;
violation of the geometry of the windows caused by the shrinkage of the wall of the residential building;
loose adjusting locking elements of PVC construction;
wear and tear of materials from which the products were made;
improperly mounted window sill or slopes.

Problems with PVC structures are solved in two ways. You can call the specialists of a company that deals with additional insulation, sale, repair of windows. And they will do everything in a short time at a professional level necessary work... Comfortable? Undoubtedly. But the problem is that the cost of the services of such specialists is often similar to the cost of purchasing a new PVC profile. Not every person will agree to pay that kind of money. In this case, it makes sense to figure out how and how to insulate plastic windows. And try to complete all the activities yourself.

What kind of work can you really do yourself?

At home, it is impossible to eliminate serious flaws in plastic windows. With your own hands, you can insulate only the following elements of the PVC product:

internal slopes;
the contour of the window frame;
ebb and window sill outside the room.

In this case, one should not forget about safety precautions. For example, it is undesirable to carry out external work in cases where windows are mounted in apartments above the second floor of the building. An important nuance... Insulation should be done exclusively in warm weather. Pick up a dry, windless summer or spring day, sort out the technology of work in advance, stock up on the necessary materials and tools. And only after that proceed to the restoration of the operational properties of the windows.

At the first stage, you need to clearly determine in which areas of the window structure you need to carry out insulation. Bring a lighted lighter to window profile and start moving it around the perimeter of the PVC product. In places where the flame begins to fluctuate, and insulation needs to be done. The most vulnerable areas are the joints of the frame and wall surfaces, slopes and ebb. In case of significant violations of the tightness, you do not even need to use a lighter. The breeze will be felt with an open palm.

You should also analyze the condition of the window fittings. It is often the cause of a breach of the tightness of a plastic structure. If you see any defect on the hardware, malfunction, just install a new part. You may not need to take any further steps after this.

Investigate the condition of the profile clamping mechanism without fail. It is he who ensures the tightness of the window. Pay attention to the sealing gum. During operation, the gasket installed on the PVC structure loses its density (the phenomenon is due to climatic conditions, mechanical influences). This leads to a significant reduction in the volume and thickness of the elastic. If the gasket has cracks, indentations, wrinkles, it should be replaced immediately. In the next section, we will explain in detail how to restore the tightness of a window profile.

We reanimate thermal insulation - the procedure for different situations

Let's start by replacing the worn out sealing gum. If the reason is precisely in it (the gasket has thinned and lost its original elasticity), proceed according to the following scheme:

1. Dismantle the glazing bead along the section of the structure with the detected flaw.
2. Remove the linings, carefully remove the glass unit.
3. Pull out the old seal, put a new one. The length of the latter should be 40-50 mm longer than the initial piece. You will cut off the extra centimeters after installing a new rubber band. Its installation should be done without stretching and excessive force.
4. Install previously dismantled parts (glazing beads, linings, package) in the reverse order.

Before installing a new gasket, remove dust from the window grooves, wash them thoroughly and dry them. Then the installation of the seal will not cause difficulties. It will rise like a glove.

In cases where the seal looks intact, proceed with adjusting the pressure mechanism. To perform this operation, you need to stock up on a special window key. Inspect the glass unit first. Press lightly on it, release. If it doesn't wobble too much, reinforce the hold-down with silicone sealant. Such a composition should not include acids, which can negatively affect the rubber seal. If the glass unit is noticeably staggering, you will need to adjust the special. with a trunnion key - metal cylinders fixed in the slots. Loosen the existing bolts. And then tighten the hooks that hold the cylinders.

In some cases, you have to adjust the adjustment locks on the windows. At the location of the plumb bobs of the PVC structure, two screws should be found. One of them is responsible for the level of clamping of the sash, the second holds it in a given position. Take a screwdriver, loosen (completely) the locking screw, and then tighten the pressure piece a little (clockwise). After tightening, close the window, arm yourself with a lighter, check the structure for drafts. If the flame fluctuates, retighten the adjusting screw slightly. Follow the specified sequence of operations until you are sure there is no draft.

Insulation for PVC windows - which one to choose and how to use?

Additional thermal insulation of plastic window structures can be performed different materials.As a rule, for these purposes they use:

Mineral or stone wool. A bit outdated, but quite effective heat-shielding materials for plastic windows (especially their window sills).
Construction foam. This insulation should be used with caution. It cracks and then collapses under the influence of high temperatures and the rays of the sun.
Silicone sealant. Easy-to-use material with high energy saving properties.
Water-repellent primer (for example). An additional layer of paint must be applied to it.
Styrofoam. It is used for sealing gaps in slopes.
Heat-saving film. A modern way of insulating plastic structures, which is very popular among home craftsmen.

Let's see how to use energy saving film. This option of insulation guarantees a high-quality result with little effort. You will need a hair dryer, scotch tape (double-sided), sharp scissors, and preferably a clerical knife. Insulate the window using a simple algorithm. First, remove dirt and dust from the metal-plastic structure using a damp cloth and degrease the cleaned areas. After that, cover the window frame with double-sided tape.

Cut the energy-saving film to the required size using a utility knife. Attach the resulting strips to tape. It remains only to rinse the glued insulation with hot air from a hair dryer and, if necessary, remove air bubbles from under the film (carefully pierce them with a knife). The described technique for owners of plastic products is the most profitable in terms of financial expenses.

The inner and outer slopes of the windows are insulated, as noted, with polystyrene, as well as three-layer special panels, pieces of extruded polystyrene foam, fiberglass materials. Small gaps (up to 4 cm wide) can be sealed with polyurethane foam. Internal slopes are insulated with foam as follows: treat the problem area with a primer, plaster the surface, install the foam sheet using assembly glue, wait for the insulation to set, apply a layer of putty on top. Some home craftsmen additionally cover the heat insulator layer with plasterboard sheets.

Outside, the slopes are insulated a little differently. Treat them with a primer. In this case, it is necessary to use formulations with antibacterial additives. Then plaster the surface (if it is flat, you can do without this step). Cut a slab from a piece of polystyrene. It should cover the entire slope. Mount the slab using a metal corner and dowels (you can additionally use mounting glue). On top of the resulting structure, install a fiberglass mesh. It is usually placed on an adhesive. After the slope has dried, paint it with water-based paint.

Preparing a window sill for the winter period is a simple matter!

Separately, I would like to say a few words about how to insulate a plastic window sill. With poor-quality installation of this element of PVC construction, there is a high probability of the formation of a wide and deep crack.

Also, an illiterate installation causes the appearance of relatively small gaps between the contacting parts of the window sill, under which they are often placed. In both the first and second cases, cold air will penetrate into the dwelling. This must not be allowed. Proceed as follows:

carefully open the spec. plugs on the windowsill;
unscrew the fasteners using a screwdriver;
remove the sill.

All problem areas that were not previously visible under the dismantled structure will open before you. Seal small cracks with silicone sealant or polyurethane foam. Large holes should be filled with stone or mineral wool, covered with a plastic sheet on top and secured with the latter. Then put the window sill back in place. Your home will now be much warmer.

If the cold enters the house through a plastic window, do not rush to call specialists. As you can see, many works are easy to do with your own hands, having achieved good results. Try to return comfort and warmth to your home on your own!

Winter is on the doorstep, and is it blowing from your windows? Then it's time to start insulating them. We will tell you how to do this correctly and what material is best used to insulate windows for the winter, as well as share some secrets of how to make any house warm and comfortable even in the most severe frosts.

The task of additional insulation relevant only for ordinary wooden windows. Windows made of plastic, metal of a profile structure or wood with double-glazed windows and with modern fittings are initially sealed and preparation for winter can only be a seasonal adjustment of the pressure mechanism.

The main ways to insulate windows

Thermal insulation of wooden windows for the winter is a standard procedure that can significantly reduce heat loss in a room and provide adequate comfort in the cold season. The main task that is set before the master is to achieve maximum tightness of the window structure.

There are several ways to insulate windows, which can be divided into two groups:

Traditional, which were used by our grandfathers. This is the most affordable and least expensive option for those on a tight budget. These include the insulation of windows with old newspapers, paper, foam rubber, cotton wool, rags, paraffin and other materials at hand.
Modern ways window insulation for the winter involves the use of special means, for example, sealants or a sealing cord made of foam rubber. The cost of such materials will be slightly higher, however, they will allow you to insulate windows as quickly and, most importantly, as efficiently as possible, to ensure their complete sealing. In addition, at the end of winter, it will not be necessary to carry out complex dismantling.

Using folk methods, windows are insulated as follows: with the help of cotton wool, paper, foam rubber, textile rags or any other material, all the gaps between the frame and the window opening are closed. After that, the frames are carefully sealed with white paper, cloth or masking tape. The disadvantage of this method is that it does not imply the possibility of opening the sashes and with the onset of heat it is necessary to dismantle the insulation.

Just sealing the windows with tape is not the best option.

Traditional methods do not always adequately cope with the task at hand, they spoil appearance windows, therefore it is better to prefer modern materials.

We insulate windows for the winter with our own hands

First you need to prepare all the materials necessary for insulation, namely:

Chisel.
Putty knife.
Paint brush.
A screwdriver.
Frost resistant silicone sealant.
Work gloves.
Paint for windows.
Polyurethane foam.
Sealing tape made of foamed rubber or polyethylene on a self-adhesive backing.

Insulation of slopes and window sills for the winter

For those wishing to insulate wooden windows for the winter, experts recommend, first of all, to turn their attention to window slopes and the area under the windowsill or ebb. Most often, cracks form in these places, through which it constantly flows through, and thus the room loses a significant amount of heat.

To eliminate these shortcomings, it is first necessary to clean the old slopes from paint with a spatula and treat them with a primer. After that, you can use polyurethane foam, blowing it into all the cracks. It is better to fill the space between the slopes and the ends of the window opening with some kind of heat-insulating material, for example, polyurethane foam or jute tow. After the foam dries, the excess can be carefully trimmed off.

Sealing gaps between glass and sash frame

The problem area of most wooden window sashes is the lack of tightness of the inter-glass space. To solve the problem, it is necessary to use a silicone sealant, which is used to coat the groove between the glass and the sash.

First, carefully remove the glazing beads with a screwdriver, then remove the glass from the frame. We thoroughly clean the glass seats from paint, dust and dirt. Then we apply silicone sealant in a continuous strip without any interruptions along the entire perimeter. We return the glass to its place and fix it with glazing beads. Often glazing beads break during dismantling; in this case, you need to have new ones in stock. The remnants of the sealant can be carefully removed with a knife, and the glazing beads can be painted with paint.

Instead of a sealant, you can use a putty, even replace the glazing beads with it, if the glass is pre-fixed with special clips around the perimeter

Insulation of window sashes

We proceed to sealing the space between the halves of the shutters. We do this in two steps:

In a special groove, which is in the wooden frame, we lay a foam rubber seal with dimensions of 1x2 or 2x2 cm around the entire perimeter. You do not need to glue it so that it can be easily removed with the onset of summer and thus does not interfere with the natural slot ventilation of the room.
Then, between the frame sashes, it is necessary to glue a sealing cord around the perimeter. After that, we again tighten the flaps with bolts.

1. Polyurethane foam for sealing cracks under the windowsill. 2. Seals made of foam rubber around the sash and between the two pieces of the piece frame. 3. Silicone sealant. 4. Foam insulation

If the sash fits too tightly to the frame and there is not enough space to accommodate the sealant, you can remove the extra layer of wood, and only then install the seal, or cut off part of the sealing tape with a clerical knife to reduce its thickness.

1. Polyurethane foam for sealing cracks under the windowsill. 2. Foam rubber seals. 3. Silicone sealant. 4. Foam insulation

At the end of all the work carried out earlier, the lock is adjusted for the correct clamping of the sash rebate. The considered insulation technology will allow your windows to survive the cold winter without any problems.

Secrets of proper window insulation for the winter

To increase the effectiveness of the above methods of window insulation, it is advisable to inspect and insulate window hole not only indoors, but also outside. Moreover, it is better to entrust such work to professionals.

If there are too large gaps in the window frames, more serious measures will be needed, for example, complete restoration of windows, replacement of their fittings, hinges, glass and other parts. However, such work should be performed long before the onset of cold weather.

The cleaner the glass of the windows, the better their thermal insulation characteristics, therefore the glass for the winter must be thoroughly cleaned of contamination.

Glass sealing can be carried out before the onset of frost at temperatures from +5 to +40 degrees Celsius. In cold weather, you can only work with internal frames.

Thus, following our advice and using modern technologies thermal insulation of wooden windows, you can ensure an effective and durable result.

The determining factor for replacing old wooden windows with new ones, metal-plastic or PVC, is their ability to retain heat in a house or apartment. Naturally, when installing double-glazed windows, few people were interested in how they would behave in the future. Will the cold be allowed to pass through, is it possible to insulate plastic windows, if necessary, and should it be done? If so, how to prepare windows for winter and what is the best way to provide thermal insulation of windows and openings.

A plastic or metal-plastic window, like any composite structure, has weak points. It is they who are potentially possible "gates" for heat leakage from the room.

Blowing from a plastic window - find and eliminate

Where can blow from plastic windows

To understand why PVC is blowing out of the window, you need to inspect the nodes, and for this you need to know the constructive principle of the window block device.

The most common blowing spots are:

window glazing bead (glass unit holder);
rubber compressor;
window fittings (for example, blowing from under the hinges, into the handle);
the perimeter of the window frame - the junction of the slopes, window sill, walls.

How to determine where is blowing from a plastic window?

The presence of a defect in one of the components of the window block leads to blowing from the plastic windows. Determine the exact place of heat loss metal-plastic windows in three ways:

tactile with your hand. To identify the gap, it is enough to run your palm over the surface of the window block;

lighter. The search procedure is similar to the previous one, but the light is more sensitive to draft and can detect even the weakest blowing.

paper. A regular sheet of paper is pressed by a window (inserted into an open window and clamped by completely closing the sash), if you pull the corner of the sheet and it is easily pulled out, then the seal is not pressed down enough (this may indicate that the old seal in this mode does not press well against the frame) ...

Why blows from plastic windows - causes of heat loss

installation error. This is the most common reason associated with ignorance or non-compliance with the correct technology for installing a plastic window. 15 years ago, this service was so in demand that everyone who had at least some idea of installing window blocks went to the installer. Naturally, PVC installation few people performed windows in accordance with GOST;

skewed windows due to shrinkage of the house. An urgent problem for residents of new buildings and wooden houses;

an attempt to save money. One of the strongest arguments in the competition is always the price, especially during the economic crisis. A decrease in price, often at the expense of quality: saving on foam, on insulation, ignoring the need to protect a heat insulator, using low-quality components when assembling windows - all this eventually led to the fact that the consumer was forced to change or additionally insulate PVC windows;

physical wear of the window components, in particular the sealing gum, or the weakening of the clamping force of the sashes;

violation of the rules for the operation of plastic windows, which consist in the need to wash the window seal, and treat it with glycerin. Such maintenance prevents the loss of elasticity of the seal and its cracking.

What to do if blowing from a plastic window

Clear business, eliminate the source of the draft. From a practical point of view, there are two simple options- call a master to repair-adjust (expensive) windows or do it yourself (cheap).

The desire to close up all the cracks on your own with improvised means is reduced to naught, because: firstly, it is not aesthetically pleasing, and secondly, there are no guarantees.

When is it advisable to attract professionals:

the plastic window was recently installed. The installer is responsible to the consumer for the reliability of the windows (if this period is covered by the guarantee);

the window opening is located at a considerable height (in a multi-storey building). It is better to entrust any high-altitude work to professionals (industrial mountaineering services). If the window is located on the second floor or higher, the performance of the work will be associated with an increased risk;

if there is a manufacturing defect. For example, obvious defects in workmanship or installation that appear during the warranty period;

replacement parts if necessary. It is better to install "native" fittings if it is necessary to replace individual elements of the window block;

works are carried out in winter period time. Knowledge of installation technology, and how to insulate plastic windows for the winter, allows installers to perform work quickly, without significant cooling of the living space.

However, often, the cost of attracting specialists is equal to the cost of installing a new window, and this fact makes it more profitable to carry out insulation work with your own hands.

What you can do yourself:

internal insulation of the window opening;
thermal insulation of the frame contour;
window sill insulation;
replacement of seals.

How to insulate plastic windows with your own hands

When to insulate windows for the winter

Repair and insulation should be done before the onset of cold weather. This is due to requirements such as:

more comfortable working conditions;

material requirements. Some building materials, such as dry mixes and sealants, can only be used within a certain temperature range. Otherwise, they lose their characteristics;

optimal humidity;

no draft;

the ability to simultaneously perform internal and external insulation;

reducing the risk of catching a cold for apartment residents.

How to insulate plastic windows at home

The choice of insulation depends on the place of inflation.

1. Insulation of window openings for the winter

To insulate the window opening, you can use different materials and methods:

polyurethane foam. Expanding, the foam fills all voids around the perimeter of the window opening, preventing air movement. Due to the fact that the foam is 90% air, it is the ideal insulation. However, the foam needs protection from ultraviolet radiation, high and low temperatures. This means that it is in itself inexpedient to use it;

mineral wool. Excellent thermal insulation material for insulating window sills and internal slopes. Cotton wool has a more limited range of uses for window insulation;

polystyrene / expanded polystyrene. It is used to insulate the slopes of plastic windows;

Note. Rigid insulation is used when the thickness of the mounting seam is no more than 3 mm, in other cases it is better to give preference to mineral wool.

silicone sealant. A reliable way to eliminate blowing between the plastic elements of the window;

dry mixtures for finishing slopes, used if necessary to insulate the window from the outside;

construction tape. It is glued on top of the sealant or instead of it;

Advice. It is not recommended to use ordinary masking or window tape, after gluing it on the plastic of the window frame, unattractive traces remain, which are difficult to remove without damaging the front cover.

2. Insulation of the window block

sealant;
construction tape;
sealant;
heat-saving film for windows (energy-saving);
mechanical methods of insulation, for example, tightening (adjusting) fittings.

After the question of how to insulate has been resolved, we will deal with the question of how to insulate a double-glazed window, frame, plastic, aluminum profile, etc.

How to insulate plastic windows outside

External insulation of windows is carried out in the following areas:

1. Insulation of slopes of plastic windows

The first step towards improving the thermal insulation properties of a window. Whatever insulation measures are taken in the house, until the slopes from the street are insulated, the cold will still flow inside. At the same time, external insulation allows you to shift the dew point, which will prevent the appearance of dampness and the development of fungus. Filling up the gaps is a temporary measure, because over time, the plaster layer will begin to crack and expose the polyurethane foam, which will collapse under the influence of atmospheric phenomena. But as a protection for insulation, plaster is an excellent solution.

How to insulate the slopes of plastic windows from the street

Work order:

material preparation (hard insulation);

cleaning slopes from dirt and protruding parts;

surface priming;

installation of insulation on adhesive solution or special adhesive foam. It is preferable to use foam, because it excludes wet work, has a minimum setting time, more reliably holds a sheet of insulation;

sealing all cracks with glue;

installation of perforated corners;

installation of polymer mesh;

plaster finishing.

Advice. When installing the insulation, you need to make sure that it overlaps part of the window frame and completely covers the assembly seam.

2. Insulation of ebb windows

To insulate the ebb, it is enough to foam all the cracks or place heat-insulating material in them. To avoid the ingress of water on the heat-insulating material, a metal window sill strip is installed on top. The plank is installed at an angle (at least 5 o), its horizontal edge extends from the facade (by 20-30 mm), and the side edges are folded up. It is recommended to seal the junction of the strip to the surfaces with a sealant.

Internal insulation of plastic windows

Insulation of windows from the inside of the room is carried out in the following areas:

1. Insulation of internal slopes of plastic windows

Internal slopes are less affected by external factors, but put more demands on the aesthetic component. Therefore, it is important to know how to insulate the slopes of plastic windows without losing the attractiveness of the window.

Work order:

crevice treatment: removal of dirt, removal of old foam, loose parts, etc .;
applying a primer;
sealing cracks with polyurethane foam;
removing excess foam after it dries;
installation of thermal insulation materials (foam or cotton wool);
installation of drywall;
finishing drywall with putty and paint.

2. Insulation of the window sill of plastic windows

The cracks between the wall and the window sill are one of the places of significant heat loss. Before deciding how to insulate the sill of a plastic window, you need to determine it weakness, i.e. from where it blows. For example, blowing is possible between the plastic parts of the window and the sill. In this case, it is recommended to use a sealant.

Heat loss between the window sill and the wall is also possible. In this case, the insulation is carried out until the installation of the window sill by laying a layer thermal insulation material... And also after its installation - by foaming the distance between the window sill and concrete wall or brickwork.

3. Insulation by adjusting the plastic window

Elimination of skewing of the PVC window sash

To reduce heat loss, you need to adjust the fittings (components) of the window block.

How to adjust plastic windows for the winter - video

Replacing the seal in plastic windows

Elimination of blowing through plastic windows is possible by replacing the rubber seal. You can change the seal with your own hands, everything is simple there - just pull out the old seal and insert a new one into the groove (groove).

Which gasket is better? Please note that there are black and gray window insulation on the market. The black seal is more plastic, but the attractive light color is due to various additives that reduce the cost of the window seal and, at the same time, worsen its properties (tightness of pressing).

Replacing the seal in plastic windows - video

Additional methods of insulating plastic windows

Washing windows. Paradoxically, cleaning the glass unit helps to save heat. After all, dirty glass loses its ability to transmit sunlight, but continues to transmit rays in the infrared spectrum.

Blackout curtains. Which also trap heat indoors.

Insulation of windows with improvised means. This method somewhat spoils the appearance of the window, but in critical cases, it can be a very worthy alternative to replacing the window block. Used as insulation: foam rubber, soaked paper, window tape, strips of white fabric, etc.

Insulation of windows with a heat-saving film. The energy-saving film is glued to the entire surface of the window (sash). The main thing is to stick it correctly, without air bubbles and folds. The film reduces heat loss through glass by 75%.

Electric heating of a window. In this case, a heating cable is located around the window, which heats the heating coil, or an oil radiator is installed on the window.

Electric heating of a double-glazed window. The most technologically advanced way is to install plastic windows with heated glass. The technology is applied at the stage of window production. Provides for the installation on the inside of the glass of a special conductive film (transparent film with conductive threads), which heats the glass from the inside.

A complex approach. It is most suitable for insulating windows in an apartment or a private house, since it eliminates all possible causes of heat leakage through metal-plastic or PVC windows.

Thermal insulation of glass windows with energy-saving film - video

Conclusion

Insulation of windows often negatively affects the ventilation in the room. Full tightness is protection from the cold, but it is also fogging of the glass, which leads to the destruction of slopes and the appearance of fungus. The problem is solved by periodic ventilation of the room, micro-ventilation, installation of forced ventilation, etc.