Instructions for self-insulating a plastic window for the winter. Do-it-yourself insulation of plastic windows Insulation of new plastic windows for the winter

We installed or moved into a house with existing plastic windows. We believe that the issue of reliable thermal insulation window openings we won’t have to return to our home again. Alas, this is not true.

The question of how to insulate a plastic window may become relevant again. Perhaps, after installing the window structures, it won’t even be long before you have to solve this problem.

Of course, companies that produce and install windows provide their own warranty period. We have the right, before its completion, to make claims to them and demand the promised thermal insulation properties of the window. But the warranty period also ends someday.

It also happens that residents of regions with winter temperature below minus 30 they want to improve thermal insulation properties established plastic windows. This option is possible. And there are appropriate materials for this.

Selection of PVC windows, control over their installation

We resolve the issue of reliability and quality of the thermal insulation properties of window openings independently at the stage of making a decision on installing plastic windows.

If we ourselves do not have experience or skills in installing PVC windows, then we need to responsibly approach our options:

• Which company should you trust to install plastic window structures?
• Windows and fittings, which manufacturer we will install.
• Profile type, how many we choose air chambers in it (three cameras are optimal, but more are possible).
• What type of double-glazed window will we order (for better thermal insulation, we choose energy-saving). We choose its width, the number of chambers, the seal, what the chambers between the glasses will be filled with, and what coating will be applied to them.

How to make this choice correctly? Contact specialists, familiarize yourself with the design of plastic windows, the products of different manufacturers, the offers of window structure installers, and the documentation for PVC windows.

It is useful to familiarize yourself with GOST standards for PVC windows and their installation:

• GOST 26602.1-1999 Heat transfer.
• GOST 26602.2-1999 Air and water permeability.
• GOST 26602.3-1999 Sound insulation.
• GOST 26602.4-1999 Light transmission.
• GOST 26602.5-2001 Wind load resistance.
• GOST 30673-1999 PVC profiles.
• GOST 30674-1999 Blocks made of PVC profiles.
• GOST 30971-2002 Assembly seams.
• GOST 52749-2007-8922 PSUL.

Decide on the above questions. The next stage is to carefully monitor the installation process of plastic windows. Whatever quality windows we choose, 90 percent of the warmth and comfort in your home depends on their professional installation.

The right technology and detailed instructions proper installation of PVC windows is established by regulatory documents.

It wouldn’t hurt to familiarize yourself with them before monitoring the actions of window installers: these are:

• main “installation” GOST 30971 – 2002 “Installation seams of junctions of window blocks to wall openings. General technical conditions".
• SNiP 23 – 02 – 2003. “Thermal protection of buildings.”

Important! We must insist that the contract with the company that installs PVC windows for us includes a requirement for their installation in accordance with the above GOST.

Before installation we check:

1. How to prepare a window opening for the installation of a plastic window. Using a liquid level we check the vertical slope and horizontal level.
2. What size gaps are left between the wall and the double-glazed window frame? The gaps should not be longer matchbox (no more than 5 cm), but not less than 15 mm. A gap of less than 15 mm will be problematic to fill evenly and reliably with foam insulation.

During installation we control:

1. To ensure that the installation seams between the window and the wall are done with high quality, and along their entire perimeter, according to the principle “the inside is tighter than the outside,” in three layers of sealing:

• from the street – climate protection;
• inside - insulation;
• on the housing side - vapor barrier protection.

1. How tightly and completely do window installers fill these gaps? polyurethane foam.

1. Pay special attention to filling the gaps with high-quality polyurethane foam. This polyurethane foams, foams - specially designed for installing windows.

1. Check how slopes and window sills are insulated correctly and reliably.

Useful advice! Spend no money on installing external slopes. They will help the polyurethane foam retain its properties as insulation longer.

Insulation of window structures and glazed loggias

But, even if the technology for installing PVC windows is correctly followed, there is a need to insulate them to winter period. Or perhaps you moved into a new building where PVC window structures were installed en masse, with poor quality fitting.

Inspection and control of windows' readiness for winter

Before deciding how to insulate plastic windows with your own hands before the onset of cold weather, do we first inspect them?

First you need to identify the very presence of air leakage through the plastic window design. Identify in which node, in which place of the structure there is such a leak. You can determine this by the behavior of the lighter’s flame when you move it around the perimeter of the window or simply by using your hand.

Pay attention! Before winter, do not forget to set the summer-winter adjustment mechanism to the maximum protection position.

Replacement of glazing beads and seals.

If an air passage is detected near the double-glazed window due to a problematic glazing bead (lining), with which the double-glazed window itself is secured, then we change it:

• using a narrow spatula, pry and pull out the old glazing bead;
• Using a rubber mallet, lightly tap to install the new bead.

Visual representation of replacing the lining

If necessary, we replace the seal itself, which has lost its elasticity, between the double-glazed window and the frame:

1. Remove the glazing beads (start with the side trims).
2. Remove the glass unit by first removing the linings.
3. Remove the old seal strip.
4. Cut a new sealing tape equal to the length of the old one (preferably with a margin of 3 - 5 cm).
5. Carefully, without compression or tension, lay a solid strip of the new seal, cut off the excess piece with scissors.
6. Reinstall the glass unit, linings, beadings.

If you find air leaks at the frame, then there is a problem with the clamping elements. In this case, possible reasons:

1. the sash is pressed weakly (using a hex wrench, which is used for assembling furniture, or a screwdriver with an appropriate attachment, pliers on the open sash in the hole on the side of the handle and hinges, press the sash more tightly to the base);
2. The seals around the perimeter of the frame and sash are poorly fitted:

• Remove the old seal;
• Clear the place where it is placed from possible debris;
• Place a single strip of new seal into the groove of the sash and frame (the length of the extension must exactly match the length of the groove);
• We glue the new installed seal.

Pay attention! Try to buy new seals from the manufacturers or installers of your windows. When cleaning the profile surfaces where you will lay the profile, use PVC cleaners.

Do not forget to take care of the installed seals, wipe with a sponge with warm soapy water, lubricate with glycerin or silicone oil.

When preparing your home for winter, the question arises: how to insulate metal-plastic windows additionally? How to improve the thermal insulation properties of the double-glazed window yourself? And most importantly, how to insulate plastic windows?

These issues can be easily resolved. We insulate PVC windows using heat-saving PVI -. During production, its surface is covered with a special metal coating.

This coating reflects infrared rays and effectively prevents heat loss from living rooms. Insulation of loggias (balconies) that are glazed window systems PVC can also be effectively solved with the help of such film “glass insulation”.

Film is an option on the way to warmth

A good choice, protection and insulation for plastic windows is heat-saving ceramic IR window film (for example, KorQu models of the PREMIUM IR 6070 and IR 6560 series).

And, in combination with heated floors in rooms and on loggias, such film insulation for plastic windows will create an even greater effect in winter, because such films will reflect the heat of heated floors towards its source, i.e. back to the rooms and glassed-in loggia.

This method of insulating PVC windows in living rooms and loggias are inexpensive. And the price, when heat losses are reduced by up to 60 percent, is no longer so important.

Installing such a film on double-glazed plastic windows is a simple process. It is simply glued onto the glass itself and smoothed out. For convenience, you can use a plastic wallpaper spatula.

How can you insulate plastic windows using heat-saving film:

1. We prepare the windows (clean, wipe with a wet sponge).
2. Prepare the film (after removing the protective layer, wet it).
3. We wet the glass.
4. We glue and level the film, using a plastic spatula, on the double-glazed window.
5. We cut off the excess part of the film with a cutter.

Replacing the assembly seam, installing insulated slopes and window sills

Over time, you have to look for an answer to the question of how to insulate plastic windows from the outside. It’s bad if you didn’t install external slopes in time, which should protect from natural phenomena heat-insulating layer of polyurethane foam, they were not insulated.

Then the foam, like insulation, will serve its life faster, will begin to lag behind the wall, and the resulting drafts will transfer the “dew” point to the internal slopes.

If it is necessary to repair the foam thermal insulation layer and its climate protection, we perform the following actions:

1. We remove old foam from the gap between the window and the wall (you can use a chisel).
2. Spray the gap with water (so that the polyurethane foam will adhere better afterwards).
3. We fill this gap with new foam.
4. To protect the foam, seal the cracks with sealant (for example, Belinka acrylic sealant, polyurethane sealant Dymonic NT).
5. We install external insulated slopes. Foamed polystyrene foam (foam plastic, 2 cm or more in size) can be used as insulation. mineral wool, EPS (extruded polystyrene foam). Some people also use ready-made insulated PVC slope, having bought it in stores like “Maxidom”. It is plastic, dimensions 2200x300x10 (mm), filled with extruded polystyrene.
6. We are inspecting the window sill. If necessary, we insulate the window sill.

How to insulate the window sill of PVC windows?

The window sill can be insulated with polystyrene foam (expanded polystyrene foam).

1. Cut out the foam to the desired size.
2. We grab it with polyurethane foam.
3. We lay the window sill on top of the foam.

Important! Do not attach the window sill with self-tapping screws to a plastic window. Use pads to secure it.

Conclusion

In the video presented in this article you will find additional information on this topic.

A draft represents the flow of air created in a room, coming from the street through open doors, windows, cracks in them. In summer a draft brings real help, in the autumn-winter season - leads to heat loss, as a result, despite heating, we freeze, and bills charged for heat delivery rise.

A common cause of drafts is leaky, improperly adjusted windows. Due to cracks in window frames, 20-30% of heat is lost. How to insulate plastic windows for the winter with your own hands and prevent drafts? This will be discussed in this article.

Start heating season – last call when you need to make sure that the window frames are sufficiently sealed, prepared for winter, and cold air does not penetrate into the room. How to do this?

Simple ways check for cracks:

1. run your hand along the edges of glass door jambs, the flow of cold air is immediately felt by your palm;
2. bring a lit candle and follow the flame.

You should pay attention to the condition of fittings and hinges. If you feel a cool breeze on your palm, you need to carry out minor repair work.

How to properly insulate old windows for the winter?

After 10-15 years, PVC windows become insufficiently energy efficient. If the frames and profiles are in good condition, they need to be thermostatically controlled. With the cold weather approaching, many are wondering how to insulate plastic Euro-windows with their own hands.

To save on heating costs, it is often recommended to replace old frames. This is not always necessary. There are methods that can make improving the thermal insulation of window openings cost-effective. What is better to use?

Isolation stages

Upgrading window units usually includes replacing the glazing unit, replacing gaskets, repairing or replacing fixtures, and repairing plaster. You can do some or just one of these steps. The optimal effect is achieved through next works:

How to adjust plastic windows?

Adjusting the Eurowindow, installing it in correct mode effectively eliminates the problem of uncontrolled breakthroughs of air masses inside and helps reduce heating costs.

What you will need:

• screwdriver;
• original keys to adjust the window (can be replaced with a regular hex wrench of a suitable size).

Checking the position of the sash relative to the window frame

The setup begins with checking the position of the sash, stages of work:

1. Outline the window in the corner with a pencil.
2. Open the sash to check the distance between the closed sash and the frame. It should overlap correctly.
3. The sash adjustment screws are located on the upper and lower hinges of the window. Screws allow you to adjust it vertically and horizontally (from right to left). After tightening the screw using a hex key, install the sash so that it overlaps the frame by a few millimeters.

The degree of fit of the sash to the frame

Check the degree of fit of the sash as follows:

1. Insert a piece of paper between the sash and the frame.
2. Close the window.
3. Try to remove the paper - if the paper comes out easily, you need to increase the seal.

To improve the fit, the eccentric screws on the window fittings must be replaced or adjusted. They usually have small “dots” on them - markers that show the direction of the screws. By unscrewing the locking screws relative to the gasket, you can change the degree of fit:

• increase (the point faces the “exit”)
• reduce (the point must be indoors).

The adjustment will allow the sash to fit more tightly to the frame, increasing the tightness of the Eurowindow structure. Once adjusted, closing the window can become a more labor-intensive process. If you don’t want to make the adjustment yourself, you can use the services of professionals.

Checking the condition of the gaskets

The condition of the gaskets affects the breathability of window frames; it is important to take care of them by lubricating them with appropriate products:

• silicone grease,
• technical Vaseline.

The lubricant will preserve the properties of the Eurowindow for a long time. However, if the gaskets are deformed, cracked, or “extend” beyond the frame, they must be replaced with new ones. The gasket is cut into suitable pieces and carefully glued. Can be used:

• self-adhesive gaskets,
• rubber seals.

It is important to replace the gaskets before frost sets in!

Before sealing window frames, you should thoroughly clean the frames with a special product for caring for window frames.

Checking the fittings

Fittings are a key element of the window frame, although at first glance they are not very noticeable. Worth checking before winter technical condition fittings:

1. if they “sit” too loosely, they should be tightened;
2. Lubricant may be required (Vaseline works great).

Gaps between frame and glass, trim and wall

Heat also escapes through such gaps; it is necessary to eliminate all gaps. There are several options to solve the problem.

Shrink film

A popular option is shrink film for insulation. PVC windows. The film is attached using double-sided adhesive tape directly to the window frames. Films form an additional layer on the glass, increasing the thermal insulation coefficient. Self-adhesive thermal insulation films with low-emissivity coatings are popular, give an excellent effect, and do not require additional processing.

Films allow you to create an additional layer of air, increasing the thermal insulation of the glass unit:

Thermal film is an inexpensive, effective material. The film is installed inside and outside. The film mounted inside is more stable and is not exposed to gusts of wind or adverse atmospheric factors.

After tension warm air from a regular hairdryer, the film becomes transparent and does not distort the image. During the heating season, when insulation of double-glazed windows is not required, the film can be removed.

Window insulation - video

When compacting, you must be careful not to overdo it. It is important to provide micro-ventilation, in which a small amount of fresh air enters the premises. Microventilation is important for:

• operation gas system,
• reducing humidity levels,
• fresh air improves our mood.

“Closing it in a jar” too tightly is a bad idea.

Old windows sometimes cause trouble by letting drafts inside. There are several options for how to seal windows for the winter at home. The choice of insulation option for window openings depends on their condition and budget.

Warm home guarantee cozy atmosphere and comfort of living for all family members. To make our home warmer, we use energy-saving technologies, install heated floors, and use alternative heat sources.
An important factor is not only the accumulation of heat during the cold season, but also its preservation. Experts, not without reason, believe that about 40% of heat escapes through our windows.

It's no secret that panoramic glazing, large windows to the floor is one of the main causes of heat loss. Plastic and wooden windows also need insulation, thanks to which in winter you can significantly save on heating.

Insulate plastic windows for the winter with your own hands

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

1. Replacing the plastic window seal

You can replace the plastic window seal yourself. It is better to buy a “native” seal. If you can’t buy one, you can consult with the seller at a hardware store. To select the appropriate seal, just take a small piece of the old one with you.
It is better if the rubber seal is black. It doesn't show much street dust.

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

After this, the sash is installed in place. The sash is placed on the lower hinge from top to bottom, then the parts of the upper hinge are connected away from you, the pin, lock washer and hinge cover are installed. We close the sash with a lock and check the quality of the work performed by testing the joint for drafts.

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

2. Adjusting plastic window fittings

Over time, plastic window locks require adjustment. The fixed part of the lock is located on the frame. The main indicator for adjusting locks is the bolt head recessed into the structure, which has a groove for a hex key. This is an adjusting bolt that changes the position of the wedge behind which the locking “tongue” of the lock fits. Adjusting this wedge changes the tightness of the sash to the frame in closed position. In summer, the closure density can be weakened, but in winter, on the contrary, the density should be increased as much as possible. To adjust the lock of a plastic window, use a hex key.

3. Insulation of slopes and window sills.

It’s good if, when installing a plastic window, PVC slopes and window sills were installed at the same time. If you can hear a draft through a plastic window, you need to take care of insulating the slopes and window sills. Large cracks can be filled with tow or foam rubber. You can choose to fill the top of the crack with polyurethane foam or alabaster. Then finish treating the cracks with sealant.

We insulate wooden windows for the winter with our own hands

4. In order to eliminate drafts in the house, you need to place pieces of paper, which are previously moistened and twisted into a bundle. On top of such insulation, paper is usually used to increase the tightness. Disadvantage this method is that after the cold weather, dried paper will need to be removed from the frames, and the frames themselves will need to be repainted.

5. The next method of insulating wooden ones is to place cotton wool and pieces of foam rubber. You can stick strips of unnecessary fabric 5 cm wide on top. Before using such fabric strips, they need to be wetted, wrung out and soaped with soap. Compared to paper, the fabric will not turn yellow and can be easily removed in the spring.

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

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

7. Insulation using tubular profiles. Such profiles are sometimes called gaskets. Such insulation is made for large and small cracks. The advantage of the insulation is that it is invisible, as it is glued to one side of the frame. Service life up to at least 5 years. The peculiarity of these profiles is that you need to start insulating the window before the onset of severe cold weather. Since such profiles can be installed at a temperature not lower than 10 degrees. Seals from PVC is better tolerate frosts. When choosing rubber seals, it is better to give preference to softer ones.

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

Window insulation using Swedish technology

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

Window insulation using Swedish technology is good because it allows you to preserve environmentally friendly wooden windows, providing them with good tightness for many years. This technology is also good because it allows you to significantly reduce street noise and reduce the penetration of dirt and dust between the doors to almost zero. The cost of insulating windows using Swedish technology is ten times lower than the cost of installing new plastic windows

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

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

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

Experts who deal with window insulation say that such insulation work is best left to professionals. Since carrying out work on window insulation using Swedish technology requires special skills and appropriate tools. Using a cutter when rolling the seal into the groove ensures that the seal will not peel off or fall out over time.

Alternative methods of insulation

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

Use wool blinds. Conventional slats are wrapped in strips of wool and fabric. Such blinds provide good protection from the cold.

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

Related articles:

Installation and installation of windows Window accessories

Why insulate plastic windows? This reasonable question probably arises among all owners of modern hermetic structures, because the manufacturers sold us a perfect product with ideal thermal insulation. Installation errors, improper operation, shrinkage of the house and time can play a cruel joke even on the most quality windows. Don’t rush to change the entire structure - you can try to insulate plastic windows yourself. It's easy and doesn't take long. We understand the weak points of modern windows and learn how to eliminate them.

No. 1. Why do plastic windows need insulation?

In the first few years, well-made and installed plastic windows will certainly be a reliable barrier to cold air, drafts and noise. Over the years, of course, problems can arise, and often the user himself is to blame. If installation is not done in good faith, various defects can make themselves felt in the first season.

Most common reasons for conducting additional thermal insulation plastic windows:

• installation performed in violation of technology;
• shrinkage of the building, which is especially typical for;
• wear of rubber insulation. Responsible manufacturers and installers inform the user about the rules for caring for the rubber seal, but few follow the rules and regularly inspect the condition of this structural element. Lack of proper care leads to an accelerated process of thinning and drying of the rubber, the appearance of microcracks in its structure, the result is a decrease in the tightness of the fit to the frame and deterioration of thermal insulation;
• incorrectly installed slopes.

Window of poor quality or with inappropriate climatic conditions technical characteristics will also not be able to provide normal thermal insulation, which is why it is so important to be able to correctly and immediately decide on the appropriate one.

No. 2. We identify weak points

To spend effective insulation plastic windows, you must first figure out where the seal is broken. The only thing that can be taken off the list of suspects right away is the frame: multi-chamber plastic is a good heat insulator, it does not dry out, unlike.

Cold air can penetrate through the following structural elements:

A double-glazed window rarely causes a violation of thermal insulation (the exception is its depressurization), but it can also be additionally insulated. “Extra” heat in winter will not hurt.

Identify leaking elements windows It’s simple - just run your palm along and across the entire structure, and you will feel that there is a decent amount of air in some places. Some people recommend using a lighter for this purpose. If you light a flame and pass it around the perimeter of the window, maintaining a safe distance, it will tilt in those places where there is even a small draft. Be extremely careful with this method!

As a rule, work on insulating a plastic window can be done with your own hands. The exception is cases when it is necessary to insulate with outside, and the apartment is located above the second floor. You need to be prepared that comprehensive insulation may be needed if several zones of warm air leaks are found, but first things first.

No. 3. Debugging the clamping mechanism

House shrinkage and weather factors can lead to slight distortion of the window sashes and slight deformation of the sealing rubber. This leads to deterioration of thermal insulation, but in this case, returning the former tightness is a matter of a couple of minutes, however, knowledge of the design of a plastic window and skills in working with tools will be needed.

Adjustment of the clamping mechanism can be done using special eccentrics located around the perimeter of the sashes. To ensure a tighter fit of the sash, the eccentric must be turned clockwise using a 4 mm hex key. Focus on the serif located on each such element. When it is directed towards the street, the pressure is weakened; when it is directed towards the seal, it is strengthened. The video shows everything well.

Sometimes a simple solution helps to insulate a plastic window. loop regulation, which also have their own mechanism responsible for the clamping density. Here the regulation is carried out using a hexagon. You should follow a simple rule: if the tongue is pushed out strongly, then the sash fits well. To pull it out, you need to turn the hex counterclockwise if the hinges are on the left, and clockwise if on the right.

Things are even simpler with glazing bead. It is enough to pry off the old, loose glazing bead with a thin spatula, and install a new one in its place, which can be bought from the same company that sold and installed your windows.

After adjustment, check whether the tightness of the structure has improved using your palm or a lighter. If everything is done correctly, but there is still a draft, you will most likely have to change the seal.

No. 4. Replacing the seal

Ideally, a rubber seal can last quite a long time, but for this to happen, certain conditions must be met. According to the operating rules for plastic windows, the seal must be regularly lubricated with special substances, but which of us does this? So it turns out that after 5 years the rubber dries out and begins to let in the cold breeze from the street. The problem may be in the seal, which is located under the glass, or in what is located along the contour of the sash. Replacing the seal in a plastic window is not so difficult as it is responsible. If you doubt your skills, it is better to call a specialist.

Procedure for replacing the window seal:

May need replacement seal, which is located along the contour of the sash. In this case, it is better to remove the sash. First, the decorative overlays are removed from the hinges, and then using the mounting handle or the pin is pulled out of the hinge. All that remains is to carefully remove the sash, and only then it is very easy to remove the old seal from it. It is better to start installing a new seal from the top of the sash, gently pressing it, but not stretching it. It is better to secure the beginning and end of the sealing tape with glue. All! All that remains is to hang the sash back: the pin can be installed with bare hands and then returned to its place decorative overlay. The video shows and describes everything very well.

No. 5. Window sill insulation

Installation of a plastic window is often associated with significant damage, which is especially significant in the area between the wall and. Some installers fill the cracks with cement and construction debris. No comments here. It’s better, of course, when the space under the window sill is filled, but this option is not ideal either. Over time, the foam can shrink or even dry out, forming decent gaps through which cold air enters the house.

To insulate a plastic window, you will have to get rid of the old foam and fill in new one. Keep in mind that it tends to expand as it hardens. After complete hardening, the excess is cut off; some builders recommend additionally filling small cracks silicone sealant. This is followed by plastering work and application of decorative coating.

If possible, the window sill area can be additionally insulated from the outside. Polyurethane foam is also used for this, but sometimes foam is also used. Everything is gridded on top and finished off.

No. 6. Insulation of slopes

Today, often when installing plastic windows, slopes are additionally installed, smooth, beautiful, made of dense plastic. It often happens that there is a large crack between the decorative strip and the wall, which perfectly allows cold and wind into the apartment, therefore, to improve the thermal insulation of plastic windows, it is recommended to insulate the slopes from the inside or outside.

The procedure is as follows:

• dismantling unnecessary parts of polyurethane foam;
• if the surface is very uneven, you can plaster it;
• treating the slope with a primer, you can use antibacterial compounds to prevent the development of mold;
• A fragment corresponding to the slope is cut out of foam plastic. To make it stick to the surface better, you can slightly scratch it on the back side. All that remains is to apply assembly glue and press firmly to the surface of the slope; to guarantee, you can install several dowels;
• All that remains is to mount the corner, putty the surface and secure the casing.

No. 7. What else can be done to insulate a plastic window?

The methods described above will allow you to reliably insulate plastic windows and get rid of all the cracks, but it is possible to make the structure even warmer - it will not only not let cold into the apartment, but will also prevent warm air from leaving the apartment. This is not magic, but reality, which is achieved through the use of:

• heat-saving film;
• electric window heating;
• wool blinds and curtains.

Heat-saving film- thin transparent material, which does not change the optical properties of the glass, but reflects thermal energy back into the apartment. The effect is achieved due to the presence of a thin metal layer. Of course, when it comes to plastic windows, it is better to use a special heat-saving double-glazed window - its efficiency is several times higher than any film, but if a regular double-glazed window is installed in the existing windows, then additional insulation will not be superfluous.

You can easily do the installation of the film yourself:

• the surface of the glass and frame are thoroughly cleaned;
• double-sided tape is glued around the perimeter of the box;
• The required fragment is cut from the film roll; it is better to cut with a margin;
• the film is glued to the previously attached double-sided tape, its surface is blown with warm air from a hairdryer. It is necessary to act slowly so that the result is accurate and there are no distortions or bubbles. Correctly applied film is almost invisible.

Electric glass heating It is already more difficult to equip, it is better to do this at the stage of window installation, but most window companies can install such a system on an already installed window. Heating is carried out by an electric heating coil built into the glass.

Well, and finally, the most banal, uncomplicated and universal methods make the window a little warmer. This thick curtains and wool blinds. The latter can be done by wrapping ordinary blinds with woolen fabric.

It is better to carry out work on insulating plastic windows on a warm, dry day, since many materials can no longer be worked at temperatures below +5...+10 0 C, and you can let the cold into the apartment. To face the problem of insulation as soon as possible modern window, it is worth taking the choice of a window manufacturer as seriously as possible and paying attention to selecting the optimal technical characteristics, focusing on the climate of the region. It is also important to choose a responsible installer and remember to properly maintain the window.

It’s probably no secret that during the operation of wooden windows, the wood dries out, which is why gaps and cracks appear in the frames, the gaps between the glass and the glazing beads that hold it widen, and the tightness of the fit of the sashes to the frame decreases. This is felt especially well with the onset of cold weather, when a mournful wind whistles through the cracks of the window. In principle, there are situations when you can put up with this and not even notice. When the house is “heated” so much that you have to open the door to the unglazed balcony so that it doesn’t get too hot in the room, then the presence of cracks in the frames even plays into your hands. But what about those who are not so lucky, whose house is not so “hot” heated, or energy savings play an important role? In this article, we will tell you several of the most common ways to properly insulate windows so that the lion's share of heat does not escape through them.

First, a tip that is not directly related to windows, but plays an important role in the correct distribution of heat in the room. In all houses, heating radiators are located under the windows. If you cover the radiators with curtains, the hot air rising from them will be safely blown out through the cracks of the windows, without fulfilling its function of heating the room. Therefore, it is important to leave radiators open.

How to insulate old windows

There are countless ways to insulate old wooden windows. Here they come up with “who can do what”, using the simplest means at hand. Among them are temporary measures, the last traces of which are removed with the onset of stable heat during routine cleaning and window washing. But there are also methods that can ensure windows are sealed for several years. Below are just the most popular ones.

Insulating windows with newspapers and paper strips

A very old proven method. Our grandfathers, when insulating windows with their own hands, used only the most accessible and cheap means. To seal the cracks, old newspapers were used, which were soaked in water. The resulting mass was used to fill the space between the glass and the glazing beads and other cracks. Sometimes newspapers were first rolled into tubes, only then moistened in water and pushed into the cracks. On top, all the joints of glass with frames and sashes with the supporting frame were glued with strips of paper. To do this, laundry soap was diluted to a liquid consistency, and the resulting solution was applied to strips of paper. They were then quickly glued into place.

This method is good, but in the spring all this “beauty” must be torn off. And here you may encounter the following problem: the paint will come off along with the paper. In addition, the remains of paper and newspapers are quite difficult to wash and remove without damaging the coating of the frames. That is why another method appeared.

Insulation of windows with cotton wool and fabric strips

Window insulation with cotton wool has replaced newspapers. Technical wool is pushed into all the cracks, and the top is sealed with strips of fabric, soaped, as in the previous method. Air bubbles in cotton wool serve as a heat insulator. At the same time, it can be easily pulled out. And the fabric strips come off the frames without leaving marks or damaging the paint coating.

This method still exists today; one should not be skeptical about it. It is cheap and performs its functions with a bang. Cotton wool is an irreplaceable material. But instead of strips of fabric, it is quite possible to use modern tapes for sealing windows, which are a type of paper tape. Once removed they leave no traces.

Insulation of windows with foam rubber and tape

Foam rubber is good if the task is how to effectively insulate windows that have large gaps in the sash. In other words: the opening doors have become so dry that they do not fit tightly to the frames. Here you won’t get off with just cotton wool. Foam rubber is glued along the perimeter of the sashes, which ensures the tightness of closing the window. By the way, earlier, when there was no foam rubber with an adhesive side on the market, it was nailed to the frame with small nails. Foam rubber can last a couple of years, then it will begin to collapse or deform. The top of the frames is sealed with tape, the same as in the previous method, i.e. paper In the spring, the adhesive tape will have to be removed, but the foam rubber can be left.

Seal cracks in windows with paraffin

Another method that only applies to sealing small cracks in frames. Paraffin is melted, drawn into a syringe and filled into the cracks. If the gaps are too large, you can use a clothesline or other cord. It is pushed into the slot and then filled with paraffin. As you understand, this will be enough for more than one season.

Window insulation using Swedish technology

A very popular and advertised method recently. In fact, this technology was not invented by the Swedes. It got its name “in honor” of the material that is used in it - EuroStrip, it was actually invented in Sweden. And the method itself is called “grooved window sealing technology.”

The main difference between the “Swedish technology” is that it is not even insulation “for the winter”, but a partial reconstruction of windows. After it, the windows can be opened freely in the cold season (they will not be sealed), and the “insulation” will last 15 - 20 years.

Small cracks in frames or between glass and glazing beads are sealed using sealant. Windows must first be washed and dried. And the process of applying the sealant should be carried out at a positive temperature from +5 ° C to +40 ° C.

The nozzle on the sealant cartridge must be carefully cut along the intended line, then put on a special construction gun. With it you can easily apply the composition in hard to reach places, distributing it evenly. If the sealant accidentally gets on the frame or window sill, remove it with a cloth soaked in gasoline. It is more convenient to remove the sealant from the glass after it has dried by simply picking it off with a knife.

To seal the recesses, a special window seal made of silicone rubber with a tubular profile is used. The manufacturers of this sealant assure that it is not afraid of paints, temperature changes and dirt. The diameter and structure of the tubes vary, so the sealant must be selected individually to suit the size of the cracks. The marking of the seal is as follows: “E” (K-profile) - for closing gaps of 2 - 3.5 mm; “P” - for gaps of 3 - 5 mm; "D" - will cover 3 - 7 mm. To determine the size of the gap between the frame, you can clamp a piece of plasticine wrapped in cellophane between the sash and the frame.

The work of installing the seal is actually a partial restoration, which is best left to professionals. Moreover, if the frames are not in the best condition, the geometry of the window is broken, the wood is dry or partially rotten, then repairs can cost a pretty penny. The technology itself is designed for windows that have been carefully looked after and maintained in good condition. Otherwise, insulation using Swedish technology can cost as much as new double-glazed plastic windows cost.

To begin, all sashes are removed from their hinges.

Then a groove is selected along the perimeter of the frame using a cutter.

A seal is rolled into it and glued so that it does not move or fall out during operation. Then the sashes are hung back on their hinges. At the same time, we repeat, if the window is old, you may need to replace the fittings or even align the window geometry.

With proper care, the seal can last from 10 to 20 years. And during this time, you can save up money for new windows, you can also have wooden ones, only modern ones - with double-glazed windows.

Insulation of windows with heat-saving film

A relative innovation is the use of heat-saving films. They let light into the room, but do not “release” infrared radiation from it, thus retaining heat. Such a film has two sides, one with a metallic sheen and conducts current, the other does not. When gluing the film to glass, you must make sure that it “looks” at the street with the metal side - that’s the whole point.

It should be glued overlapping onto the frames and secured with tape. If you stick it carefully, its presence will not even be visible.

Heat-saving film can also be glued to plastic windows.

Insulation of window openings

One of the most important points. Otherwise, the windows can be sealed, but the half-length gap between the frame and the slope or window sill, as our builders like to leave, may not be noticed.

The most common way to seal gaps between the frame and the window opening is to blow it with foam. It’s both effective and a little hassle. Only after it dries, it will be necessary to cut off the excess and somehow seal up this “beauty.”

To seal cracks, you can use putty that you prepare yourself. Need to take building gypsum and chalk and mix them 2:1, adding water. Use the resulting putty to seal all the cracks. Its color will not stand out against the background of the window as much as polyurethane foam.

All the methods described above are designed for insulating wooden windows. It's hard to believe, but they say that sometimes plastic windows also require insulation. Most likely, such a need arises as a result of their improper operation or “careless” installation. The reason may also be the poor quality of the windows themselves. If the seal fails, it simply needs to be replaced with a new one. If the problem is more serious, for example, a change in window geometry, sagging sashes or poor functioning of the fittings, you should contact professionals and have them repaired.

Video: how to insulate windows