Warmth in a house or apartment is a guarantee of comfort, coziness and well-being. To do this, we install central heating in our apartments, build underfloor heating, and more. However, it is important not only to deliver heat to the house, but also to preserve it.
Most of the heat leaves our apartments through the windows, insulating which you can significantly improve your living conditions in the cold season.
Let's look at quick ways to insulate both modern plastic windows and old wooden ones. Let's start with the simplest and cheapest ...
1. Do you want to insulate the window? - Wash him!
Heat leaves our apartments not only due to drafts, but also to go outside in the form of infrared radiation.
Conventional glass, being transparent to visible light, has a low level of transparency to infrared rays that transmit heat.
But contaminated glass, losing transparency in the visible part of the spectrum, significantly increases it in the infrared spectrum. Therefore, to keep warm, it is enough just to wash the window before the start of the cold season.
However, in the spring it will not hurt to do this either - so that less radiant heat penetrates into the apartment in an already hot summer.
The inside and (necessarily!) Outside should be washed with a product based on ethyl or ammonia. This will allow, firstly, to cleanse grease contamination, which is especially important for the kitchen, and, secondly, to avoid stains left by the salt dissolved in water, which remains after the moisture has evaporated.
In addition to the glass, the frames also need to be washed - we will glue seals, insulation and more on them. It sticks poorly to dirt, but falls off quickly. You don't want to re-glue the seal in the middle of winter with wide open windows?
2. Traditional methods of window insulation
An effective way to reduce heat loss is to install a heat-shrinkable energy-saving film on the inside of the frame, parallel to the glass or glass unit.
This film has a double effect. First, it prevents heat from escaping in the form of infrared radiation. Secondly, it creates an additional heat-insulating layer of air between itself and the glass. This usually removes the crying window effect.
Installing the thermal film is quite simple. After cleaning and degreasing the frame, we glue double-sided tape around the glass. The film is usually sold folded in two layers. We separate the layers among ourselves and cut the film to the size of the glass, plus two or three centimeters from each edge.
We glue the film onto the tape so that its surface covers the entire glass. We try to stretch the film, but don't pay attention to wrinkles. It is more important to ensure that the entire edge of the film "sits" tightly on the tape without "bubbles". Direct hot air from a household hair dryer onto the film. Due to its heat-shrinking properties, the film will stretch and flatten itself.
The view at the window with such a film, of course, is not so hot, for that it is warm and dry.
New double-glazed windows do not heat. Why?
Similarly, the seal on the frame changes, after which the sash is installed in place.
The procedure for installing the sash is the reverse of the removal procedure:
The sash is pushed from top to bottom on the lower hinge, then the parts of the upper hinge are connected by a movement away from you, the hairpin, the lock washer and the hinge cover are installed. We close the sash with a lock and check the quality of the work performed, testing the joint for a draft.
So that the seal on the plastic window does not have to be changed every two to three years, this part requires proper care. It is required to clean and lubricate the seal at least once a year, but preferably twice, before and after the cold season.
Wipe the seal on the sash and frame with a dry, fluffy cloth to remove the accumulated "rel =" lightbox "href =" / images / stories / kvartira / 7-sposobov-uteplit-okna-na-zimu_8.jpg "> 
mud. Then we wipe the seal with soapy water for better cleaning and degreasing and wipe it dry. We put silicone grease on a rag (it can be purchased at any auto shop) and rub it into the seal. This simple procedure will protect the sealant from drying out in the heat and "chilling" in the cold, allowing it to retain its qualities for a long time.
6. We insulate slopes and window sills
For some reason, some people forget that a window is not only glass, frame and sashes, but also slopes and window sills. What's the use of the best window, if from under the window sill in full "siphon"? Of course, it is better if, together with the replacement of the window, you also replaced the slopes and window sills with modern PVC structures, however, it is during their installation that installers often "hack", knowing that the customer will pay main attention to the frames.
Inspect where the slopes meet the concrete. If large cracks are found, we clog them with tow, or foam rubber and cover them with alabaster on top, or fill them with polyurethane foam, which will need to be smoothed with sandpaper after drying. We complete the sealing of the cracks with construction sealant.
If initial examination reveals nothing, do a more thorough test with a burning match or wet finger. In case of detection of "cold bridges", it is necessary to "tap" the cladding layer. A dull sound in comparison with adjacent areas will indicate the presence of voids under the cladding layer. In this case, remove the cladding and seal the cracks in the manner described above. Do this, though "rel =" lightbox "href =" / images / stories / kvartira / 7-sposobov-uteplit-okna-na-zimu_9.jpg "> 
, it should be in the warm season, because foam and finishing construction sweep away in the cold work poorly.
You can make slopes yourself from inexpensive materials at hand, for example, from polystyrene, while saving on PVC slopes and the services of installers. To do this, you will need foam panels that are at least three centimeters thick, foam glue (such as ceresite) and cement mortar.
This work, however, is not the easiest, fastest and cleanest. It is worth thinking twice about whether it would be better to invite a professional. But if you decide for yourself, then in short the following awaits you:
The sides of the window opening and part of the adjacent wall should be opened to the base - brick or concrete. This is done in order to drown the insulation layer into the wall. Here you can expect a lot of surprises, in the form of boards walled up by builders, rolls of tow and other "heaters". The holes will be impressive. A good chunk of plastering from the adjoining wall may even fall off, so be prepared for a plastering job of the appropriate scale. To ensure reliable adhesion of the future slope to the base, you can fix the reinforcing net with dowels (plastic - so as not to conduct the cold).
After mixing the cement mortar, we apply a layer of plaster on the window opening and on the wall, to the width of the future slope (about 20 cm) from the opening. You can add clay to the solution. This will give it additional viscosity, and it will be easier to plaster the vertical surface of the walls. We achieve a flat surface and let the plaster dry well.
However, if you are confident in the reliability of the existing plaster layer, then you can simply carefully scrape off the wallpaper, paint or other decorative wall covering, prime and level the surface with a small layer of putty.
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Next, apply glue to the foam panels with a notched trowel and press the panel to the surface, holding it for 10-20 seconds until the glue “hardens”. First, we glue the foam to the vertical part of the wall and slopes. The seams between the panels are carefully covered with the same glue. Similarly, we install the panels on the horizontal part of the slope in the window opening.
Alternatively, you can use polyurethane foam. It fills well the voids in the slopes, holds firmly to the base, and the insulation itself can be reliably "glued" with it. Here, only, it costs a little, but you need a lot of it (a large cylinder for a two-leaf window may not be enough).
You can close the foam with plasterboard or thin plastic panels, placing them again on glue.
Again, the surfaces are complex, there are many angles. Professionals use other insulation materials and install special cladding panels. But if you need to save money or want to do everything yourself, you can quite try.
7. Window insulation according to Swedish technology
If the installation of a modern PVC-profile window is too expensive for you, or is not suitable for some other reason, you can insulate an ordinary wooden window using the newfangled Swedish technology. Such a resounding name was given to the technology of window insulation with the help of a Euro-strip groove sealant, made in Sweden, although analogs from Eastern European countries have already appeared on the market.
The technology requires the use of a rather specific tool, which not every home craftsman can find, and experience in handling it is needed. So for this service it is better to turn to 7 ways to insulate windows for the winter: Photo 11 "rel =" lightbox "href =" / images / stories / kvartira / 7-sposobov-uteplit-okna-na-zimu_11.jpg "> 
specialists. But all the work is done quickly, so the method is quite suitable if winter "suddenly crept up unnoticed."
To install the seal, the window sash must be removed. In the place where the sash adheres to the frame, a cutter makes a groove, where a tubular profile is placed with a special roller, which takes the form of a groove. Additionally, the connection is sealed with silicone sealant. If desired, insulation with the help of the Swedish profile can also be performed inside the double frame. The balcony door is insulated in the same way.
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"Swedish technology" also includes the adjustment of sashes, frames and balcony doors, but this must be done in any case, regardless of the installation of Swedish seals.
The effectiveness of such insulation is slightly better than traditional gluing, but it allows you to freely open windows and vents during the winter for ventilation.
We have considered the most common ways of insulating windows that do not require major repairs. Hopefully these tips will add some warmth to your life.
Probably, it is no secret to anyone that during the operation of wooden windows the wood dries up, due to which cracks 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 shutters to the frame also decreases. This is especially felt with the onset of cold weather, when the mournful wind whistles through the cracks of the window. In principle, there are situations when you can put up with it and not even notice. When the house is "drowned" so much that you have to open the door to an unglazed balcony so that it is not too hot in the room, then the presence of cracks in the frames even plays into the hands. But what about those who are not so lucky, whose home is not so “hot” heated, or whose energy savings play an important role? As part of this article, we will tell you some of the most common ways to properly insulate windows so that the lion's share of heat does not come out through them.
For starters, advice 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 close the radiators with curtains, the hot air rising up from them will be safely blown out into the cracks of the windows, without fulfilling its function of heating the room. Therefore, it is important to leave the radiators open.
How to insulate old windows
There are countless ways to insulate old wooden windows. Here they come up with "who is good for what", using the simplest available means. Among them are temporary measures, the last traces of which are removed with the onset of stable heat during routine cleaning and window cleaning. But there are also methods that can ensure the tightness of windows for several years. Below are just the most popular ones.
Insulation of windows with newspapers and paper strips
A very old proven method. Our grandfathers, doing window insulation with their own hands, used only the most affordable and cheapest means. To seal the cracks, old newspapers were used, which were soaked in water. The resulting mass filled the space between the glass and glazing beads and other cracks. Sometimes newspapers were first rolled into tubes, only then they were moistened in water and pushed into the cracks. From above, all the joints of glass with frames and doors with a supporting frame were glued with strips of paper. For this, the 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 ripped off. And here you can face such a problem: paint will peel off along with the paper. In addition, the remains of paper and newspapers are rather difficult to wash and remove without damaging the coating of the frames. That is why another way has appeared.
Insulation of windows with cotton wool and fabric strips
Insulation of windows with cotton wool replaced newspapers. Technical cotton wool is pushed into all the cracks, and from above it is sealed with strips of fabric, soaped, as in the previous method. Air bubbles of cotton wool serve as a heat insulator. Moreover, it can be easily pulled out. And the fabric strips tear off the frames, leaving no marks or damaging the paint coating. 
This method still exists today, you should not be skeptical about it. It is cheap and fulfills 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 gluing windows, which are a type of paper tape. Once removed, they do not leave any traces.
Insulation of windows with foam rubber and tape
Foam rubber is good if the task is how to effectively insulate windows, in which there are large gaps in the vestibules. In other words: the opening sashes are so dry that they do not fit snugly against 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 the window closing. 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. From above, the frames are 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 on.
Sealing cracks in windows with paraffin
Another method that only concerns the sealing of small gaps in the frames. The paraffin is melted, drawn into a syringe and the slots are filled with it. If the slots are too large, a clothesline or other cord can be used. It is pushed into the gap and then embedded in paraffin. As you can imagine, this will be enough for more than one season.
Insulation of windows using Swedish technology
A very popular and advertised method lately. 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 really was invented in Sweden. And the method itself is called "window groove 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 freely opened in the cold season (they will not be sealed), and the "insulation" will last 15 - 20 years.
Sealing small gaps in frames or between glass and glazing beads is done with a sealant. Windows must first be washed and dried. And the process of applying the sealant itself 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 marked line, then put on a special construction gun. With it, you can easily apply the composition to hard-to-reach places, evenly distributing it. If the sealant gets on the frame or window sill by accident, remove it with a cloth soaked in gasoline. It is more convenient to remove the sealant from the glass after it dries, simply by knocking it off with a knife.
To seal the porches, a special silicone rubber window seal 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 are different, therefore, it is necessary to select the seal individually for the size of the slots. The marking of the seal is as follows: "E" (K-profile) - for closing gaps 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 squeeze a piece of plasticine wrapped in cellophane between the sash and the frame.
The installation work of the seal is actually a partial restoration, which is better to be entrusted 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 the repair can "fly into a pretty penny." The technology itself is designed for windows that have been carefully looked after and kept in good condition. Otherwise, Swedish insulation can cost as much as new plastic windows with double glazing.
To begin with, all the doors are removed from the hinges.
Then a groove is selected along the perimeter of the frame with a cutter.
A seal is rolled up and glued into it so that it does not move or fall out during operation. Then the sashes are hung back on the hinges. In this case, we repeat, if the window is old, you may need to replace the fittings or even align the geometry of the window.
With the right attitude, the seal can last from 10 to 20 years. And during this time, you can save up money for new windows, you can also wooden, only modern - with double-glazed windows.
Insulation of windows with heat-saving film
A relative innovation has been 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 luster, conducts current, the other - not. When gluing the film on the glass, it is imperative to make sure that it "looks" at the street exactly with the metal side - this is the whole point.
It should be glued with an overlap on the frames, secured with tape. If you stick it on carefully, its presence will not even be visible.
The 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 glued, and the gap in the floor of the hand between the frame and the slope or the window sill, as builders like to leave with us, may not even be noticed.
The most common way to seal the gaps between the frame and the window opening is to blow in polyurethane foam. And effectively, and a little hassle. Only after drying it will be necessary to cut off the excess and somehow repair this "beauty".
To seal the cracks, you can use your own putty. You need to take stucco and chalk and mix them 2: 1 by adding water. Seal all the cracks with the putty. Its color will not stand out against the background of the window as much as polyurethane foam.
All the methods described above are designed to insulate wooden windows. It's hard to believe, but they say that sometimes plastic windows also require insulation. Most likely, such a need arises due to their incorrect operation or "careless" installation. Poor quality of the windows themselves may also be the reason. In case of failure of the seal, it simply needs to be replaced with a new one. If the problem is more serious, for example, a change in the geometry of the window, sagging of the sashes or poor performance of the fittings, it is worth contacting the professionals and repair them.
Video: how to insulate windows
A warm home means coziness and a comfortable environment in a family. Since ancient times, people have sought to warm their homes, while inventing more and more new means and materials. Today, when building houses, consumers have split into two camps: some install plastic windows and are fully confident in their practicality and safety, while others adhere to the "old rules" and install wooden windows in their houses. There is one more category - those who, for whatever reason, have not changed their old windows yet.
It has been proven that non-insulated windows lead to the loss of half of the heat. Therefore, the insulation of old wooden windows is a forced and justified measure.
How to insulate wooden windows
There are several ways to solve this problem. Of course, due to our mentality, we are used to using proven methods, as they say, "from the bins of our ancestors." These methods are effective, but modern materials used for insulation are in no way inferior to them.
The main reason for the entry of cold air into the room is the presence of cracks and cracks through which the cold seeps. All basic methods of window insulation are based on eliminating gaps in the structure and blocking the cracks.
Traditional methods of insulation
Everyone remembers from childhood how to insulate wooden windows with improvised means. To do this, use strips of fabric, clog the cracks with rags and cotton wool, and seal them with tape. Of course, they are to some extent effective, but first you need to understand the nature of heat loss.
There are several factors that affect heat transfer:
- thermal conductivity of walls, floor, ceiling and openings of doors and windows;
- the conductivity of sunlight through a glass unit;
- heat loss through crevices, cracks or porous materials.
- when insulating windows, it is necessary to take into account all three factors.
Traditional insulation methods are an affordable way to keep a room warm, but not always convenient. How to insulate wooden windows using available tools? Let's consider some options.
The paper is used as slot filling. For this, newspapers or toilet paper are used. Pre-soaked and crushed to the degree of gruel. Then cracks and crevices are filled with this mixture. After drying, masking tape is glued over the blocking. This option protects the room from the penetration of cold air through the cracks at the joints of the frames and sashes, but does not in any way protect against the effects of other factors.
The slots can be filled with cotton wool, tow or foam rubber. The insulation technology is similar. The space between the glass unit, the frame and the sashes is clogged with material, excluding the ingress of air, after which the gaps are sealed with tape, cloth or strips of paper. But using this method has a bad effect on the state of the windows after dismantling. As a rule, the appearance can be restored only by staining.
One of the most popular methods is insulation using strips of fabric. For this, the slots are filled with any insulation, for example, paper or rags. And then they are glued with strips of fabric dipped in kefir or cool soapy water. This option is convenient, because in the spring such tapes are easy to dismantle and there are no traces left on the surface of the windows. To remove the stripes, it is enough to wet them and wash the window.
Another cheap option is to insulate wooden windows with a rubber or foam rubber self-adhesive seal. This material is sold in any hardware store and is very inexpensive. When installing the adhesive tape, you must pay attention to the accuracy of its placement, excluding creases and gaps. Such insulation will last you one season. In addition, traces of glue are also difficult to remove, and sometimes you have to resort to staining.
Cracks in wooden windows are covered with window putty. This allows you to eliminate any cracks, even invisible to the eye, and create conditions for almost complete tightness. In this case, in addition to preserving heat, we get excellent sound insulation. This method is not recommended due to the fact that it is very difficult to clean the window later.
In the case when condensation or ice appears on the glass, a heat-saving film is used, which is installed on the glass from the inside. The effect is achieved by reflecting infrared radiation and the presence of an air cushion between the glass and the structure.
Film editing is within the power of even people who do not have the skill. The material is a two-layer sheet, which is separated before installation. Double-sided tape is glued to the previously cleaned and degreased surface, with which the canvas is fixed. The film must be stretched, warmed up with a hairdryer, gently straightened, avoiding the formation of folds and bubbles. This method is akin to insulation with plastic wrap, which is nailed to the outside of the frame.
Everyone knows how to insulate wooden windows with polyurethane foam. Foam is a versatile material that has firmly entered the world of repair. This is due to practicality and affordability. With its help, you can foam cracks and crevices, chips and defects. The holes are filled with material and allowed to dry. Then the excess is removed with an ordinary construction knife.
The foam has a porous structure, which allows you to achieve high thermal conductivity, moreover, in the liquid state, the material fills the entire space of the gap, excluding the gaps between the insulation and the window frame.
Important! The cut located on the outside of the window is covered with paint or plaster, since the porous texture of the material allows moisture to pass through, and crumbles under the influence of sunlight and heat.
Silicone sealant is used as insulation. This method is convenient for eliminating gaps between the wooden frame and glass. Of course, this is a laborious process, but it's worth it. It can be attributed to the most effective insulation methods. Technology: glass is removed from the frames, the frame is cleaned of dirt, dust and old paint, sealant is applied, glass is inserted and another layer of silicone is applied, after which the glass is fixed with glazing beads.
Advice! Simultaneously with the insulation process, it is recommended to carry out ongoing repairs, for example, changing fasteners, sanding cracks, removing rotten areas and putty.
It is recommended to use a colorless sealant. This will create an aesthetic appearance for the window. Silicone is a reliable insulation method that will retain its properties for more than one season. The disadvantages include the fact that during operation, the transparent strip changes color and acquires a yellowish tint, which spoils the appearance.
Innovative methods
In recent years, the Swedish method of insulating wooden windows has become more and more popular. It is based on the same insulation with a special seal made in Sweden (hence the name). The tape is made of a special material based on rubber and silicone. The seal is a tubular strip that fits into a slot in the frame.
The material has high indicators of strength, practicality and thermal conductivity. True, there is one drawback - it is high cost. In addition to the fact that the material itself is not cheap, installation with your own hands is almost impossible, since during installation the necessary work skills and specialized tools. However, if you have the necessary skills, then feel free to get down to business.
To insulate wooden windows at home, you will not need to spend a lot of money, since you can use inexpensive, improvised means to carry out the work.
Consider in this article: how to insulate wooden windows for the winter with your own hands, what materials can be used to protect the house from heat loss through window openings. At the end of the article, see the video instruction on how to independently insulate wooden frames.
Today, many are trying by all possible methods to insulate the garden house and other buildings. This includes replacing old windows with modern plastic ones. But not everyone wants to abandon traditional frames for various reasons - lack of finance, the fight for the ecology of the premises. It is for them that we have prepared this article so that the cold does not catch the owners of wooden frames by surprise.
Old wooden windows in winter
You can insulate wooden frames with your own hands and at the same time with minimal costs. If cold blows through them in winter, this does not mean that they should be abandoned immediately. Each owner of a private house will be able to insulate the window sill and frame without spending a lot of money. To carry out the work, it is enough to have a simple set of materials that can be bought at any store.
Materials that you need for installation:
- Polyurethane foam
- Sealant
- Tubular insulation
- Film for window insulation
- Self-adhesive tape insulation
And a small set of tools:
- Putty knife
- Scissors
- Screwdriver
- Furniture stapler
- Paint brush
- Small bucket
How to insulate wooden windows yourself for the winter
The whole process is divided into several simple steps:
- Surface preparation and cleaning
- Sealing cracks in wooden frames with insulation
- Finishing painting of frames
To start all glass and frames should be washed and dried, to clean the wooden frames from the remnants of old paint. Pay maximum attention to the joints where the frames connect to the slopes.
Sealing cracks
Next, proceed with the installation of the insulation tape between the glass panes and the sashes, but do not forget about the slopes from the street and the window sill. To do this, you need polyurethane foam, polystyrene foam and PVC siding. Pay attention to the tight fit of the sashes to the wooden frame... If you missed at least one point, then you should add more insulation and close up the cracks.
Everything described above is the most reliable way to insulate old wooden windows for the winter with your own hands. It should be added that timely grooming will help keep the windows in excellent condition for many years. However, any wood tends to dry out over time, which leads to an increase in the gaps between glazing beads and glass.
A budget way to insulate old wooden windows
Our grandmothers and parents knew how to insulate wooden windows at home and quite inexpensively. Newspaper strips soaked in water are one of the easiest and fastest ways to insulate windows at home. To do this, all large gaps are clogged with newspapers with a spatula. After that, all the frame sashes are pasted over with strips of paper soaked in soapy water.
Another inexpensive “old-fashioned method” is using cotton wool instead of newspaper.... All cracks in the windows are clogged with ordinary cotton wool, and then sealed with fabric or paper strips greased with laundry soap. Paper and cloth strips can be easily removed from the window during the "spring cleaning". In order not to damage the paint on the wooden frame, it will be enough to moisten them with plenty of water before removing.
Of modern materials that can significantly reduce heat loss through glass, one should talk about self-adhesive film... Thermal film for windows has an ultra-thin coating of various metal alloys, which keeps the house warm in winter and keeps it cool in summer. However, the film does not transmit ultraviolet light, which negatively affects indoor plants.
Thermal film is the latest material, each layer does not exceed a few microns and is covered with a layer of silver or chromium alloy.
At the end of the article, watch a video with tips on thermal insulation of wooden windows on your own. Do not forget that a living space can lose about 60% of its heat through dilapidated frames. To avoid this, you should take good care of the wooden structures, paint them in a timely manner and monitor the fittings. If you do this periodically, then they will stay in your house for many years.
Video. How to insulate a wooden window for the winter
How to insulate wooden windows for fall
Owners of PVC windows do not need to worry about how to hammer them in for the winter - they were made by manufacturers and installers. The heat in such structures is maintained due to the tightness of the double-glazed windows with plastic frames and the correct air circulation at the anchorage points. From this it becomes clear how to insulate wood windows - you need to maximize the airspace between the inner and outer frames.
And for this it is necessary to remove all cracks through which cold air penetrates into the room.
Read this article:
The main stages of insulation of window openings
Preparation of a wooden window in winter includes 4 main stages.
- Get rid of moisture. In dwellings with high humidity, the interlayer space is filled with any adsorbent. Suitable baking soda, salt, activated carbon or silica gel. For this reason, the condensate, instead of glass, is absorbed into the adsorbent through the glass.
- Strengthening points. Before insulating the window, you should check the fit of the goggles on the frames and the size of the slots in that location. With a little pressure on the timber structure, the windows emit cold air, flashing and clinking in high winds.
- Insulation of cracks in a wooden frame with spacers.
- Heated slopes.
These simple methods will ensure good thermal insulation of the openings in the windows.
Each method is discussed in more detail.
Repair and fixing of windows in wooden frames
After decades of operation, old windows lose their properties under the influence of moisture and temperature changes. The material from which the glass was fixed is dried and destroyed and then flares up because it fits freely into the frame.
You can fix them with silicone sealant. So that the glass restoration process looks like this:
- Pull first and carefully remove the glazing beads, starting from the bottom, from the back and from the back - from the top. This order is mandatory for safety reasons, otherwise the glass may fall off prematurely. If there is difficult or weak glazing, it is better to replace them with new ones at the same time.
- Pull out the glass and clear the frame from the old whale and stay in the glass slots.
- Cleaning glass from a whale with an alkaline solution.
How to insulate windows for the winter
Do not use sharp objects for cleaning to avoid scratches.
- Prepared and dry frames should be smeared around the perimeter with a transparent silicone seal and incorporated into them.
- Nail balls with window nails that try not to put too much pressure on the glass.
- Alternatively, mix the glass with the gasket and then remove the excess with a damp cloth. Now leave the window dry for a few hours and then move to the next level.
Heating of windows with cracked frames
There are several ways to insulate old windows using sealing rubber, paper, cloth, foam and building materials.
Ready-made gaskets
Seals are available at the department store. It is a two-layer tape consisting of an adhesive tape and a soft seal (polymer or foam rubber).
The difference between these stripes is the durability of the material. The polymer sealant can be used for several years and can maintain temperature changes and clean windows. The foam rubber band mixes and breaks, so you need to renew it every year.
The adhesive seal is very simple: peel off the protective layer from the tape and attach it to the sheet around the entire perimeter with the sticky side.
If the slots are too large, they are better covered with colored tape.
In the first months of autumn, it is important to insulate the windows until the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius. Low temperatures complicate work, which reduces the ductility and softness of the material.
Gaskets with improvised assets
If the lumens are so high that the insulation is insufficient, then a handy tool will help: Styrofoam, paper, cotton, and even old fabrics.
The selected material is also placed in the holes, which must be additionally covered with colored stripes, fabrics or paper stripes.
The gummed paper or cloth can be weak glue, paste, or soap.
Special building materials
A little for sealing gaps can be prepared by mixing alabaster and chalk in the same proportions. This drastic method will strengthen the frames and windows, which will cover any cracks. Using a metal spatula, the mixture should be placed in the grooves, then leveled and allowed to dry.
The downside of this method is the risk of damage to the painted layer, so it is best to use it on very old windows that need to be changed soon.
Alternatively, prepare a set with an adhesive or silicone sealant.
The sealant should be filled with holes directly from the tube or bottle, keeping in mind how to hold the glass to the frame.
A radical way to fill incisions
Foam fixation is a tool suitable for very forgotten cases where other methods will not save you a cold. Or you can use it if the window doesn't open anymore. The foams emit all cracks and, after freezing, all protruding parts are removed with a knife.
The top is covered with enamel paint not only for beauty, but also to preserve the foam.
Innovative heating methods for wooden windows
Polyethylene film
Heating with special plastic wrap.
It can be of two types: reduction and energy saving. The difference between the two is in a functional sense. The protective film protects against ultraviolet rays, which reflect heat and light. In winter, it does not allow the heat to leave the room, and in summer it does not give heat.
It has a slightly dark shade. The shrink wrap is slightly thinner and lighter than the previous one. The essence of this heat is to create an additional air chamber between the film and the glass, as it is attached to the wooden frame.
Swedish methodology
Window heating according to Swedish technology.
This method is becoming more and more popular every day, due to the thermal characteristics of old wooden windows, they are not worse than modern plastic structures.
The method is based on the use of silicone tube seals. They can withstand temperature fluctuations from 50 degrees to zero to 70 degrees Celsius.
The size range is from 0.5 to 1.2 cm wide, allowing you to choose the right material for any cuts. Speaking of life, manufacturers provide up to 20 years of work in all conditions.
The technology for implementing such seals requires experience and the availability of specific tools, so it is better to trust this work to professionals.
The point is that cutting grooves in a wooden frame with a blade. In these commas, a seal is inserted that has the desired shape.
As a result, the opening of the window is completely sealed, including the joints of the frames with the hole and the frames of the glasses.
Merge between frame and bevel
Cold windows seem to enter the house through wooden windows, although there are no cracks throughout the insulation process. Then you should check the condition on the slopes.
You can do this by lighting up a highlighted match - the flames will play at the design locations. This is sometimes the main cause of heat loss in space. For small cracks, foam rubber and sealant can be used.
In the case of large gaps, the distance between the window and the wall must be filled with prefabricated foam and, if necessary, add other heaters. When working with foam, you must be aware that it is exposed to the weather and therefore must be protected with special materials to protect it from steam indoors and outdoors.
If you know how to insulate old wood windows, you cannot spend extra money installing new buildings and heating the space in the winter.
Do-it-yourself window frame insulation for the winter
More recently, old-fashioned methods were used to insulate windows. Someone pasted a newspaper on the windows, and someone 
strips of paper.
Also, cotton wool, scotch tape or paraffin wax were especially popular.
Of course, such methods of insulation were not only inconvenient, but also ineffective.
Everything changed when self-adhesive window insulation appeared on the market.
Self-adhesive tape
Insulation of window structures is a very important process, which must be done very carefully.
Uninsulated windows often cause drafts, which, as a result, negatively affect the health of residents.
In addition, window openings become the main cold bridge, which leads to the loss of a large amount of thermal energy. 
Today on the market there is a large selection of modern insulation materials that reduce heat loss through window blocks.
All of these materials are highly efficient and very easy to install.
Instructions for gluing and insulating wooden windows for the winter
Among all the options, it is worth highlighting self-adhesive tape.
It is produced on the basis of foam rubber, rubber, polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride. On the one hand, the material is covered with a sticky compound, which allows it to be fixed in place.
Advantages of self-adhesive insulation
Such a self-adhesive insulation for windows has certain advantages. 
These include:
- The ability to close gaps, the thickness of which can reach 7 mm;
- High resistance to changes in temperature and air humidity;
- Various colors, which allows the tape to fit optimally aesthetically into the appearance of the window;
- Relatively low cost;
- The ability to open the sash.
Thanks to such advantages, such material has gained high popularity and demand among the population.
Material disadvantages
Unfortunately, duct tape has some disadvantages as well.
First of all, it is worth noting its fragility. Most often, it serves no more than one season. 
This means that you need to update the insulation annually.
Of course, if the doors rarely open, then the tape can last two or more seasons.
Despite the fact that such material tolerates temperature changes very well, severe frosts can negatively affect its operational properties.
As a result of the action of too low temperatures, the adhesive composition can lose its tack.
As a result, this leads to a peeling off of the tape.
The main disadvantage of such insulation is that it cannot be used on modern window structures. This is due to the fact that it can cause significant harm to the performance characteristics of plastic windows.
Additional materials:
How to choose a ribbon
The choice of self-adhesive insulation for windows must be approached very carefully.
The tape is made from different materials and can have different profiles. This should be taken into account when choosing it.
If you decide to use a rubber band, it is best to choose the softest one. Thanks to this, the insulation will reliably close all the cracks and reduce the heat loss of the window structure to a minimum.
As already mentioned, the insulation can have a different profile.
When solving this issue, it is worth paying attention to the nature of the slots.
If the gaps between the frame and the sash are straight, you can use rectangular insulation. It can be used to close gaps up to 4 mm thick. 
In other cases, the optimal solution will be materials with a profile of various shapes, which resemble the letters of the Latin alphabet.
So, for example, the material with the "O" profile allows you to hide uneven gaps, the thickness of which can reach 7 mm.
When choosing a heater, special attention should be paid to the expiration date.
If it has expired, then the adhesive properties of the tape have significantly decreased.
As a result, this can lead to rapid peeling of it from the window.
Installation of tape
The installation of self-adhesive tape must be approached very carefully. The quality of its fastening and the effectiveness of insulation will depend on this. Before you start gluing it, you must carefully prepare the work surface. 
To do this, the frame must be cleaned of old insulation and all dirt.
After that, the place where the tape is attached must be thoroughly washed and degreased. Alcohol or acetone can be used to degrease the surface.
After the surface is ready, you can start fixing the material.
To fix the insulation on the line of contact between the sash and the frame, the protective paper is removed from the back.
It needs to be eliminated gradually, as needed. To facilitate the installation process, the tape can be pre-cut into pieces of a certain length.
The material is easily glued to the frame. But, the complete solidification of the adhesive composition occurs after some time. During this time, it is worth refraining from frequent opening and closing of the sash.
Modern film
Self-adhesive films can also be found on the market today.
Such material appeared on the market relatively recently, but has already gained great popularity among the population. 
With the help of such a film, the thermal insulation properties of the entire window block can be significantly improved.
If the tape seals the cracks, then the film reduces heat loss over the entire area of the window opening.
Such insulation looks like a regular film, which has a special coating on one side. This makes it easy and quick to mount it on the window.
To give it aesthetics and somewhat hide its presence, heating devices such as a household hair dryer are used.
When heated, the film straightens and becomes almost invisible.
Its installation can be easily done with your own hands. Unfortunately, such insulation is used only for one season, or rather one period - in winter.
Helpful hints:
The disadvantage of the material is that it protects the room well from cold and heat that comes from outside.
As a result, the room warms up very slowly in the spring.
To eliminate this disadvantage, it is necessary to dismantle the film immediately with the onset of heat.
How and what is the best way to insulate (glue, prepare) wooden windows for the winter?
We do not always have the opportunity to replace outdated windows with more modern ones. For example, many do not have their own housing and rent it, and there is no desire to spend money on plastic windows in a rented apartment. But what if the old wooden windows have served their time and let the cold out of the street?
How and what is the best way to insulate (glue, prepare) wooden windows for the winter?
There are several ways to make old windows warmer. Some of them have come into our life since the times of the Soviet Union, others are more modern.
We will now look at several of the most effective and popular methods.
Warming with chalk
Chalk serves as the basis for several recipes for mixtures for insulating a window structure. In this way, large gaps at the window opening and around the frame perimeter can be repaired.
Several recipes:
4 parts of chalk powder and 1 part of drying oil.
The basis for such a mixture can be ordinary chalk for drawing.
The color of the chalk can be matched to the shade of the paint on the frame.
The chalk must be grated or crushed in a mortar, and then add the required amount of drying oil. In order to accurately measure the required amount of binder, use a conventional syringe.
When the mixture is ready (in consistency it should resemble a tight dough), roll up small strips, about the thickness of the slits in your window, and press these blanks into problem areas.
If this grout differs greatly from the color of the window profile, you can hide it with strips of old cloth dipped in paste (1 part flour, 1 part starch and 5 parts water) or soapy water.
4 parts chalk powder and 1 part rosin.
Rosin is a substance that is part of the resin of trees.
You can buy it at a hardware store or hardware store.
It is sold solid and must be melted before use. To do this, use an old frying pan (old, because after use it will be very difficult to peel off the frozen rosin) or a microwave. Pour liquid rosin into chalk, stir carefully. It is necessary to fill up the cracks with such a mixture according to the same principle as in the first case.
4 parts of chalk and 1 part of construction or PVA glue.
Such a mixture is made in the same way as the two previous ones.
A distinctive feature of this method is the quick hardening and setting of the glue, so you need to hurry up and seal all the cracks in the shortest possible time.
The disadvantages of this method: mixtures based on chalk are not suitable for outdoor use - they are easily washed off with water and serve for a relatively short time.
Warming with cotton wool and fabric
Our grandparents rarely thought about how and what is the best way to insulate (glue, prepare) wooden windows for the winter, and they always did it with cotton wool or old fabric.
The essence of this method is extremely simple.
You will need a certain amount of regular (maybe mineralized) cotton wool or old cotton fabric. No binders are needed, just plug all gaps tightly. In order to hide the traces of your insulation, again use paste and strips of fabric.
In order to make the insulation of windows with cotton wool or cloth more durable, it is recommended to impregnate them with any antifungal liquid and let them dry. In this case, your windows will not be afraid of either cold or moisture.
The disadvantages of this method: fabric and cotton wool can crawl out of the cracks, thereby greatly ruining the appearance.
If the strips were not soaked in anything inside the cracks, moisture could accumulate and a fungus could appear.
Insulation of windows with professional sealants
First of all, you need to find a good sealant.
Choose one that is suitable for outdoor use and is moisture resistant. Polyurethane or rubber based products are best suited. They cure quickly, lay down easily and are sold in several different shades.
Most sealants are sold in a tube. To use them, you will additionally have to purchase a special pistol. But if you don't want to spend money on a device that will be useful to you several times, you can buy a sealant in a mini-package.
As a rule, such products are equipped with a special thin "nose" thanks to which you can easily drive the sealant into small cracks, but if this is not the case, use a regular syringe.
There will be no traces of insulation with sealants, there is no need to use strips of fabric or paper.
If you carefully remove excess funds, such insulation will not be noticeable at all on the frame.
Disadvantages of such insulation: relatively high price.
Window insulation with foam
If large gaps have formed between the frame and the wall, you cannot help with putties and cotton wool, you will have to resort to more serious methods of insulation, for example, to polyurethane foam.
It is used when installing plastic windows as an insulating cushion, is not afraid of moisture and will last for more than one year.
Polyurethane foam can be normal and frost-resistant.
Their thermal insulation properties and resistance to frost are similar, the difference is in the temperature at which they solidify. Regular foam sets faster at positive temperatures, frost-resistant - loves cold more. The choice between these two types depends on what time of year and decided to take care of the insulation of your window structure.
For polyurethane foam, you will have to purchase a special gun.
How to insulate windows for the winter?
You can find it and the foam itself in any hardware store.
Before foaming, it is necessary to slightly moisten the cracks with a spray gun: polyurethane foam hardens faster at high humidity.
When the preparatory work is completed, slide the foam tube into the gun. Holding the tube upside down, shake the package thoroughly. Foam the gaps from top to bottom and left to right. After hardening, cut off the remaining foam with a regular knife.
To hide the foam, use putty and then paint.
Disadvantages of such insulation: you will have to update the coating of old wooden windows, otherwise they will look very unaesthetic.
Sash insulation with a seal
Earlier we considered how to insulate wooden windows for the winter, if there are cracks on the frame or at the junction of the eyelet with the wall, now we will tell you how to insulate the window sash.
To do this, you need a professional sealant, which can be purchased at your hardware store.
It is sold by the meter, so it is worth measuring the sash perimeter before buying.
It is most convenient to insulate windows with a sealant with an adhesive side, but it has one significant drawback - by the end of winter, it can come off the sash. If that doesn't stop you, choose a rubber-based or silicone-based sealant.
It is the most resistant to temperature changes and protects windows better than foam counterparts.
PSUL tape (vapor barrier self-expanding sealing tape) can also serve as an excellent sealant.
Do not forget to remove the remnants of the old seal from the sash and thoroughly wash the places where the seal fits.
Dust and dirt on the sash can significantly reduce the life of the seal.
Disadvantages of such insulation: we can say that they are not.
Such a seal will last a long time and will be inexpensive.
Sash insulation with foam rubber
The cheapest way to insulate the sash is to use ordinary foam rubber. Of course, this is less practical than insulating wooden windows for the winter with a professional sealant, but much more economical.
Foam strips can be purchased at a hardware store. You can also use old foam from furniture or pillows.
In addition, you will need construction adhesive.
Cut or select strips of foam rubber of the required diameter, saturate one of the sides with such a tape with glue and glue around the sash perimeter. Keep the window open for a few minutes, so that the glue has time to set a little, then close the fold and let the glue finally harden for another 30 minutes.
Disadvantages of such insulation: short service life.
It is believed that plastic windows are of the highest quality in terms of sealing, but sometimes it happens that they start to blow from them.
In this case, they resort to thermal insulation.
Thermal insulation of plastic windows, or simply their insulation, can be done in several ways.
First, it is the insulation of the slopes. If you have determined that the cold comes from the gap that formed at the junction of the slopes with the frame, then:
- you need to resort to leveling the slopes by dismantling them and subsequent installation;
- you need to use insulation boards made of plasterboard, mineral wool or polyurethane foam.
In the modern building materials market, there are enough such "heaters".
Secondly, it is the insulation of the frame space itself. Thermal insulation of the frame sash with heat-insulating materials will solve such a problem as “blowing from a closed window”.
Materials for insulating windows
And yet, what is better to insulate?
Let's consider some of the most popular "heaters", their advantages and disadvantages.
1. Thermoplastic elastomer
Pros:
- short service life;
- sensitive to low temperatures.
2. Ethylene-propylene rubber
Pros:
- quality;
- durability.
- due to its hardness, it is difficult to mount.
- Often this material is used in cases where the structures themselves will be painted in the future.
Thermal insulation material Sio
Pros:
- quality;
- suitable for windows of any configuration;
- durable;
- environmentally friendly.
When choosing materials for insulating windows, they are mainly guided by the ratio of price and quality, as well as the ease of installation of one or another "insulation".
In addition to the above heat-insulating materials, others are often used: tubular profiles, foam rubber, heat-insulating film.
Sometimes plastic windows are insulated not only from the inside, but also from the outside.
Insulation of windows using Swedish technology
As the name suggests, this technology is native to Sweden. This is a great way to restore wooden windows when there are no funds for metal-plastic windows. Its essence is, in principle, simple: a sealant on silicone is mounted in the milled groove in the places of the vestibule, and all the glasses sit on the sealant.
How to insulate plastic windows for the winter with your own hands - we will teach!
Such work is performed by specialized teams that follow special technology.
If you decide to "try" this technology on your own windows, you should remember that it is risky to save on the sealant.
High quality sealant – this is the guarantee of the durability of your windows.
Unlike gluing windows, this method allows you to freely open and close window frames.
To make your reinforced-plastic windows last as long as possible, it is recommended to resort to preventive repairs from time to time.
Preventive repair of PVC windows includes adjusting the windows, lubricating window fittings, replacing the rubber seal.
Well what can I say - Russian winter itself is a rather exclusive and unpredictable phenomenon. Although it is scheduled according to the calendar, it always comes to us suddenly, just at the moment when we are not yet ready. It is during this period of time that the question arises - what is the best way to insulate wooden windows and how to do everything right?
Tidying up the window frames
Where to start insulating windows? First you need to take care of the window frames. In general, the average lifespan of a frame is about 10 years. There are few of us who have taken care of them at least once a decade - our frames cost much longer, so before we start to insulate the windows, we will carry out small repair and restoration work.
To begin with, you should carefully study the sash and inspect the glass. If you see any cracks or the glass just doesn't fit tightly, you should coat the voids with a special putty. If there are small surpluses, then they should be carefully removed with a dry cloth. To strengthen the glass in the window frame, you can tap the nails hammered into the glazing beads with a hammer, and add a few more pieces if necessary.
If you are a pedant and are set up for serious work, then, in theory, the glass must be removed from the frame, and after careful lubrication, reinsert them into place. In the event that you do not have putty on hand, you can use oil paint, which also perfectly closes the cracks.
Using paint, the workflow for smearing the gaps will look like this:
- Carefully remove the glazing beads;
- We take out the glass;
- We clean the folds from the old putty;
- Apply a layer of paint evenly to the folds;
- We put the glasses in place and nail down the glazing beads;
- We paint the glazing beads again.
Attention! Do not wait for the smeared paint to dry. The glass must be inserted immediately after the putty.
As a last resort, if you have neither putty nor oil paint, you can use plasticine. But this option is not very good, since plasticine is still not able to withstand high temperatures - even from heating at + 25 ° C it can leak and stain windows.
Insulation
Despite the abundance of all kinds of insulation, the craftsmen recommend using special tubular profiles (they are often called gaskets). This type of insulation comes in different sizes and is made from different materials. So what is the best way to insulate windows? The most practical are rubber, polyethylene foam and foam pads. All of the above types of insulation can be found without much difficulty in any construction market.
Attention! In order that you do not have to freeze in winter, you should annually inspect the slopes and the condition of the windows in general. Of course, this must be done not in winter, but before the onset of the heating season.
We paste over the window with newspapers
What is the best way to insulate windows for the winter? Newspapers can be a good option. No one argues that insulating windows with newspapers is an old-fashioned way, already overgrown with a huge gray beard. But who told you that it is not effective in modern conditions? In order to paste over the windows with newspapers, you need to roll the paper into a tube, then insert the resulting “tubes” opposite the slots. If you do not plan to ventilate the rooms in winter, then the remaining cracks can be filled with cotton wool, tow or rags.
Strips of fabric
Another way to insulate windows is to paste over the cracks with strips of white fabric. To do this, you need to prepare narrow strips in advance (all this is done with your own hands), then you need to wet and squeeze the strips. Further, we rub wet rags with plenty of soap and glue them to the cracks in the window frame.
The advantages of this method are as follows:
- Soap serves as an excellent insulator, which practically does not allow air to pass through;
- White stripes are almost invisible on a white window frame;
- In the spring, these plugs can be easily removed from the window.
But there is one single drawback:
- Due to the temperature difference, the fabric can simply peel off, and you will have to redo everything again.
Foam rubber
Another popular method is pasting foam rubber over the cracks. When insulating a window with this method, the procedure is as follows:
- First, we take strips or pieces of foam rubber and clog all the cracks with them;
- The next step is to prepare strips of fabric (4-5 cm wide) using an old sheet (if you don’t feel sorry for money, then you can fork out for new material);
- Just as in the previous method, we rub the strips of fabric with soap and glue them over the cracks.
Attention! White paper can also be used as a surface material, but it will turn yellow over the entire season and will not look aesthetically pleasing.
It is best to hammer in foam rubber with the help of such a tool.
Paraffin
The most popular way to insulate windows is paraffin. An ordinary paraffin candle, which is melted in advance in a water bath, melts and is filled into a syringe. Then, by uniformly pressing the trigger, the window slots are filled. When frozen, this material is an excellent barrier to cold.
Common mistakes
Now we know how best to insulate windows for the winter. Now let's look at some of the most common mistakes made in this matter:
- Sealing windows with medical plaster- perhaps the most important mistake. Why? The adhesive mass of the plaster eats deep into the paint, which in itself entails not very pleasant consequences. In the spring, you can only remove it with a wet rag and a knife, while tearing it off along with paint and pieces of plaster;
- Masking tape- the adhesive mass dries quickly and after 2-3 weeks it begins to fall off;
- Using self-adhesive foam tape is also not the best option for.
The surest way
The new vacuum glass unit will relieve you of the need to insulate windows for a long time!
Many modern firms offer an ideal solution to this issue, namely, to insulate windows by replacing glass with a vacuum glass unit. The price for such a solution is, of course, high, but just think - the service life of this luxury is about 40 years!
If you are a practical person and are not used to spending a lot of money, then we can advise you to use a special heat-reflecting film, which is installed in the inter-glass space.
In order for the film to really serve for a long time and with high quality, it is necessary, before gluing it, to carefully check the frames, glass (so that they stand tightly and do not shake). If you find cracks, then you need to eliminate them by using the same putty or gluing with a sealant. If the frames have been installed in your house (apartment) for many years, then their corners should be reinforced with metal corners.
Drafts
To avoid drafts in the apartment, it is necessary to take care not only of the thermal insulation of the windows. Insulation of the loggia and the entrance group can also be included in the list of works. As for the door, everything is simple - you can simply upholster the contour with felt or glue the contour (purchased in the store) from a self-adhesive insulation.
Output
That's basically all that we wanted to tell you. Despite the abundance of ways, everyone chooses the most suitable one for themselves, focusing solely on their needs and financial capabilities.
If you are interested in insulating plastic windows, then there is almost everything, the same thing - you just need to choose the best option for yourself. We hope that our tutorial was useful to you. In the video presented in this article, you will find additional information on this topic. Good luck!
