Frost is approaching, and the apartment becomes very cold, despite normal work radiators and even additional heaters? Then the first thing you need to do is check the condition of your windows and, if necessary, insulate them for the winter.
A huge amount of heat escapes through the windows. In order to prevent this, you can use basic materials at hand. There are many techniques that can temporarily solve the issue of window insulation. There are also products for longer lasting thermal insulation that can be used to ensure tightness. window designs for several years.
We present to your attention instructions for using the most popular insulation materials. Explore available options and choose the most optimal one.
Regardless of the chosen method of window insulation, you will need approximately the same set of tools and materials.
Devices for self-insulation windows
- Putty. You can use silicone or a special window one.
- Water.
- Sealing rope.
- Detergents for window frames and glass.
- Old rags.
- Rubber spatula.
- Special window insulation. Instead, you can use ordinary foam rubber.
- Adhesive tape.
- Wide bowl.
- Flour.
- Laundry or cosmetic soap.
One of the most cost-effective and easiest to implement options for insulating window structures. In accordance with these instructions, newsprint is used to seal cracks. It is enough to simply take old newspapers, wet them with water to obtain a homogeneous mass, and then fill all sorts of cracks with this substance. For greater convenience, soaked paper can be rolled into tubes.
If you want to save even more, you can use plain paper. Cut it into long strips and glue it to the frames using laundry soap diluted in water.
Despite its simplicity and cheapness, the method is very effective and proven by many generations of housewives. However, such insulation also has its own significant disadvantage - when the air temperature outside begins to rise, the thermal insulation will have to be removed. The problem is that the paint often comes off along with the paper. And it’s not so easy to get rid of soaked newspapers. Therefore from this method are increasingly being abandoned in favor next option thermal insulation.
This option is very convenient and easy to implement. You need to buy technical wool from a hardware store and fill all the existing cracks with the material. The joints of the structural elements are sealed with fabric. Industrial wool is characterized by excellent thermal insulation properties and can be removed without any difficulty with the onset of warm weather.
Although such insulation is the most budget-friendly and extremely simple to implement, its effectiveness is beyond doubt - the windows stop letting cold air through and heat is retained in heated rooms.
To seal large cracks, it is more convenient to use foam rubber. Typically, such cracks form when the window sashes shrink very much, to the point that they no longer fit normally to the frame. It will not be possible to save the situation with ordinary cotton wool in such a situation.
To eliminate drafts and reduce heat loss, foam rubber must be fixed around the perimeter of the window sashes. It will allow you to close the windows hermetically. You can buy the material directly with the adhesive side to save time and make installation more convenient. If such material is not available, purchase ordinary foam rubber and nail it to the window frame with small nails.
The service life of foam rubber is on average 2-3 years. Monitor its condition and replace if necessary. You can stick paper, tape or fabric on top of the foam. In the spring, you need to get rid of such thermal insulation. You can leave the foam rubber itself and use it next winter.
Insulation using the “Swedish” method
Currently, this method of insulation is very popular. It got its name thanks to the EuroStrip material used for insulation. This material was developed by Swedish specialists. The second name of the technology is groove seal.
The main advantage of the method under consideration is that it allows for partial reconstruction of windows, and not simply creating temporary insulation, like the other methods mentioned above. The windows do not need to be sealed, so even in winter they can be opened for ventilation. The service life of insulation is about 15-20 years.
The only drawback is the rather high cost. Also, certain difficulties may arise during the installation process, because... similar insulation costs much more complex scheme than cotton wool, paper and foam rubber. Buy the material and use it to insulate your windows according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Guide to insulation with paraffin and sealant
To eliminate small gaps, you can buy silicone sealant. You need to wash the windows in advance and wait until they are completely dry. Such insulation is prohibited at air temperatures below +5 degrees.
The sealant is very convenient and easy to apply using a construction gun specially designed for this purpose. It is better to remove excess material immediately before it dries. In the future, to remove any leaking sealant, it will be enough to wipe the surface with a cloth slightly moistened with gasoline. You can simply carefully pick it off the glass using a knife.
Small cracks can also be sealed with paraffin. To do this, take several paraffin candles or buy ready-made material right away. The paraffin needs to be melted, taken into a syringe of suitable volume and carefully filled with it into each existing crack.
Large defects can be repaired with an ordinary clothesline. Any other lace will do. The rope is tightly pushed into the gap, after which it is filled with paraffin.
Such insulation will last at least 2-3 years. For the rest, focus on the condition of the thermal insulation and add new paraffin if necessary.
One of the most modern and effective methods. To perform such insulation, a sealant based on silicone rubber is used. The material withstands temperature changes and is not afraid of contamination. If desired, you can even paint it - this will not deteriorate its thermal insulation properties.
Tubes of different diameters are available for sale, so you can choose the material that is best suited for insulating your windows.
You can set the required diameter using plasticine. All you have to do is take a piece of plasticine and wrap it in plastic film and press between the sash and frame. By the thickness of the resulting “cast” you can find out the size of the gap.
The rubber seal provides reliable thermal insulation and allows for partial restoration of windows. But it is quite expensive, plus it requires some skills for successful installation. Suitable exclusively for windows without significant damage, which they tried to maintain in proper condition throughout their entire service life.
If the windows are in a very neglected state, with a violation of the normal geometry, the presence of cracked or rotten areas, it is better to refuse such restoration, because it will cost about the same amount of money as a full-fledged new window costs.
You can install the seal yourself. First, you need to remove the sashes from their hinges, and then mark a place in the window frame for cutting the groove. Next, you should select a groove around the perimeter window frame. This is easily done using a cutter. The sealant is rolled into the prepared groove. It needs to be glued. Fixation is done using glue. It must be of the highest quality and reliable so that the material does not shift or fall out. After installing the seal, all that remains is to return the window sashes to their place.
If necessary, replace the fittings and try to align the window geometry, but without the necessary skills it is almost impossible to do this. With proper installation and proper handling, the seal will last about 15-20 years.
Another modern and effective method. The technology involves the use of specially developed heat-saving films. Their structure is such that they normally transmit the light of the sun into the room, while not allowing heat to escape from the room. The film must be attached with the metallized side facing the street.
Fastening to the frame is carried out with an overlap. Used for fixation adhesive tape. If you do everything carefully, the film will hardly be noticeable.
Features of using polyurethane foam as insulation
To seal cracks and reduce heat loss, you can use ordinary polyurethane foam. It is extremely easy to use and allows you to obtain thermal insulation highest quality. You just need to show maximum attention and accuracy during work in order to seal all existing cracks. After the foam dries, its excess should be cut off sharp knife, and hide the insulation itself with something.
To mask such thermal insulation, you can use homemade putty. To prepare it you need to take part of the chalk and 2 times large quantity building gypsum. Mix the ingredients, dilute the mixture with water to a semi-liquid state and spread on the foam. Of course, it will not be possible to completely hide traces of insulation, but at least the polyurethane foam will not be so noticeable.
Thus, to independently insulate windows for the winter, you can use a wide variety of materials. Choose the most suitable and convenient option for you and get started. Good luck with your work and have a warm winter!
Video - How to insulate wooden windows
Video - Installation of heat-saving film
Video - How to insulate a plastic window with your own hands for the winter
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 it?
Simple ways check for cracks:
- run your hand along the edges of the glass, door jambs, the flow of cold air is immediately felt by the palm;
- 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 small renovation 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 to improve thermal insulation 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 breakouts air masses inside, helps reduce heating costs.
What you will need:
- screwdriver;
- original keys for window adjustment (can be replaced with a regular hex key of 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:
- Outline the window in the corner with a pencil.
- Open the sash to check the distance between the closed sash and the frame. It should overlap correctly.
- 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:
- Insert a piece of paper between the sash and the frame.
- Close the window.
- Try to remove the paper - if the paper comes out easily, you need to increase the seal.
To improve the fit, it is necessary to replace or adjust the eccentric screws on the window fittings. 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:
- if they “sit” too loosely, they should be tightened;
- 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.
Thermoresistant paper
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 - inexpensive, efficient 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.
It often happens that cold weather comes unexpectedly and sunny days are replaced by chilly wind and rain. Therefore, you should take care of the weather in your home in advance and start with the windows. If you make the right choice when deciding how to seal your windows for the winter, you will be able to retain up to 2/3 of the heat in the room.
Contrary to popular belief that you only need to insulate yourself wooden windows, plastic structures they also often need to improve their heat-saving qualities. This happens if the service life of plastic windows has expired or the structures were installed in violation of technology.
To insulate windows for the winter with your own hands, you need to create the most airtight space between the frames, since the air in a closed space has excellent heat-insulating properties.
To get a comfortable temperature in the room, you need to eliminate the cracks through which cold air gets inside.
To insulate wooden frames, one (or both) of the following is usually used. traditional ways: gluing sealing gum, sealing cracks with cotton wool, glue and paper strips, fabric or tape. An adsorbent can be placed between the frames - a substance that absorbs moisture, for example, activated carbon, silica gel, soda or salt.
Preliminary preparation of wooden windows
Before starting work, wash and dry the windows, inspect the gaps between the frames and glass. Such cracks appear when the frames dry out and the window putty in which the glass is installed crumbles.
Repair stages
- Check the condition of the beads - long wooden slats, with the help of which glass is strengthened in window frame. It is better to immediately replace rotten and dried elements with new ones.
- Remove problematic glazing beads and nails. Take the glass out and clean it of any remaining putty using an alkali solution, such as soda ash diluted in water.
- Clean the frames from putty and paint in the places where the glass is inserted, wipe dry and treat with transparent silicone sealant.
- When installing the glass, try not to squeeze it. Secure the glazing beads with window nails.
- Seal the remaining gaps with the same sealant, let it dry for 2-4 hours and wipe the windows with a special detergent.
How to insulate wooden frames
Wooden window structures are usually insulated using:
Modern profile seal
Window seal profiles
This material is sold in any hardware store and is a tape, with or without an adhesive layer. This seal is also called a tubular profile and is made from the following materials:
- foam rubber
- rubber
- polyvinyl chloride;
- polyethylene foam;
- polyurethane
More popular are adhesive-based seals. But their downside is that they cannot stick as reliably as their self-adhesive counterparts.
The foam seal absorbs moisture, so it must be replaced annually. The polymer tape does not care about water, which significantly increases its service life.
The seal is easy to use: the tape is glued to the open sash around the perimeter, inside and outside. To eliminate particularly large gaps, you can additionally use masking tape.
The seal for a wooden window is attached around the perimeter of the frame
To glue a seal without an adhesive base, it is best to use a transparent silicone adhesive-sealant.
Available means
The method is suitable for insulating old wooden windows for the winter , as it is designed to eliminate too large gaps . They can be filled with cotton wool, rags, paper or foam rubber. A special putty for wood will also work.
Warming stages:
- firmly tamp the cotton wool or other material into the cracks using, for example, a wide screwdriver;
- Glue strips of fabric or paper over the material.
Glue for these purposes can be made from soap solution or two components - water and starch. The recipe is simple: pour a heaping tablespoon of starch into one 200 ml glass of water, bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
Instead of starch, you can use sifted flour. After cooling the paste, proceed to insulation.
Paraffin can be purchased at any hardware store.
This method was widespread several decades ago among housewives who knew exactly how to insulate wooden windows for the winter, as it made it possible to seal large cracks quickly and at no cost.
The paraffin candle must be melted in a water bath and the hot mixture must be poured into a preheated syringe. Using this device you need to quickly process all the gaps.
Putties
Insulating windows for the winter with special mixtures or something similar with your own hands is an effective, but radical method. Removing such insulation often damages the paint, so this method Suitable for old windows that you plan to replace soon.
Adhesive putties, a 1:1 solution of alabaster and chalk, and special sealants for window seams are suitable as insulation. The mixture is applied to the gaps, leveled with a spatula and left until completely dry.
Heat-saving film is an effective way to avoid heat loss
This method is suitable for insulating wooden window structures and PVC windows.
In hardware stores you can find special protective film, which has universal properties - in summer it protects the room from sunlight, and in winter it raises the temperature to 5 degrees.
Material required sizes glued to the frame beads using double sided tape and blown with air from a hairdryer to even out and add transparency.
Read more about energy-saving films for windows
Additional cold bridges
Be sure to check jumpers above the windows, since they are often the place where heat leaks. The jumpers are insulated from the outside using alternate application façade polystyrene foam, reinforcing mixture and plaster.
They can also become conductors of cold slopes. For thermal insulation side surfaces sand, then prime and install PVC panels. If voids have formed inside, you need to fill them with tow or polyurethane foam.
Windowsill, improperly treated with foam, is insulated by attaching a piece of PVC panel under it, adjusted to size. The voids are filled with the same materials as in the case of slopes.
Read more about insulating a window sill (plastic or wooden)
How to insulate plastic windows yourself
To improve the thermal insulation qualities of plastic windows, it is imperative to use insulation. This can be traditional mounting foam or a sealant suitable for this purpose:
- Polyurethane sealant. Experts consider this material ideal for sealing deep cracks, since the mass after solidification increases its volume several times and penetrates far into the depth of the gap.
- Silicone sealant. This is the most popular and accessible remedy getting rid of unwanted sources of air entering the room. The sealant tightly fills the cracks and is highly elastic, which makes it easy to use.
- Acrylic sealant. It is flexible and easy to use - its excess during application can be easily removed, unlike silicone sealant. But this material has one drawback - for a short time During operation, acrylic sealant changes color from white to gray. This is due to its ability to attract dust and dirt.
When insulating plastic windows, follow the main steps:
- Clean the cracks with a stick or brush to remove loose foam or debris.
- Carefully go over the slopes, frames and window sills with a degreasing cleaner.
- Fill in the Gaps polyurethane foam or sealant, depending on the material chosen.
Let's sum it up
If your budget does not yet allow you to replace old windows with new ones, do not despair. A variety of materials for their insulation will allow you to choose something for yourself based on financial condition and features of the work.
Video on the topic
Insulating windows for the winter is an unchanging ritual that is carried out by owners of wooden frames before the onset of cold weather, which allows you to increase the room temperature by 5-10 degrees and reduce heating losses. There are many ways to insulate windows for the winter, both using special seals and sealants, and using improvised means available back in the days of our great-grandmothers.
Principles of window insulation
The point of insulation is to create the most airtight internal air space between the frames. As you know, air is an excellent heat insulator, provided that it is enclosed in a confined space. This space is the distance between the outer and inner frame. It turns out that in order to insulate the windows, it is necessary to eliminate the cracks that allow cold air flows from the street to penetrate.
When insulating wooden frames, three methods are usually used: using rubber bands, sealing the gaps between the frames and gluing them with strips of paper, tape or fabric. Wherein outer frame It is not recommended to seal them with vapor-proof tape - this will lead to strong fogging and, in cold weather, to freezing. Internal frames, on the contrary, are best sealed to prevent moisture from penetrating into the space between the frames.
It is advisable to lay an adsorbent between the frames - silica gel, activated carbon, soda or salt. To prevent them from spoiling the appearance of the windows, they are placed in small bags of white paper. However, in a city apartment with normal humidity you can do without an adsorbent. If the humidity is high, it is better to donate appearance windows: moisture, condensing on the glass, flows onto wooden frames, as a result of which the paint peels off and the frames begin to rot.
Before you start insulating the windows and frames, you need to wash and wipe dry, check for large cracks, as well as the tightness of the glass. Poorly secured glass not only allows cold air to pass through, but also rattles in the wind. If necessary, the glass can be strengthened; how to do this is described below.
Glass repair and sealing
It happens that even insulated frames do not protect the apartment from drafts, and most often the problem lies in poorly secured glass. Previously, glass was placed in frames on window putty, which looked like dirty gray frozen plasticine. Over time, due to changes in temperature and humidity, the putty begins to dry out and crumble, and after a few years or decades there is none left at all. At the same time, the glass begins to rattle, and large gaps appear between them and the frame. Silicone sealant will help correct the situation.
Repair and insulation technology:
- Assess the condition of the glazing beads - the slats that hold the glass in the frame. If they are rotten, wobbly and crumble, it is better to immediately buy new ones in the required quantity.
- Carefully pry up the glazing beads and pull them out along with the nails. Take out the glass.
- Clean the frame from residues old putty and excess paint where the glass is installed.
- Remove any remaining putty from the glass using an alkaline solution, e.g. soda ash. It is not recommended to scrape the glass with a knife, as this will leave scratches that cannot be removed.
- The frames are wiped dry and coated around the perimeter with transparent silicone sealant, after which the glass is installed.
- The glazing beads are nailed into place using window nails. This must be done very carefully, trying not to squeeze the glass, otherwise it will crack if the temperature changes.
- The remaining cracks are also coated with sealant, removing excess with a damp cloth. Allow it to dry for 2-4 hours. After this, the windows are wiped using a window cleaner and the insulation of the frames begins.
Materials for insulating windows are sold in hardware stores; they are a narrow sealing tape with an adhesive layer of foam rubber or soft polymer. Sealing tapes made of polymer materials can be used for several years, while you can open windows and wash them without removing the tape. Foam insulation gets wet when exposed to water, so it is best to remove it annually.
How to glue sealing tape? This process is very simple: a seal is glued around the perimeter of the open window sash using an adhesive layer applied to it, after which the frames are carefully closed with latches. This is done with both external and internal frames, when large cracks Windows can be additionally glued from the inside masking tape- It is also sold in hardware stores.
Insulation of windows with large gaps
If the frames are too old or severely warped, they may have huge gaps that cannot be sealed with sealing tape. In this case, you will have to caulk the cracks with cotton wool, foam rubber, rags or paper, or putty them with special mixtures. This is done like this:
Insulating windows using putty
More radical method, which allows you to efficiently insulate not only windows, but also cracks in window sills, is to use building mixtures. For this purpose, you can use adhesive-based putties, a solution of alabaster mixed with chalk in a 1:1 ratio, as well as window sealants.
The selected mixture is applied into the cracks using a metal spatula, leveled and left until completely dry. It should be remembered that removing such putties can lead to paint peeling, so this method must be used carefully. However, it is very effective for old frames that are soon to be replaced - it is often impossible to insulate them using sealing tape, and putties and alabaster mortar perfectly seal the space between the frames.
You can also use moisture-resistant sealants for exterior use, but choose white or colorless ones. The sealant is applied directly from the tube, covering all the cracks, as well as the joints of the glass and frame.
Cardinal method of window insulation
If you don't plan to ever open the window, you can use polyurethane foam. They fill the cracks with it, wait until it expands and hardens, and then cut off the excess with a sharp knife. To avoid yellowing and destruction of the foam, it is coated with ordinary white enamel for exterior use.
In practice, this method is used extremely rarely, and polyurethane foam is usually used to insulate a window frame, filling the gaps between it and the walls. This operation is performed at the window installation stage, but if you think that heat loss occurs precisely for this reason, you can open the window sill, window slopes and ebbs and foam the window frame.
Video - how to insulate wooden windows for the winter?
A third, or even half (depending on the glazing area) of heat loss in the house occurs through windows, so as cold weather approaches, you need to take care of thermal insulation. Let's look at effective and inexpensive ways to properly insulate old wooden windows for the winter with your own hands.
Despite the widespread replacement of wooden windows with plastic and metal-plastic ones, they retain part of the market. Despite the fact that from the point of view of heat-saving properties of PVC windows are more preferable, a number of users, according to various reasons, continues to use old wooden windows.
There are a number of explanations for this fact:
- high cost of plastic windows (which may also require insulation);
- environmental friendliness of wooden windows and their ability to maintain an optimal indoor microclimate through natural ventilation;
- there is no desire to make repairs after replacing windows;
- distrust of plastic structures;
- accommodation in a hostel or rented apartment;
- the need to insulate windows at work, in educational institutions and so on.
Despite all the advantages of wooden windows, they do not meet modern requirements for energy efficiency and heat conservation (with the exception of wooden windows with double-glazed windows). So the owner has to think about how to insulate wooden windows to prevent it from blowing.
Any insulation of old wooden windows involves plugging (sealing, putty) all cracks that could potentially be a source of heat loss.
Due to the fact that wooden windows have been in use for centuries, and users have always encountered a lack of airtightness, they have invented a lot of ways to perform insulation and. After all, heat loss through a window exceeds heat loss through a wall of the same area, which means it will be correct to find out how to insulate wooden windows for the winter.
Where to start insulating windows
Work begins with finding out the location of the blowing. In the case of wooden windows, these include:
- slopes (external and internal), incl. beams to strengthen the opening;
- ebbs and window sills;
- places where the sash joins the window frame;
- frame wood;
- glass.
How to insulate wooden windows for the winter with your own hands
To begin with, let us note that everything existing methods insulation can be divided into two directions - external and internal, which means that the technology for insulating wooden windows will be considered in two directions.
1. Insulation of wooden windows for the winter from the outside
External insulation is carried out with outside windows from the street. It is much easier to carry out this type of work in a private house than in a multi-storey one. However, in the apartment and in the house, the following options are available:
Insulation of window slopes from the outside
Thermal insulation window slopes a mandatory step, since insulation from the inside does not exclude the possibility of heat loss from the street. Polyurethane foam or rigid insulation is used as insulation.
How to insulate slopes from the street:
- inspect the window around the perimeter of the frame, remove all elements that do not adhere well (old putty, polyurethane foam, insulation, plaster, paint, etc.);
- prime the surface of the slopes;
- Blow out all the cracks with polyurethane foam and/or glue the foam onto the slope. During the installation of foam plastic, you need to ensure that the sheet fits onto the frame;
- if only foam was used, it must be cut off after complete hardening and sealed with plaster. If polystyrene foam was used, it must be covered with a polymer mesh, perforated tape installed in the corners and the slope plastered;
- After the plaster has completely dried, the slope is primed and painted.
Note. External insulation work is carried out at temperatures up to +5 °C. At low temperatures foam and adhesive mixtures lose some of their characteristics and properties.
Window sill insulation
Low tide is Bottom part slope Here it is recommended to fill all the cracks with polyurethane foam and install a drip strip on top. It is necessary to provide the opportunity to drain water downwards (the ebb strip is installed at an angle), turn the side edges up to avoid water flowing in, move the strip 20-30 mm beyond the edge of the masonry, and seal all joints between the strip and the slope or frame with sealant.
Eliminating cracks
Do not forget that wood is a breathable and non-hygroscopic material, so the outside of the window must be painted or varnished.
Advice. If detachment of the existing paint coating it needs to be removed using a hair dryer and a new layer applied.
2. Insulating wooden windows from the inside for the winter
Let's look at the main methods internal insulation windows (thermal insulation on the room side), which can be divided into temporary and conditionally permanent. The first group of activities includes those that are carried out during cold weather and are removed in the spring by washing frames and windows. The second includes those that ensure the tightness of windows for a long period.
How can you insulate old windows?
- paper;
- cotton wool;
- foam;
- rubber or polymer seals;
- polyurethane foam;
- acrylic or silicone sealant;
- hard or soft insulation;
- paraffin, alabaster, etc.
How to insulate wooden windows with paper
This is the first option that comes to mind if you need to quickly and inexpensively insulate old windows. Of course, the aesthetics of the window suffers from this method, but the level of tightness is quite high. Material prepared for the website www.site
To make paper putty, you need to shred the paper (it’s better to take old newspapers), soak it in water, squeeze it out, add 1 part clay or 2 parts crushed chalk to the mixture, and seal all the cracks with the resulting mass. The putty is flexible and easily clogged even into small cracks. To apply the mass, use a knife, screwdriver, metal ruler or other suitable tool.
To cover the paper putty, window tape or special paper with adhesive properties (such as masking tape), window paper or fabric strips are usually used. Fabric and paper are coated with soap soaked in water and glued over the cracks.
The insulation is kept in place until warmer weather sets in, and then removed. At the same time, unattractive stripes remain on the window that need to be washed off.
Note. If decorative coating It does not stick well to the window, you need to be prepared for the fact that some part of it will be removed along with the tape or paper and painting will be required.
How to insulate wooden windows with cotton wool
The method is similar to the first, but instead of paper putty, cotton wool is used, which is also covered with strips of paper/fabric.
How to properly stick paper on windows - video
Insulation of windows with sealant (regular or tubular foam rubber)
Ordinary foam rubber is placed between the frame doors and closed. Foam rubber distinguishes low price and accessibility. And also the possibility of reuse next season.
Tubular foam rubber is glued to the window frame from the inside using adhesive tape. The advantage of this method is the ability to use the window - open/close (for example, to ventilate the room). The seal holds securely on the sash and does not interfere with the operation of the window. In addition, it can be glued in several rows, which increases the tightness of the fit of the window sash to the frame.
A good option is self-adhesive window tape made of rubber, polyurethane or polyethylene foam, made in the form of tubes with an adhesive base.
The choice of sealant depends on the temperature, quality of the material, and the size of the gaps. Learn more about window seals in the video
Insulation of wooden windows using Swedish technology
This is one of effective ways insulation using a sealant. The difference lies in the technology of its installation. In this case, before installing the seal, you need to make a groove in the frame and place the seal in it.
As you can see, Swedish technology is, in fact, a partial restoration of a wooden window. And, ordinary wooden frames in their heat-saving properties are close to metal-plastic ones.