How to insulate a plastic window for the winter with your own hands? We insulate double-glazed windows with our own hands How to insulate plastic windows in an apartment

12.11.2019

The right decision regarding the insulation of plastic windows will be the implementation of this process at the stage of frame installation. Although it will raise total cost work by 20-30%, but in the end will have a positive impact on indoor comfort. If, for some reason, it was not possible to combine the repair and insulation of plastic windows in the room, then you will have to spend time on independent work. It is not difficult, but requires certain rules to be followed.

Choose the right time

The preferred time for warming is the summer and spring seasons. To do this, choose dry and calm weather. It is not worth tightening with the insulation of plastic windows for the winter with your own hands if the following signs appear:

noticeable heat leakage;
small drafts;
drops of condensate in the window area.

Effective insulation of plastic windows outside and inside is easier to carry out in the warm season, since some materials lose their plasticity during significant cooling. Also, sealants need a certain temperature range at which they will take on the desired consistency.

According to warranty specifications, sealants are applied at temperatures above +5°C

It should be noted that during frosty and windy weather it is easier to identify problem areas and mark them, and later it is worth dealing with their elimination.

In windy weather, the quality of the installation of plastic windows is also checked. With the sashes fully closed, the flame of the candle must be motionless when passed around the perimeter of the window.

Identification of cold bridges

The main problems of double-glazed windows are improper installation, worn seals and unbalanced locks.

Before insulating plastic windows for the winter, it is worth identifying areas in which heat leakage occurs. Such areas may include slopes, window sills, double-glazed windows, fittings. Detection is carried out with tactile methods and with the help of a lighter (matches). Running your palm around the perimeter of a window or passing a flame can reveal a leak. Visual diagnostics are carried out. Common causes are the following factors:

worn seal;
glazing bead that came out of the seat;
misaligned clamping mechanisms (locks);
building foam has lost its performance characteristics;
poorly installed window sills.

It is necessary to pay attention, among other things, to the slopes, since they are also able to become a conductor of cold into the room.

In order for the sealant to remain intact for a long time, it is lubricated with special compounds once a year and a half. These can be universal silicone lubricants or professional kits for the comprehensive care of PVC windows, but here is not only a tool for caring for rubber bands, but also for other elements.

Ensuring tightness

The main task, which is solved when insulating plastic windows with your own hands, is to increase the isolation of the room from the external environment. To implement this strategy, in most cases it will be necessary to use technical features designs. Actions will be feasible even for specialists who do not have much experience in repair work.

Often the glazing bead protrudes from its landing nest. This may be due to its deformation. Replacement is carried out using a thin spatula, with which we hook the element to be removed. We install a new part in the vacated space, which can be ordered from a manufacturer of a similar profile.
The built-in sealing tape for insulation of plastic windows requires more time. Having determined that the part has lost the plasticity necessary for effective use we are replacing it. We remove the glazing bead from its side and, having pulled out the linings, remove the double-glazed window. We dismantle the worn strip. We measure the length and cut the new tape 2-4 cm longer. We carry out laying in the technological groove with the help of an auxiliary roller. We cut off the excess tape and return the dismantled parts of the window in the reverse order of disassembly.
High-quality insulation of plastic windows with your own hands, as in the video, is impossible without the reliable operation of clamping mechanisms. If they provide insufficient pressure between the frame elements, then gaps with drafts are formed. There are a pair of adjusting screws in the plumb bob mounting area. The first is responsible for the position of the valves, and the second provides the clamping force. For self-adjustment, the latch is completely loosened, and the adjuster must be tightened clockwise. It will be possible to determine the quality of such work with the help of a lighter flame, which should not fluctuate when brought to the joint.
A few years after the installation of a modern profile, in some cases it is necessary to insulate the slopes of plastic windows. Cracks can appear in them, which are a source of cold. It is customary to caulk them with foam rubber or pieces of rags. If visually it was not possible to detect gaps, then it is necessary to lightly tap the surface on the plaster in order to identify voids. Next, we open this area and also caulk with improvised materials. We apply a layer of plaster over the insulation. If necessary, cover the surface with decor.
It is necessary to insulate the window sill of plastic windows. In this situation, work is carried out with butt joints, and not with the slab itself. It is necessary to fill them with construction foam, and then carry out the finishing. Since a radiator is traditionally located under the window, the surface behind it up to the window sill is sealed with heat-insulating material.

External work can be carried out without outside help only for the first or second floors. Otherwise, it is necessary to call the appropriate specialists. They will seal the seams with concrete mortar or plaster.

VIDEO: Plastic windows. Fast sealing of joints and seams

Film for insulation

Conducting thorough construction works in demand after a long period of operation. Then it would be appropriate to use such advice. However, it is often desirable to improve the current situation without the use of any building technologies. To do this, manufacturers recommend using effective improvements. One of them is a film for warming plastic windows. High-tech device designed to reduce heat loss.

Outwardly, it seems that this is an ordinary plastic film, and far from the densest. In fact, it is polyester, which is used in the creation of heat-saving and sun-protection structures.

The principle of operation of the film on the windows

Taking into account the special manufacturing technology, the canvas has a special structure, due to which light enters the room without hindrance, and the heat emanating from the inside is reflected and returned back. In fact, such a film allows you to create the effect of a thermos in a house or apartment, in which heat loss will be reduced by 25%. It is not removed for the summer, because it also reflects heat, but now it is coming from outside. The indoor temperature remains stable. The film is designed for 3-5 years of operation.

The usage procedure consists of the following points:

The glass and frame are thoroughly washed with soapy water and left to dry completely (do not wipe with towels, as villi may remain).
The frame, and it is on it that the film will be glued, is degreased with any alcohol composition.
On the edge adjacent to the glass, stick double-sided tape around the entire perimeter.
Lay out the film, align it and cut off the desired size with a construction knife along the double-glazed window with an allowance of 20 mm on all sides on adhesive tape.
Gluing the film to the adhesive tape, for which it is first glued along the top bar, then pulled. Fasten on the sides and at the very end, gently pulling it, glue it to the bottom.

prints may remain on the canvas, so it is advisable to carry out work with gloves;
if creases remain during gluing, they can be removed with a hot jet from a hair dryer. When exposed to heat, the film shrinks and the wrinkles disappear;
it is impossible to stretch the film too much - it can burst;
The film should not touch the glass - it is glued exactly to the frame of the double-glazed window.

VIDEO: The nuances of window insulation with film. detailed instructions

A warm home is a guarantee of a cozy atmosphere and comfort for all family members. To make our home warmer, we use energy-saving technologies, make underfloor heating, use alternative sources heat.
An important factor is not only the accumulation of heat in the cold season, but also its preservation. Experts, not without reason, believe that about 40% of the heat leaves through our windows.

It's no secret to anyone that panoramic windows, large windows to the floor is one of the main causes of heat loss. Plastic and wooden windows also need to be insulated, thanks to which it will be possible to significantly save on heating in winter.

Insulate plastic windows for the winter with your own hands

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

1. Replacing the plastic window seal

Replacing the plastic window seal can be done independently. It is better to buy a sealant "native". If you can not buy one, you can consult with the seller in the hardware store. To select the appropriate sealant, it is enough to take a small piece of the old one with you.
Better if rubber compressor will be black. There is not so much street dust on it.

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

After that, the sash is installed in place. The sash is mounted from top to bottom on the lower hinge, then the parts of the upper hinge are connected by moving away from itself, the pin, lock washer and hinge overlay are installed. We close the sash with a lock and check the quality of the work performed, testing the joint for a draft.

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

2. Adjustment of plastic window fittings

Over time, plastic window locks require adjustment. The fixed part of the lock is on the frame. The main indicator for adjusting locks is a bolt head recessed into the structure, which has a groove for a hex key. This is an adjusting bolt that changes the position of the wedge, behind which the locking "tongue" of the lock goes. Adjusting this wedge changes the tightness of the sash against the frame in the closed position. AT summer period the closing density can be weakened, and in winter, on the contrary, the density should be maximized. To adjust the lock of the plastic window, use a hex key.

3. Warming of slopes and window sills.

It is good if, when installing a plastic window, slopes and PVC window sills were installed at the same time. If a draft is heard through a plastic window, you need to take care of the insulation of slopes and window sills. Large cracks can be filled with tow or foam rubber. Top gaps can be filled mounting foam or alabaster. Then complete the treatment of cracks with sealant.

We warm wooden windows for the winter with our own hands

4. In order to eliminate drafts in the house, it is necessary to lay in all the cracks between the frames and glass pieces of paper, which before that are wetted and twisted into a tourniquet. On top of such a heater, paper is usually used to increase tightness. The disadvantage of this method is that after the cold weather, the dried paper from the frames will need to be removed, and the frames themselves will need to be repainted.

5. The next method of wooden insulation is to place cotton wool and pieces of foam rubber. From above, you can stick strips of unnecessary fabric 5 cm wide. Before using such fabric strips, they must be wetted, wrung out and lathered with soap. Compared to paper, the fabric will not yellow and can be easily removed in the spring.

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

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

7. Warming with tubular profiles. Such profiles are sometimes also called gaskets. Such heaters are made for large and small cracks. The advantage of the insulation is that it is invisible, as it is glued to one side of the frame. Service life up to at least 5 years. A feature of these profiles is that it is necessary to start warming the window before the onset of severe cold weather. Since such profiles can be installed at a temperature of at least 10 degrees. Seals from pvc is better tolerate frost. When choosing rubber seals, it is better to give preference to softer ones.

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

Window insulation using Swedish technology

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

Insulating windows using Swedish technology is good because it allows you to keep environmentally friendly wooden windows, providing them with good tightness for many years. Also, this technology is good in that it allows you to reduce street noise at times and reduce the penetration of dirt and dust between the doors to almost zero. The cost of window insulation using Swedish technology is ten times lower than the cost of installing new plastic windows.

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

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

The process of warming wooden windows using Swedish technology:
1) First you need to thoroughly wash the windows.
2) Check the sashes. Do they close tightly and do all the mechanisms work.
3) Remove the doors from the hinges.
4) Extra layers are grinded off from the sashes old paint that interfere with closing and opening.
5) Create grooves along the entire contour of the flaps with a cutter.
6) A special high-quality sealant is rolled into the grooves. 7) To reduce the penetration of dust and dirt, window sashes are insulated between themselves and inside.
8) The sashes are put in place, while the fittings are replaced.
9) The sashes are checked and right job wooden window fittings.

Specialists who are engaged in window insulation say that it is better to entrust such insulation work to professionals. Since the work on the insulation of windows using Swedish technology requires special skills and the appropriate tool. The use of a cutter when rolling the seal into the groove ensures that the seal does not peel off and fall out over time.

Alternative ways of warming

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

Use woolen blinds. Ordinary slats are wrapped with strips of wool and fabric. Such blinds become a good protection from the cold.

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

No. 1. Why plastic windows need insulation?

Qualitatively made and installed plastic windows in the first years will certainly be a reliable barrier to cold air, drafts and noise. Over the years, of course, problems can appear, and often the user himself is to blame. With dishonest installation, various defects can make themselves felt in the first season.

The most common reasons for additional thermal insulation of plastic windows:

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

A window of poor quality or with technical characteristics inappropriate for climatic conditions will also not be able to provide normal thermal insulation, which is why it is so important to be able to correctly and immediately determine the right one.

No. 2. We identify weaknesses

To spend effective insulation plastic windows, you must first figure out in which places the tightness is broken. Immediately, only the frame can be deleted from the list of suspects: multi-chamber plastic is a good heat insulator, it does not dry out, unlike.

Cold air can penetrate through the following structural elements:

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

Detect leaky items window simple - just run your palm along and across the entire structure, and you will feel that in some places it is blowing decently. Some advise using a lighter for this purpose. If you light a flame and run it around the perimeter of the window, maintaining a safe distance, it will tilt in those places where there is even a small draft. Be extremely careful with this method!

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

No. 3. Debugging the clamping mechanism

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

Presser adjustment can be carried out with the help of special eccentrics located along the perimeter of the wings. To make the sash fit tighter, the eccentric must be turned clockwise using a 4 mm hex wrench. Focus on the serif located on each such element. When it is directed towards the street, the clamp is loosened, towards the seal it is strengthened. Everything is well shown in the video.

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

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

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

No. 4. Seal replacement

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

Procedure for replacing the glass seal:

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

No. 5. window sill insulation

The installation of a plastic window is often associated with decent destruction, they are especially significant in the area between the wall and. Some installers fill the gaps with cement and construction debris. There are no comments here. It is better, of course, when the space under the windowsill is flooded, but this option is not ideal either. Foam can shrink or even dry out over time, decent gaps are formed through which cold air enters the house.

To insulate a plastic window, you will have to get rid of the old foam and fill in a new one. Keep in mind that it tends to expand when solidified. After complete solidification, the excess is cut off, some builders recommend additionally filling small cracks silicone sealant. After that follow plastering work and decorative coating.

If possible, the window sill area can be additionally insulated from the outside. For this, mounting foam is also used, but sometimes it is also used. From above, everything is on the grid and gets off.

No. 6. Slope insulation

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

The procedure is as follows:

dismantling of unnecessary parts of the mounting foam;
if the surface is very uneven, you can plaster it;
slope treatment with a primer, antibacterial compounds can be used to prevent the development of mold;
a fragment corresponding to the slope is cut out of the foam plastic. To make it better stick to the surface, it can be slightly scratched on the reverse side. It remains to apply mounting glue and press firmly against the surface of the slope; for a guarantee, several dowels can be installed;
it remains to mount the corner, putty the surface and fix the trim.

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

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

heat-saving film;
window heating;
woolen blinds and curtains.

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

You can easily handle the installation of the film with your own hands:

the surface of the glass and frame are thoroughly cleaned;
double-sided tape is glued around the perimeter of the box;
the necessary fragment is cut off from the film roll, it is better to cut with a margin;
the film is glued to the previously attached double-sided tape, its surface is blown warm air from a hair dryer. It is necessary to act slowly so that the result is neat, there are no distortions and bubbles. A properly glued film is almost invisible.

Glass heating it is already more difficult to equip, it is better to do this at the stage of window installation, but most window companies can install such a system already at installed window. Heating is carried out at the expense of the electric heating spiral which is built in glass.

Well, and finally, the most banal, simple and versatile ways to make the window a little warmer. This is thick curtains and woolen blinds. The latter can be done by wrapping ordinary blinds with a woolen cloth.

It is better to carry out work on the insulation of plastic windows on a warm, dry day, since it is no longer possible to work with many materials at temperatures below +5 ... +10 0 C, and you can let the cold into the apartment. In order to face the problem of warming as late as possible modern window, it is worth taking the choice of a window manufacturer as seriously as possible, paying attention to the selection of optimal specifications depending on the climate of the region. It is also important to choose a responsible installer and remember to properly maintain the window.

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

A plastic or metal-plastic window, like any composite structure, has weaknesses. They are the potential "gates" for heat leakage from the room.

Blowing from a plastic window - find and eliminate

Where can blow from plastic windows

To understand why it is blowing from a PVC window, you need to examine the nodes, and for this you need to know the design principle of the window unit.

The most common places to inflate:

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

How to determine where it is blowing from a plastic window?

The presence of a defect in one of the components of the window block leads to the fact that it blows from plastic windows. There are three ways to determine the exact place of heat loss of metal-plastic windows:

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

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

paper. An ordinary sheet of paper is pressed against the window (inserted into opened window and is clamped by the full closing of the sash), if you pull the corner of the sheet and it is easily pulled out, then the seal is not pressed enough (this may indicate that, in this mode, the old seal is poorly pressed against the frame).

Why it blows from plastic windows - the causes of heat loss

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

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

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

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

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

What to do if blowing from a plastic window

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

The desire to close all the cracks on their own with improvised means is reduced to nothing, because: firstly, it is not aesthetically pleasing, and secondly, there are no guarantees.

When it is advisable to involve professionals:

plastic window installed recently. The installer company is responsible to the consumer for the reliability of the functioning of the windows (if the warranty covers this period);

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

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

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

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

However, often, the cost of attracting specialists is equal to the cost of installing a new window, and this fact makes it more profitable to do the insulation work yourself.

What you can do yourself:

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

How to insulate plastic windows with your own hands

When to insulate windows for the winter

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

more comfortable working conditions;

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

optimal humidity;

lack of draft;

the ability to perform both internal and external insulation;

reducing the risk of catching a cold for tenants of the apartment.

How to insulate plastic windows at home

The choice of insulation depends on the place of blowing.

1. Insulation of window openings for the winter

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

assembly foam. Expanding, the foam fills all the voids around the perimeter of the window opening, preventing the movement of air. Due to the fact that foam is 90% air, it is an ideal insulation. However, the foam needs protection from UV, high and low temperatures. Hence, it is inappropriate to use it by itself;

mineral wool. Excellent heat-insulating material for warming window sills and internal slopes. Cotton wool has a more limited range of use for window insulation;

styrofoam / polystyrene foam. It is used for insulation of slopes of plastic windows;

Note. Rigid insulation is used when the thickness of the mounting seam is not more than 3 mm, in other cases it is better to give preference to mineral wool.

silicone sealant. Reliable way eliminate blowing between the plastic elements of the window;

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

construction tape. Glued on top of the sealant or instead of it;

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

2. Insulation of the window unit

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

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

How to insulate plastic windows from the outside

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

1. Insulation of slopes of plastic windows

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

How to insulate the slopes of plastic windows from the street

Work order:

material preparation (hard insulation);

cleaning slopes from dirt and protruding parts;

surface primer;

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

sealing all cracks with glue;

installation of perforated corners;

installation of a polymer mesh;

plaster finish.

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

2. Insulation of low tides of plastic windows

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

Internal insulation of plastic windows

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

1.Insulation of internal slopes of plastic windows

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

Work order:

crack treatment: removal of dirt, removal of old foam, falling parts, etc.;
applying a primer;
sealing cracks with mounting foam;
removal of excess foam after it dries;
installation of heat-insulating materials (foam or cotton wool);
drywall installation;
finishing drywall with putty and paint.

2. Insulation of the window sill of plastic windows

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

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

3. Warming by adjusting the plastic window

Elimination of skewed PVC window sashes

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

How to adjust plastic windows for the winter - video

Replacing the seal in plastic windows

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

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

Replacing the seal in plastic windows - video

Additional ways to insulate plastic windows

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

Thick curtains. They also trap heat inside the room.

Insulation of windows with improvised means. This method messes up a bit. appearance windows, but in critical cases, it can be a very worthy alternative to replacing a window unit. As a heater, foam rubber, soaked paper, window tape, strips of white fabric, etc. are used.

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

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

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

A complex approach. The most appropriate for insulating windows in an apartment or private house, as it eliminates all possible causes of heat leakage through metal-plastic or PVC windows.

Window glass insulation with energy-saving film - video

Conclusion

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

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Up to 44% of the heat leaves our apartments through the windows. Including through plastic ones - no matter how they were praised in brochures or verbally by the installer. Therefore, we advise you to insulate windows, even plastic ones, with your own hands, and simple tips will help with this.

Even if you contact a specialized company, you will either be promoted to install new windows, or window insulation will cost more than new windows. Strange but true

Konstantin Izhorkin

Personally, I use Uncle Kostya Izhorkin as "my own hands". In the good old days, he worked at a construction plant as a master of industrial training, so he takes payment for any work "by ear". That is, while he is doing something, you must listen to his instructions. Occupational disease!

For a good 30 years, Uncle Kostya had to publicly putty, scrape, knead, lay masonry and hang a plumb line from day to day, continuously hammering undergrowths from vocational schools what, why and how he was doing!

Thermal insulation of plastic windows

You, the intelligentsia, of course, would not be advised to simply hang a window with a cotton blanket, - Uncle Kostya begins his teachings. - Yes, and do not, other times have come! How many kunshtyukov invented! he mutters, unrolling the heat-saving film. - Here you are! Pure lavsan!

I tacitly agree that PET (polyethylene terephthalate) used to be sold under the brand name "lavsan", but I cannot agree with the fact that it is "pure". On the contrary, in the manufacture of a heat-saving film, it serves as the basis for the deposition of several layers of ions and oxides of various metals.

They create a kind of "mirror" that reflects heat into the room. By the same principle, and are created, only there oxides and ions are applied directly to the glass.

Smooth out, smooth out! - Uncle Kostya continues to mentor. - The main thing is to stick it in such a way that there are no swellings or folds! Otherwise, there will be no sense from your lavsan!

And sticks, as it should - neatly over the entire surface of the glass facing the room.

Insulation of PVC window sashes: is it necessary to insulate metal-plastic windows?

Laying insulation around the perimeter of the window sash

Eh, it was necessary to immediately put a metal-plastic window! - I grumble, but Uncle Kostya immediately stops my attempts to show mental and any other independence:

Well, you're in vain! No more than a third of the heat escapes through the glass itself. And everything else - through cracks and cracks in the frame and slopes.

Therefore, it is still necessary to insulate metal-plastic windows for the winter. Konstantin runs his hand under the doors and makes a diagnosis.

It carries from the cracks. When did you install the windows, maybe seven years ago? Here the seal is worn out.

Adjusting the position of the window sash with a hexagon

And he picks out the rubber cord laid along the perimeter of the sash.

- Probably, you slam the window a lot? Nothing, we'll change it now! - he takes out a tubular seal from the knapsack and quickly rolls it up in place of the old tourniquet.

- And you quickly wore it out because the sashes did not fit well to the frame. Here you are not old wooden window! In plastic windows - everything is according to science! Look!

See the hex hole? He points his finger at the end of the sash near the handle. - Carefully take the tool and twist it! Adjust the clearance! And exactly the same from the side of the loops! - Uncle Kostya closes and opens the window several times, trying to see if he adjusted the sash too tightly.

“Don’t twist it tight,” he instructs, “otherwise the handle will break!”

One of the options for window insulation - there is an article on our website.
Another option to increase the comfort, safety and thermal insulation properties of your windows is to use.
One of the most simple ways reduce the outflow of heat through the windows from your apartment - use dense

Rubber seal lost elasticity

This happens due to the constant opening or closing of the window. As a result of such habitual actions, gaps are formed between the doors and the product. The difficulty lies in the invisibility of problem areas.

The room is getting cold. The solution is to replace the worn seal with a new one.

Depressurization of areas between frames and slopes. If there is a loss of tightness in the indicated area, then the slopes are mounted incorrectly. The way out of the situation is to dismantle the corresponding products, followed by insulation and reinstallation.

Do-it-yourself insulation of slopes of plastic windows

This is how window slope insulation is done from the inside

It must be assumed, - the pro continues, - that when the slopes were filled with mounting foam, you didn’t follow the installation of a waterproofing and vapor barrier gasket? Now all the foam has dried up, it gets wet every time and freely passes the cold ... Well, now we'll fix it.

Uncle Kostya goes to the kitchen, builds a steam bath out of two pans and heats the paraffin in it.

Then, with the help of a strip of tissue paper, he examines the “passage courtyard” of my window and, having pumped a good portion of paraffin into a huge tin syringe, injects it into the most vulnerable places of the foam-like insulation and the cracks formed around it.

Thermal insulation of window slopes with foam plastic

Window slopes are insulated with foam

It's still flowers! he mutters. - And the berries will go when we insulate the slopes of your windows with foam plastic!

He leans out of the window, gluing foam blocks to the end of the wall, and then carefully covering them with reinforced mesh and plaster.

- That's not all! - the master explains, filling the cracks with sealant. - Next time you do it yourself, keep in mind that you need to use a special sealant outdoors.

When you go to the store, you’ll just ask: they say, “I need a sealant to cover the window frames from the outside, that is, from the street.” Understood?

Installation and insulation of slopes of plastic windows using sandwich panels

Insulation of slopes of plastic windows with sandwich panels

Then, when the plaster dries, cover it with drywall on top, Uncle Kostya continues. - He also keeps warm, and his appearance is aesthetic. There will be no shame in front of the neighbors.

However, now for those whose hands are sharpened only in the payroll to sign, special sandwich panels are sold.

Just keep in mind that to install them, you will have to buy a special profile, in the form of a channel, only from plastic. To make it clearer to you, a channel is a strip like the letter “p” in cross section.

So, you fasten this profile around the perimeter of the window, insert these sandwich panels into it, and you're done! Do not forget mineral wool fill between this “sandwich” and the wall - to make it warmer - and cover with tape. And then the condensate will wet the cotton, and after that the price is worthless!

The use of electric glass heating and other methods of window insulation

Hey, Konstantin, - I ask, when we are already sitting at the table, - maybe it’s worth installing electric heating on the windows?

Double-glazed window with electric heating

There are smart people, - Uncle Kostya squints, - who simply put an oil cooler on the windowsill. And so they live all winter: instead of a thermal curtain, it works for them.

I just don't like this option. Such an oil cooler has not yet been invented, from which oil vapors would not break out. And they give me a headache.

But electric window heating is a worthwhile thing. Just don't build it yourself. Because there it is necessary to lay an electric spiral on glass. Only the call of the master will fly into your “piece” of wood. Therefore, it is better to just hang thick dark curtains. Checked: cool additional insulation of plastic windows!

Well, be healthy and don't sneeze! - Raising a glass, Uncle Kostya completes his landmark lecture on insulating plastic windows with his own hands.