How to insulate the mounting seam of plastic windows from the inside. Instructions for the insulation of internal and external window slopes. Internal insulation of plastic windows

The perfection of the designs of plastic windows is far from the ideal that is presented in advertising. In practice, it turns out that both cold and loud sounds are passed into the room. That is why the question of how to insulate plastic windows for the winter with your own hands inside an apartment arises over time for most of their users.

The perfection of the designs of plastic windows is far from that ideal.

Reasons for the need for additional insulation

Violation of tightness is the main factor provoking the need for insulation work.

What causes leaks:

1. Errors in the installation of the window block;
2. Poor installation of slopes;
3. Worn insulation;
4. Loss of elasticity of the seal;
5. Shrinkage of walls;
6. Malfunction of mechanisms, window fittings.

Violation of tightness is the main factor

Interesting! A plastic window during installation requires significant destruction of the window opening. Often, builders resort to unscrupulous insulation measures, clogging the impressive holes formed during the construction of the house with literally anything - from construction debris to sand and cement.

Popular for sealing holes in walls and polyurethane foam

Popular for sealing holes in walls is also polyurethane foam, which has a cellular structure, which over time, when condensation forms in facade cracks, exfoliates from the surface and also dries out under the influence of ultraviolet rays. Therefore, over time, insulation will require not only window slots, but also a window sill.

Invite masters or insulate with your own hands?

For self-insulation of plastic windows, it is desirable to be familiar with the technological process of installing window blocks.

It is widely believed that it is better to trust professional specialists to eliminate defects in the sash seal and insulation along the glass contour, as well as malfunctions in window fittings and the locking mechanism. The advantage of performing work by experienced skilled craftsmen is that they provide a guarantee for their services.

The advantage of performing work by experienced skilled craftsmen

Remember! Independent work on the insulation of a plastic window will be considered a violation of the terms of warranty service, if its period has not yet expired.

Some types of work, for example, warming the contour of the frame, slopes, ebbs, window sills, can be done by hand. A rich selection of material on the Internet, which describes in detail how to insulate plastic windows if it blows, with step-by-step instructions in video and text format, are accessible to anyone without special skills.

If there is any doubt about the success of the conceived business, it is better to put it in the hands of experienced people.

The decision on whether to insulate windows on your own or seek help from a master should be taken carefully. If you are sure that you can do it yourself, it is not necessary to spend money on such work. If there are doubts about the success of the conceived business, it is better to give it into the hands of experienced people.

Diagnostics of critical places

To determine what work is required, the window must be examined for places where wind and cold pass through.

To understand exactly where the window lets the cold into the room, you can use a simple trick: take an ordinary lighter or candle, and examine the perimeter of the window for the presence of blown areas, observing the deflection of the flame. In the absence of a lighter, you can use an open palm.

The closest thing to consider is the junction of the window frame to the wall

On a note! The closest thing to consider is the junction of the window frame to the wall. Slopes, window sills and fittings are also subject to mandatory inspection.

It is especially convenient to find gaps on frosty days, when the temperature is contrasting outside compared to the room.

What materials to choose for insulation

The choice of material depends on the condition of the window system.

The most popular insulation for windows indoors:

• Cotton wool, masking tape;
• Foam rubber on an adhesive basis;
• Mounting foam;
• Sealant, putty;
• Rubberized seal
• Styrofoam;
• Mineral wool.

Ordinary packing tape for window insulation will not work.

Important! Ordinary packing tape for window insulation will not work - it is very difficult to wash.

Insulation, if necessary, can be mounted using dowel fastening or adhesive mixture.

Decorative finishing can be done with a plaster mixture

Decorative finishing can be done with a plaster mixture, PVC panels or drywall.

Wash the window first

Not many people know that a dirty window is the cause of heat leakage from the room.

The thing is that heat tends to go outside the window in the form of infrared radiation. Standard window glass is transparent, while allowing the rays of the visible spectrum to pass through, it acts as a barrier to heat-transmitting infrared rays.

Glass covered with a layer of dirt loses its transparency

Interesting! Glass covered with a layer of dirt loses its transparency for the visible part of the radiation, but at the same time, the transparency of the glass for infrared rays increases.

Therefore, the banal timely washing of windows, performed before the onset of cold weather, will help maintain heat in the house.

Before insulating plastic windows for the winter, they should be washed

Before insulating plastic windows for the winter, they should be washed both inside and out. Detergents containing ammonia or ethyl alcohol will qualitatively wash window glass from dirt and greasy stains.

In any case, before carrying out insulation work, you should also thoroughly wash the frames and the window sill, since heaters, seals and heat-saving films do not adhere very well to uncleaned frames.

Window sash pressure adjustment

The rubber seal can lose its elasticity and volume due to the constant opening or closing of the window frame. Cold air begins to flow into the house through the gaps formed.

It is not necessary to change the gasket. You can adjust the clamping mechanism.

The rubber seal may lose its elasticity

Important! A completely leaky seal will have to be replaced.

There are special cylinders in the slots of the metal plugs. They go into the frame hooks and are called trunnions.

The hooks can be moved to the degree of pressure we need, or the trunnions can be adjusted. Loosening the bolt facilitates a change in the position of the hook. To increase the pressure, the hooks are moved towards the street, to loosen the hooks, they are moved to the side of the room.

For those who want to visually see how to insulate plastic windows for the winter with their own hands inside, using the methods of adjusting the clamping mechanism from the room, this process is presented in the video below.

Traditional ways of insulating plastic windows with your own hands

• Cotton wool and masking tape. These materials remain the most economical. Large gaps and the entire frame along the perimeter of the window are laid with cotton wool, after which it is sealed on top with masking tape.
• Adhesive foam insulation. Reliable protection against cold and wind, qualitatively attached to the window frame and does not fall off. In one roll - 3 meters of material, so before going to the hardware store, you can calculate the right amount. The only drawback is that the foam rubber can absorb the resulting condensate, as a result of which the tightness can be broken.

These materials remain the most economical

• putty. This method is suitable for those who are looking for a reliable answer to the question of how to insulate plastic windows, if it turns out that it blows heavily in any of the sections of the frame. Putty is sold in bars weighing 300 grams. For one window you will need one such bar. Hands knead the mass until soft, after which it fills all the cracks. After hardening, the material hardens. The work is quite labor intensive. Putty does not absorb moisture and is very inexpensive.

Sold putty in bars weighing 300 grams

• Silicone sealant. Reliable sealing contributes to the preservation of heat. Ideal for filling voids and gaps, as well as strengthening glass in a frame. However, frames cannot be filled with such material, since with the onset of spring the window may not open.

Reliable sealing contributes to the preservation of heat

• Rubberized seal. Reliable and durable insulation. There are three types, depending on the thickness, for filling gaps of various sizes. Sold in skeins of 10-12 meters. The cost of such material is quite high.

Glass surface insulation

Cold glass has a considerable area and is a kind of refrigeration panel, since in fact it lowers the temperature of the air in contact with it.

Condensation forms on cold glass indoors, which, with prolonged exposure to the window opening and frame, provokes:

• mold development;
• accelerated seal wear;
• the entry of fungal spores into the air inhaled by a person, which harms the health of all people living in the room.

A simple, effective and inexpensive solution for insulating a plastic window is to stick a thermal film on the glass surface. It consists of rare earth metals deposited in a thin molecular layer, as well as nickel and silver alloys that do not let cold air through.

The application of thermal film does not affect the transparency of glass.

Due to the formation of an air cushion between the film and glass, a heat retention coefficient of 154% is achieved. The application of thermal film has no effect on the transparency of glass.

For gluing thermal film you will need:

• double sided tape;
• scissors;
• stationery knife;

Procedure:

1. Before gluing, it is extremely important to perfectly wash and wipe the glass dry. It depends on how evenly the film “lies” on the glass surface and how long it will last.
2. Apply double-sided tape around the perimeter of the window.
3. Separate the edges of the film with a utility knife.
4. Cut out a piece of canvas with scissors in accordance with the size of the window and stick it on the adhesive tape applied to the frames.
5. Turn on the hair dryer and blow the film with warm air, leveling it on the glass surface. If small bubbles appear, they can be popped with the tip of a knife.

A reliable way to additionally insulate windows is blackout curtains

Checked! Another reliable way to additionally insulate windows is thick curtains that have an air cushion effect similar to thermal film.

Other ways to insulate plastic windows

More serious internal insulation work, such as:

• installation of slopes (with dismantling of old ones);
• window sill insulation with various materials;
• replacement of sealant and insulation;
• adjustment of the level of the window block due to shrinkage of the walls;
• repair and adjustment of mechanical components and fittings

You can also do it on your own, with certain technical skills, attentiveness and diligence. How this is done, you can see in special videos, where all the instructions will be clear even to a beginner.

Plastic windows that really keep the heat in the house is an absolutely feasible task. It is important to detect all blown areas, and, having chosen the most appropriate method of insulation, perform simple step-by-step actions.

Why insulate plastic windows? This reasonable question arises, for sure, among all owners of modern hermetic structures, because manufacturers sold us a perfect product with perfect thermal insulation. Installation errors, improper operation, house shrinkage and time can play a cruel joke even with the highest quality windows. Do not rush to change the entire structure - you can try to insulate plastic windows with your own hands. It's easy and short. We deal with the weak points of modern windows and learn how to eliminate them.

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 an accelerated process of rubber thinning and drying, 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 carry out effective insulation of 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 such 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, then 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 the decorative trim can be returned to its place. 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 with silicone sealant. This is followed by plastering work and applying a 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 the glass, but reflects the thermal energy back into the apartment. The effect is achieved due to the presence of a thin metal layer. Of course, when it comes to plastic windows, it is better to use a special heat-saving double-glazed window - its efficiency is many times higher than any film, but if a regular 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 with 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 on an 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 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 С, and you can let the cold into the apartment. In order to face the problem of insulating a modern window as late as possible, it is worth taking the choice of a window manufacturer as seriously as possible, paying attention to the selection of optimal technical characteristics, focusing on the climate of the region. It is also important to choose a responsible installer and remember to properly maintain the window.

Frosts are approaching, and it becomes very cold in the apartment, despite the normal operation of the 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 elementary improvised materials. There are many methods to temporarily solve the problem of window insulation. There are also means for longer thermal insulation, with which you can ensure the tightness of window structures for several years.

We offer you instructions for using the most popular heaters. Explore the available options and choose the best one.

Regardless of the chosen method of thermal insulation of windows, you will need approximately the same set of tools and materials.

Devices for self-insulation of windows.

1. putty. You can use silicone or a special window.
2. Water.
3. Sealing rope.
4. Detergents for window frames and glasses.
5. Old rags.
6. Rubber spatula.
7. Special window insulation. Instead, you can use ordinary foam rubber.
8. Adhesive tape.
9. Wide bowl.
10. Flour.
11. Laundry or cosmetic soap.

One of the most budgetary and most simple options for insulating window structures. In accordance with this instruction, newsprint is used to seal the cracks. It is enough to simply take old newspapers, wet them with water to get a homogeneous mass, and then fill all kinds of cracks with this substance. For greater convenience, the soaked paper can be folded 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 with laundry soap diluted in water.

Despite its simplicity and low cost, the method is very effective and proven by many generations of housewives. However, such insulation also has its own significant minus - when the air temperature in the street starts to rise, the thermal insulation will have to be removed. The problem is that paint often peels off along with the paper. And getting rid of soaked newspapers is not so easy. Therefore, this method is increasingly being abandoned in favor of the next thermal insulation option.

This option is very convenient and easy to implement. You need to buy technical cotton wool in the hardware store and fill all the gaps with the material. The joints of the structural elements are sealed with a cloth. Technical wool is characterized by excellent thermal insulation properties and can be removed without any difficulty with the onset of warm weather.

Such insulation, although it is the most budgetary and extremely simple in execution, but its effectiveness is beyond doubt - the windows stop letting cold air through and heat is stored in heated rooms.

To seal large gaps, it is more convenient to use foam rubber. Typically, such gaps form when the window sashes shrink very much, to the point that they stop adhering normally to the frame. It will not be possible to save the situation with the help of 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 immediately with an adhesive side to save time and make installation more convenient. In the absence of such material, purchase ordinary foam rubber and nail it to the window frame with small carnations.

The service life of foam rubber is on average 2-3 years. Check its condition and replace if necessary. On top of the foam rubber, you can stick paper, tape or fabric. In the spring, you need to get rid of such thermal insulation. You can leave the foam rubber itself and use it next winter.

Warming according to 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 this technique is that it allows you to perform a partial reconstruction of windows, and not simply create temporary insulation, like the other methods above. 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. a similar insulation is laid in a much more complex pattern than cotton wool, paper and foam rubber. Buy the material and use it to insulate your windows according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Paraffin and Sealant Insulation Guide

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. Excess material is best removed immediately before it dries. In the future, to eliminate the protruding sealant, it will be enough to wipe the surface with a cloth lightly moistened with gasoline. From the glass, you can simply gently pick it off with a knife.

Also, small gaps can be sealed with paraffin. To do this, take a few paraffin candles or buy ready-made material right away. Paraffin must be melted, drawn into a syringe of a suitable volume and carefully filled with it in each available slot.

Large defects can be repaired with an ordinary clothesline. Any other cord will work too. The rope is tightly pushed into the slot, after which it is filled with paraffin.

Such insulation will last at least 2-3 years. For the rest, be guided by the state of thermal insulation and, if necessary, add new paraffin.

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 pollution. If desired, it can even be painted - the thermal insulation properties will not deteriorate from this.

Tubes of different diameters are available for sale, so you can choose the material that is best suited for the insulation of your windows.

You can set the required diameter using plasticine. It is enough to take a piece of plasticine, wrap it in plastic wrap and clamp it between the sash and the 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 partial restoration of windows. But it is quite expensive, plus everything requires some skills for successful styling. Suitable exclusively for windows without significant damage, which they tried to maintain in good 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 the hinges, and then mark a place in the window frame for sampling the groove. Next, you should choose a groove around the perimeter of the window frame. This is easily done with a cutter. A sealant is rolled into the prepared groove. It needs to be glued on. Fixing is done with glue. It should be of the highest quality and reliable so that the material does not move or fall out. After laying the seal, it remains only to return the window sashes to their place.

If necessary, replace the fittings and try to align the geometry of the window, but without the necessary skills, this is almost impossible to do. 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 designed heat-saving films. Their structure is such that they normally let the light of the sun into the room, while not allowing the heat to leave the room. The film must be fixed with the metallized side facing the street.

Fastening to the frame is carried out with an overlap. Adhesive tape is used for fixation. If you do everything carefully, the film will almost not be evident.

Features of using polyurethane foam as a heater

To seal cracks and reduce heat loss, you can use ordinary polyurethane foam. It is extremely easy to use and allows you to get the highest quality thermal insulation. It is only necessary to show maximum attention and accuracy during work in order to close up all the existing gaps. After the foam dries, its excess should be cut off with a sharp knife, and the insulation itself should be hidden 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 more 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 work to completely hide the traces of insulation, but at least the mounting foam will not be so striking.

Thus, for self-insulation of windows for the winter, you can use a wide variety of materials. Choose the most suitable and convenient option for you and proceed. Good luck with your work and warm winter!

Video - How to insulate wooden windows

Video - Installation of a heat-saving film

Video - How to insulate a plastic window with your own hands for the winter

After installing plastic windows, the owners are sure that they are guaranteed to provide comfort in the room under any conditions. Theoretically, this is correct, high-quality designs flawlessly perform their functions. But even the most perfect products gradually lose their ability to retain heat.

If the manufacturing and installation technology has been violated, then cold air flows into the housing immediately. Changing double-glazed windows or fittings with the call of masters is an expensive procedure. Therefore, the best option is to insulate plastic windows with your own hands.

Causes of heat loss - how to determine the source?

First, it is determined whether it is really blowing from the window opening. Often this is just an illusion, which is explained simply. If a structure is installed that does not provide adequate thermal insulation in terms of its characteristics, then air circulation is disturbed during frost. The cold mass moves inside the room by the window. This suggests that heat escapes through it.

To see if this is true or not, they take a burning candle and bring it closer to the point of contact between the window sash and the frame. When the deflection of the flame is noticeable, a leak is detected through which heat escapes. If the fire is vertical, then the design is sealed, and the reason is different.

Structural elements of a plastic window

With a candle, a window opening is passed along the entire perimeter, then it is precisely possible to detect a defective place. More often it is located at the junction of the frame and the wall. The problem lies in poor-quality installation - it blows through a window sill, under which there are slots, or through slopes.

Window block device

The most common cause is due to incorrectly adjusted fittings. The malfunction is eliminated easily and quickly, but if the equipment is of poor quality, it happens that nothing can be done. This applies to products manufactured underground. The cost is low, which attracts little-known domestic firms that choose such suppliers. Therefore, it is preferable to order designs from large companies that value their reputation.

If the geometry of the window is violated during the assembly of the structure, the sashes do not fit snugly against the frame, drafts appear. In this case, nothing can be changed, a reinstallation is required, taking into account the mistakes made earlier. A master from a well-known company will never make such mistakes. For products installed at the beginning of the plastic product boom, this was a natural phenomenon, because random people without relevant knowledge and experience were recruited as workers.

A poor quality window seal also causes cold to enter the room. Good material withstands frost and heat for many years without losing elasticity. A dirty surface leads to the same consequences. Damaged products are replaced with new ones.

Cheap plastic is sometimes used for the manufacture of plastic windows. It is quickly destroyed from the outside under the influence of ultraviolet rays and elevated temperatures. In the winter season, cracks appear on the profile through which cold penetrates into the room. The product cannot be repaired and needs to be replaced.

Insulation of windows along the contour - where to start?

Domestic manufacturers have adopted European technology, but the quality of installation remains unsatisfactory in many cases. Not enough attention is paid to the insulation of window openings from the outside, and this causes the penetration of cold into the room. The consequences are serious: dampness and mold form on the internal slopes. Simply covering cracks in the street is ineffective.

To insulate plastic windows, first of all, pay attention to the window sill and slopes. The installation is accompanied by great destruction. Holes in the opening are sealed with mounting foam, which is the easiest. It subsequently falls apart under atmospheric influence, because it is not protected. All work on the street is carried out only in warm weather, winter is not the right time for this.

The installation of external slopes provides reliable thermal insulation, a barrier is formed against the penetration of cold into the room. Without this measure, all other methods are ineffective. There are many technological methods, among which the proposed one is one of the most accessible for repetition. You will need simple and inexpensive materials:

• Styrofoam;
• suitable glue for it;
• reinforcing mesh.

The sequence of work is simple. First, the remains of the mounting foam are cut off, then the insulation is fixed on the surface of the slopes. Glue is not spared, they give so much that it clogs the cracks. The excess is removed with a spatula, if voids remain somewhere, they are filled with the same mixture. A mesh is installed on top, everything is plastered. Further finishing (puttying, painting) is carried out at the request of the owner.

The performance of work requires compliance with important rules, among which the main thing is that the frame is partially overlapped with insulation, the seam of the mounting foam is completely. The slope is located at a developed angle to the plane of the window to ensure the normal distribution of lighting in the room and an aesthetic appearance.

Particular attention is paid to the ebb and the mounting seam under it. They provide a good outflow of water, for which the slope angle is made at least 5%. The optimal indentation from the wall is 3–4 cm. The side edges are bent up or end strips are installed. Joints are sealed to keep water out.

Internal slopes also require sealing and finishing. After removing old windows and installing new PVC windows, sometimes you have to do a lot of work. The algorithm is the following:

1. 1. Prepare the surface: clean the slopes from dust, cut off the protruding building foam. Apply an antibacterial primer to prevent mold growth.
2. 2. Level with plaster, achieving a smooth, but not necessarily perfect surface. After drying, it is primed.
3. 3. Cut out according to the dimensions of the styrofoam board and glue it to the slopes. Install a corner, putty, fix the casing.
4. 4. For the finishing coat, plaster is usually used, followed by painting. Now drywall is also widely used.

The mounting foam at the junction with the window sill becomes unusable from time to time, it needs to be replaced in order to block the path to cold air flows. The remains of the old mixture are removed, and the dispenser of the new can is passed along the entire seam. For small gaps, this insulation is not very suitable, so silicone sealant is used. It penetrates to a great depth, well eliminates leaks. Another advantage is that it is not afraid of dampness and water.

Adjustment of tightness of sashes

Each opening window has a mechanism by which the pressing force against the seal is changed. Different manufacturers use their original systems, which differ in appearance, but the principle of operation is always the same. On the sidewall there is a number of eccentrics (trunnions), the adjustment of which changes the tightness of the flaps. Under the influence of turning the handle, they go beyond special platforms located on the frame.

The clamp can be changed depending on the season. In summer it is weakened, in winter it is strengthened. Adjustment limits are small - up to one millimeter. It should be remembered that the more stress acts on the seal, the faster it wears out.

The degree of fit of the sash to the frame on the side of the handle, if necessary, is adjusted by rotating the eccentric. It sometimes has a risk by which the clamping force is determined. If the arrow points to the street, it is weakened, when towards the room - reinforced. To tighten, rotate clockwise, to loosen - in the opposite direction. This is usually done with a hex screwdriver, in some cases a wrench or pliers.

The window block on the side where the lower hinge is installed also has a clamping unit. For adjustment, a hexagon is used, with which the screw is turned. Pay attention to the position of the tongue: the more it extends, the stronger the sash is pressed against the frame. To change the fit, take into account which way the window opens. If to the left, to increase the density, the screw is rotated counterclockwise, to the right - along its course.

Window mechanism lock

For tilt-and-turn sashes, it is possible to adjust the tightness of the fit using the top hinge. To gain access to the screw, open the window, press on the lock and set the handle in the ventilation mode. When it is required to strengthen the clamp, the bolt is rotated clockwise.

Some fittings are adjustable with strikers. They are installed on the sidewall next to the handle, the position is changed using a hexagon. To increase the clamp, they are shifted towards the street.

Self-replacing the seal - how to cope?

Rubber bands in plastic windows are produced on a different basis, but they have one purpose - to improve thermal and sound insulation. If necessary, they can be changed with your own hands, but the procedure is quite complicated. Usually they purchase EPDM brand products, which are of good quality and reasonable price. You should not buy TPE, which is afraid of severe frosts, and VMQ is quite expensive.

A self-adhesive seal is sold, the installation principle of which resembles the use of ordinary adhesive tape. Its use is limited, it serves only as an additional protection of the seam between the profile and the window opening, it is not suitable for sashes.

Standard rubber bands for plastic windows have a shape that exactly repeats all the recesses on the structure. The external seals, which are more exposed to weathering, serve less. Replacement is carried out simultaneously by two circuits located on the sash and frame. If we limit ourselves to only one, the clamp is significantly weakened, adjustment does not always help.

Work is done in the following order:

1. 1. Dismantle the old seal by taking it by the middle and pulling it towards you. It is rarely installed on adhesive, so in most cases it will not be difficult to remove it.
2. 2. Process the surface of the plastic structure, paying special attention to the grooves. First, they are washed with soapy water, removing all contaminants, then degreased with alcohol or another agent suitable for this purpose.
3. 3. To ensure tight fastening, glue the corners of the profile. One of the adhesives is applied to it: silicone, PVA or construction, waiting for it to dry.
4. 4. In the meantime, measure the material. If VMQ or TPE grades are used, make a cut for each side with a margin. EPDM rubber bands bend easily, so a whole piece is applied.
5. 5. The final stage is the installation of the seal. It is inserted into the grooves without pulling or squeezing. The work will go faster if you involve another person to help, use an improvised tool, and not do everything with your hands.

To extend the life of the sealing gum, they are washed several times a year, cleaned of dust, coated with silicone grease. If 5-7 years of operation have passed, they most likely need to be replaced.

Using Energy Saving Film

Single-chamber double-glazed windows often do not provide reliable heat retention. Installing more efficient ones is expensive, so insulation is used with a special multi-layer material. Its energy efficiency is compared to third glass. At the same time, transparency practically does not decrease, strength increases. This is a thin film coated with a liquid metal substance.

There are various thermal insulation materials of this type. One of the most expensive - with a side that has a special layer for mounting on glass. This is a self-adhesive film. Reinforced slightly worse transmits light, but lasts longer. More suitable for use in climates with severe frosts.

To fix the thermal film on the window at home, you need to have scissors and a building or ordinary household hair dryer. If it is not self-adhesive, double-sided tape is used.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. 1. Glass is cleaned of dust and dirt, washed with a special liquid or soapy foam, wiped dry. It is advisable to degrease the doors where the fastening will take place.
2. 2. Prepare the thermal film. If it is packaged as a double-sided cut, one layer is separated from the other.
3. 3. The material is laid out on a clean and dry surface, cut to fit the window. Add 2-3 cm along the edges.
4. 4. Attach double-sided tape around the perimeter, remove the protective paper strip. Glue the film, achieving a snug fit without cracks.
5. 5. Turn on the hair dryer and blow the entire surface. The material is heat-shrinkable, under the influence of a warm air flow it straightens and joins the glass.

When performing work, adhere to some recommendations:

• installation is carried out in dry weather in early autumn;
• removed in the spring, when the cold finally passes;
• film is changed every year.

When installing it, do not pull it too hard so as not to break it - the wrinkles will be smoothed out from the hair dryer. Third-party help is used for stickers: one person holds from above, the other from below.

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 (it is inserted into the open window and clamped by the complete closing of the sash), if you pull on 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 with the correct technology for installing a plastic window. 15 years ago, this service was so in demand that everyone who had at least some idea about installing window blocks went to installers. Naturally, few people performed the installation of PVC windows in accordance with GOST;

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

• an attempt to save money. One of the 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 and adjust the (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 the winter. 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. A reliable way to 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 plasterboard 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 carried out before the window sill is installed by laying a layer of heat-insulating material. And also after its installation - by foaming the distance between the window sill and the 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 (pressure tightness).

Replacing the seal in plastic windows - video

Additional ways to insulate plastic windows

1. 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.


2. Thick curtains. They also trap heat inside the room.


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


4. 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%.


5. 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.


6. 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.


7. 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.