How to insulate euro windows from the inside. Insulation of plastic windows. Do you want to insulate your window? - wash it

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.

Number 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. it 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

With the advent of metal-plastic windows, there is a tendency for their widespread introduction. In many respects, they are indeed more practical than wooden ones. Many users cite their tightness and the absence of the need to care for them, like wooden ones. But after a certain period they need maintenance, so it is important to know how to insulate plastic windows. The article will discuss the reasons for the need for such maintenance, as well as ways to identify problem areas.

Causes of problems

Consumers who choose plastic windows are mistakenly convinced that they will be able to maintain tightness throughout their entire service life. At first, such windows really reduce heat loss and coolant bills. Much depends not only on the quality of plastic windows, but also on the method of their installation. If the latter was made in violation of elementary rules, then you may not see the difference with old wooden windows. In addition to the mistakes that were made during installation, the following factors can worsen the situation:

• insulation wear;
• delamination of overlays from a double-glazed window;
• changing the window geometry;
• wear of valves;
• PVC base wear;
• improper installation of window sills;
• violation of the technology of finishing slopes.

Insulation in most cases is represented by rubber gaskets, which dry out and become unusable due to constant changes in temperature and humidity. This results in drafts and loss of tightness. Problem areas are also places where the double-glazed window is pressed against the window frame. If the slats begin to lag behind, this will lead to condensation and ice on the window. In production, the corners of the frame and sashes of the window are made ideal, but their geometry can be violated by physical impact. For example, the shrinkage of a building can change the angle, resulting in a sash leak or a gap near the wall.

Metal reinforcement, which is used in plastic windows to fix the sashes, fails over time. In this case, the window cannot be pressed with due force, which is why problems arise. Each material has its own service life, this also applies to PVC profiles. It can also be the reason that the window has lost its tightness. It can seep through from under the windowsill. If during installation the window sill was replaced with a plastic one, then errors could be made during installation, which left a gap through which cold air enters. Slopes require compliance with technology when finishing, so that they can perform their tasks. If they are not sealed enough, then problems are bound to arise.

The solution of questions on the repair or maintenance of plastic windows can be entrusted to a company that specializes in this. Usually in the arsenal of masters there are components that often fail and require replacement. The work will be completed quickly, but it should be borne in mind that a certain part of the budget will have to be paid for such a procedure. Therefore, it is easier to insulate plastic windows with your own hands.

Revealing the causes

Before proceeding with the elimination of the problem that has arisen in plastic windows, it is necessary to accurately determine the location of its deployment. To do this, carefully inspect the window frame for any defects. If it was not possible to visually identify them, then you can do this:

• tactile;
• with a lighter;
• sheet of paper.

If you wet your hand in warm water and bring it to the window, then you can immediately feel the place where the draft breaks through the crack. Sometimes this is not enough, then you can resort to using a lighter or a match. It is enough to light a flame and hold a plastic window near the problem area, if there really is a defect, then the flame will deviate to one of the sides, everything will depend on the direction of the air flow. To detect the loss of tightness due to insulation, a sheet of paper is used. It is necessary to open the window, put a sheet of paper and close the window. If the sheet is easily pulled out, then we can safely talk about a leaky seal.

When to work

Maintenance and insulation of plastic windows in winter is not always convenient. Therefore, the best time will be the spring-autumn period. This is due to a suitable air temperature, which makes it possible to freely open and close windows without fear of catching a cold or increasing the consumption of gas or other media for heating. Insulation of plastic windows may require the use of building mixtures. Most of them are used only at positive temperatures, which is the key to proper drying. Excessive humidity, which may be present in late autumn and winter, is also an obstacle to the normal operation. At the optimum temperature, it is easy to carry out not only internal, but also external work.

External window insulation

Proper insulation of plastic windows involves external and internal work. The first ones include:

• finishing of external slopes;
• drainage insulation.

Each type of work requires its own approach, so it is important to consider them separately.

External slopes

Most often, during the installation of windows, the outer slopes are not finished, so they are the first item to take care of for insulating a plastic window. Without this event, you can do anything from the inside, but this will not give an effect. Insulation of plastic windows from the side of the street makes it possible to move the dew point. Thus, moisture condensation will not occur on the glass from the inside. Often this leads to the appearance of mold, which not only spoils the appearance, but is also harmful to health. Another factor that requires slope finishing is mounting foam. If it is not protected from ultraviolet radiation and precipitation, then it will begin to crumble, which will only increase the drafts.

To carry out the work, you will need a heater, glue and tools. As a heater for slopes, it is best to use extruded polystyrene foam. It has minimal thermal conductivity and is easy to install. This insulation also perfectly resists moisture and does not rot. To fix it to the wall, you will need dowels in the form of umbrellas, as well as special glue.

Note! If you want to use stone wool for slope insulation, you need to take care of its high-quality waterproofing. If this is not done, then it will pick up moisture and lose its insulator properties, which will not solve the problem.

The first step is to thoroughly clean the window slopes of debris. If there are sagging from the old plaster on them, then they should also be knocked down with a hammer or a puncher with a chisel. If there are cracks or other damage, they must be repaired with tile adhesive or a similar mortar. After that, the surface is covered with a deep-penetrating acrylic primer. If the first layer is absorbed too quickly, then you can apply another one and wait until it dries completely. Using a construction knife, the insulation is cut to the required size. An adhesive base is applied to it, and it is placed in its place. At the same time, it should fit snugly against the window frame.

Using a perforator, several holes are drilled in the insulation and the wall. A small amount of foam is blown into them and plastic umbrellas are clogged, which will additionally press the insulation against the wall surface. All remaining gaps that may be between the insulation and the plastic window are sealed with glue. The insulation is covered with a small layer of glue. After that, a reinforcing mesh is mounted on it, which will increase the strength of the slopes. With a spatula, the mesh is pressed against the insulation so that the glue comes out evenly on its surface. After grouting and drying, you can proceed to the finishing work. You can watch a video on window slope insulation below.

Working with ebbs

Insulating the ebb of a plastic window is not a difficult task, so it can be easily handled and it does not require large funds. It is important to carefully examine the space and eliminate all the gaps that exist between the wall and the window. A metal bar is mounted on the ebb, which closes part of the opening and prevents it from getting wet. A small piece of insulation can be placed under the bar, which is firmly glued to the surface. All gaps are additionally filled with sealant.

Internal window insulation

The process of how to insulate windows with your own hands also includes the interior decoration of some nodes. These include:

• internal slopes;
• insulation;
• windowsill.

Insulation will require special patience and care.

Internal slopes

The process of how to insulate the slopes of plastic windows from the inside is very similar to what was described above. Internal slopes require careful processing to achieve a pleasant appearance. It must match the chosen interior. The first step is to cut off the protruding foam, and also add it in those places where the gaps have formed. The old finish that was near the old windows is completely removed. The surface of the slopes is treated with a deep penetration primer and left to dry completely. The next step will be the installation of drywall, plastic panels or putty and plaster.

Note! After finishing, the slopes can be painted with water-based paint or finished with decorative plaster, which is better than using plastic panels.

Windowsill

The window sill is an integral part of the window. For plastic windows, PVC window sills are used, which can be of various sizes and designs. But the correct installation must unite them. First of all, you need to find out where the heat loss goes. The gap can be between the window and the window sill, as well as the window sill and the concrete part. In the first case, it is necessary to seal the gap with a sealant. For a white profile, you can purchase a white sealant, and for other colors, transparent is perfect if the required color is not available.

If it blows from under the windowsill, then certain mistakes were made during its installation. In the case when the complete dismantling of the window sill is impossible, there is an option using foam to try to blow out problem areas. After the procedure, it is advisable to put something heavy on the windowsill so that the foam does not deform it and does not lift it. If it is possible to remove the window sill, then you can additionally foam the junction of the window to the wall. Also, a small layer of insulation is laid under the window sill.

Advice! Warming can be done using a special film. The process of such insulation is shown in the video below.

insulation

In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the insulation on the window sash and on the frame. In plastic windows, replacing insulation is a simple matter. It does not require the use of adhesives. The rubber base is fixed in special grooves that are on the plastic profile. The old insulation is removed. To make it easier to push the insulation into the grooves of the sash or ramie, it can be slightly moistened with soapy water. It is worth remembering that it must be laid in one contour. To do this, it is important to measure everything correctly and make a small margin. It is better to opt for a black insulation, which is also made of PVC. Insulations painted in a different color have a less durable structure, which leads to their rapid wear. In some cases, it is necessary to replace the sealing gum that holds the double-glazed window. To do this, it is necessary to remove the retaining strips and the double-glazed window itself. The junction points are cleaned of dust and other dirt, after which the insulation is installed and the double-glazed window is installed.

Advice! Before replacing the insulation on the window, you should try to adjust it or switch it to winter mode. The illustration below shows how this can be done.

Summary

As you can see, plastic windows also require insulation. If, after calculating the cost of time, effort and money, it becomes obvious that during self-insulation you can earn a large amount, then it is better to hire specialists who will do everything on their own. When working on window insulation, you must be extremely careful and follow safety rules, especially if the window is not on the ground floor.

Heat loss in the house affects both the comfort of life of its cloisters, and when paying bills for heating. Energy efficiency issues are a priority today, and special attention is paid to this aspect in the construction of modern buildings. However, when moving into a new apartment, you can find some flaws, even in plastic windows, which are reliable.

When analyzing the condition of old housing for the penetration of cold, you can certainly find more than one source of heat loss. This problem becomes especially urgent in anticipation of winter. The inefficiency of housing protection can be caused by design or installation errors.

Information on how to insulate plastic windows on your own will help save on this operation without calling a professional whose services can cost a lot for the family budget. For repair, you only need desire and knowledge. When working, you can use a simple tool that is found in the house.

It is possible to make an analysis of the state of the apartment in preparation for winter in terms of heat-shielding efficiency at home, without seeking help from specialists. It is better to do this in the cold or cool season when there is no wind outside. Why is this the best way to test window construction?

Because the temperature difference in housing and on the street creates the prerequisites for the convection of air masses, which will help to correctly diagnose the problem and decide how to insulate plastic windows for the winter with your own hands. To identify hidden sources of cold penetration, you can create additional draft by opening the front door or turning on the exhaust ventilation.

An open flame is used as an indicator. You can take a lighter, matches. Better yet, use a candle. A trickle of smoke reacts more subtly to the movement of air. Incense sticks, in extreme cases, a lit cigarette will become an accurate tool for finding the smallest defects, poorly insulated areas through which the cold makes its way into the home.

Carefully, slowly examine the following areas in front of the windows:

• adjoining a double-glazed window to a carrier profile;
• porch of the sash to the impost and the box;
• the junction of the window system with the opening;
• windowsill.

Having found the places where the fire or the wisp of smoke begin to fluctuate, mark them. After completing the examination, begin a visual inspection. This will help to compile a list of works, and how to insulate double-glazed windows, slopes, window sills will be discussed below. In some cases, the causes are easily identified. Just enough to replace the seal.

Often you need to adjust the plastic windows. But sometimes it is difficult to understand why it is blowing in this place, although external prerequisites are not visible. In some cases, the plastic window structure will need to be partially disassembled before being insulated.

Causes of heat loss through window systems

When replacing old wooden windows with modern plastic counterparts, the installers promised that all problems were a thing of the past. But in practice it turned out that the apartment did not become much more comfortable. The vaunted soundproofing actually turned out to be not so effective, and is not much different from the time when there were wooden windows. Inspection revealed places through which heat flows out of the room in the winter.

Before you start insulating plastic windows with your own hands, you need to identify the reasons:

• If heat leakage is detected through the junction of the double-glazed window and the profile, then the matter is in the seal. Two contours of the gasket should form a sealed volume, the outer one is installed on the profile, and the inner one on the glazing bead. The factory dimensions of the seats for plastic and metal-plastic windows are accurate and designed for the recommended thickness of the double-glazed window. The penetration of cold in this place means one of two things - incorrect dimensions of the double-glazed window or failed seals.
• If heat escapes through the junction of the sash in the design of the window system, then 3 reasons are possible. The first is the incorrect position of the sash, when its parallelism with respect to the carrier box is not observed. The second is the incorrect adjustment of the fittings. The locking mechanism does not provide clamping, leaving a gap that reduces the level of thermal insulation of the housing. The third is a failed seal.
• The penetration of cold through the gaps between the supporting structure of the wall and the window is one of the most common causes of heat loss. Incorrect installation, ignorance of the installation features of plastic windows lead to the fact that in the first year of operation, the heaters lose all the declared qualities. There can be many reasons for poor thermal insulation of windows. This includes poor-quality sealing of the technological gap, and improperly made slopes, both inside and outside, and the use of materials not intended for this type of work, and a failed insulation for plastic windows. The thermal expansion coefficient of a plastic structure is several times higher than that of a wooden counterpart and a metal-plastic system, therefore, such windows are installed taking this feature into account.
• There are frequent cases of heat leaks in the window sill area. Quite often, cracks and gaps in this area are hidden, and it is not easy to detect them, although they can be a powerful source of cold penetration into housing. The reasons can be both improper installation and the quality of seat preparation, in particular, additional bricklaying or installation of a special design to obtain the required dimensions of the opening, into which plastic windows are then installed, the repair of which will subsequently become a laborious and costly operation. Often the source of cold is under the windowsill.

Many of the above reasons are eliminated on their own with the existing skills and experience of the home master. When we insulate the window area on our own, it is not necessary to have a professional tool, special knowledge and skills. It is enough to responsibly and carefully approach the solution of this problem and correctly decide how to insulate plastic windows in a particular case. What materials to choose? What technology to use to ensure maximum thermal insulation of housing.

Technologies and methods of insulation of plastic windows

Having identified the causes, you can proceed directly to their elimination. How to insulate a plastic window quickly, efficiently and inexpensively? If it is better to choose a cool time to search for places of depressurization, then repair and restoration procedures are carried out when the ambient temperature allows the use of materials for which frost and humidity are unacceptable.

On the packaging of building mixtures, sealants, the conditions of use are indicated, which must be strictly followed in order to achieve the desired result. It is better not to repair and insulate plastic windows in winter, with the exception of some emergency operations, adjusting mechanisms and replacing seals.

The best double-glazed windows for plastic windows are made from energy-saving glass, but they also do not cope with the task in the event of gaps. The reason for this is the sealant that has lost its qualities. To replace it, it is better to remove the sash and carry out operations in a horizontal position.

In order to understand how to insulate plastic windows with your own hands, you need to familiarize yourself with the order of work:

• glazing beads are carefully dismantled;
• the double-glazed window is removed;
• old seals are removed from the grooves on the profile of the window system and glazing beads;
• a new elastic insulator is installed in the seat;
• a double-glazed window is inserted into place;
• when installing the glazing beads, the pressure of the sealant on the glass should occur, that is, they are mounted with an interference fit;
• the fit of the elastic elements along the entire contour on both sides is checked, and if vibration is observed, the movement of double-glazed windows inside the sash, then the wrong seal is selected. In rare cases, a factory defect is possible. The thickness of the double-glazed window is less than the permissible norms and a replacement with a new product will be required;
• when the visual tightness test is passed, the sash is installed in the window unit.

If the window uses non-energy-saving glass, and replacement is not possible due to some circumstances, then you can increase the efficiency of double-glazed windows yourself. For this, a special film is purchased that has a reflective ability. Insulation of plastic windows in this way is economically and technologically justified. Following the installation rules and recommendations, the film is glued to the surface of the windows from the inside, thereby significantly reducing heat loss.

A lot of problems are caused by incorrect adjustment of the window system. Before doing it, you should make sure that the structure as a whole has the correct geometry, otherwise the work will be useless.

Deviations from the vertical of the side power profiles should not exceed 1.5 mm per meter. When measuring diagonals, the critical value defined by GOST R 52749-2007 is a difference in size of no more than 8 mm. The window structure itself cannot have bends and deformations.

This is checked by a building rule, a metal ruler, an even rail. The tool is applied to the horizontal parts of the structure. If both ends are tightly pressed against the profiles of the window block, and there are no gaps of more than 1-2 mm along the length, then the plane complies with the standards. Otherwise, repair of plastic windows or their reinstallation is required.

Now you can begin to adjust the position of the flaps relative to the box. The window is slowly closed, fixing the touch of the profile. If it occurs simultaneously along the entire length of the vertical line, then this position is considered correct.

Then check the size of the gap around the perimeter of the sash. It must be the same. If the conditions are met, but the window continues to blow, then most likely it is a worn seal, which changes in the same way as in a similar operation with a double-glazed window.

If deviations are noticed, then adjust the loops. Depending on the manufacturer's standards, the adjusting window screw can be a cross or hex. Use a screwdriver or wrench to adjust the window to a satisfactory condition.

Equally important are the adjustments of the shutter mechanism of eurowindows. When the handle is moved from the "open" to the "closed" position, the sash should be firmly pressed against the box. The lever operates in a range of about 2 mm.

If, when closing the handle, the sash remains stationary, this means that the seal, at best, only touches the box, although it should be slightly deformed, ensuring tightness.

Adjustable clamping eccentric at the end. Use a key or screwdriver to set the desired position. Setting up plastic windows for the winter is recommended to be done every season.

Slope insulation

Window openings when installing plastic windows have some nuances. Because they allow for greater thermal expansion, it is recommended that only technologies be used that can withstand these changes. It is not advisable to fill the technological gap between the box and the wall with concrete even for a metal-plastic window, which has a lower coefficient of thermal expansion.

It is better to do this with mounting foam, which is also a good insulation. This method of fixing the window system requires reliable protection from external influences, so special attention is paid to finishing on the outside. The sun and freezing destroy the structure of the foam. Slopes should go to the profile of the window block. This contributes to better insulation.

For high-quality thermal insulation protection of the euro-window to be repaired, old materials are removed.

Under the new decorative finish, an additional layer of insulation is laid outside:

• Mineral wool. The material requires additional protection against moisture. When insulating with mineral wool, a waterproofing layer is necessarily made;
• Foamed polymers based on polypropylene or polyethylene. It is important to insulate PVC windows with these materials, leaving no cracks and gaps, excluding the occurrence of cold bridges;
• Composite materials. Sandwich panels are modern products, the production of which takes into account external influences. Additional materials for insulation are not required. Composite panels will be good thermal insulation for finishing external slopes.

The metal-plastic eurowindow on the inside requires more decorative finishing. Having provided external protection, the opening with the block will become an insurmountable barrier to the penetration of cold into the housing. Slopes are trimmed with insulating materials from the inside in cases where there is not sufficient thermal protection on the front side.

The sealing done with waterproofing is not enough to create a comfortable environment in the house. Understanding the principles of system installation, a decision is made on how to insulate metal-plastic windows using the best method.

window sill insulation

Inexperienced craftsmen do not pay close attention to this part. about equestrian structures, assuming that it is not necessary to insulate in this place. The result of this mistake will be cold indoors in winter. Outwardly, everything looks reliable, the window sill is tightly adjacent to the plastic profiles.

Insulation has been done for the window slopes, but cold air flows continue to penetrate into the room. The reason may be the insufficient level of thermal insulation of the window sills from below. The place for viewing is not convenient, it is difficult to determine the source of heat leakage there. It is not for nothing that during the initial analysis of the state of housing it is strongly recommended to do a full inspection of all obvious and hidden shortcomings.

Troubles can occur due to insufficient waterproofing from the outside. Leakage of water under the box and its subsequent freezing destroys the heat-shielding layer, so they begin to insulate the window sill of plastic windows from the outside. If necessary, remove the failed materials and lay new ones. But it is not necessary to be satisfied only with the replacement of thermal protection.

The layer should be securely protected from moisture penetration. First, they insulate, then cover the material with a waterproofing agent and mount a decorative finish or ebb. It is advisable to purchase a finished product for water disposal. Such low tides will become a reliable protection for euro-windows from getting wet and freezing of openings in the lower part. Easily mounted on a metal-plastic profile using sealants and self-tapping screws.

If cracks with a frame have formed on the window sills, then repairs should be done. Having insulated problem areas, it is necessary to protect them. It is desirable to use plastic materials for this purpose, for example, silicone sealants. Then the windows will be insulated, waterproofed and not subject to the formation of new gaps due to the elasticity of the polymer.

Filling gaps with dry mortar is not advisable. They don't adhere well to a plastic surface as opposed to a wooden frame where their use is justified. For the same reason, many craftsmen get rid of old finishes with traditional materials, preferring to decorate slopes with modern products.

If you insulate the window block with mineral wool, then it is impossible to plaster on it without reinforcement. It is preferable to use sheet materials. The final decision on how to insulate the window sill of a plastic window is made based not only on their technological, but also on aesthetic considerations using similar techniques used in interior decoration.

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.