How to insulate plastic windows: slopes, window sill. How to insulate wooden windows for the winter with your own hands. Insulate a plastic window inside

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

If the manufacturing and installation technology has been violated, then flows of cold air penetrate into the home immediately. Changing double-glazed windows or fittings by calling specialists 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, determine whether it is really blowing from the window opening. Often this is just an illusion, which can be explained simply. If a structure is installed that does not provide adequate thermal insulation according to its characteristics, then air circulation is disrupted during frost. The cold mass moves inside the room near the window. This suggests that heat is escaping through it.

To make sure whether this is true or not, take a burning candle and bring it closer to the point of contact window sash and frames. When the flame deflection is noticeable, a leak has been detected through which heat leaks. If the fire is vertical, then the structure is sealed, and the reason is different.

Structural elements of a plastic window

With a candle, they pass the window opening around the entire perimeter, then they can definitely detect the 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 the window sill, under which there are cracks, or through the slopes.

Window unit device

The most common reason is due to incorrectly adjusted fittings. The fault can be fixed easily and quickly, but if the equipment is of poor quality, it happens that nothing can be done. This applies to products produced underground. The cost is low, which attracts little-known domestic companies that choose such suppliers. Therefore, it is preferable to order designs in big companies who value their reputation.

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

Poor quality window seals also cause cold to penetrate into 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.

Sometimes used for the manufacture of plastic windows cheap plastic. It is quickly destroyed from the outside when exposed to ultraviolet rays and elevated temperatures. IN winter time years, cracks appear on the profile, through which cold penetrates into the room. The product cannot be repaired and must 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. Isolation window openings Insufficient attention is paid to the outside, and this causes cold to penetrate into the room. The consequences are serious: internal slopes dampness and mold form. Simply covering cracks on 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 polyurethane foam, which is the simplest. It subsequently falls apart under atmospheric influence because its protection is not provided. All work outdoors is carried out only in warm weather; winter is not the right time for this.

The installation of external slopes ensures reliable thermal insulation and creates a barrier against the penetration of cold into the room. Without this measure, all other methods are ineffective. There are many technological techniques, 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 remaining foam is cut off, then the insulation is attached to the surface of the slopes. They don't skimp on the glue; they give it enough to fill the cracks. The excess is removed with a spatula; if there are voids left somewhere, they are filled with the same mixture. A mesh is installed on top and everything is plastered. Further finishing (puttying, painting) is carried out at the request of the owner.

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

Particular attention is paid to the ebb and the installation seam underneath. They ensure good outflow of water, for which the slope angle is made at least 5%. The optimal distance from the wall is 3–4 cm. The side edges are folded up or installed end strips. The joints are sealed to prevent water from entering.

Internal slopes also require sealing and finishing. After removing old windows and installing new uPVC windows, there is sometimes a lot of work to be done. The algorithm is as follows:

1. Prepare the surface: clean the slopes from dust, cut off the protruding construction foam. An antibacterial primer is applied, which will protect against mold.
2. Level with plaster, achieving a smooth surface, but not necessarily ideal surface. After drying, it is primed.
3. Cut out the expanded polystyrene slabs according to the dimensions and glue them to the slopes. Install the corner, putty, secure the casing.
4. For finishing coating Usually they use plaster followed by painting. Drywall is also widely used now.

The polyurethane foam at the junction with the window sill deteriorates over time and needs to be replaced to block the flow of cold air. The remnants of the old mixture are removed and the dispenser of a new can is passed over the entire seam. This insulation is not very suitable for small cracks, so silicone sealant is used. It penetrates to great depths and eliminates leaks well. Another advantage is that it is not afraid of dampness and water.

Adjusting the tightness of the sashes

Each opening window has a mechanism that changes the pressing force against the seal. Different manufacturers use their own original systems, which differ 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 valves. Under the influence of turning the handle, they move 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. The adjustment limits are small - up to one millimeter. It should be remembered that the more stress is applied to the seal, the faster it wears out.

The degree of fit of the sash to the frame from the handle side is, if necessary, adjusted by rotating the eccentric. Sometimes there is a mark on it, by which the clamping force is determined. If the arrow points towards the street, it is weakened, when towards the room it is strengthened. To tighten, rotate clockwise, to loosen - in the opposite direction. Typically, a hex screwdriver is used for this; in some cases, a wrench or pliers are used.

The window block on the side where the bottom hinge is installed also has a clamping unit. For adjustment, a hexagon is used to turn the screw. 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 - in its direction.

Locking the window mechanism

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

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

Replacing the seal yourself - how to cope?

Rubber bands in plastic windows are produced at on a different basis, but have one purpose - to improve thermal and sound insulation. If necessary, you can change them yourself, but the procedure is quite complicated. Typically, EPDM brand products are purchased, which have good quality, 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 is similar to the use of ordinary tape. Its use is limited, it serves solely as additional protection for the seam between the profile and the window opening, and is not suitable for sashes.

Standard rubber bands for plastic windows have a shape that exactly matches all the recesses on the structure. External seals, which are more exposed to atmospheric influences, last less. Replacement is carried out simultaneously of two circuits located on the sash and frame. If you limit yourself to only one, the pressure weakens significantly; adjustment does not always help.

The work is carried out in the following order:

1. Dismantle the old seal by taking it by the middle and pulling it towards you. It is rarely installed with glue, so in most cases it will not be difficult to remove.
2. Treat the surface plastic construction, paying special attention to the grooves. First, wash with soapy water, removing all contaminants, then degrease with alcohol or another product suitable for these purposes.
3. To ensure tight fastening, glue the corners of the profile. One of the adhesives is applied to it: silicone, PVA or construction, and wait until it dries.
4. Meanwhile, the material is measured. If VMQ or TPE brands are used, make a cut for each side with a margin. EPDM rubber bands bend easily, so a whole piece is used.
5. The final stage is 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 improvised tools, and do not do everything only with your hands.

To extend service life sealing rubber bands, they are washed several times a year, cleaned of dust, and coated with silicone grease. If 5–7 years of use 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. Installation of more efficient ones is expensive, so insulation is used using a special multilayer material. Its energy efficiency is compared to third glass. At the same time, transparency practically does not decrease, and strength increases. This is a thin film coated with a liquid metal substance.

There are different thermal insulation materials similar type. One of the most expensive ones is with a side that has a special layer for mounting on glass. This is a self-adhesive film. Reinforced transmits light somewhat worse, but serves longer long time. More suitable for use in climates with severe frosts.

To attach thermal film to a window at home, you need to have scissors and a hair dryer or a regular household hair dryer. If it is not self-adhesive, use double-sided tape.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. The glass is cleaned of dust and dirt, washed with a special liquid or soap foam, and wiped dry. It is advisable to degrease the sashes where the fastening will take place.
2. Prepare thermal film. If it is packaged as a double-sided piece, one layer is separated from the other.
3. The material is laid out on a clean and dry surface and cut to the size of the window. Add 2-3 cm along the edges.
4. Place double-sided tape around the perimeter and remove the protective paper strip. Glue the film, achieving a tight fit without gaps.
5. Turn on the hairdryer and blow on the entire surface. The material is heat-shrinkable, and under the influence of a warm air flow it straightens and attaches to 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 weather has finally passed;
The film is changed every year.

When installing it, do not pull it too tightly so as not to tear it - the hair dryer will smooth out the wrinkles. For the sticker, third-party help is used: one person holds from above, the other from below.

Now many people are replacing wooden windows with plastic ones. However, during operation their tightness may be compromised. People are faced with the question of how to insulate plastic windows so that the integrity violation is corrected and air from the street penetrates less into the room. It is important to understand what is the cause of the problem and solve it, and then do the insulation.

Why does it blow from plastic windows?

Before you begin to correct the current situation, you should find out why the blowing occurs and whether there is fogging. There are many reasons, but there are several main ones:

Defect in production.
Low-quality plastic was used to make the windows.
Poor fittings were installed.
Errors were made during installation.
Poor quality of seal material.
The slopes were not properly insulated.

How to determine the cause

First, let's make sure that there is definitely a breeze coming from the window. To understand this, you can hold a lit candle or lighter to the junction of the window sash and frame. If the flame fluctuates, it means it is blowing from the window. Then the candle should be drawn around the entire perimeter. The problem often occurs at the junction of the window frame and the slope. This indicates poor installation, so you need to contact the company and demand that the work be corrected (if the guarantee period).

The reason may lie in incorrect adjustment of the fittings or lack of installation on winter mode. To do this, try opening the window and looking at the lock. Not everyone can independently determine the problem and make adjustments, so it is better to call a specialist. Sometimes the reason is a violation of the window geometry. In this case, there is poor pressing of the sashes, and drafts arise due to this connection. A complete reinstallation of the glass unit will be required.

Another diagnostic method is to check the condition of the seal. It probably causes moisture to blow in or leak (condensation forms), if it is of poor quality or very dirty (remove all dust). When exposed to low temperatures, it loses its elasticity. You should touch it with your hands, checking for elasticity. If the reason is wear and tear of the insulation, then it needs to be replaced.

Next stage- pay attention to the quality of the plastic. Unfortunately, the average person will not be able to visually distinguish high-quality plastic from bad one; this requires a specialist. However, if all of the above diagnostic methods did not reveal the cause, then most likely you bought windows from bad material. We will have to dismantle and install a new metal-plastic structure.

When is the best time to isolate?

The problem of window blowing occurs during the cold season. In the summer, people either do not notice this, but with the onset of cold weather, the air from the street becomes noticeable. It is best to do thermal insulation in spring or summer in calm weather. The sealing compound requires a special temperature and cannot be used in winter weather. There is an advantage of insulation during the cold season: it is clear which place to insulate and whether the chosen method is effective.

How to insulate plastic windows

It is extremely important to understand how to insulate plastic windows. There are many methods of thermal insulation, so everyone can choose one that is convenient for themselves. Insulation for plastic windows is as follows:

Polyurethane foam - fast and available method. However, foam is short-lived and is negatively affected by temperature changes, ultraviolet radiation, and air.
Mineral wool is a safe and fire-resistant modern material.
Window film is good to use as insulation for the glass itself.
Silicone sealant is reliable and inexpensive.
Polystyrene foam is used to eliminate cracks in window slopes.
Warm mixtures are applied externally.
Gluing construction tape over the sealant will improve the effect.
Facade paint has high weather resistance. It is easy to apply to a surface of any shape.
The primer dries quickly and is easy to apply. It is frost-resistant and is not afraid of moisture.

When you can't do without a master

A professional is needed when there are obvious defects, and work to eliminate them requires compliance with safety regulations. To carry out repairs, it is worth calling a specialist because:

insulation of slopes and ebbs from the outside can be dangerous, especially if the window is located above the second floor (you can fall and break);
in order to properly insulate, it is important to know all technological process installations;
The window is still under warranty.

Do-it-yourself insulation of plastic windows for the winter

A professional will advise you on how to seal plastic windows for the winter. However, there are simple and easy ways you can make repairs yourself. A simple example is the thermal insulation of a window using foam or sealant:

Remove old foam from all openings around the window. To do this, use a stiff brush, sticks and brushes.
Thoroughly rinse and wipe the surface of the window sill and slopes with a cleaner to degrease and remove dust.
Cover the resulting cracks with putty and plaster, then fill with polyurethane foam.
If sealant is used instead of polyurethane foam, then after inserting it into the gap, it should be sealed with construction tape on top. To carry out the work, you must have a knife and scissors at hand.
Install heat-saving film. Window box cleaned of dust and covered with double-sided tape. The film is measured to the size of the window, then carefully applied and smoothed. To avoid unevenness and bubbles, you need to blow it with a hairdryer.

Outside

Insulation from the street side can be done in different ways, suitable facade paint, primer, silicone sealant. It is best to use foam plastic for thermal insulation of slopes from the outside:

Styrofoam the right size it is necessary to stick it on the slopes, and close all visible cracks with glue.
A special mesh should be placed on top of the foam and then plastered.
Level the plaster with a water-repellent layer and apply a primer.
Paint the resulting slopes, which will create an additional energy-saving protective layer from the wind.

Inside

The insulation of plastic windows inside should be done as carefully as possible, using different ways. Thermal insulation will contain the following stages:

Insulate the slopes of plastic windows inside. To do this, use polyurethane foam.
Place plastic on top of the foamed slopes.
Adjust the fittings. This is done using an eccentric through rotation.
Replace the seal. This element must be changed every 5 years. During this period, it loses elasticity and begins to let air through.

How to insulate the window sill of a plastic window

Under the windowsill you can often feel the movement of cold air. If a crack is visible, it needs to be foamed. It will be good if you attach a piece of plastic under it and fill the void inside with polyurethane foam or polystyrene foam. Stages for insulating a window sill:

Remove the window sill.
The wall on which it was located should be thoroughly cleaned of dirt and dust, after which all cracks and problem areas will be visible.
Cracks can be closed with polyurethane foam.
When the foam hardens, cut off the excess with a knife.
Prime the entire surface.
Apply sealant to all joints and corners.
Plaster.
Place the window sill in place.

Video

A warm home is the key to a cozy atmosphere and comfortable living for all family members. To make our home warmer, we use energy-saving technologies, install heated floors, and use alternative heat sources.
An important factor is not only the accumulation of heat during the cold season, but also its preservation. Experts, not without reason, believe that about 40% of heat escapes through our windows.

It's no secret that panoramic glazing, big windows to the floor is one of the main causes of heat loss. Plastic and wooden windows also need insulation, thanks to which in winter you can significantly save on heating.

Insulate plastic windows for the winter with your own hands

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

1. Replacing the plastic window seal

You can replace the plastic window seal yourself. It is better to buy a “original” seal. If you can’t buy one, you can consult with the seller at a hardware store. To select the appropriate seal, just take a small piece of the old one with you.
It's better if rubber compressor will be black. It doesn't show much street dust.

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

After this, the sash is installed in place. The sash is placed on the lower hinge from top to bottom, then the parts of the upper hinge are connected away from you, the pin, lock washer and hinge cover are installed. We close the sash with a lock and check the quality of the work performed by testing the joint for drafts.

It is advisable to clean and wipe the seal 1-2 times a year. The seal should be wiped with a dry cloth to remove accumulated dirt. Then it is better to degrease the seal for the plastic window with a soap solution and apply silicone grease. Such preventative work will protect the seal from high temperatures in the summer and will allow it to retain its qualities longer in the cold.

2. Adjusting plastic window fittings

Over time, plastic window locks require adjustment. The fixed part of the lock is located on the frame. The main indicator for adjusting locks is the bolt head recessed into the structure, which has a groove for a hex key. This is an adjusting bolt that changes the position of the wedge behind which the locking “tongue” of the lock fits. Adjusting this wedge changes the tightness of the sash to the frame in the closed position. In summer, the closure density can be weakened, but in winter, on the contrary, the density should be increased as much as possible. To adjust the lock of a plastic window, use a hex key.

3. Insulation of slopes and window sills.

It’s good if, when installing a plastic window, PVC slopes and window sills were installed at the same time. If you can hear a draft through a plastic window, you need to take care of insulating the slopes and window sills. Large cracks can be filled with tow or foam rubber. You can choose to fill the top of the crack with polyurethane foam or alabaster. Then finish treating the cracks with sealant.

We insulate wooden windows for the winter with our own hands

4. In order to eliminate drafts in the house, you need to place pieces of paper, which are previously moistened and twisted into a bundle. On top of such insulation, paper is usually used to increase the tightness. The disadvantage of this method is that after cold weather, dried paper will need to be removed from the frames, and the frames themselves will need to be repainted.

5. The next method of insulating wooden ones is to place cotton wool and pieces of foam rubber. You can stick strips of unnecessary fabric 5 cm wide on top. Before using such fabric strips, they need to be wetted, wrung out and soaped with soap. Compared to paper, the fabric will not turn yellow and can be easily removed in the spring.

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

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

7. Insulation using tubular profiles. Such profiles are sometimes called gaskets. Such insulation is made for large and small cracks. The advantage of the insulation is that it is invisible, as it is glued to one side of the frame. Service life up to at least 5 years. The peculiarity of these profiles is that you need to start insulating the window before the onset of severe cold weather. Since such profiles can be installed at a temperature not lower than 10 degrees. Seals from PVC is better tolerate frosts. When choosing rubber seals, it is better to give preference to softer ones.

8. Another modern and convenient way insulate wooden windows heat-saving film. Peculiarity of this material is that it has two sides, plain and metal coated. Due to this, he misses Sun rays through itself, but does not transmit infrared radiation back. This explains its heat-saving effect. The material is glued to both glass and frames. If executed correctly, it will be almost invisible to the eye, and the room will immediately become significantly warmer.

Window insulation using Swedish technology

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

Window insulation using Swedish technology is good because it allows you to preserve environmentally friendly wooden windows, providing them with long years good tightness. This technology is also good because it allows you to significantly reduce street noise and reduce the penetration of dirt and dust between the doors to almost zero. The cost of insulating windows using Swedish technology is ten times lower than the cost of installing new plastic windows

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

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

The process of insulating wooden windows using Swedish technology:
1) First you need to thoroughly wash the windows.
2) Check the valves. Do they close tightly and do all mechanisms work?
3) Remove the doors from their hinges.
4) Excess layers of old paint are peeling off the sashes, which interfere with closing and opening.
5) Use a cutter to create grooves along the entire contour of the sashes.
6) A special high-quality seal is rolled into the grooves 7) To reduce the penetration of dust and dirt, the window sashes are insulated between each other and inside.
8) The sashes are put in place, and the fittings are replaced.
9) The sashes are checked and correct work wooden window fittings.

Experts who deal with window insulation say that such insulation work is best left to professionals. Since carrying out work on window insulation using Swedish technology requires special skills and appropriate tools. Using a cutter when rolling the seal into the groove ensures that the seal will not peel off or fall out over time.

Alternative methods of insulation

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

Use wool blinds. Conventional slats are wrapped in strips of wool and fabric. Such blinds provide good protection from the cold.

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

Selection of PVC windows, control over their installation

We resolve the issue of reliability and quality of the thermal insulation properties of window openings independently at the stage of making a decision on installing plastic windows.

If we ourselves do not have experience or skills in installing PVC windows, then we need to responsibly approach our options:

Which company should you trust to install plastic window structures?
Windows and fittings, which manufacturer we will install.
Type of profile, how many air chambers we will choose in it (three chambers is optimal, but more is possible).
What type of double glazing will we order (for better thermal insulation choose energy saving). We choose its width, the number of chambers, the seal, what the chambers between the glasses will be filled with, and what coating will be applied to them.

How to make this choice correctly? Contact specialists, get acquainted with the design of plastic windows and products different manufacturers, with proposals from window structure installers, with documentation for PVC windows.

It is useful to familiarize yourself with GOST standards for PVC windows and their installation:

GOST 26602.1-1999 Heat transfer.
GOST 26602.2-1999 Air and water permeability.
GOST 26602.3-1999 Sound insulation.
GOST 26602.4-1999 Light transmission.
GOST 26602.5-2001 Wind load resistance.
GOST 30673-1999 PVC profiles.
GOST 30674-1999 Blocks made of PVC profiles.
GOST 30971-2002 Assembly seams.
GOST 52749-2007-8922 PSUL.

Decide on the above questions. The next stage is to carefully monitor the installation process of plastic windows. Whatever quality windows we choose, 90 percent of the warmth and comfort in your home depends on their professional installation.

The right technology and detailed instructions proper installation of PVC windows is established by regulatory documents.

It wouldn’t hurt to familiarize yourself with them before monitoring the actions of window installers: these are:

main “installation” GOST 30971 – 2002 “Seams assembly units junctions of window blocks to wall openings. General technical conditions".
SNiP 23 – 02 – 2003. “ Thermal protection buildings."

Important! We must insist that the contract with the company that installs PVC windows for us includes a requirement for their installation in accordance with the above GOST.

Before installation we check:

How to prepare a window opening for the installation of a plastic window. Using a liquid level we check the vertical slope and horizontal level.
What size gaps are left between the wall and the double-glazed window frame? The gaps should be no larger than the length of the matchbox (no more than 5 cm), but not less than 15 mm. A gap of less than 15 mm will be problematic to fill evenly and reliably with foam insulation.

During installation we control:

To ensure that the installation seams between the window and the wall are done with high quality, and along their entire perimeter, according to the principle “the inside is tighter than the outside,” in three layers of sealing:

from the street - climate protection;
inside - insulation;
on the housing side - vapor barrier protection.

How window installers fill these gaps tightly and completely with polyurethane foam.

Pay special attention to filling the gaps with high-quality polyurethane foam. These are polyurethane foams, foams specially designed for installing windows.

Check how slopes and window sills are insulated correctly and reliably.

Helpful advice! Spare no expense in installing external slopes. They will help the polyurethane foam retain its properties as insulation longer.

Insulation of window structures and glazed loggias

But, even if the technology for installing PVC windows is correctly followed, there is a need to insulate them to winter period. Or perhaps you moved into a new building where the windows PVC structures installed en masse, with poor quality fitting.

Inspection and control of window readiness for winter

Before deciding how to insulate plastic windows with your own hands before the onset of cold weather, do we first inspect them?

First, you need to identify the very presence of air leakage through the plastic window structure. Identify in which node, in which place of the structure there is such a leak. You can determine this by the behavior of the lighter’s flame when you move it around the perimeter of the window or simply by using your hand.

Note! Before winter, do not forget to set the summer-winter adjustment mechanism to the maximum protection position.

Replacement of glazing beads and seals.

If an air passage is detected near the double-glazed window due to a problematic glazing bead (lining), with which the double-glazed window itself is secured, then we change it:

using a narrow spatula, pry and pull out the old glazing bead;
Using a rubber mallet, lightly tap to install the new bead.

Visual representation of replacing the lining

If necessary, we replace the seal itself, which has lost its elasticity, between the double-glazed window and the frame:

Remove the glazing beads (start with the side trims).
Remove the glass unit by first removing the linings.
Remove the old seal strip.
Cut a new seal strip equal to length old (preferably with a margin of 3 - 5 cm).
Carefully, without compression or tension, lay a solid strip of the new seal, cut off the excess piece with scissors.
Reinstall the glass unit, linings, beadings.

If you find air leaks at the frame, then there is a problem with the clamping elements. In this case, possible reasons:

the sash is pressed weakly (using a hex wrench, which is used for assembling furniture, or a screwdriver with an appropriate attachment, pliers on the open sash in the hole on the side of the handle and hinges, press the sash more tightly to the base);
The seals around the perimeter of the frame and sash are poorly fitted:

Remove the old seal;
Clear the place where it is placed from possible debris;
Place a single strip of new seal into the groove of the sash and frame (the length of the extension must exactly match the length of the groove);
We glue the new installed seal.

Note! Try to buy new seals from the manufacturers or installers of your windows. When cleaning the profile surfaces where you will lay the profile, use PVC cleaners.

Do not forget to take care of the installed seals, wipe with a sponge with warm soapy water, lubricate with glycerin or silicone oil.

When preparing your home for winter, the question arises: how to insulate metal-plastic windows additionally? How to improve the thermal insulation properties of the double-glazed window yourself? And most importantly, how to insulate plastic windows?

These issues can be easily resolved. We insulate PVC windows using heat-saving PVI -. During production, its surface is covered with a special metal coating.

This coating reflects infrared rays and effectively prevents heat loss from living rooms. Insulation of loggias (balconies) that are glazed with windows PVC systems, can also be effectively solved with the help of such film “glass insulation”.

Film is an option on the way to warmth

A good choice, protection and insulation for plastic windows is heat-saving ceramic IR window film (for example, KorQu models of the PREMIUM IR 6070 and IR 6560 series).

And, in combination with heated floors in rooms and on loggias, such film insulation for plastic windows will create an even greater effect in winter, because such films will reflect the heat of heated floors towards its source, i.e. back to the rooms and glassed-in loggia.

This method of insulating PVC windows in living rooms and loggias are inexpensive. And the price, when heat losses are reduced by up to 60 percent, is no longer so important.

Installing such a film on double-glazed plastic windows is a simple process. It is simply glued onto the glass itself and smoothed out. For convenience, you can use a plastic wallpaper spatula.

How can you insulate plastic windows using heat-saving film:

We prepare the windows (clean, wipe with a wet sponge).
Prepare the film (after removing the protective layer, wet it).
We wet the glass.
We glue and level the film, using a plastic spatula, on the double-glazed window.
We cut off the excess part of the film with a cutter.

Replacing the assembly seam, installing insulated slopes and window sills

Over time, you have to look for an answer to the question of how to insulate plastic windows from the outside. It's bad if you didn't install it on time external slopes, which should protect the heat-insulating layer of polyurethane foam from natural phenomena, did not insulate them.

Then the foam, like insulation, will serve its life faster, will begin to lag behind the wall, and the resulting drafts will transfer the “dew” point to the internal slopes.

If it is necessary to repair the foam thermal insulation layer and its climate protection, we perform the following actions:

We remove old foam from the gap between the window and the wall (you can use a chisel).
Spray the gap with water (so that the polyurethane foam will adhere better afterwards).
We fill this gap with new foam.
To protect the foam, seal the cracks with sealant (for example, Belinka acrylic sealant, Dymonic NT polyurethane sealant).
We install external insulated slopes. Foamed polystyrene foam (foam plastic, 2 cm or more in size), mineral wool, EPS (extruded polystyrene foam) can be used as insulation. Some people use ready-made insulated PVC slope, having bought it in stores like "Maxidom". It is plastic, dimensions 2200x300x10 (mm), filled with extruded polystyrene.
We are inspecting the window sill. If necessary, we insulate the window sill.

How to insulate the window sill of PVC windows?

The window sill can be insulated with polystyrene foam (expanded polystyrene foam).

Cut out the foam to the required size.
We grab it with polyurethane foam.
We lay the window sill on top of the foam.

Important! Do not attach the window sill with self-tapping screws to a plastic window. Use pads to secure it.

Conclusion

In the video presented in this article you will find additional information on this topic.

Heat losses in the house affect both the comfort of life in its monasteries and the payment of heating bills. Energy efficiency issues are a priority today, and this aspect is given special attention to in the construction of modern buildings. Special attention. However, entering new apartment You can find some shortcomings, even in plastic windows, which are reliable.

When analyzing the condition of an old home for cold penetration, you can probably find more than one source of heat loss. This problem becomes especially relevant on the eve of winter. Ineffective home protection may be caused by design or installation errors.

Information on how to insulate plastic windows yourself will help you save on this operation without calling a professional, whose services can be expensive for the family budget. To repair, you only need desire and knowledge. When working you can use simple tool, which is found in the house.

You can analyze the condition of your apartment in preparation for winter for heat-protective efficiency at home, without turning to specialists for help. It is better to do this in cold or cool seasons when there is no wind outside. Why is this the best way to check window construction?

Because the temperature difference in the home and outside creates the prerequisites for convection air masses, which will help you 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 front door or by turning on the exhaust ventilation.

An open flame is used as an indicator. You can take a lighter and matches. It's even better to use a candle. A stream of smoke reacts more subtly to air movement. Incense sticks, or in extreme cases a lit cigarette will become precision instrument to search for the smallest defects, poorly insulated areas through which the cold penetrates into the home.

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

connection of the double-glazed window to the supporting profile;
sash vestibule to the impost and frame;
the connection point between the window system and the opening;
windowsill.

Having discovered places where the fire or a stream of smoke begins to fluctuate, mark them. Having completed the examination, they begin visual inspection. This will help to compile a list of works, and how to insulate double-glazed windows, slopes, and window sills will be discussed below. In some cases, the causes are easily identified. Simply replacing the seal is enough.

Plastic windows often need adjustment. But sometimes it is difficult to understand why it is blowing in this place, although external conditions are not visible. In some cases, the plastic window structure will need to be partially disassembled before insulation.

Reasons for heat loss through window systems

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

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

If a heat leak is detected through the joint of the double-glazed window and the profile, then the problem is in the seal. The two contours of the gasket must form a sealed volume, the outer one is installed on the profile, and the inner one on the bead. The factory dimensions of the seats for plastic and metal-plastic windows are accurate and designed for the recommended thickness of the glass unit. 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 there are 3 possible reasons. The first is the incorrect position of the sash, when its parallelism relative to the supporting frame is not maintained. The second is incorrect adjustment of the fittings. The locking mechanism does not provide pressure, leaving a gap that reduces the level of thermal insulation of the home. The third is a failed seal.
Penetration of cold through the cracks between load-bearing structure walls and windows is one of the most common reasons heat loss. Incorrect installation and ignorance of the installation features of plastic windows lead to the fact that in the first year of operation, the insulation loses all its declared qualities. There can be many reasons for unsatisfactory thermal insulation of windows. This includes poor-quality sealing of the technological gap, incorrectly made slopes, both inside and outside, the use of materials not intended for this type of work, and failed insulation for plastic windows. The coefficient of thermal expansion of a plastic structure is several times higher than that of a wooden analogue and a metal-plastic system, so such windows are installed taking this feature into account.
There are frequent cases of heat leaks in the window sill area. Often cracks and gaps in this area are hidden and difficult to detect, although they can be a powerful source of cold penetration into the home. The reasons may be either incorrect installation or the quality of preparation of the seat, in particular additional bricklaying or installation of a special structure to obtain the required dimensions of the opening, into which plastic windows are then installed, the repair of which will subsequently become a labor-intensive and costly operation. Often the source of cold is under the windowsill.

Many of the above reasons can be eliminated independently with existing skills and experience. home handyman. When we insulate the window area ourselves, it is not necessary to have professional tool, specialized knowledge and skills. It is enough to approach this problem responsibly and carefully 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 for housing.

Technologies and methods of insulation of plastic windows

Having identified the causes, you can begin to eliminate them directly. How to insulate a plastic window quickly, effectively 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 temperature environment allows the use of materials for which frost and humidity are unacceptable.

On the packaging of building mixtures and sealants, conditions of use are indicated that must be strictly followed in order to achieve the desired result. It is better not to carry out repairs and insulation of plastic windows in winter, with the exception of some emergency operations, adjustment of mechanisms and when replacing seals.

The best double-glazed windows for plastic windows are made from energy-saving glass, but they also cannot cope with the task when gaps arise. The reason for this is the seal that has lost its quality. 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 procedure:

the glazing beads are carefully dismantled;
the glass unit is removed;
old seals are removed from the grooves on the profile of the window system and glazing beads;
V seat a new elastic insulator is installed;
the glass unit is inserted into place;
when installing glazing beads, there should be pressure from the seal on the glass, 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 or movement of the double-glazed windows inside the sash is observed, then the wrong seal has been selected. In rare cases, a manufacturing defect may occur. The thickness of the glass unit is less than the permissible standards and will need to be replaced with a new product;
When the visual tightness test is passed, the sash is installed in the window block.

If the window uses non-energy-saving glass, and replacement is impossible due to certain circumstances, then you can increase the efficiency of double-glazed windows yourself. For this purpose, a special film with reflective properties is purchased. Insulating plastic windows in this way is economically and technologically justified. Following installation rules and recommendations, the film is glued to the surface of the windows from the inside, thereby significantly reducing heat loss.

Incorrect adjustment of the window system also causes many problems. 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. Herself window design cannot have bends or deformations.

This is being checked building rule, metal ruler, straight line. The tool is applied to the horizontal parts of the structure. If both ends are tightly pressed to the profiles of the window block, and there are no gaps along the length of more than 1-2 mm, then the plane meets the standards. Otherwise, plastic windows will need to be repaired or reinstalled.

Now you can begin to adjust the position of the shutters relative to the frame. The window is slowly closed, making sure it touches 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 should be the same. If the conditions are met, but the window continues to blow, then most likely the problem is a worn seal, which is changed in the same way as during a similar operation with a double-glazed window.

If deviations are noticed, adjust the loops. Depending on the manufacturer's standards, the window adjustment screw may be a Phillips or hex screw. Use a screwdriver or wrench to adjust the window to a satisfactory condition.

Adjustments to the shutter mechanism of Euro windows are of no small importance. When the handle is moved from the “open” to the “closed” position, the sash should press tightly against the frame. The lever operates in a range of about 2 mm.

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

The pressure is adjusted by an eccentric at the end. Use a wrench or a screwdriver to set the desired position. It is recommended to adjust plastic windows for winter every season.

Insulation of slopes

Window openings when installing plastic windows have some nuances. Because they give more thermal expansion, it is recommended to use only technologies that can withstand these changes. Filling the technological gap between the frame and the wall with concrete is not advisable even for a metal-plastic window, which has a lower coefficient of thermal expansion.

It is better to do this with polyurethane foam, which is also a good insulation material. This method of fixing a window system requires reliable protection from external influences, so special attention is paid to finishing with outside. The sun and freezing destroy the structure of the foam. The slopes must overlap the profile of the window block. This promotes better insulation.

For high-quality thermal insulation protection of Euro-windows subject to repair, old materials are removed.

Under new decorative finishing An additional layer of insulation is laid on the outside:

Mineral wool. Material Requires additional protection from moisture. When insulating mineral wool a waterproofing layer is required;
Foamed polymers based on polypropylene or polyethylene. It is important to insulate PVC windows with these materials, leaving no cracks or gaps, eliminating the occurrence of cold bridges;
Composite materials. Sandwich panels are modern products, the production of which takes into account external influences. No additional materials for insulation are required. Composite panels will be good thermal insulation for finishing external slopes.

Metal-plastic Eurowindow with inside requires rather decorative finishing. Having provided external protection, the opening with the block will become an insurmountable barrier to the penetration of cold into the home. The slopes are finished with insulating materials from the inside in cases where there is no sufficient thermal protection on the front side.

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

Window sill insulation

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

The window slopes have been insulated, but cold air currents continue to penetrate the room. The reason may be an insufficient level of thermal insulation of the window sills below. The viewing location 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 condition of the home, it is strongly recommended to do a full inspection of all obvious and hidden defects.

Troubles can occur due to insufficient water protection on the outside. The leakage of water under the box and its subsequent freezing destroys the heat-protective layer, so the insulation of the window sill of plastic windows begins to be done from the outside. If necessary, remove worn-out materials and install new ones. But you don’t have to be satisfied with just replacing the thermal protection.

The layer should be reliably protected from moisture penetration. First, they insulate, then cover the material with a waterproofing material and install decorative trim or flashing. It is advisable to purchase ready product for drainage. Such ebbs will become reliable protection on Euro-windows from getting wet and freezing of the openings in the lower part. They are easily attached to a metal-plastic profile using sealants and self-tapping screws.

If cracks have formed on the window sills with the frame, then repairs should be made. Insulated problem areas, they need to be protected. It is advisable to use plastic materials for this purpose, for example, silicone sealants. Then the windows will be insulated, waterproofed and not susceptible to the formation of new gaps due to the elasticity of the polymer.

It is not advisable to seal cracks with dry construction mixtures. They do not adhere well to a plastic surface, unlike wooden frame, where their use is justified. For the same reason, many craftsmen get rid of old finishing with traditional materials, preferring to decorate slopes with modern products.

If you insulate window unit 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 technological, but also on aesthetic considerations, using similar techniques used when decorating the interior of the room.