Plastic windows are cold how to insulate. Do-it-yourself effective ways to insulate windows for the winter

Of course, first of all, you need to remember that the period of perfect operation can be extended if you carefully handle the windows and carry out the necessary maintenance.

Among other things, you need to remember that the rubber gasket around the perimeter of the window lasts much longer if it is periodically lubricated. Repair should be carried out best of all early, when it becomes clear that it is necessary.

When using certain insulating compounds, a strictly defined temperature regime... Also, it will not be superfluous to choose a dry and calm day for repairs, if possible.

You can do the filling work yourself. In the case of outdoor work, it is recommended to work independently only on the first two floors.

If your apartment is higher, then you need to contact a specialist. It is also not recommended to act independently when adjusting windows or replacing their parts. Of course, with sufficient experience and appropriate skills, it is quite possible to cope on your own, but a professional will do the job efficiently and with a guarantee.

Ways to carry out work to improve thermal insulation

We note right away that such works can be conditionally divided into two large groups:

Repair-related plastic windows and closing the existing slots.
Various additional measures.

The second section may include the following types of work:

Woolen blinds. If used, their strips can be wrapped in woolen cloth. This will go a long way towards keeping you warm.
Heat-saving film. On the inside, a special film is attached using double-sided tape. It can be a single sash or an entire window. Then, over the entire surface, the film is heated with warm air from a hair dryer. The film tightly envelops the entire structure, providing high-quality thermal insulation.
Using an electric heater. It is a small square box that fits directly onto the glass. Sometimes this is done during installation, and sometimes already during operation. We are talking about the use of a special electrical appliance, which is specially made for this method application.
Use of curtains.

It must be remembered that if there are problems with heat conservation, then it may be necessary to insulate the joints of the window and walls or the window sill. The plastic window itself does not need to be sealed. It needs to be adjusted and, as a result, it is able to fully restore its heat-insulating properties.

Where to begin?

Sealing is the easiest way to prevent blowing

If you feel that heat is being passed through, then first of all, you need to find out the reason. If we are talking about open slots, then the easiest way is to check if there is air movement.

One of the common ways to do this is to use a lighter. Flame deflection will show where the air movement is taking place. You can also swipe your hand to feel where the air is moving.

But the latter method is less sensitive. Further actions depend on what kind of leak occurs.

Let's consider the various options:

The gap under the windowsill. Sometimes, when, insufficient attention is paid to its joint with the wall from below. As a result, even a through gap may remain there. In this case, it must be repaired. Another situation is possible here. The gap may not be visible from the outside. In this case, holes are drilled between the frame and the window sill through which the gap can be filled insulating material... Then, the entire length of the joint is covered with a white opaque tape.
The gap between the window and the slopes. In this situation, similar methods apply. But when repairing slopes, the aesthetic requirements are much higher than in the previous case.
Repair of external ebb tides. If it is necessary to correct the situation on the external ebb tides, then special “warm mixtures” are used for this purpose. They are a special primer. Water-repellent paint is also used for this purpose.

After all the seams have been foamed, the foams are removed and protected with various materials.

For the first two options, it is possible to use different placeholders:

Polyurethane foam. It is easy to use, it hardens well, but at the same time it is sensitive to temperature changes. The latter feature can lead to the destruction of the filling.
Silicone sealant. It is relatively inexpensive and easy to use.
Mineral wool. Possesses good thermal insulation properties.
Styrofoam use is the cheapest, but also the least durable and durable solution to the problem.

In these situations, the general order of work is very similar:

Clearing the place, where the filling will be carried out, from debris and remnants of old polyurethane foam.
We wash the surface and, if possible, we degrease the working surface.
We fill the detected gaps with the filler of our choice. (polyurethane foam, silicone sealant, rock wool or foam).
If necessary, glue the holes(if any) with construction tape.

Additional adjustment and replacement of seals

The main reason for increased heat loss is the wear of rubber seals.

If no cracks were found, then it might make sense to adjust the windows. To do this, you need to check the quality of the rubber gaskets. If necessary, you need to replace them.

In some cases, the gaskets may have nothing to do with it. Plastic windows have special adjusting screws that allow fine adjustment.

They are present in the frame on all four sides. Air leakage may be due to the fact that there has been a slight shift in relation to the window frame. It is best to hire a professional for this kind of work.

Also, accidental damage cannot be ruled out, which creates the need to replace certain parts of their delicate mechanism. Only a professional can do it efficiently.

One of the most common reasons for the leakage of plastic windows is the need to replace both seals. One of them is located on the glass block itself. The other is on the frame.

The work is carried out in the following order:

The window is removed from the hinges. The old seal is removed.
The groove is wiped from dust and dirt and degrease.
Then carefully insert the new seal with the desired edge prepared in advance.
Then perform similar operations for the seal., which is located on the window frame.
Insert a previously removed window on the hinges.

It must be remembered that if you constantly look after the sealant, it will significantly extend its service life.

This is done as follows:

They are cleaned of dust and dirt and washed gently.
Wipe dry.
Lubricate with a special silicone putty (it is sold in car dealerships).

These procedures protect the seals from drying out in hot weather and from chilling in severe frosts.

Repair costs

Here are the approximate prices.

Calling the wizard to inspect windows, assessing the situation and drawing up an estimate - about 500 rubles for each window.
The lowest possible cost of work- 2000 rubles.
Clamp adjustment- 400 rubles each.
Replacing the seal- 130 rubles per running meter.
Maintenance of window fittings(disassembly, lubrication, and so on) - 800 rubles.

When carrying out work on your own, the prices are as follows:

The price of a sealant is 50-55 rubles per running meter.
Silicone sealant 280 ml will cost 50-160 rubles, depending on the brand.
Polyurethane foam 500 ml can cost about 150 rubles.
340-550 rubles worth square meter heat-saving film for plastic windows.

Thermal insulation of plastic windows- quite a difficult matter. At independent work you can save well on your costs. But for this you need to understand well how to do it. If you don't want to waste your energy on this, then you should spend money on a specialist who will do the job efficiently and reliably.

We installed or moved into a house with existing plastic windows. We believe that the issue of reliable thermal insulation window openings we will not have to return to our housing. Alas, this is not the case.

The question of how to insulate a plastic window may become relevant again. Perhaps even a little time will pass after the installation of window structures, when it will have to be solved.

Of course, the firms that produce and install windows give them their own warranty period. We have the right, before its end, to expose them to claims and demand the promised thermal insulation properties of the window. But, and the warranty period ends sometime.

It also happens that residents of regions with winter temperature below minus 30 want to improve the thermal insulation properties of installed plastic windows. This option is possible. And there are corresponding materials for this.

Selection of PVC windows, control over their installation

We solve the issue of reliability and quality of thermal insulation properties of window openings independently even at the stage of making a decision to install plastic windows.

If we ourselves do not have the experience, skills of installing PVC windows, then we must responsibly approach the options for choosing:

Which company to entrust the installation of plastic window structures.
Windows and fittings, which manufacturer we will install.
Profile view, how many air chambers we will choose in it (three chambers are optimal, but more are possible).
What type of double-glazed window will we order (for better thermal insulation, we choose an energy-saving one). We choose its width, the number of chambers, the seal, what the chambers between the glasses will be filled with, what kind of coating will be applied to them.

How to make this choice correctly? Contact the specialists, familiarize yourself with the design of plastic windows, with the products different manufacturers, with proposals of installers of window structures, with documentation for PVC windows.

It is useful to familiarize yourself with GOSTs 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 from PVC profiles.
GOST 30971-2002 Assembly seams.
GOST 52749-2007-8922 PSUL.

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

Correct technology and detailed instructions competent installation of PVC windows are established by regulatory documents.

It does not hurt, before controlling the actions of the window installers, he will familiarize himself with them himself, these are:

main "assembly" GOST 30971 - 2002 "Assembly seams of joints of window blocks to wall openings. General technical conditions ".
SNiP 23 - 02 - 2003. "Thermal protection of buildings."

Important! We must insist that the requirement for their installation in accordance with the above-mentioned GOST should be included in the contract with the company that installs PVC windows for us.

Before installation, we control:

How is the window opening prepared for the installation of a plastic window. We check the vertical slope, horizontal level with a liquid level.
What dimensions are the gaps left between the wall and the frame of the glass unit? The gaps should be no more than the length of the matchbox (no more than 5 cm), but no less than 15 mm. The gap less than 15 mm will be problematic to fill evenly and reliably with foam insulation.

During installation we control:

So that the assembly joints between the window and the wall are made with high quality, and along their entire perimeter, according to the principle "from the inside is tighter than from the outside" in three layers of embedding:

from the street - climatic protection;
inside - insulation;
from the side of housing - vapor barrier.

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

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

Track how the slopes and window sills were properly and reliably insulated.

Helpful advice! Take the money to fix the outer slopes. They will help the polyurethane foam to retain its properties as insulation longer.

Insulation of window structures and glazed loggias

But, even with proper observance of the technology for installing PVC windows, there is a need for their insulation for the winter period. Or maybe you moved into a new building, where PVC window structures were installed in large quantities, with a poor-quality fit.

Revision and control of the readiness of windows for winter

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

First, it is necessary to identify the very presence of air leakage through the plastic window structure. Find out in which node, in which place of the structure there is such a leak. You can determine here by the behavior of the lighter flame, when you hold it around the perimeter of the window or simply with the help of your hand.

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

Replacement of glazing beads, seals.

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

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

Pictorial illustration of pad replacement

If necessary, we replace the seal itself, which has lost its elasticity, between the glass unit and the frame:

Remove the glazing beads (you need to start with the side plates).
Remove the glass unit by first pulling out the linings.
Remove the tape from the old seal.
Cut the new strip of the seal equal to the length of the old one (preferably with a margin of 3 - 5 cm).
Carefully, without compression and tension, lay a solid tape of the new seal, cut off the excess piece with scissors.
Reinstall the glass unit, linings, glazing beads.

If air leaks are found near the frame, then the problem is with the pressure elements. In this case, the possible reasons are:

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

Remove the old seal;
Clean the place of its bookmark of possible debris;
Place a one-piece strip of the new seal in the groove of the sash and frame (the length of the extension must exactly match the length of the groove);
We glue the new laid seal.

Note! Try to buy new seals from manufacturers or installers of your windows. When cleaning the surfaces of the profile, 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 housing for winter, the question arises, how to additionally insulate metal-plastic windows? How to improve the insulating properties of the glass unit itself? And most importantly, how to insulate plastic windows?

These questions are easily solvable. We insulate PVC windows using heat-saving PVI -. During production, its surface is coated with a special metal spraying.

This coating reflects infrared rays and effectively prevents heat loss from living rooms. Insulation of a loggia (balcony), which are glazed with PVC window systems, can also be effectively solved with the help of such a film "glass insulation".

Film - an option on the way to warmth

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

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

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

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

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, moisten it).
We wet the glass.
We glue and level the film with a plastic spatula on the glass unit.
Cut off the excess part of the film with a cutter.

Replacement of the assembly seam, installation of 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 is bad if you did not install external slopes on time, which should protect against natural phenomena a heat-insulating layer of polyurethane foam, they were not insulated.

Then the foam, as a heater, will serve its life faster, will begin to lag behind the wall, the resulting drafts will transfer the dew point to the inner slopes.

If it is necessary to repair the foam heat-insulating layer and its climatic protection, we perform the following actions:

We remove the old foam from the gap between the window and the wall (you can use a chisel).
Spray the gap with water (so that after that the polyurethane foam sets better).
We fill this gap with new foam.
To protect the foam, seal the cracks with a sealant (for example, Belinka acrylic sealant, Dymonic NT polyurethane sealant).
We install external insulated slopes. As a heater, you can use expanded polystyrene foam (polystyrene, with dimensions of 2 cm or more), mineral wool, EPS (extruded polystyrene foam). Some also use a ready-made insulated PVC slope, having bought it in stores like "Maksidom". It is a plastic with dimensions of 2200x300x10 (mm), filled with extruded polystyrene.
We make a revision of the window sill. If necessary, we insulate the window sill.

How to insulate a PVC window sill?

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

Cut out the foam to the desired size.
We grab it with polyurethane foam.
We put a window sill on top of the foam.

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

Output

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

Why insulate plastic windows? This reasonable question arises, for sure, among all owners of modern sealed 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 is simple and short-lived. We deal with the weak points of modern windows and learn how to fix them.

# 1. Why do plastic windows need insulation?

In the first years, well-made and installed plastic windows will certainly be a reliable barrier to cold air, drafts and noise. Over the years, of course, problems can appear, and often the user is to blame for them. In case of unscrupulous installation, various defects can make themselves felt in the very 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 the rubber seal, but few follow the rules and regularly inspect the condition of this structural element. Lack of proper care leads to an accelerated process of thinning and drying of rubber, the appearance of microcracks in its structure, the result is a decrease in the density of adhesion to the frame and deterioration of thermal insulation;
incorrectly set slopes.

Poor quality or inappropriate window climatic conditions technical characteristics also will not be able to provide normal thermal insulation, therefore it is so important to be able to correctly and immediately decide on the right one.

# 2. Identifying Weaknesses

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

Cold air can penetrate such structural elements:

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

Identify leaking elements window simple - just hold your palm along and across the entire structure, and you will feel that in some places it blows decently. Some people advise using a lighter for this purpose. If you light a flame and hold it around the perimeter of the window, keeping a safe distance, then it will tilt in places where there is even a slight 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 cases when it is necessary to insulate from the outside, and the apartment is located above the second floor. It is necessary to be prepared that complex insulation may be needed if several zones of warm air leaks are found, but first things first.

No. 3. Debugging the clamping mechanism

Shrinkage of the house and weather factors can lead to 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, the return of the former tightness is a matter of a couple of minutes, however, knowledge of the design of a plastic window and skills in working with tools will be needed.

Clamping mechanism regulation can be carried out using special eccentrics located along the perimeter of the flaps. In order for the sash to fit more tightly, the eccentric must be turned clockwise using a 4 mm Allen key. Focus on the serif located on each such element. When it is directed towards the street, the clamp is weakened, towards the sealant, it is strengthened. The video shows everything well.

Sometimes a simple one helps to insulate a plastic window regulation of loops, which also have their own mechanism responsible for the pressure density. Here the regulation is carried out using a hexagon. One should be guided by a simple rule: if the tongue is strongly extended, 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.

The situation is even simpler with glazing bead... It is enough to pry the old gone glazing bead with a thin spatula, and in its place install a new one, which can be bought in the same company that sold and installed the windows for you.

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

No. 4. Replacing the seal

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

Procedure for replacing the glass gasket:

Replacement may need and seal, which is located along the contour of the sash... In this case, it is better to remove the sash. First, the decorative overlays are dismantled from the hinges, and then using 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 secure the beginning and end of the sealing tape with glue. Everything! It remains only to hang the sash back: the pin can be installed with bare hands, and then returned to its place decorative strip... The video shows and describes everything very well.

No. 5. Window sill insulation

Installation of a plastic window is often associated with decent destruction, they are especially significant in the area between the wall and. Some installers throw cement and debris into the cracks. No comment here. Better, of course, when the space under the windowsill is filled, but this option is not ideal either. Over time, the foam can shrink or even dry out, decent cracks 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 it solidifies. Excess after solidification is cut off, some builders recommend additionally filling small cracks silicone sealant... This is followed by plastering and decorative coating.

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

No. 6. Insulation of slopes

Today, often when installing plastic windows, slopes are additionally installed, smooth, 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 unnecessary parts of polyurethane foam;
if the surface is very uneven, you can plaster it;
treating the slope with a primer, you can use antibacterial compounds to prevent the development of mold;
a fragment corresponding to the slope is cut out of the foam. In order for it to better adhere to the surface, it can be slightly scratched on the back side. It remains to apply assembly glue and press firmly against the surface of the slope, to guarantee you can install several dowels;
it remains to mount the corner, putty the surface and fix the platband.

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 cracks, but there is an opportunity to make the structure even warmer - it will not only not let the cold into the apartment, but will also prevent warm air from escaping from the apartment. This is not magic, but reality, which is achieved through the use of:

heat-saving film;
electric heating of windows;
woolen blinds and curtains.

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

You can easily handle the installation of the film yourself:

glass surface and frames are thoroughly cleaned;
double-sided tape is glued around the perimeter of the box;
the necessary fragment is cut from the roll of film, it is better to cut it 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 accurate, there are no distortions and bubbles. Correctly glued film is almost invisible.

Electric glass heating it is already more difficult to equip, it is better to do this even at the stage of installing windows, but most window companies can install such a system already at installed window... Heating is carried out by means of an electric heating coil mounted in the glass.

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

It is better to carry out work on insulating 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 warming 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 not forget about the need to properly maintain the window.

High-quality plastic windows are beautiful, easy to use and avoid large heat losses in cold weather. Usually, it is with the replacement of old wooden windows with new plastic ones that it is recommended to start insulating a house or apartment. And all because, through low-quality double-glazed windows, the room can lose a significant part of the heat.

Try to switch plastic windows to "winter mode" even before the onset of the heating season

New plastic windows also do not always provide energy savings. The reasons may be different: violation of installation technology, wear of materials, improper operation, or simply poor quality of the glass unit. Therefore, even before the onset of the heating season, it is necessary to check whether reliable thermal insulation is provided, and, if necessary, insulate the plastic windows.

Preparatory work

First of all, you need to find out if the windows are letting in heat and where.

The following signs may indicate that the tightness is broken:

drafts;
clearly audible noise from the street;
condensation on inside window.

To find a problem spot, you can use an ordinary match. The flame will quiver in the place where air from the street enters the room.

Before you start insulating plastic windows with your own hands, you need to establish when the warranty period for their operation expires. Information about this can be found in the contract for the purchase and installation of window equipment. If it was installed quite recently and the warranty period has not expired, then all defects, including those associated with a violation of the tightness of the window, must be eliminated by the manufacturer at its own expense. But after self-repair, the warranty automatically ends and in the future you will have to fix all problems yourself.

If the windows were installed quite recently and the warranty period for them has not expired, then defects associated with a violation of the tightness of the windows, most likely, should be eliminated by the manufacturer (check this in your contract)

If the windows are far from new, and the warranty period has long expired, you can safely start improving them. The work performed independently will help to save not only on payment for the services of the master, but also on utility bills.

Insulation of plastic windows is best done before the onset of cold weather. By preparing your home for winter in advance, you will save more heat. Many work will be much easier to perform, since some types building materials can not be used at low temperatures.

Before proceeding directly to the insulation, you should wash windows, frames, window sills and slopes from the inside and outside... This is necessary for high-quality repairs: various materials will not adhere well to dirty surfaces. In addition, washing itself increases the thermal insulation of the windows. A clear window allows light to pass through, but is poorly permeable to infrared rays, which transmit heat. When contaminated, on the contrary, the glass begins to give off heat more strongly.

Tips for insulating plastic windows with your own hands and step-by-step instructions are presented below.

Step 1: adjusting the lock

Very often, with poor tightness of the window, the problem lies in the adjustment. When installing equipment in the summer, craftsmen usually install the mechanism in such a way as not to pinch the seal. For the winter, the lock needs to be adjusted to ensure a tighter contact between the window and the frame. You can do it yourself.

Depending on the design of the window, the lock can be adjusted using:

a screw securing the locking wedge to the frame;
a locking tongue located in the lock on the window sash;
screws located in the area of the hinges and the folding mechanism.

In order to insulate plastic windows, you need to use a hex wrench and tighten the indicated screws tighter. A suitable "hex" can be supplied with windows or can be easily found on the counter of a hardware store. Its modification will depend on the design of the window.

It is best to check the tightness of the frame to the window sash every year when preparing windows for cold weather, because over time, the tension of the fittings weakened.

The next video goes into more detail about this.

Step 2: replacing the seal

Both on the sash of the window and on its frame along its entire length, a rubber strip is attached - a seal. It is she who helps to close the window as tightly as possible, leaving no gaps. Over time, rubber wears out: in the summer it often heats up and dries out, and in winter the strips can freeze to each other and deform when the sash is opened. In preparation for the heating season, you can replace the seal, but this is usually done every 5-8 years.

In order not to be mistaken with the choice of a new material, it is better to cut off a small piece of rubber from the window and take it with you to the store. The new seal should be the same thickness and configuration as the worn-out one, which will avoid problems when replacing it.

The most convenient way to make a replacement is to remove the window sash from the frame. Window installers carry out such a manipulation in less than 1 minute; for a non-professional, the process will take a maximum of 5 minutes.

The sequence of actions is as follows:

the window is closed as tightly as possible;
remove the upper hinge cover and lock washer;
take out the hairpin;
open the window lock by turning the handle;
remove the sash from the upper hinge by pulling it towards you;
I remove the sash from the lower hinge by pulling it up.

(In the video below, you can see the entire sequence of actions.)

Having laid the sash with the handle down on a flat surface, you can proceed directly to the insulation of plastic windows. The old sealing materials are removed first. It is usually sufficient to separate a small piece of rubber from the plastic and pull on it until the entire strip is detached from the surface.

The place where it will be installed new material, must be thoroughly cleaned of dirt and degreased, otherwise the rubber will not serve for a long time.

The new seal is placed in place of the old one by pushing it into the groove with your fingers. It is not worth cutting off the material from the common skein in advance, it is better to do this when the entire perimeter has been passed, while leaving a margin of 0.5 cm. The remaining tip is pushed into the groove with force. Ideally, there should be no gap between the beginning and end of the rubber band. If the end of the seal is too long and pops out of the groove, it must be trimmed.

On the frame, the replacement is carried out using the same technology, and then the sash is returned to its place, observing the reverse sequence of actions. First of all, insert the flap into the lower hinge, then into the upper one, put the hairpin, the lock washer and the upper hinge cover in place.

We offer a video for clarity.

In order for the rubber gasket in the sash and on the frame to last a long time, it needs care. Each time the windows are washed, the seal is cleaned, degreased and lubricated with silicone grease. This coating will prevent deformation and increase the life of the material.

Both on the sash of the window and on its frame along its entire length, a rubber strip is attached - a seal. In preparation for the heating season, you can replace it, but this is usually done every 5-8 years.

If, after adjusting the lock and updating the gasket, the windows continue to release heat, it is necessary to carry out insulation with additional materials.

Step 3: insulation with additional materials

Window insulation methods

Additional insulation of plastic windows is carried out using different materials, which you can either purchase in the store or make yourself.

If the sash does not fit tightly to the frame, you can additionally stick a self-adhesive rubber or foam tape around the perimeter of the window (you can see a roll of such tape in the photo)

If, after replacing the "native" seals, the sash still does not fit tightly to the frame, you can additionally stick it around the perimeter of the window self-adhesive rubber or foam tape... The service life of such a seal is short-lived - most likely, it will last until the first window cleaning. Its advantages are that by additionally insulating the window, it is invisible and does not spoil its aesthetic appearance.

If the appearance of the window is secondary in the struggle for warmth in the house, you can use the old "old-fashioned" methods. The slots between the window sash and the frame, as well as at the point of attachment of the frame, are clogged cotton wool or foam rubber. Newspapers or other coloring materials better not to use, they may stain the plastic. But you can make an insulating material yourself, simply by wetting it with water white toilet paper.

From above, insulating materials are glued with a special adhesive paper for insulating windows ("Tape for pasting windows") or ordinary masking tape. This design will not last long, since the adhesive tape does not stick to the plastic very well. It is possible that during the cold season, some parts of the window will have to be re-glued. But with the arrival of spring, the insulation will be easy to remove without damaging the windows.

Insulation of slopes and window sills

A lot of heat is lost by the room not only through the doors or frames, but also through the slopes and window sills. When insulating plastic windows, these elements of the window structure cannot be ignored.

Most often, cold air enters the room from the joints of the slopes and walls or from under the windowsill. After the problem areas are installed, the cracks need to be filled with cotton wool or foam rubber, and then filled with polyurethane foam. After hardening, the foam is trimmed and additionally covered with a sealant.

Insulation of the slopes of plastic windows is performed not only inside the room, but also outside, while observing safety measures. Since polyurethane foam cannot be used at low temperatures, it is better to perform the procedure before the onset of cold weather.

In the absence of visible cracks under the cladding layer, there may be voids in the slopes that allow the cold to pass from the street. They can be detected by tapping the surfaces. To eliminate the cavity, you need to remove the cladding and carry out insulation with foam rubber and polyurethane foam.

Often, cold air enters the room from the joints of the slopes and walls or from under the windowsill. When insulating windows, these elements of the window structure must not be overlooked.

Insulation of a double-glazed window

Often the reason for the loss of heat is a poor-quality glass unit. In this case, the glass itself needs to be insulated.

Film for insulating plastic windows - inexpensive and effective remedy increasing the thermal insulation of the glass unit. It is easy to insulate plastic windows with such material, even without special skills.

The film prevents heat loss by creating an additional air gap between itself and the glass surface. The disadvantage of this method is that the appearance of the windows does not change for the better.

To install the film, you first need to clean the frame and wipe it with a degreasing agent. Then double-sided tape is glued around the perimeter of the frame around the glass. The film is attached to adhesive tape, making sure that there are no gaps, and then treated with a stream of hot air (hairdryer). As a result, the film is stretched and smoothed.

Thermal insulation of plastic windows before the start of the cold season is a task that everyone can cope with

Use the suggested step by step instructions and your home will become warmer and more comfortable at no extra cost.

Before removing various stains from clothes, you need to find out how safe the selected solvent is for the fabric itself. It is applied in a small amount to an inconspicuous area of the thing from the wrong side for 5-10 minutes. If the material retains its structure and color, you can move on to stains.

There are special traps to fight moths. The pheromones of females are added to the sticky layer with which they are covered, attracting males. Sticking to the trap, they drop out of the reproduction process, which leads to a decrease in the moth population.

V dishwasher not only plates and cups are well washed. It can be loaded with plastic toys, glass shades of lamps and even dirty vegetables, such as potatoes, but only without the use of detergents.

Fresh lemon is good for more than just tea: clean surface dirt acrylic bath, rubbing with half a cut citrus, or quickly wash the microwave by placing a container with water and lemon wedges in it for 8-10 minutes at maximum power. The softened dirt will simply be wiped off with a sponge.

Threads made of gold and silver, which in the old days were used to embroider clothes, are called gimp. To obtain them, the metal wire was pulled for a long time with pliers to the state of the necessary fineness. Hence the expression "pull (breed) gimmick" - "engage in long monotonous work" or "delay the execution of the case."

Stretch ceilings made of PVC film are capable of withstanding from 70 to 120 liters of water per 1 m 2 of their area (depending on the size of the ceiling, the degree of its tension and the quality of the film). So you don't have to worry about leaks from the neighbors on top.

The habit of using the washing machine “sparingly” can lead to an unpleasant odor in it. Washes at temperatures below 60 ℃ and short rinses allow fungi and bacteria to dirty clothes stay on indoor surfaces and proliferate.

If the first signs of gestation appear on your favorite things in the form of untidy pellets, you can get rid of them using a special machine - a shaver. It quickly and efficiently shaves off clumped fabric fibers and makes things look worthy.

With the advent of metal-plastic windows there is a tendency of their widespread introduction. In many respects, they are indeed more practical than wooden ones. Many users argue for their tightness and the absence of the need to care for them like wood. But after a certain period of time, 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 sure 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 way they are installed. If the latter was performed in violation of elementary rules, then you may not see the difference with the old wooden windows... In addition to mistakes that were made during installation, the following factors can aggravate the situation:

insulation wear;
detachment of linings from a glass unit;
changing the geometry of the window;
wear of valves;
wear of the PVC base;
incorrect 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. There are also problem areas where the glass unit is pressed against the window frame. If the planks begin to lag behind, it will lead to the appearance of condensation and the appearance of ice on the window. In production, the corners of the frame and sash of the window are made perfect, but their geometry can be disturbed by physical impact. For example, shrinkage of a building can change the angle, resulting in a sash leaking or a gap near the wall.

Metal fittings, which are used in plastic windows to fix the sashes, fail over time. In this case, the window cannot be pressed down with the proper force, which is why problems arise. Each material has its own service life, this also applies to PVC profile... It can also be the reason that the window has lost its tightness. It can run through from under the windowsill. If during the 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 adherence to technology when finishing, so that they can perform their tasks. If they are not sufficiently sealed, 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 craftsmen there are components that often fail and need to be replaced. 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.

Identifying the causes

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

tactile;
using a lighter;
a 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 deflect to one side, everything will depend on the direction of the air flow. To identify the loss of tightness due to insulation, a sheet of paper is used. It is necessary to open a 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 do the work

It is not always convenient to maintain and insulate plastic windows in winter. That's why best time there will be a spring-autumn period. This is due to the appropriate air temperature, which makes it possible to open and close windows without hindrance, without fear of catching a cold or increasing the consumption of gas or other medium for heating. Insulation of plastic windows may require the use of building mixtures. Most of them are used only at above-zero temperatures, which is a guarantee of proper drying. Excessive moisture that can be present in late autumn and winter period is also a hindrance to the normal operation. At the optimum temperature, it is easy to carry out not only internal but also external work.

External insulation of windows

Correct insulation of plastic windows implies external and internal work. The first are:

finishing of external slopes;
warming of ebb tides.

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 exterior slopes are not finished, so they are the first item that should be taken care of to insulate a plastic window. Without this event, you can do anything from the inside, but it will not give an effect. Thermal insulation of plastic windows from the street side makes it possible to move the dew point. Thus, moisture condensation will not occur on the glass from the inside. This often leads to the appearance of mold, which not only spoils the appearance, but is also harmful to health. Another factor that requires finishing the slopes is polyurethane foam. If it is not protected from ultraviolet radiation and precipitation, then it will begin to crumble, because of which the drafts will only intensify.

To carry out the work, you will need insulation, glue and tools. It is best to use extruded polystyrene foam as insulation for slopes. 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 umbrella-shaped dowels, as well as special glue.

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

The first step is to cleanse well window slopes from debris. If there are slugs from the old plaster on them, then they should also be knocked down with a hammer or a perforator with a chisel. If cracks or other damage are found, they must be repaired with tile adhesive or a similar mortar. After that, the surface is covered with a deeply penetrating acrylic primer. If the first coat is absorbed too quickly, then you can apply another and wait until it dries completely. With the help of a construction knife, the insulation is cut to the required size. An adhesive base is applied to it and placed in place. Moreover, it must fit snugly against the window frame.

Using a puncher, 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 evenly acts on its surface. After grouting and drying, you can proceed to finishing works... A video about insulating window slopes can be viewed below.

Working with ebb tides

Insulating the ebb of a plastic window is not a difficult task, so it can be easily dealt with 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 covers part of the opening and prevents it from getting wet. A small piece of insulation can be placed under the strip, which is firmly glued to the surface. All gaps are additionally filled with sealant.

Internal insulation of windows

The process of how to insulate windows with your own hands also includes interior decoration 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. Interior slopes require careful handling in order 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 cracks have formed. The old finish, which 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 is to install drywall, plastic panels or putty and plaster.

Note! After finishing, the slopes can be painted with water-based paint or finished 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 different sizes and execution. But it should unite them correct installation... 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 complete dismantling 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 and lift it. If it is possible to remove the window sill, then in addition, you can foame the junction of the window to the wall. Also, a small layer of insulation is placed under the windowsill.

Advice! Warming can be done with 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 located on plastic profile... The old insulation is being liquidated. 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. For this, it is important to measure everything correctly and make a small stock. It is better to opt for a black insulation, which is also made of PVC. Heaters painted in a different color have a weaker structure, which leads to their rapid wear. In some cases, it is necessary to replace the sealing gum that holds the glass unit. To do this, it is necessary to remove the retaining strips and the glass unit itself. The junction points are cleaned of dust and other dirt, after which the insulation is installed and the glass unit is installed.

Advice! Before replacing the insulation on the window, you must 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 for the time 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 first floor.

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