Plastic double-glazed windows are considered one of the most sealed types of home windows, but even they begin to let cold air into the house over time. In this article, we will look at how you can insulate plastic windows for the winter indoors with your own hands. This will increase the indoor temperature by several degrees and save a lot of money on heating.
Do-it-yourself plastic window insulation for the winter - the main points
Plastic insulating glass units are actively advertised by manufacturers who convince customers of their high thermal insulation properties. The increased interest in plastic structures is forcing specialized firms to carry out their installation by accelerated methods using only foam-like assembly composition. Foam, even if poured abundantly, cannot provide effective protection of the room from the penetration of cold.
A plastic or metal-plastic window, like any composite structure, has weak points
As a result, problematic situations arise, to get out of which it is necessary
:
- apply with an application to the specialists of the service center. This is associated with additional costs and inconveniences. After all, you need to adjust your schedule to the time of arrival of a service representative;
- perform thermal insulation work on your own. After examining the device of the metal-plastic structure, as well as determining the reason for the entry of cold air, you can fix the problem yourself.
Let's dwell on the second option. It is not necessary to delay the solution of problems of insulation with the following negative points:
- detection of heat loss;
- the presence of a constant draft.
In winter, it is problematic to carry out thermal insulation measures, since a significant cooling of the room is possible and many sealing compounds require a special temperature regime. It is better to carry out work on thermal insulation of plastic frames in the spring-summer period. It is advisable to choose a day for work with a comfortable temperature and, if possible, without wind.
You should first study the design, which includes the following elements:
- metal-plastic profile, which is a load-bearing element of the frame;
- elastic seals that seal the junction area of the glass unit;
- glass bag, consisting of several hermetically assembled glasses;
- fittings for adjusting the position and opening of the sashes;
- window sill and slopes located in the lower and lateral parts of the window opening.
The lack of tightness, the occurrence of component breakdowns causes heat loss. By insulating the window frames, it is possible to further reduce the noise level, ensure the dust-tightness of the opening, as well as improve its aesthetic perception.
The presence of a defect in one of the components of the window block leads to the fact that blowing from plastic windows
Causes of drafts
You should also have basic information about the causes of the draft. Possessing basic knowledge, you can avoid such unpleasant situations in the future.
- Tolerance of errors during the installation of the window. One of the most common problems associated with the low qualifications of the installer. If a draft arose immediately after installation, then you need to contact this installation company again and demand correction of the shortcomings. In the case of installing plastic windows with your own hands, you need to check the correctness of the installation and correct all errors.
- Shrinkage of the soil under the house and, as a result, skewed windows. A rare problem for residents of new homes.
- Substandard materials and manufacturing defects. An attempt to save on the price of double-glazed windows can cause poor tightness of the window, but even owners of expensive windows are not insured against defective parts. If conditions of purchase permit, take advantage of the option to return the entire set or only defective parts.
- Physical wear of the locking parts of the window and the seal. A very common problem for window owners who use them for a long time without replacement.
- Violation of the rules of use and care. Over time, the seal can lose its properties. To prevent this from happening prematurely, it is necessary to wash it and treat it with emollients. For example, glycerin.
If you evaluate in detail all the causes of drafts and heat leaks, then you can divide them into two categories, if possible, elimination - with the help of window installation wizards and independent problem solving.
The services of professionals are best used to solve such problems:
- When problems with a window are identified during the warranty period. At this time, the installer is fully responsible for its functioning. Unauthorized intervention in design features may result in refusal of further warranty service.
- Requires performance of high-rise work outside. In such conditions, the likelihood of injury is greatly increased, and it is better to entrust the implementation of such work to professional workers.
- Identification of manufacturing defects during the warranty period.
- Replacement of some structural parts, requiring certain tools and skills to work with them.
If the work is done from the inside, then most of them can be done independently.
Thermal insulation of plastic windows - problem areas
Elimination of defects in a metal-plastic structure requires a professional approach and compliance with safety requirements. Insulation of the slopes of plastic windows from the outside can be performed independently only if the windows are located at the level of the first or second floor. In other cases, it is necessary to use the services of specialists who can perform work at height.
For independent work, it is necessary to carefully study the technology of thermal insulation, to know the problem areas:
- the contour of the window structure along the perimeter of the frame;
- slopes on the inside and outside of the opening;
- a window sill located inside the premises.
The most problematic area through which heat loss occurs is the slopes. Room cooling through double-glazed windows is possible only in case of depressurization. It is important to correctly diagnose the cause of the cold air intake and be able to fix the breakdown.
Where to start insulation?
Insulation of plastic windows both in an apartment and in a private house allows several times to reduce the heat loss of a building. Many problems arise even at the installation stage due to mistakes made by masters or incorrectly selected materials. Therefore, the installation of a plastic window should be trusted only by professionals who provide a guarantee for their work. But if, after installation, during operation, any defects were noticed, they should be identified and corrected.
With high-quality insulation of plastic windows for the winter, it is possible to prevent drafts in the room. Also, in this way, it is easy to increase the temperature in the house by several degrees without additional heating costs.
PVC or eurowindows can be insulated all year round, but it is best to do this in summer, late spring or early autumn. The optimal weather for the entire range of works is dry and calm.This will achieve the highest quality thermal insulation and extend the life of the installed materials.
You also need to understand that you can fix only minor defects on your own, and it is best to entrust serious problems to a professional. For example, work on insulating slopes or ebb tides, if the apartment is located above 2 floors, must be performed by specialists. Doing it yourself is life-threatening. Also, if any defects are eliminated, the person is automatically deprived of the warranty from the manufacturer of the plastic window and its installer. Therefore, before any work, it is better to find out if it is possible to repair them free of charge, without involving outside companies.
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How to identify air leaks
Identifying problem areas through which cooled air enters is best done on a windy and cool day. These are the most favorable conditions for identifying the problem area.
To identify the gap, it is enough to run your palm over the surface of the window block
You need to pay attention to the following points:
- the condition of the lining located along the perimeter of the glass bag fixing
- the integrity of the rubber seal, which ensures a tight fit of the glass unit to the frame;
- the absence of backlash and the functioning of the fittings, which ensures the rotation and fixation of the frames;
- tightness of the opening along the contour of the fiberglass window at the level of the window sill and slopes.
To find the gap, it is necessary to visually assess the condition of the assembly seam. You should look for the source of the draft using the following methods:
- lighted lighter. By the state of the flame when moving the lighter around the perimeter of the frame, you can easily find where the cold air enters the room;
- with the palm of your hand. By substituting your palm in the seam area, and slowly moving it around the perimeter, it is easy to identify problem areas where the installation was performed in bad faith.
Having found the cause of the heat loss, you can proceed to elimination.
What is insulation
Thermal insulation of metal-plastic windows is a necessary procedure that will help maintain a comfortable temperature in your home, prevent dampness and mold in the room, and will significantly save energy. In the cold season, not only our health depends on a stable and comfortable indoor temperature, but a large part of our budget is spent on heating and maintaining a constant temperature in any room. This applies not only to housing, but also to any areas in which people work and are.
With the advent of modern technologies and materials in construction, old methods become unacceptable and the question of how to insulate plastic windows cannot be solved with paper, foam rubber or rags. The modern market for these purposes effectively uses a variety of seals and silicone.
After long-term operation of metal-plastic windows, there is an urgent need for insulation, associated with the loss of elasticity, thinning, abrasion of the rubber seal. Defects and gaps that are invisible to the human eye and appear between the sashes of metal-plastic windows make it possible for cold air to penetrate into any room. Let's consider the possibilities of solving the problem.
How to insulate plastic windows for the winter - selection of a heat insulator
In specialized stores, a wide range of various building materials for thermal insulation are offered. They use as insulation:
- foam for installation. This is the most commonly used heat insulator. It is easy to apply and expands in volume. However, it is destroyed under the influence of temperature fluctuations and ultraviolet rays;
- mineral wool. It is a safe and fire-resistant heat insulator, with the help of which it is convenient to insulate a window sill. Minvata is hygroscopic, needs protection from moisture;
- silicone sealant.An inexpensive and proven tool that reliably seals small cracks around the perimeter of the window structure. Does not allow dust to enter the room;
- heat-saving film for windows. The transparent material is easy to self-attach to the surface. It prevents heat loss through the glass of the bags;
- sheet polystyrene. Differs in an affordable price, is easy to cut, is used to seal cracks and eliminate gaps located along the contour of the window frame;
- construction tape. It is used in conjunction with various types of sealing compounds, is attached after hardening to a solidified surface. Increases the efficiency of thermal insulation.
Having studied the features of the materials and after consulting with a specialist, you can decide on their use for thermal insulation of windows.
Construction tape. Glued over or instead of sealant
How to insulate double-glazed windows on your own?
Cold glass has a considerable area and is a kind of refrigeration panel, since in fact it lowers the temperature of the air in contact with it.
Inside the room, condensation forms on the cold glass, which, with prolonged exposure to the window opening and frame, provokes:
- mold development;
- accelerated wear of the seal;
- the ingress of fungal spores into the air inhaled by a person, which harms the health of all people living in the room.
A simple, effective and inexpensive solution for insulating a plastic window is gluing a thermal film on the glass surface. It contains rare-earth metals deposited with a thin molecular layer, as well as nickel and silver alloys, which do not allow cold air to pass through.
The application of thermal film has no effect on the transparency of the glass.
For gluing the thermal film you will need:
- double sided tape;
- scissors;
- stationery knife;
- hairdryer.
Procedure:
- Before gluing, it is extremely important to perfectly wash and wipe the glasses dry. It depends on how smoothly the film will "lay" on the glass surface and how long it will hold.
- Stick double-sided tape around the perimeter of the window.
- Divide the edges of the film with a utility knife.
- Cut a piece of canvas with scissors in accordance with the dimensions of the window and stick it onto the adhesive tape applied to the frames.
- Turn on the hair dryer and spray the film with warm air, smoothing it over the glass surface. If small bubbles appear, they can burst with the tip of a knife.
A reliable way of additional insulation of windows - blackout curtains
Insulation of slopes of plastic windows
In the area of slopes, significant heat loss can occur in the absence of effective thermal insulation. You can use polyurethane foam, basalt slabs, as well as other available insulation.
Consider how to insulate the slopes of plastic windows inside. Procedure for thermal insulation of slopes:
- Ensure that the surface of the slopes is clean.
- Secure the insulation.
- Seal the gaps with polyurethane foam.
- Apply a layer of protective plaster.
- Seal the cracks with sealant.
- Finish off.
Thermal insulation of the side parts of the window opening from the outside is carried out in the same way using moisture-resistant heat insulators.
Reasons for the need for additional insulation
Leakage violation is the main factor provoking the need for insulation work.
Because of what there is a loss of tightness:
- Errors during installation of the window unit;
- Poor installation of slopes;
- Worn out insulation;
- Loss of elasticity of the seal;
- Shrinkage of walls;
- Malfunction of mechanisms, window fittings.
Leakage is the main factor
Popular for filling holes in walls and polyurethane foam
Polyurethane foam, which has a cellular structure, is also popular for sealing holes in walls, which, over time, when condensate forms in the facade cracks, peels off the surface, and also crumbles under the influence of ultraviolet rays.Therefore, warming over time will require not only window cracks, but also a window sill.
Adjusting the position of the flaps
As a result of the gradual shrinkage of the building, which is typical for new buildings, there is a slight distortion of the sashes. This negatively affects the thermal insulation properties of the window structure.
To reduce heat loss, you need to adjust the fittings (components) of the window block
When performing adjustment work, using a special key, the eccentrics located on the following structural elements are rotated:
- top loop;
- lower hinge;
- locking mechanism.
By gradually turning the eccentric key, you can ensure a tight fit and secure fixation of the frames.
Identification of problem areas
The most economical way to insulate is to do it yourself. However, the success of the events will depend on whether identify places where cracks have formed, yourself.
Further actions will be aimed at eliminating defects in places through which heat "leaks" outside.
Blitz-survey: Do you have plastic windows installed in your home? From our last article, you can find out which PVC windows are best to install in the house and why.
It is recommended to pay attention, first of all, to:
- rubber seal installed between the glass unit and the window frame;
- glazing beads holding the glass unit;
- window fittings;
- docking zones between the frame, the slope and the window sill.
The problem is especially evident in winter - leaks are detected immediately. However, one should not trust the sensations of the hand alone. By observing the flame of the lighter, it is easy to determine the places in the structure that require insulation.
Of course, we must not forget about the precautions when working with a lighter. Avoid bringing it close to the structure and touching it. Hand movements with a lighted lighter should be smooth, the entire perimeter of the window must be examined.
We change the insulation for plastic windows
To replace the insulation, it is necessary to remove the plaster layer and seal the cracks with cement mortar. The increased efficiency of thermal insulation is provided by a three-layer protection, which is applied in the following sequence:
- polyurethane foam;
- moisture resistant sealant;
- drywall or sandwich panels.
After completing the work, you can apply any finishing options. It is necessary not to forget about checking the condition of the rubber insulation. It provides tight contact around the perimeter of the window frames. Needs proper care and periodic treatment with special compounds. This allows you to maintain its elasticity for a long time.
Setting the clamping system
Shrinkage of the building and climatic factors contribute to a slight distortion of the window sashes and a slight deformation of the seal.
This leads to a violation of thermal insulation, but the previous tightness can be restored in a matter of minutes. This will require knowledge of the characteristics of the PVC window and experience with the tools.
The clamping system is adjusted by special eccentric, concentrated in the area of the sashes... To make the flap adjoining more dense, the elements must be unscrewed clockwise using a 4 mm hexagon. It is necessary to look at the serif found on each element of this type. When they are directed outward, the clamp can be considered weakened, and if in the direction of the sealing material, then strengthened.
Sometimes the standard regulation in relation to the hinges, which also have their own mechanism necessary to ensure the tightness of the pressure, helps to insulate the PVC window. Here the adjustment is made with a hexagon It is necessary to adhere to a simple rule: when the tab is extended, the sash fits snugly to the surface.To move it away, it is necessary to turn the tool against the clock hand, in case the hinges are on the left side, and in the direction of the clock hand, if they are located on the right side.
Glazing bead can be dealt with even easier... The old glazing bead is pushed off with a thin spatula, and a new one is put in its place, available for purchase in the same company that sold and installed the windows.
After making the adjustment, you need to make sure that the tightness is better using your own palm or a lighter. If the master did everything correctly, and the window is still blowing, then you will have to resort to changing the previously used seal.
Window sill sealing
Installation of PVC windows is often associated with impressive defects, they are especially noticeable in the space between the window sill and the wall surface. Some installers throw rubbish into the cracks. It is better, of course, when the area under the windowsill is filled with construction foam, but this material is not ideal either. The foam gradually shrinks to form impressive crevices. Cold passes through them in the dwelling.
To properly insulate the window, you will need to remove the old foam and fill the space with new... It can expand due to solidification. The remains are subsequently cut off; some builders are advised to fill small cracks with a silicone-based sealant. In the future, plastering and application of material for decorative design are carried out.
If possible, the window sill area should be insulated from the outside. For this, polyurethane foam is suitable, but in some cases, foam is also involved. The upper part is covered with a layer of plaster along the mesh, after which it is finished.
Algorithm for changing the seal
A high-quality rubber-based sealant lasts quite a long time, but a number of rules are required here. In accordance with the requirements for the use of PVC windows, the seal must often be lubricated with special substances, but almost no one does such a care manipulation. For this reason, it turns out that after 5 years the rubber dries up and lets cool air from the street.
The problem sometimes lies in the seal installed under the glass, or in the fact that it is installed along the perimeter of the sash. Changing the seal in a glass unit is not so difficult, but requires a responsible approach. If you have doubts about your own skills, it is better to ask the help of a specialist.
When changing the seal under the glass, observe the following steps:
- remove the glazing bead;
- dismantle the lining, and with it the glass unit;
- remove the worn seal;
- put new sealing material through the groove.
It is necessary to cut the tape in advance, exceeding the required length by 3 cm. Place the new seal in place, being careful not to over-tighten the material. The surplus must be cut off. For reliability, it is permissible to fix the seal with glue.
After that, the installation of a double-glazed window is carried out.... The installation of shims is also required. Glazing beads are a fragile element, for this reason it must be removed and reinstalled carefully so as not to break, otherwise you will have to resort to buying new products.
A change may also be necessary for the seal located around the sash perimeter. In this case, it is recommended to remove the sash. First, the decorative items are removed from the hinges, and then, using the mounting handle, they pull the pin out of the hinge. It remains to carefully unscrew the sash, remove its worn-out seal from its surface. It is necessary to install the seal from the upper area of the sash, pressing on it, but not pulling it off. The edges of the sealing tape should be fixed with adhesive.
After that, it remains to put the sash: the pin is easily fixed with your own hands. In the future, return the decorating patch to its place.
