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

The perfection of plastic window designs is far from that ideal.

Reasons for the need for additional insulation

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

What causes loss of tightness:

1. Errors when installing a window unit;
2. Poor quality installation of slopes;
3. Worn out insulation;
4. Loss of elasticity of the seal;
5. Wall shrinkage;
6. Malfunction of mechanisms, window fittings.

Violation of tightness is the main factor

Interesting! When installing a plastic window, it requires significant destruction of the window opening. Often, builders resort to unscrupulous insulation measures, filling the impressive holes formed during the construction of a house with literally anything - from construction waste to sand and cement.

Polyurethane foam is also popular for sealing holes in walls.

Polyurethane foam, which has a cellular structure, is also popular for sealing holes in walls; over time, when condensation forms in façade cracks, it peels off from the surface and also dries out under the influence of ultraviolet rays. Therefore, over time, not only window cracks, but also the window sill will require insulation.

Should you invite craftsmen or do the insulation yourself?

To independently insulate plastic windows, it is advisable to be familiar with the technological process of installing window blocks.

There is a widespread belief that the elimination of defects in the sash seal and insulation along the glass contour, as well as malfunctions of window fittings and locking mechanisms, is best left to professional specialists. The advantage of having work performed by experienced, qualified craftsmen is that they provide a guarantee for their services.

The advantage of having work performed by experienced, qualified craftsmen

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

Some types of work, for example, insulating the frame contour, slopes, ebbs, and window sills, can be done with your own hands. A wide selection of material on the Internet describing in detail how to insulate plastic windows if there is a draft, with step-by-step instructions in video and text format, is easy to understand for anyone without special skills.

If there are doubts about success, it is better to leave the planned business in the hands of experienced people

The decision about whether to insulate the windows yourself or turn to a professional for help must be made carefully. If you are confident that you can definitely handle it yourself, there is no need to spend money on such work. If there are doubts about success, it is better to leave the planned business in the hands of experienced people.

Diagnostics of critical points

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

You can understand exactly where the window lets cold into the room using a simple technique: take an ordinary lighter or candle, and examine the perimeter of the window for the presence of blown areas, observing the deflection of the flame. If you don't have a lighter, you can use an open palm.

You should carefully examine the junction of the window frame and the wall.

Note! You should carefully examine the junction of the window frame and the wall. Slopes, window sills and fittings are also subject to mandatory inspection.

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

What materials to choose for insulation

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

The most popular insulation for indoor windows:

• Cotton wool, masking tape;
• Adhesive foam;
• Polyurethane foam;
• Sealant, putty;
• Rubberized seal
• Foam;
• Mineral wool.

Regular packing tape will not work for window insulation.

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

If necessary, the insulation can be mounted using dowel fastenings or an adhesive mixture.

Decorative finishing can be done using a plaster mixture

Decorative finishing can be done using plaster mixture, PVC panels or plasterboard.

First you need to wash the window.

Not many people know that a dirty window causes heat to leak out of the room.

The thing is that heat tends to escape outside the window in the form of infrared radiation. Standard window glass is transparent, but while transmitting rays of the visible spectrum, it acts as a barrier to infrared rays that transmit heat.

Glass covered with a layer of dirt loses its transparency

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

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

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

Before insulating plastic windows for the winter, they should be washed both inside and outside. Detergents containing ammonia or ethyl alcohol will effectively clean window glass from dirt and grease stains.

In any case, before carrying out insulation work, you should thoroughly wash both the frames and the window sill, since insulation, seals and heat-saving film adhere very poorly to uncleaned frames.

Adjusting the pressure of window sashes

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

It is not necessary to change the gasket. The clamping mechanism can be adjusted.

The rubber seal may lose its elasticity

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

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

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

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

Traditional methods of insulating plastic windows with your own hands

• Cotton wool and masking tape. These materials remain the most economical. Large cracks and the entire frame around the perimeter of the window are lined with cotton wool, and then sealed on top with masking tape.
• Adhesive-backed foam insulation. Reliable protection from cold and wind, securely attached to the window frame and does not fall off. One roll contains 3 meters of material, so before going to a hardware store, you can calculate the required amount. The only drawback is that foam rubber can absorb the condensate that forms, as a result of which the seal may be broken.

These materials remain the most economical

• Putty. This method is suitable for those who are looking for a reliable answer to the question of how to insulate plastic windows if it is discovered that there is a lot of air in any part of the frame. The putty is sold in bars weighing 300 grams. One such block will be needed for one window. Knead the mixture with your hands until soft, after which all the cracks are filled with it. After hardening, the material hardens. The work is quite labor-intensive. The putty does not absorb moisture and is very inexpensive.

Putty is sold in bars weighing 300 grams

• Silicone sealant. Reliable sealing promotes heat retention. Ideal for filling voids and cracks and strengthening glass in frames. However, frames cannot be filled with such material, since with the onset of spring the window may not open.

Reliable sealing promotes heat retention

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

Insulation of glass surface

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

Inside the room, condensation forms on cold glass, which, with prolonged exposure to the window opening and frame, provokes:

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

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

The application of thermal film does not have any effect on the transparency of the glass.

Due to the formation of an air cushion between the film and glass, a heat retention coefficient of 154% is achieved. The application of thermal film does not have any effect on the transparency of the glass.

To apply thermal film you will need:

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

Procedure:

1. Before gluing, it is extremely important to thoroughly wash and dry the glass. This determines how smoothly the film will “lay” on the surface of the glass and how long it will last.
2. Place double-sided tape around the perimeter of the window.
3. Separate the edges of the film using a utility knife.
4. Cut a piece of canvas with scissors in accordance with the size of the window and stick it on the adhesive tape applied to the frames.
5. Turn on the hairdryer and blow warm air over the film, smoothing it over the surface of the glass. If small bubbles appear, they can be burst with the tip of a knife.

A reliable way to additionally insulate windows is thick curtains

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

Other methods of insulating plastic windows

More serious internal insulation work, such as:

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

You can also do it yourself, if you have certain technical skills, care and diligence. You can watch how this is done in special videos, where all the instructions will be clear even to a beginner.

Plastic windows that actually retain heat in the house are an absolutely feasible task. It is important to detect all air-ventilated areas, and, having chosen the most suitable insulation method, follow simple step-by-step steps.

The correct decision regarding the insulation of plastic windows would be to carry out this process at the stage of installing the frame. Although this will raise the total cost of work by 20-30%, it will ultimately have a positive impact on indoor comfort. If for some reason it was not possible to combine repairs and insulation of plastic windows in the room, then you will have to spend time doing the work yourself. It's not difficult, but it requires following certain rules.

Choose the right time

The preferred time for insulation is the summer and spring seasons. To do this, choose dry and windless weather. You should not delay insulating plastic windows for the winter with your own hands if the following signs appear:

• noticeable heat loss;
• small drafts;
• drops of condensation in the window area.

Effective insulation of plastic windows outside and inside is easier to carry out in the warm season, since some materials lose their plasticity when they cool down significantly. Sealants also require a certain temperature range at which they will take on the desired consistency.

According to the warranty technical specifications, sealants are applied at temperatures above +5°C

It should be taken into account that during frosty and windy weather it is easier to identify problem areas and mark them, and later it is worth addressing them.

In windy weather, the quality of installation of plastic windows is also checked. With the doors completely closed, the candle flame should be motionless when it is drawn around the perimeter of the window.

Identification of cold bridges

The main problems with double-glazed windows are improper installation, worn seals and unbalanced locks.

Before insulating plastic windows for the winter, it is worth identifying areas where heat leaks occur. Such areas may include slopes, window sills, double-glazed windows, and fittings. Detection is carried out using tactile methods and using a lighter (matches). Running your palm around the perimeter of the window or passing a flame can help identify leaks. Visual diagnostics are carried out. Common reasons include the following:

• worn seal;
• glazing bead coming out of its seat;
• misaligned clamping mechanisms (locks);
• construction foam has lost its performance characteristics;
• poorly installed window sills.

It is necessary to pay attention, among other things, to slopes, since they can also become a conductor of cold into the room.

In order for the seal to remain intact for a long time, it is lubricated with special compounds once every year and a half. These can be universal silicone lubricants or professional kits for comprehensive care of PVC windows, but this is not only a product for caring for rubber bands, but also for other elements.

Ensuring tightness

The main task that is solved when insulating plastic windows with your own hands is to increase the isolation of the room from the external environment. To implement this strategy, in most cases it will be necessary to use technical design features. The actions will be feasible even for specialists who do not have much experience in repair work.

1. Often the glazing bead protrudes from its seat. This may occur due to its deformation. Replacement is carried out using a thin spatula, with which we pry up the element for removal. In the vacated space we install a new part, which can be ordered from a manufacturer of a similar profile.
2. Built-in sealing tape for insulating plastic windows requires more time. Having determined that the part has lost the plasticity necessary for effective use, we replace it. We remove the bead from its side and, having pulled out the linings, remove the double-glazed window. We dismantle the worn strip. We measure the length and cut a new ribbon 2-4 cm longer. We lay it in the technological groove using an auxiliary roller. We cut off the excess tape and return the dismantled parts of the window in the reverse order of disassembly.
3. High-quality insulation of plastic windows with your own hands, as in the video, is impossible without reliable operation of the clamping mechanisms. If they provide insufficient pressure between the frame elements, then gaps with drafts will form. There are a pair of adjusting screws in the plumb bob mounting area. The first is responsible for the position of the valves, and the second provides the pressing force. For self-adjustment, the clamp is completely loosened, and the adjuster must be tightened clockwise. It will be possible to determine the quality of such work using the flame of a lighter, which should not fluctuate when brought to the joint.
4. A few years after installing a modern profile, in some cases it is necessary to insulate the slopes of plastic windows. Cracks may appear in them, which are a source of cold. They are usually caulked with foam rubber or pieces of rags. If visually it was not possible to detect gaps, then it is necessary to lightly tap the surface of the plaster to identify voids. Next, we open up this area and also caulk it with available materials. We apply a layer of plaster on top of the insulation. If necessary, cover the surface with decor.
5. It is necessary to insulate the window sill of plastic windows. In this situation, work is carried out with the joining seams, and not with the slab itself. It is necessary to fill them with construction foam, and then finish them. Since a radiator is traditionally located under the window, the surface behind it up to the window sill is sealed with heat-insulating material.

1. External work can be carried out without outside help only for the first or second floors. Otherwise, it is necessary to call the appropriate specialists. They will seal the joints with concrete mortar or plaster.

VIDEO: Plastic windows. Quick sealing of joints and seams

Insulation film

Carrying out thorough construction work is in demand after a long period of operation. Then it would be appropriate to use such advice. However, there is often a desire to improve the current situation without using any construction technologies. To do this, manufacturers recommend using effective improvements. One of them is film for insulating plastic windows. The high-tech device is designed to reduce heat loss.

Outwardly, it seems that this is an ordinary plastic film, and far from being the densest. In fact, it is polyester, which is used in the creation of heat-saving and sun-protective structures.

How film works on windows

Taking into account the special manufacturing technology, the canvas has a special structure, due to which light easily enters the room, and the heat emanating from the inside is reflected and returned back. In fact, such a film allows you to create a thermos effect in a house or apartment, in which heat loss will be reduced by 25%. It is not removed in the summer, since it also reflects heat, but now coming from outside. The indoor temperature remains stable. The film is designed for 3-5 years of operation.

The usage procedure consists of the following points:

1. The glass and frame are thoroughly washed with soapy water and left until completely dry (do not wipe with towels, as lint may remain).
2. The frame, and it is on it that the film will be glued, is degreased with any alcohol composition.
3. Along the edge adjacent to the glass, double-sided tape is applied along the entire perimeter.
4. Lay out the film, level it and cut it with a construction knife to the required size along the glass unit with an allowance of 20 mm on all sides using tape.
5. Gluing the film to the tape, for which it is first glued along the top bar, then stretched. Fix it on the sides and at the very end, carefully stretching it, glue it to the bottom.

• Fingerprints may remain on the canvas, so it is advisable to carry out work with gloves;
• If folds remain during gluing, they can be removed using a hot stream from a hairdryer. When exposed to heat, the film shrinks and the folds disappear;
• You cannot stretch the film too much - it may burst;
• the film should not touch the glass - it is glued directly to the frame of the double-glazed window.

VIDEO: Nuances of insulating windows with film. Detailed instructions

Many people have a question about how to insulate plastic windows for the winter. This problem must be approached with all seriousness. Plastic windows without high-quality insulation are a source of heat loss from the premises. The entire range of work on their insulation can be done independently or hired specialists.

Insulating plastic windows both in an apartment and in a private house can reduce the heat loss of the building several times. Many problems arise at the installation stage due to errors by craftsmen or incorrectly selected materials. Therefore, the installation of a plastic window should be trusted only to 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 Euro windows can be insulated all year round, but it is best to do this in the summer, late spring or early autumn. The optimal weather for carrying out the entire complex of work is dry and windless. This will allow you to achieve the highest quality of thermal insulation and extend the service life of the installed materials.

You also need to understand that only minor defects can be corrected on your own, while serious problems are best left to a professional. For example, work on insulating slopes or ebbs, if the apartment is located above the 2nd floor, should be carried out by specialists. Doing this on your own is life-threatening. Also, if any defects are eliminated, a person automatically loses the warranty from the manufacturer of the plastic window and its installer. Therefore, before any work, it is better to find out whether they can be repaired for free, without involving third-party companies.

How to identify problem areas?

It is very easy to detect heat leaks. You can use a regular lighter. If there is a draft, the flame will change or simply go out. Also, heat leaks can be easily detected without additional equipment. It is enough to run your hand along the contour of the plastic window and in the area of ​​the window sill to feel the movement of cold air. The most common problem areas are the following:

• seal placed along the contour of the sash;
• the area of ​​the window block where the glazing bead is located;
• the area where the window unit adjoins the walls, window sill, ebb and other structures;
• zones where any headset is installed;
• a section of wall under a window sill, ebb or slope.

How to eliminate a leak in the seal of plastic windows?

How to insulate windows without the help of professionals? Sometimes it is enough to eliminate all heat leaks by creating a completely sealed structure. This can be done in the following ways:

• you need to check the glazing bead. If it is the source of the problem, it is necessary to dismantle the unusable part and put a new one in its place. This is very easy to do with a spatula. Beading can be ordered from a window manufacturing company or purchased at any store that sells profiles;
• If a defect is detected, it is necessary to replace the entire seal along the contour of the sash. To do this, you need to carefully remove the glazing bead, remove the linings and remove the glass unit. Only then will it be possible to remove the unsuitable seal. The new tape should be cut along the old part, adding 3-5 cm as a margin. The seal is placed in its original place, but during the installation process there is no need to pull it too tightly or press it. All excess should be removed and all structural parts should be installed in the reverse order;

• If there is a problem with the adjustment screws near the plumb line, a screwdriver should be used. One of them is necessary to fix the position of the sash, and the other is necessary to determine the degree of pressure. To get rid of heat leakage, the first screw must be loosened as much as possible. The other clamp must be tightened clockwise until it stops. The correct adjustment of the screws should be checked with the same lighter;
• if the problem is in the slopes, first they should be carefully inspected. If large cracks are identified, it is recommended to use tow or any other insulating material. They are placed in the gap, secured with alabaster. It is also recommended to knock on the surface of the slopes to identify possible voids that must be eliminated in the same way;
• if the cold oozes from the window sill, you should carefully insulate the gap that forms near the wall. It can be covered with cement mortar or covered with wallpaper.

What materials can be used to quickly insulate windows?

How can you insulate plastic windows without the help of specialists? This is not so difficult to do, the main thing is to choose high-quality materials and carefully study the technology for performing the work. It is also recommended to watch several training videos, especially if you do not have relevant experience.

You can insulate plastic windows for the winter with your own hands using the following materials:

• polyurethane foam. Helps eliminate gaps between the glass unit and the window opening. It only works effectively if it is protected from external influences using other insulating materials. Polyurethane foam quickly collapses when exposed to direct sunlight or wind;
• mineral wool. It is considered a modern material that has high thermal insulation properties. With its help you can insulate the window sill;
• silicone sealant. Necessary for eliminating the smallest cracks that can be sources of cold air entering the room;

• polystyrene foam Effective insulation for plastic windows, with which you can eliminate large gaps or prevent cold penetration through slopes;
• heat-saving film. If the question arises of how to insulate double-glazed windows with minimal investment, you need to use this particular material. This film is glued directly to the glass and helps retain up to 80% of the heat that is lost through window openings;
• construction tape. Allows you to achieve better sealing after applying the sealant;
• heat-insulating plasters or paints. They are applied to the surface of slopes as an insulating material.

Technology for performing window insulation work

When insulating plastic windows with your own hands, you must follow the following technology:

1. It is necessary to remove the old mounting foam, which is recommended to be done around the entire perimeter of the window. To complete the work, it is recommended to use a stiff brush, spatula, or brush. Remaining foam can be removed with a vacuum cleaner.
2. It is necessary to degrease the surface of the window sill and slopes with a special cleaner.
3. All cracks must be filled with foam. After hardening, it is recommended to cover it with plaster or putty with additional application of protective paint.
4. If cracks are eliminated using sealant, you should use a special mounting gun. Only after it has dried (after 5-7 minutes) should the treated areas be additionally insulated with construction tape.
5. At the final stage, you should begin installing the thermal insulation film. Before performing all work, you need to thoroughly clean the window and stick double-sided tape around the perimeter. To separate the film, use a utility knife. Before gluing it, you need to determine the size of the window, taking into account the tape, and cut the required piece accordingly. To better fix the film to the surface, it is recommended to use a hairdryer.

How to insulate slopes?

How to insulate plastic windows so that they do not let in the cold from the street? When performing thermal insulation work, many people forget about slopes and window sills. Often they are the main source of heat loss.

To insulate them you need to follow the following technology:

1. The surface of the slopes should be cleared of old plaster in order to get to the base - brick or concrete. If the coating is in good condition, this may not be necessary.
2. A plaster solution is applied to the surface of the wall, in which it is advisable to embed the reinforcing mesh. This will increase the strength characteristics of the resulting coating.
3. After the plaster has dried, you can begin installing the foam. An adhesive composition should be applied to the heat-insulating sheet, and then pressed against the surface of the slope. The seams between the foam plastic must be covered with the same solution. The insulation is installed similarly on the horizontal part of the slope.
4. You can cover the foam with putty, drywall or decorative plastic panels.

With these simple methods you can protect your home from heat loss.

It is very important to prevent heat loss from the building. The main leaks occur through the weakest points - windows and doors. The problem with doorways is solved by installing two doors or installing a vestibule.

This is not possible with windows. The most popular window fillings - plastic - are able to provide reliable protection, but if the technology is violated or the service life is long, the thermal protection characteristics may decrease. The way out of this situation is to insulate plastic windows.

Choosing the time for insulation

Most materials and technologies require compliance with a certain temperature and humidity regime. The best choice would be the warm season. Of course, the lack of protective function becomes noticeable only in winter, but it is better to wait until spring.

The advantages of insulation at positive outside temperatures include:

• convenience for the employee;
• compliance with the technology of using materials;
• no risk of freezing the heating system;
• maintaining comfortable living conditions in an apartment or house.

It is worth checking the weather forecast in advance and making sure that no rain or strong winds are expected. This will ensure a long service life of the insulation.

Determining the location of the leak

The weakest points of any structure are always the joints of the same or different materials.

In the case of window fillings, such details include:

• the junction of the glass unit and the profile;
• connection of the profile to slopes, walls, window sills;
• accessories;
• opening points of the valves.

You can independently determine the place through which warm air leaves the room in several ways.

1. The flame reacts to the slightest air movements. The most convenient way is to use a lighter. To find air leaks, the flame is slowly drawn along all weak points of the structure. If fluctuations are noticed, it is necessary to take measures for additional sealing and thermal insulation of the area.
2. Human skin is able to react to the slightest air movements and temperature changes. The largest number of receptors are located on the hands. If you run your palm along the perimeter of the profile, you can feel the weak spots. This method is less reliable and is only suitable for testing during the cold season.

Choice of insulation

Once the scale of work and the location of insulation have been determined, it is necessary to think about the correct choice of thermal insulation material. To protect plastic windows, you should choose modern, effective heat insulators. The insulation material can be one of the following.

1. Polystyrene foam has good thermal insulation characteristics and a relatively low cost. It is important to prevent moisture from getting on it, then it will last long enough.
2. Extruded polystyrene foam is similar to polystyrene foam, but has greater strength and moisture resistance.
3. Mineral wool insulation is not afraid of fire, temperature changes and damage by various microorganisms. It is worth remembering that mineral wool absorbs moisture well, and in a damp state its heat-protective characteristics are greatly reduced.
4. When using polyurethane foam, it is necessary to protect it from severe temperature changes and exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
5. Silicone sealant can reliably protect windows from leaks. Construction tape is glued on top of it, which will improve the protective properties. A special sealant is produced for external use; this is important to consider when purchasing the material.
6. Special transparent window film will reduce heat loss through the glass. In most cases, its use is unjustified, since mass-installed double-glazed windows are quite sufficient in most regions of the country.
7. Construction mixtures with enhanced heat-shielding characteristics can be used to insulate slopes and walls. On the market, “warm” compositions are presented in an assortment of facade paints, plaster mortars and primers. They are perfect for insulating window openings from the outside.

DIY insulation technology

The goal of the work is to seal the window filling. For small volumes of sealing in the abutment areas, a sealant is perfect. This type of material does not require special knowledge, you just need to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Before you begin carrying out more serious activities yourself, you need to consider the following points:

• after insulation with your own hands, the warranty on the window is void;
• it is best if the work contractor already has experience in insulation;
• Insulating windows from the outside on your own is almost impossible.

It is important to think through the decision beforehand. If in doubt, it is better to consider contacting a professional. If there is no doubt, work is carried out in the following order:

1. Dismantling of finishing, slopes, ebb, window sill if necessary.
2. Removing failed sealant or insulation.
3. Surface cleaning.
4. Treating the window sill and slopes with a cleaner to remove grease.
5. When using polyurethane foam, the surface is moistened with water.
6. Filling cracks with insulation.
7. Carrying out a protective finish (plaster or putty is suitable for polyurethane foam; construction tape is suitable for sealant).
8. Insulation of slopes using mineral wool or expanded polystyrene (you can purchase a ready-made insulated slope).
9. If necessary, insulate the window sill and ebb.
10. Checking the quality of insulation and finishing if necessary.
11. Optional heat-saving film sticker on glass.

Polystyrene foam and extruded polystyrene foam are conveniently attached to special glue or polyurethane foam.

Insulation of slopes and window sills

There shouldn't be any problems sealing the cracks. It is worth taking a closer look at the insulation of slopes and window sills.

You can insulate slopes using polystyrene foam or extruded polystyrene foam. The foam is fixed on the outside, and the inside is finished with plasterboard sheets or plastic panels. An additional layer of mineral wool can be laid between the wall and such a panel.

Manufacturers also offer ready-made sandwich panels, which combine both a finishing layer and insulation.

To insulate a window sill from polystyrene foam, cut out the desired shape, which is glued using special glue or polyurethane foam.

How to avoid window fogging

Fogging of a window indicates that it is not working properly as a barrier to cold air. Condensation forms on the surface when the internal glass has a low temperature and the warm air in the room falls on it in the form of moisture. In addition, fogging of windows can be caused by high humidity in the room.

In the second case, the way out will be regular ventilation. If the reason is the low temperature of the glass, condensation occurs in the following cases:

• insufficient thickness of the air layer in the double-glazed window;
• the window sill is too wide, which prevents heat from the radiator from reaching the window;
• installation errors.

To prevent windows from fogging, you must choose a trusted installer, do not skimp on double-glazed windows and do not install overly wide window sills. If the problem has already occurred, the solution may be periodic ventilation or the use of a dehumidifier.

Electric heated windows

Glass with electric backing is produced completely transparent. Using an additional heat source will avoid low room temperatures and the appearance of condensation on the translucent surface.

A seemingly perfect solution like plastic windows has a number of potential problems.

The room may not be warm enough and sometimes there are even drafts. When the window opening starts to blow, and the common cold becomes a constant companion, it’s time to address this issue. It is worth approaching this problem thoroughly, having previously purchased the necessary building material, so that the insulation process does not smoothly turn into a protracted unfinished construction or, even worse, into a protracted treatment.

What materials and tools are needed for emergency elimination of drafts and subsequent high-quality insulation.

• Polyurethane foam.
• Silicone sealant.
• Adjustment key for fittings.

Reasons for poor window insulation

At this stage, the cause of the draft should be determined.

• The fittings are not working properly.
• The sealing rubber bands of the sash and frame have dried out or do not press tightly.
• The beads do not hold the glass tightly and do not press it.
• It blows from under external ebbs, window sills or internal slopes.
• The window opening was not well foamed and thermally insulated during installation.

Adjusting fittings

First, we determine the density of the window sash. This is done using a regular notebook sheet. We clamp the sheet with the window sash and close it tightly with the handle. Now we are trying to pull it out, if the sheet does not come out, or it comes out hard, in this case there is no need to worry, the sash has an excellent rebate. If the sheet comes out easily when the sash is closed, then we proceed to eliminate it. We open the sash and on the locks located on the sash fittings, use the adjusting key to set the winter position, turning it 90 degrees. This will ensure a tight seal. And again we return to our sheet.

Replacing rubber seals

If the sheet comes out easily again, then it’s all about the sealing rubber of the sash and frame. Over time they dried out and lost their elasticity. Needs replacement. We cut out a small piece from the sash, also from the frame (they are different in volume), and go to the nearest retail chain of furniture fittings supermarkets, to the market, or contact installers. You need to measure how many meters of both seals you need.

Loose fit of glazing beads

Finding and replacing glazing beads is a rather tedious task; it is better to turn to specialists. Well, if you want to eliminate the draft, without replacement and on your own, then carefully remove the glazing beads from the mounting grooves. This must be done using a special spatula, with short and sharp blows, at an angle of 45 degrees along the body of the bead. Be sure to hold the glass: with your hand, with your head, and ask your neighbor so that the glass does not fall out of the sash when removing the glazing beads. We load a bottle of sealant into a piston gun and fill the space between the glass and the sash, along the perimeter of the sash (frame, if the window is blind, without a sash). Using a rubber hammer, hammer the glazing beads into the grooves of the sash. You need to start with short beads and from the corner of the sash. Now there will never be any blowing in this place, even if the glass is not pressed tightly.

Blows from the street side from under the tides, cornice

If external ebbs and cornices are installed poorly, unfilled cavities remain between them and the wall opening, in which, if installed correctly, there should be heat-insulating material. It provides good thermal and noise insulation of the house. To eliminate this problem, you need to open the sash and carefully examine the places where the metal ebbs and cornices adhere to the wall.

If you find gaps, cracks, or voids, you need to fill them with polyurethane foam. To do this, we definitely need insurance. And by leaning half a length out of the window, you can easily reach places that are not filled with thermal insulation.

If your windows are not standard (stained glass, balconies, loggias), do not take risks! Contact the specialists.

Excess dried foam can be cut off after a few hours. When it is not possible to turn to specialists due to the banal lack of extra money, and at the same time there is no desire to be exposed to drafts, we abandon this idea until better times and carry out insulation from the inside.

Insulating the window opening under the window sill

If you find that the space between the cornice and the wall opening is not filled with foam, and there is no way to fill it from the outside. Then we do it from the inside. Under the window sill there should be a distance to the opening of about 2 centimeters, filled with heat-insulating material. Using a screwdriver, knife or stiff wire, remove the foam to gain access to the unfilled voids under the street cornice. It is not necessary to select all the foam; you need to select enough to stick the nozzle of the gun through to evenly fill the voids under the eaves. We load the cornice so that the foam does not lift it.

We insure the cargo against accidental loss (there may be people below!)

We seal the joint between the window sill and the frame with silicone sealant from the inside and outside, and remove the excess with a wet rag.

Thermal insulation of a window opening

One of the reasons for drafts is insufficiently filled voids between the window (wall) opening and the window frame. Therefore, we look through it for the presence of insulation and check for the absence of drafts. You can check it using the flame of a lighter (candle), or with the palm of your hand.

To be completely sure, in the absence of a draft, you can ask someone to open and close the door to the room. While you smoothly carry the open flame of a lighter (palm) along the window opening. Air draft will definitely make itself felt if there are gaps in the opening.

After eliminating drafts, energy-saving film is used for more effective insulation and heat retention. The film is self-adhesive and to install it you need to remove the glass from the window. Remove dust and dirt, moisten the glass surface with soapy water. Apply the film, spreading it evenly. Use a rubber spatula to squeeze out the remaining solution. Use a utility knife to trim off excess film along the edges of the glass. Carefully insert into the frame (sash), hammer in the glazing beads with a rubber hammer.

With these practical tips, you can easily insulate your windows.