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How to insulate wooden windows for the winter: the best methods and materials
Winter brings us a lot of positive emotions: the first snow, holidays, weekends and vacations. But at the same time, many have to deal with the fact that the temperature in a house or apartment falls below a comfortable level, which creates a certain discomfort. One way to combat this is to insulate windows. Let's consider how to insulate wooden windows for the winter on our own: what materials and technologies can be used.
Sealing windows will significantly reduce heat loss in the cold season
How to understand that you need to insulate wooden windows
Wooden windows have a lot of advantages in comparison with plastic ones, and it is believed that they are able to maintain the optimal microclimate in the room, which is necessary for comfortable living. But along with the advantages, wooden windows also have disadvantages, including the ability of the frames to dry out, thereby provoking the appearance of cracks and cracks through which cold air enters the room.
Wooden windows are considered more environmentally friendly than plastic ones, but they require additional maintenance.
It is very easy to notice that the frames have become leaky if you pay attention to the appearance of patterns on the glass. Another option is to bring a damp hand to the joints. Another way that allows you not to wait for frost is to bring a lighted candle to those places where there may be cracks. If they were found, it is worthwhile to immediately start insulating the frames. Moreover, it is advisable to do this before the air temperature outside drops below 5 ° C.
Ideally, new wooden windows should not be inferior to plastic ones in terms of heat saving. But in practice, quite often you have to face the fact that these characteristics deteriorate over time. Another option is that the wood may initially not adhere tightly enough to the glass or be poorly processed.
Helpful advice!Before insulating old windows, they must be thoroughly washed and degreased.This will allow you to securely fix the selected insulation material.
You can determine heat loss through windows using a thermal imager
How to insulate wooden windows for the winter: the best ways to insulate
In order to understand how to insulate windows for the winter, it is necessary to determine how heat can leave the room. If we talk about windows, the leakage of thermal energy through gaps, cracks and cracks in the windows appears as a result of shrinkage of the building or as a result of the fact that the frames dry out. This phenomenon is also observed as a result of violation of the technology of installation of such windows.
If you need to insulate wooden windows with a double-glazed window with your own hands, then this can be done both from the outside and from the inside. If it is additionally required to insulate the slopes, then an additional layer is created for this, for which drywall and plaster are most often used, as well as thermal insulation material.
The first thing that needs to be determined before deciding how to insulate the windows is how tightly the frame adheres to the glass. Rattling glass indicates a violation of the tightness and in this case it will be necessary to remove the glass in order to sealant make an additional layer around the perimeter of the frame. All visible gaps after fixing the glazing beads are also sealed with a sealant.
For insulating wooden windows with double-glazed windows, it is better to use silicone sealant
Important!All work of this type must be carried out in special protective gloves, which will prevent cuts, as well as getting the sealant on your hands.
After you are convinced of the proper level of adhesion of the glass or solve the problem with a sealant, you can continue the insulation using one of the materials. Let's take a closer look at each of the options, its advantages, disadvantages and features.
Features and subtleties of window insulation with film
Insulation of windows with a film material is a common technology that is very often used by summer residents. Of course, in this case, it is worth paying attention in advance to such film characteristics as frost resistance and transparency, so that the efforts made are not in vain.
Helpful advice!If your region is characterized by severe frosts, it is best to use a special frost-resistant film, which is designed for greenhouses and has increased thermal insulation characteristics. Such material calmly withstands a temperature drop down to -40 ° C.
Wooden windows can be insulated with either a special self-adhesive film or a conventional coating for greenhouses and greenhouses
The film is fastened from the outside of the window using a stapler. In order to ensure a more reliable fixation, it is worth placing additional pieces of film under the staples. Also, it is important to ensure that the film is correctly tensioned so that it does not break as a result of wind load. Although, if this happens, it can be sealed with adhesive tape without any problems.
Separately, it is worth discussing the use of an insulating film, which is a composite material, and one of the sides of which is metallized. Due to the fact that the metal layer is very thin, it does not interfere with the free passage of sunlight, but the heat loss of the glass is significantly reduced. Therefore, if this option of insulation is chosen, it is definitely worth buying a heat-saving film for windows.
A piece of such a film of a suitable size is stretched from the outside of the house, not forgetting about small allowances. Using a conventional spray bottle, a soapy solution is applied to the surface of the window glass, after which the film is simply glued.
The process of insulating a wooden window with a plastic film
Important!Before attaching the film to the glass in this way, it must be thoroughly cleaned and degreased. Otherwise, the film will not stick.
How to insulate old wooden windows with paper
The most common method involves using paper to seal the windows. So everyone can insulate wooden windows with their own hands, simply by adhering to the following algorithm:
The surface of the windows must be thoroughly washed.
Inside all the joints, where there are cracks, cotton wool, strips of foam rubber or synthetic winterizer are laid.
Then these places are sealed with paper using paste, wallpaper glue and PVA glue diluted with water.
When insulating old windows with paper, the seams can be additionally sealed with putty
This is a very effective method, which, however, has one significant drawback - in the spring the paper will have to be removed and in the fall it will be glued again. Nevertheless, when the question arises, what is the best way to seal windows, many prefer paper as a simple and reliable method. Sometimes, as an alternative, strips of fabric are used, which are attached to a soapy solution.
How to insulate windows for the winter with your own hands: is it possible to use a sealant
The sealant is often used as insulation for wooden windows. But this method is effective only if the slots are small. But before you insulate the windows with a sealant, you should know that it is extremely difficult to remove, so, most likely, having done this once, you will have to leave the result of your work for several years.
First of all, you should take care not to stain the frames. To do this, you can use masking tape, gluing it where needed. Then the sealant is carefully squeezed out into the holes, be sure to use a special device and a nozzle for this. It is extremely important to level the compound immediately before it hardens. And this happens very quickly. In order to eliminate the excess, you can use a regular rag, previously soaked in a solution of vinegar.
The most convenient way to seal gaps in wooden windows is to use a special gun.
Given the fact that there are several types of silicone, it is worth knowing in advance which one is suitable for these purposes. For insulation, you can use a polyurethane or theokol sealant. In the first case, the application process is easier and after drying it can be painted without problems.
Important!The sealant chosen for insulation must have moisture resistant and antifungal characteristics.
How to close up the cracks in the windows: how to use foam rubber as insulation
Due to its elasticity and other characteristics, foam rubber has been used for insulating windows for a very long time. This method allows you to eliminate any, even the smallest gaps. The technology in this case looks like this: the windows are glued with paper from the outside. Then, using a knife or other sharp object, the foam rubber is pushed into the gap and sealed with paper on top again. Of course, if we are talking about a multi-apartment high-rise building, gluing from the outside is not performed.
Small gaps in wooden windows can be quickly repaired with self-adhesive foam
Today on the market you can find many different options for foam rubber, designed specifically for this purpose. The easiest way is to purchase self-adhesive foam rubber, which is convenient to use and significantly reduces the time of work.
How to properly insulate windows for the winter with paraffin
Paraffin is no worse for insulating window frames sealantso this option is also worth considering. True, this option is suitable only for small crevices. The procedure looks like this:
paraffin is melted in a water bath;
a small amount is drawn into a syringe;
evenly distribute the paraffin inside the gap.
Small gaps in wooden windows can be repaired with melted paraffin wax
If you have to deal with cracks of a rather large size, you can first lay a rope of a suitable diameter inside.So, you can provide a base that will allow the paraffin not to spread, but to solidify in the desired position.
A step-by-step description of the technology, an overview of the features of the fittings and work with it. Rules for adjusting structures.
Window insulation: special seals designed for this purpose
An alternative solution to the problem, which allows you to abandon the use of foam rubber, can be considered rubber or PVC seals. Usually, manufacturers immediately label their products to make it easier for the buyer to choose the option that suits them.
PVC seals are distinguished by excellent thermal insulation characteristics and are rightfully called the most effective. But rubber lasts longer, especially if you give preference to a softer material.
In hardware stores, you can purchase special seals for window insulation
Insulation of wooden windows using Swedish technology: what is it?
Almost everyone who seeks to learn how to insulate windows with their own hands is confronted with such a name as Swedish technology. What does this phrase conceal, and how effective is this method?
First of all, it should be noted that this method cannot be called simple for sure. It is completely unsuitable for old and dilapidated frames, since the structure will need to be pulled out and cleaned. Then a line is drawn around the entire perimeter of the frame, on which they indicate the place where the groove will be located. Using a special tool (milling cutter), a recess is made in the marked place. Such a groove should appear in all frames, including the window.
A PVC profile is inserted into the recess made. It is important that there are no overlaps in the corners. It is best to carry out this procedure with an assistant, since it is rather difficult to do everything yourself.
Each homeowner decides for himself how to insulate the windows for the winter: what to glue and what method to use. You just need to carefully study all the options available to find the best one. But most of the technologies are quite simple, and the necessary materials are in the public domain, so all that remains is to make a choice and act according to one of the algorithms.
Scheme of thermal insulation of wooden windows using Swedish technology
How to insulate a wooden entrance door in a private house with your own hands
It is very important to seal up the windows for the winter, but it often happens that a large amount of heat is also lost through the doors. This is especially true when it comes to old wooden doors. There are several ways to insulate the front door:
using a sealant;
ensuring sealing due to rollers;
by making the upholstery from the seal.
The latter option is usually used if the door leaf does not fit tightly enough to the frame, which leads to the penetration of cold air through the cracks, even if the door itself keeps heat well. Rollers are used more as an auxiliary element that allows you to increase the efficiency of the upholstery.
To insulate doors, a special sealing rubber with an adhesive strip on the base is used
One of the following materials is usually used for upholstery on the outside of the door:
foam rubber;
mineral wool;
expanded polystyrene;
Styrofoam;
isolon.
Foam rubber is the most popular, since this material is inexpensive, and it is easy to work with it. But it absorbs moisture, which is a significant drawback, and also begins to crumble over time. Better quality, but at the same time more expensive material - isolon. Its thermal insulation performance is very good.
Mineral wool is not used too often, as it tends to get lost over time, which deprives the structure of its visual appeal.Well, polystyrene and expanded polystyrene not only perfectly hold the required shape, but also perfectly cope with the task.
Entrance doors can be insulated with polystyrene or polystyrene foam
How to insulate plastic windows with your own hands
You can insulate wooden double-glazed windows with your own hands according to one of the above technologies. But what if plastic windows need additional thermal insulation? In fact, we have to deal with such a situation quite often. Let's consider what to do in such situations.
Before insulating plastic windows for the winter, you need to pay attention to the condition of the sealing gum. In some cases, it simply loses its density or elasticity, and then it is enough to replace it according to the following algorithm:
In the place where the flaw is found, the glazing beads are dismantled.
Next, you need to remove the linings and carefully remove the glass unit.
Pull out the old seal and install a new one in its place. Moreover, initially its length should be 4-5 cm longer. This allowance can be trimmed after a new elastic is installed.
In the reverse order, install all the parts that have been removed: double-glazed windows, glazing beads, linings, etc.
Plastic windows can be insulated by gluing an additional layer of sealant
Before installing a new lining, it is useful to wipe the grooves from dust, and it is better to thoroughly rinse and dry them. This will greatly facilitate the installation of the seal, allowing it to fit as evenly as possible.
Sometimes it happens that the replacement of the seal did not bring results. In this case, it is worth setting up the clamping mechanism. A special window key is required for this purpose.
First of all, you need to inspect the double-glazed window, and then gently push on it and release it. If the movement was not too strong, reinforcement can be done with silicone sealant.
Important!Silicone sealant for insulating plastic windows should not contain acids that can have a destructive effect on the rubber seal.
Sometimes, to insulate old plastic windows, it is necessary to apply an additional layer of silicone sealant under the glass units
If the glass unit is very loose, then using a special key, you need to adjust the pins. They are metal cylinders. First you need to loosen the bolts a little, and then tighten the hooks that hold the cylinders.
Do-it-yourself window sill insulation: the rules for keeping warm
Separately, it should be noted that the window sill is often also a heat loss path. Therefore, if you want to insulate the window as a whole, this part of it should also be given attention. Most often, problems arise with plastic window sills, since errors in the installation process lead to cracks.
Cold air from the street penetrates into the formed gaps and the heat from a nearby battery is consumed much more. To avoid this, you must take the following measures:
open special plugs on the windowsill;
using a screwdriver, unscrew the fasteners;
remove the window sill.
It is worth considering that significant heat losses can occur due to poor-quality window sill insulation.
After the window sill is removed, you can see all problem areas and fix the problem. If the gaps are not too large, they can be repaired with silicone sealant. You can also carry out the insulation procedure with polyurethane foam. For large gaps, this approach will not work and you will have to use mineral wool or stone chips. By eliminating the cracks in this way, you will only have install a window sill into place.
How to insulate a plastic window with your own hands: video instruction
It is quite easy to understand how to properly glue windows with paper for the winter after reading the instructions, but in the case of plastic windows, some questions may arise. Therefore, it is useful to watch a detailed video instruction that clearly demonstrates each stage and will allow even beginners to cope with the task as quickly and efficiently as possible.
