15 better than home options for sealing windows for the winter so they don't blow
Many private houses and apartments have half-timbered windows. The wind penetrates through small cracks and gaps in the structure, and additional thermal insulation is necessary in the cold season. Having thought about how to glue the windows for the winter so that they do not blow, you should consider several options and choose the right one.
Basic methods
You can insulate windows with a considerable amount of improvised means or special materials. The best option should be chosen based on the temperature regime of the room, the degree of blowing, the design features of the windows and your own preferences.
Paper
Sheets of paper or newspapers are cut into strips, lightly sprinkled with water to moisten and rolled into tubes. The resulting paper strands are placed in the slots of the wooden structure.
When using newspaper, it is recommended to glue strips of white paper on top so that the insulation remains invisible.
Window tape
To seal the windows, you can use special masking tape or plain tape. You will also need to use cotton wool, from which the bundles are rolled up and all the cracks are closed. Window frames are wiped of ice and duct tape is taped over the parched areas. This method of gluing is the most affordable and profitable. The only drawback is that when using simple adhesive tape, it can periodically peel off.
Rubber
Gluing with foam rubber on a self-adhesive base allows you to fix the insulating material for a long time... The only disadvantage of using foam rubber is the absorption of moisture in large quantities, which leads to deterioration of the tightness indicator.
silicone sealant
Putty is applied in a thin layer in the area between the wooden frame and the glass, in the cracks of the frame itself, between the window sill and the window base. Before applying the silicone material, the structure must be thoroughly cleaned of accumulated dirt and dust. To facilitate the application of putty, a special construction gun is used. After the substance solidifies, the excess is removed with a spatula or knife.
putty
In terms of consistency and appearance, window putty is similar to modeling clay. To apply, you need to knead the putty well and place it in the gaps.The cured window sealant becomes dense and obstructs the passage of air. When warming occurs, just gently scrape off the putty with a knife. You need to store the insulating agent in a closed package, otherwise it will not be possible to use it for its intended purpose.
rubber compressor
The cost of the rubberized seal is higher than other options, but the quality is much better. For window insulation, a rubber gasket with a thickness of 2-3.5 mm is suitable. If there are wide gaps, it is permissible to use thicker insulation.
The rubber material is durable, does not absorb moisture and does not take long to install.
Before fixing the putty, rinse thoroughly and dry the surface so that the adhesive base does not slip.
Plastic Window Adhesive
A special glue is used to seal joints and gaps, and also serves as a gasket, since it has good elasticity. The glue is not spread over the crevices, but a small piece is left on the surface, which disappears during drying.
The duration of complete drying of glue for plastic windows reaches several weeks. Therefore, when applying the substance, you should avoid touching the treated surface. Among the advantages of window glue are the possibility of gluing large spaces with a construction gun and providing complete masking thanks to the white color.
There are a few precautions you should take when using PVC window glue. Especially:
- during work, an influx of fresh air into the room is required;
- it is forbidden to use an open fire near the adhesive composition;
- the remains of funds must not be evacuated in the sewers;
- eye contact is not permitted.
heat saving film
The operating principle of a heat-saving film is based on delaying ultraviolet rays and reducing heat loss. The film is a polymeric material on which thin layers of ceramic or rare earths are applied.
Wet method
Wet bonding involves a number of simple steps. First, the surface is washed from dirt and degreased, then moistened with detergents or a soapy solution and the material is applied to the window.
Tape
The use of adhesive tape is more common due to the simplified installation. It is enough to apply the material to the window and smooth it, after which the film will hold firmly in place.
Dignity
The popularity of self-adhesive thermal insulation films is due to a large number of advantages.
The main ones include:
- the ability to quickly fix the material on the window without using additional devices;
- absence of traces on glass and plastic after tearing off the film;
- reduce the risk of burning objects in the room due to the containment of ultraviolet radiation;
- high-quality protection against heat loss.
Defaults
An obvious disadvantage is a decrease in the brightness of natural light entering the room. In small rooms, this factor may require an increase in the number of artificial light sources.
How to choose
When choosing a heat-saving film, you need to decide on the method of application and purchase the appropriate option. Characteristics such as the degree of transparency, density and resistance to external influences are also important.
heat resistant paper
The multi-functional shrink film adapts perfectly to the frame and protects against the cold. It is enough to stick the film on the whole frame or in certain problem areas.
Paraffin
After melting the paraffin candles, you need to fill the syringe with the resulting mixture and fill all the cracks. Once dry, the paraffin will provide protection against the wind.
Swedish technology
Windows can be insulated using Swedish technology using EuroStrip material. This material is placed between the leaf and the frame along the entire contour.
putty
Adhesive sealant effectively fills gaps and crevices. The mixture is applied to the frame, leveled with a spatula and wait until it dries completely.
Foam attachment
Conventional polyurethane foam is often used to insulate windows. The foam is pressed into the cracks and the residues are removed after drying.
Warm up with chalk
A mixture of chalk, flour and water can be used as insulating material. The components are mixed in proportions of 2: 1: 1 and treated with a slit composition.
Features of plastic window insulation at home
The process of insulating plastic structures has a number of nuances. To achieve the desired effect, it is worth considering the basic rules.
How to determine where it is blowing from
Before filling the gaps, you need to understand from which places the air enters the room. There are several easy ways to identify problem areas.
By the hand
The easiest way to determine the place of blowing is by hand. Just run your palm along the perimeter of the plastic frame and feel the cold drafts.
with a lighter
By analogy with the previous technique, the lighter is driven along the perimeter of the window.In case of blowing, the flare will be noticeable.
Paper
The light weight of the paper allows it to be used to detect places where the wind is blowing. When you bring a strip of paper to problem areas, it will fly away.
Causes
If you notice windows blowing, you need to understand what is causing the problem. Having found out the reason, it is worth thinking about eliminating it.
Improper installation
Violation of installation rules often leads to problems with thermal insulation. As a rule, blowing occurs as a result of self-installation of window structures.
house shrinkage
When the house shrinks, the individual elements adjacent to the windows are moved. The result of shrinkage is the formation of gaps and large cracks.
Economy
Having saved on the construction of windows, you have to sacrifice quality. It's not uncommon for cheap windows to create warming issues.
Worn seal
With prolonged use, the sealing gum on the windows wears out, causing air to enter the room. The solution to the problem is to replace the gasket.
Ignore the rules of operation
Non-compliance with the standard rules for the use of windows leads to defects. In addition, the service life of the structure is reduced.
How to insulate
When insulating windows, several nuances should be taken into account. The recommendations given are valid regardless of the material used.
Tracks
It is best to insulate the slopes on both sides to ensure good blast protection. If the apartment is on a high floor, it is better to entrust the insulation work on the outer side of the slopes to specialists.Plaster, polyurethane foam and polystyrene can be used as insulation material.
Adjustment
In case of uneven arrangement of windows, their adjustment is necessary. To do this, twist or loosen the hinges so that the structure is tighter and does not allow wind to enter the room.
Complete gasket replacement
If the seal is badly worn, it is easier to replace it. To do this, get a new sealing gum and glue it in place of the old one.
How to Avoid Sweating
Condensation occurs due to high humidity in the room, gasket wear and improper installation of windows. To prevent the windows from fogging up, it is recommended:
- increase the number of radiator sections or increase the heating temperature;
- reduce the width of the window sill;
- install valve ventilation under the windows;
- cover the walls of the room from the inside with insulating material;
- ventilate the room regularly.
Prevention of heat loss
Proper installation of window structures, periodic renewal of the sealing gum and the use of additional protective measures contribute to reducing heat loss. If possible, you should install energy-efficient double-glazed windows, which have a thin, low-emission spray coating.
Thanks to this feature, the heat is returned to the room and it is possible to reduce losses by 50%. At the same time, the structure does not lose its transparency and appearance.
Window sill
An improperly installed window sill leads to cracks. During installation work, it is important to ensure that the window sill is securely fixed in a strictly horizontal position.
Tracks
In most situations, blowing is observed on the slopes of window structures. If the position of the slopes is violated, you need to adjust them to fill the resulting gaps.
Window repair and sealing
The sealing of the glass is carried out using a special material based on liquid polymers and rubbers. After application to the surface, a mesh structure is used to provide protection against the passage of air.
The sealing process is easy to do on your own, unlike repairs, which are best left to specialists.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using the wrong insulation materials. If you stick adhesive tape on the windows, it will not withstand the temperature difference and will quickly fall off.
In addition, a medical plaster is not suitable as a thermal insulation material, since the adhesive mass is firmly fixed in place, and in the future it will be difficult to tear the plaster.
Another mistake is the incorrect installation of slopes. The elements must be level, as on the door, to ensure airtightness and protection against blowing. During installation, the enclosed instructions must be followed exactly.