How to insulate wooden windows: ways to insulate windows for the winter. How to insulate old wooden windows for the winter with your own hands Insulating old window frames

It’s probably no secret that during the operation of wooden windows, the wood dries out, which is why gaps and cracks appear in the frames, the gaps between the glass and the glazing beads that hold it widen, and the tightness of the fit of the sashes to the frame decreases. This is felt especially well with the onset of cold weather, when a mournful wind whistles through the cracks of the window. In principle, there are situations when you can put up with this and not even notice. When the house is “heated” so much that you have to open the door to the unglazed balcony so that it doesn’t get too hot in the room, then the presence of cracks in the frames even plays into your hands. But what about those who are not so lucky, whose house is not so “hot” heated, or energy savings play an important role? In this article, we will tell you several of the most common ways to properly insulate windows so that the lion's share of heat does not escape through them.

First, a tip that is not directly related to windows, but plays an important role in the correct distribution of heat in the room. In all houses, heating radiators are located under the windows. If you cover the radiators with curtains, the hot air rising from them will be safely blown out through the cracks of the windows, without fulfilling its function of heating the room. Therefore, it is important to leave radiators open.

How to insulate old windows

There are countless ways to insulate old wooden windows. Here they come up with “who can do what”, using the simplest means at hand. Among them are temporary measures, the last traces of which are removed with the onset of steady warmth during routine cleaning and window washing. But there are also methods that can ensure windows are sealed for several years. Below are just the most popular ones.

Insulating windows with newspapers and paper strips

A very old proven method. Our grandfathers, when insulating windows with their own hands, used only the most accessible and cheap means. To seal the cracks, old newspapers were used, which were soaked in water. The resulting mass was used to fill the space between the glass and the glazing beads and other cracks. Sometimes newspapers were first rolled into tubes, only then moistened in water and pushed into the cracks. On top, all the joints of glass with frames and sashes with the supporting frame were glued with strips of paper. To do this, laundry soap was diluted to a liquid consistency, and the resulting solution was applied to strips of paper. They were then quickly glued into place.

This method is good, but in the spring all this “beauty” must be torn off. And here you may encounter the following problem: the paint will come off along with the paper. In addition, the remains of paper and newspapers are quite difficult to wash and remove without damaging the coating of the frames. That is why another method appeared.

Insulation of windows with cotton wool and fabric strips

Window insulation with cotton wool has replaced newspapers. Technical wool is pushed into all the cracks, and the top is sealed with strips of fabric, soaped, as in the previous method. Air bubbles in cotton wool serve as a heat insulator. At the same time, it can be easily pulled out. And the fabric strips come off the frames without leaving marks or damaging the paint coating.

This method still exists today; one should not be skeptical about it. It is cheap and performs its functions with a bang. Cotton wool is an irreplaceable material. But instead of strips of fabric, it is quite possible to use modern tapes for sealing windows, which are a type of paper tape. Once removed they leave no traces.

Insulation of windows with foam rubber and tape

Foam rubber is good if the task is how to effectively insulate windows that have large gaps in the sash. In other words: the opening doors have become so dry that they do not fit tightly to the frames. Here you won’t get off with just cotton wool. Foam rubber is glued along the perimeter of the sashes, which ensures the tightness of closing the window. By the way, earlier, when there was no foam rubber with an adhesive side on the market, it was nailed to the frame with small nails. Foam rubber can last a couple of years, then it will begin to collapse or deform. The top of the frames is sealed with tape, the same as in the previous method, i.e. paper in spring duct tape will have to be removed, but the foam rubber can be left.

Seal cracks in windows with paraffin

Another method that only applies to sealing small cracks in frames. Paraffin is melted, drawn into a syringe and filled into the cracks. If the gaps are too large, you can use a clothesline or other cord. It is pushed into the slot and then filled with paraffin. As you understand, this will be enough for more than one season.

Window insulation using Swedish technology

A very popular and advertised method recently. In fact, this technology was not invented by the Swedes. It got its name “in honor” of the material that is used in it - EuroStrip, it was actually invented in Sweden. And the method itself is called “grooved window sealing technology.”

The main difference between the “Swedish technology” is that it is not even insulation “for the winter”, but a partial reconstruction of windows. After it, the windows can be opened freely in the cold season (they will not be sealed), and the “insulation” will last 15 - 20 years.

Small cracks in frames or between glass and glazing beads are sealed using sealant. Windows must first be washed and dried. And the process of applying the sealant should be carried out at a positive temperature from +5 ° C to +40 ° C.

The nozzle on the sealant cartridge must be carefully cut along the intended line, then put on a special construction gun. With it you can easily apply the composition in hard to reach places, distributing it evenly. If the sealant accidentally gets on the frame or window sill, remove it with a cloth soaked in gasoline. It is more convenient to remove the sealant from the glass after it has dried by simply picking it off with a knife.

To seal the recesses, a special window seal made of silicone rubber with a tubular profile is used. The manufacturers of this sealant assure that it is not afraid of paints, temperature changes and dirt. The diameter and structure of the tubes vary, so the sealant must be selected individually to suit the size of the cracks. The marking of the seal is as follows: “E” (K-profile) - for closing gaps of 2 - 3.5 mm; “P” - for gaps of 3 - 5 mm; "D" - will cover 3 - 7 mm. To determine the size of the gap between the frame, you can clamp a piece of plasticine wrapped in cellophane between the sash and the frame.

The work of installing the seal is actually a partial restoration, which is best left to professionals. Moreover, if the frames are not in the best condition, the geometry of the window is broken, the wood is dry or partially rotten, then repairs can cost a pretty penny. The technology itself is designed for windows that have been carefully looked after and maintained in good condition. Otherwise, insulation using Swedish technology can cost as much as new double-glazed plastic windows cost.

To begin, all sashes are removed from their hinges.

Then a groove is selected along the perimeter of the frame using a cutter.

A seal is rolled into it and glued so that it does not move or fall out during operation. Then the sashes are hung back on the hinges. At the same time, we repeat, if the window is old, you may need to replace the fittings or even align the window geometry.

With proper care, the seal can last from 10 to 20 years. And during this time, you can save up money for new windows, you can also have wooden ones, only modern ones - with double-glazed windows.

Insulation of windows with heat-saving film

A relative innovation is the use of heat-saving films. They let light into the room, but do not “let it out” infrared radiation, thus retaining heat. Such a film has two sides, one with a metallic sheen and conducts current, the other does not. When gluing film to glass, you must make sure that it “looks” at the street with the metal side - that’s the whole point.

It should be glued overlapping onto the frames and secured with tape. If you stick it carefully, its presence will not even be visible.

Heat-saving film can also be glued to plastic windows.

Insulation of window openings

One of the most important points. Otherwise, the windows can be sealed, but a half-length gap between the frame and the slope or window sill, as our builders like to leave, may not be noticed.

The most common way to seal gaps between the frame and the window opening is to blow out polyurethane foam. It’s both effective and a little hassle. Only after it dries, it will be necessary to cut off the excess and somehow seal up this “beauty.”

To seal cracks, you can use putty you prepare yourself. You need to take building plaster and chalk and mix them 2:1, adding water. Use the resulting putty to seal all the cracks. Its color will not stand out against the background of the window as much as polyurethane foam.

All the methods described above are designed for insulating wooden windows. It's hard to believe, but they say that sometimes plastic windows also require insulation. Most likely, such a need arises as a result of their improper operation or “careless” installation. The reason may also be poor quality the windows themselves. If the seal fails, it simply needs to be replaced with a new one. If the problem is more serious, for example, a change in window geometry, sagging sashes or poor functioning of the fittings, you should contact professionals and have them repaired.

Video: how to insulate windows

A warm home means coziness and a comfortable atmosphere in the family. Since ancient times, people have sought to warm their homes, while inventing more and more new means and materials. Today, when building houses, consumers are divided into two camps: some install plastic windows and are completely confident in their practicality and safety, while others adhere to the “old rules” and install wooden windows in their homes. There is another category - those who, for some reason, have not yet replaced their old windows.

It has been proven that uninsulated windows lead to half the heat loss. Therefore, insulating old wooden windows is a necessary and justified measure.

How to insulate wooden windows

There are several ways to solve this problem. Of course, due to our mentality, we are accustomed to using proven methods, as they say, “from the bins of our ancestors.” These methods are effective, but modern materials used for insulation are in no way inferior to them.

The main reason for the entry of cold air into the room is the presence of cracks and cracks through which cold seeps. All main methods of insulating windows are based on eliminating gaps in the structure and plugging cracks.

Traditional insulation methods

Everyone remembers from childhood how to insulate wooden windows using improvised means. To do this, use strips of fabric, fill the cracks with rags and cotton wool, and seal them with tape. Of course, they are effective to some extent, but first you need to understand the nature of heat loss.

There are several factors influencing heat transfer:

thermal conductivity of walls, floors, ceilings and door and window openings;
conductivity of sunlight through a double-glazed window;
heat loss through gaps, cracks or porous materials.
When insulating windows, all three factors must be taken into account.

Traditional insulation methods - affordable way keep the room warm, but not always comfortable. How to insulate wooden windows using improvised means? Let's look at some options.

Paper is used as a filler for cracks. To do this, use newspapers or toilet paper. Pre-soak and grind to a paste. Next, cracks and crevices are filled with this mixture. After drying, apply masking tape over the filling. This option protects the room from the penetration of cold air through the cracks at the joints of frames and sashes, but does not protect in any way from the influence of other factors.

The cracks can be filled with cotton wool, tow or foam rubber. The insulation technology is similar. The space between the glass unit, frame and sashes is filled with material, excluding air from entering, after which the gaps are sealed with tape, cloth or strips of paper. But using this method has a bad effect on the condition of the windows after dismantling. Usually, appearance can only be restored by painting.

One of the popular methods is insulation using strips of fabric. To do this, the cracks are filled with any insulation, for example, paper or rags. And then they are sealed with strips of fabric soaked in kefir or a strong soap solution. This option is convenient because in the spring such tapes are easy to dismantle and no traces remain on the surface of the windows. To remove the stripes, just wet them and wash the window.

Another cheap option is to insulate wooden windows with rubber or foam self-adhesive sealant. This material is sold at any hardware store and is quite inexpensive. When installing adhesive tape, you must pay attention to the accuracy of its placement, excluding creases and gaps. This insulation will last you one season. In addition, traces of glue are also difficult to remove, and sometimes you have to resort to painting.

The cracks in wooden windows are covered with window putty. This allows you to eliminate any gaps, even invisible to the eye, and create conditions for almost complete tightness. In this case, in addition to heat preservation, we get excellent sound insulation. This method is not recommended due to the fact that it is very difficult to clean the window afterwards.

If condensation or ice appears on the glass, use a heat-saving film, which is installed on the glass from the inside. The effect is achieved by reflecting infrared radiation and the presence of an air cushion between the glass and the structure.

Film installation can be done even by people who do not have the skill. The material is a two-layer sheet, which is separated before installation. Double-sided tape is glued to a previously cleaned and degreased surface, with which the canvas is secured. The film must be stretched, heated with a hairdryer, and carefully straightened, avoiding the formation of folds and bubbles. This method is a relative of insulation using polyethylene film, which is nailed to the outside of the frame.

Everyone knows how to insulate wooden windows using polyurethane foam. Foam is a universal material that has firmly entered the world of repairs. This is due to practicality and accessibility. With its help you can foam cracks and crevices, chips and defects. The holes are filled with material and allowed to dry. Then the excess is removed with a regular construction knife.

The foam has a porous structure, which makes it possible to achieve high thermal conductivity; in addition, in a liquid state, the material fills the entire space of the crack, eliminating the gaps between the insulation and the window frame.

Important! The cut located on the outside of the window is covered with paint or plaster, since the porous texture of the material allows moisture to pass through, and crumbles under the influence of sunlight and heat.

Used as insulation silicone sealant. This method is convenient for eliminating gaps between wooden frame and glass. Of course, this is a labor-intensive process, but it's worth it. It can be considered one of the most effective methods of insulation. Technology: glass is removed from the frames, the frame is cleaned of dirt, dust and old paint, apply sealant, insert glass and apply another layer of silicone, after which the glass is secured with glazing beads.

Advice! Simultaneously with the insulation process, it is recommended to carry out routine repair work, for example, changing fasteners, sanding cracks, eliminating rotten areas and puttingty.

It is recommended to use a clear sealant. This will create an aesthetic appearance of the window. Silicone is a reliable method of insulation that will retain its properties for more than one season. The disadvantages include the fact that during operation the transparent strip changes color and acquires a yellowish tint, which spoils the appearance.

Innovative methods

IN last years The Swedish method of insulating wooden windows is becoming increasingly popular. It is based on the same insulation using a special sealant made in Sweden (hence the name). The tape is made of a special material based on rubber and silicone. The seal is a tubular strip that is mounted into a slot in the frame.

The material has high strength, practicality and thermal conductivity. True, there is one drawback - the high cost. In addition to the fact that the material itself is not cheap, do-it-yourself installation is almost impossible, since installation requires work skills and specialized tools. However, if you have the necessary skills, then feel free to get down to business.

As winter approaches and the weather gets colder, you notice a draft moving through your apartment. Placing your hand near the window on a windy night, you find a source of painful coolness. Stop putting up with this and sleep under three blankets! There are many ways to insulate windows. They range from simple to complex, from practically free to quite expensive, from “old-fashioned” methods to modern technologies. In this longread we tried to collect the most effective methods.

Before taking drastic action, let's consider possible reasons draft coming from the windows. It would seem that wooden windows, due to their material, retain more heat, and plastic ones - a relatively new achievement of science and technology - are simply designed for heat and sound insulation. Then why can they allow a draft into our house?

Unfortunately, poor-quality window installation is quite common. Sometimes installation company workers who call themselves professionals have a very superficial understanding of the installation of window units.
The second reason may be partly related to the first - an attempt to save on installation plastic windows. Companies often reduce the price by saving on insulation, foam, and the installation itself. Subsequently, low-quality windows are much more expensive due to the need to additionally insulate them.
Even if cold air doesn't leak through the gaps, the windows themselves may be to blame, like the old "single-pane" windows that provide only a thin glass barrier between the house and the outdoors, but not cozy warmth.
Window distortion and loose fit the window frame to the wall also threatens heat loss. Sometimes this happens due to deformation of the building, which especially often happens in old wooden houses.

It's wise to start by diagnosing the situation. Determine the most critical places from which the wind blows. Where does the cold come from: from the windowsill or window sashes? Maybe the problem is a worn-out seal or poor-quality slopes?

To determine the exact location from which cold air is blowing, you can simply run your hand over the surface of the window unit. If you cannot identify the problem in this way, light a candle or lighter and move it around the frame - the fire is more sensitive to drafts.

Look at the windows when it rains. Moisture accumulated in a certain place will indicate gaps and cracks. When moisture accumulates in the corner of a window or along one of its edges, the problem is likely in the joints. Moisture that accumulates in the middle of the window panel may indicate some type of crack in the glass.

Perhaps the wind is blowing due to a poor-quality seal. Try investing in open window sheet of paper and close the window completely. If the paper pulls out easily as soon as you pull the corner of the sheet, it means that the seal is not pressed well against the frame.

Before you choose an insulation method from among those available, it is worth thinking about the goals of the insulation. It's clear that temperature control is a major concern, but what compromises are you willing to make? Will you be able to give up a beautiful view, limit the flow of light, or block access to a window in favor of cheapness?

You also need to consider cost. Some materials cost almost nothing: say, sealant can be bought for a couple of hundred rubles. More reliable and durable solutions will cost more and may require specialist help, but in the long term they may be a worthy investment.

Should I ask for help or insulate the windows myself?

To insulate your windows, you basically have only two options: do all the work yourself or turn to a professional. With your own hands, you can simply insulate a window sill, frame contour, window opening indoors, or replace the seal. If any defect appears during the warranty period, the installer company will have to eliminate all problems. In addition, it is worth resorting to the help of installers if external insulation work is required, and the window is located at a significant height - its replacement or repair work may be associated with an increased risk, and specialists know exactly how to properly insulate plastic windows from the outside.

It is worth remembering that it is better to insulate windows before the onset of winter - then the working conditions will be more comfortable. In addition, sealants and some others Construction Materials can only be used in a certain temperature range, otherwise they lose their properties.

How to insulate plastic windows with your own hands

If you need to insulate a window opening, then polyurethane foam will do. As it expands, it fills the voids in the opening and prevents air movement. However, foam is a short-lived material that is susceptible to low temperatures and is suitable for small gaps. Also a popular insulation material is mineral wool, with heat and sound insulation. It is resistant to high temperatures and easy to install.

Carry out insulation window frames Silicone sealant will also help. When working with it, it is best to use an inexpensive tool - a lever syringe. The sealant also blocks moisture, making the windows resistant to mold and mildew. It is also worth choosing a transparent sealant - this way it will not be noticeable if it accidentally gets on the glass.

Before you apply caulk or expansion foam, it's worth checking exactly how much it expands - to determine this, apply a small drop to the corner of the window.

Another “cheap and cheerful” method is to plug the cracks in the windows with industrial wool and then seal them with masking tape. Previously, instead of tape, they used fabric or paper strips with a paste of laundry soap. But when using this option, its fragility is obvious, and it will not completely get rid of blowing.

A good and inexpensive insulation for plastic windows is foam rubber: the financial costs will be minimal. Remove the film from the adhesive surface of the insulation and press the foam rubber insulation for windows into the required places. With the onset of warming it is very easy to remove. However, if moisture gets in, the insulation may lose its seal.

How to insulate the slopes of plastic windows

To insulate the slopes of plastic windows, you can use a variety of materials - sandwich panels, plasterboard, polystyrene foam or expanded polystyrene. However, polystyrene foam is the most fragile of the listed materials and tends to accumulate moisture. If it is necessary to insulate a window from the outside, dry mixtures for finishing slopes will help.

First, you need to carefully treat the cracks - eliminate possible contamination and remove old mounting foam. If you have chosen drywall to insulate the slopes, then the sequence of actions is as follows:

We cut out blanks of the required sizes from plasterboard and treat them with a moisture-resistant primer, wait until the blanks dry;
insert plasterboard sheets in the slot;
fill the small gaps remaining between the drywall and the wall with polyurethane foam;
after the foam has hardened, we finish redecorating primer and paint.

External insulation work is carried out at temperatures up to +5 ° C, otherwise building materials may lose some of their properties.

You can use a special heat-saving film to insulate windows. It transmits light into the room and at the same time does not “release” infrared radiation. Such a film not only protects the warmth of our home, but also helps to get rid of the effect of “crying windows”, that is, from. Also, windows on which heat-saving film is glued are characterized by greater strength. Before starting work, it is important to wash the glass, treat it with a degreasing agent and wipe it dry. Next, you need to stick the film so that its “metal” side faces the street. The film is glued not only to the glass itself, but also with an overlap to the frame. Some manufacturers make films on a self-adhesive basis, but some types of film require adhesive tape. To prevent bubbles and wrinkles on the film, use a household hair dryer.

A simple and inexpensive life hack that will help cope with drafts is to attach bubble film to the window. Choose film with larger bubbles as it tends to handle cold air better. Trim the bubble wrap so that it extends slightly over the window frame. Spray the window with water from a spray bottle, then “glue” a sheet of cut wrapping film onto the wet glass. You can reinforce it with double-sided tape. The “bumpy” side should face the glass. The film should adhere easily and remain in place for several months. If desired, you can apply a double layer of film for better thermal insulation. The only negative is that this method blocks the view from the window, but light will nevertheless enter the room.

Sew a plain fabric to fit the width of the window. Fill it with some loose, dense substance such as sand, rice or polyester, then place it along the bottom of the window. In this case, heavy materials (denim, corduroy) will retain cold air more effectively than light materials (cotton, knitwear, etc.).

Replace the seal

If the problem is a worn seal, you can replace it yourself by picking up a suitable one at a hardware store. It is also better to choose a black sealant: black is the natural color of rubber, and impurities of other colors can spoil the quality of the product. After old seal removed, it is necessary to clean the grooves from dust and dirt, treat the corners of the frame with glue and trim off the excess with scissors. The resulting joint also needs to be treated with glue.

People have been using wooden windows for a very long time, so the question “How to insulate old wooden windows?” there are many answers.

Very old way, which our grandparents used, was covering wooden windows with newspapers. They were soaked in water and plugged into cracks. The space between the glass and the frame was sealed with paper strips. Of course, “paper will endure anything,” and you can survive the winter with it, but in the spring it will be very problematic to remove newspaper particles. In addition to the banal inconvenience, there is also a risk of damaging the window covering.
If old windows need to be insulated quickly, and the aesthetic side of the issue is not very important to you, ordinary paper is also suitable. To make paper putty, you can shred old newspapers, soak them in water, add clay or crushed chalk and seal the cracks with the resulting composition. To secure the window putty, simply use tape. However, this method is short-lived and will most likely last only one season.
Foam rubber - regular or tubular - can be used as insulation for wooden windows. It will be effective if the wooden doors have already dried out and do not fit tightly to the frame. Previously, foam rubber was nailed down with small nails, but now you can use regular masking tape. This material can serve faithfully for a couple of years, then it will begin to deform and will need to be replaced.
When insulating wooden windows, you can also use sealant. It is necessary to remove the wooden beads holding the glass using a screwdriver, apply sealant and install the beads back - preferably new ones, since old ones often break during dismantling.
Wood tends to crack. Therefore, the frame is often covered with a network of small cracks through which heat can escape. To seal them, you will need to clean the double-glazed windows from decorative covering, fill the cracks with melted paraffin, homemade putty, sealant or special putty, and then cover the frame again with paint or varnish.

To protect yourself from the vagaries of the weather during cold times, prepare for the season in advance, before the onset of severe frosts. There are many options and features on how and how to insulate wooden windows for the winter, and you cannot do without reliable materials.

The main problem with wooden windows is that there is no seal between the glass and the frame. Condensation flows down the glass and water stagnates. Over the years, the frames dry out, the wood becomes unusable, and small cracks appear that allow street air into the apartment. The time comes when you need to insulate your living space.

How can you insulate wooden windows?

One of the popular solutions is the use of self-adhesive seals various types and sections. Devices are made of rubber, synthetics, foam rubber or silicone. They contain an adhesive strip, thanks to which the seal is firmly attached to the frame. Provided high level tightness. Material suitable for temperature regime from -20° C to +60° C, resistant to humidity and precipitation. Meter seals or rolled into a reel are available for sale. Types of insulation:

Using foam insulation with backing and adhesive tape. Made from dense material, which allows you to better protect the room from the cold.
To eliminate cracks and other defects, foam or construction putty can be used for insulation. These proven methods are used long time, but not as often as before.
Synthetic straws are one of the capricious materials. Their calling is to protect from drafts and temperature changes. But synthetic tubes cope with the latter task with great difficulty. In cold weather from -20° C or hot weather from +30° C, synthetics may come apart at the seams.
A real professional in insulating windows is a silicone seal. Able to find an approach to every crevice. The service life is 15–20 years. Reliable, elastic, soft material can be painted. Even if the paint comes off over time, silicone insulation will still not lose its basic properties. Economical but effective insulation against cold and drafts.
The simplest option for insulating wooden windows is to make gaskets from porous rubber. It's cheap, but it's not the most economical option. The shelf life is short - 5-6 years. Rubber cannot be painted - painting loses its elasticity. The gaskets harden and become unusable because the rubber cracks under the influence of solvent and paint. Hard rubber (EPDM) seals have the same disadvantages.

Foam rubber gaskets ensure tightness

Sometimes they are limited only to the use of self-adhesive. This is not entirely correct, since self-adhesive for windows does not belong to the category of ordinary adhesive tape and masking tape. Special device for gluing windows white It is made on a sticky base. In spring, the coating is removed without leaving any traces behind. Used together with insulation.

It is important! You can use self-adhesive tape separately, but this is an extremely thankless and ineffective task. Warm air predominates in the room, cold air predominates outside, which causes condensation to form. The air flow through the gap will simply push the tape out.

In less than a month, in the midst of winter, you will have to re-insulate your windows. Therefore, for maximum protection from the cold, it is first necessary to seal the windows with foam rubber, polyethylene, rubber or silicone. Then on closed window the tape is glued. If the material sticks unevenly, it can be removed and replaced with new tape.

Old proven methods

Available materials have been used for a long time, but are not always reliable:

Plain cotton wool and adhesive tape;
Pharmaceutical bandage using laundry soap;
Medical tape, masking or transparent tape;
Putty combined with aqueous solution, crushed chalk and alabaster in a ratio of 1:2 to cover the resulting cracks.

When coated, the material cracks and crumbles under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, as a result of which the frames have an unaesthetic appearance.

Many people use old proven methods to insulate windows for the winter.

Insulation of windows from outside

Windows are insulated not only from the inside, but also from the outside. This procedure must be carried out in several successive stages.

Washing

Window cleaning becomes especially important before the onset of winter. According to sanitary standards and rules, window glass after washing is capable of transmitting up to 89% of infrared rays into the room. Dirty glass transmits less than 70%. With a regular double-glazed window, no more than 50% of the light penetrates into the room.

There are two main reasons why windows need to be washed at least once a season:

Clean windows have a neat, well-groomed appearance;
More appears indoors sunlight with infrared rays that bring warmth into the house.

Window cleaning is an important step in preparing your home for winter.

Insulation of slopes

One of modern methods Insulation of slopes and ebbs from the outside is the use of thermal slopes and thermal corners. The finished foam elements are covered with an outer layer of marble chips. The material is glued using foam glue, the seams are carefully rubbed. There is no need to plaster, paint or additionally treat thermal slopes.

Installation begins with gluing thermal corners:

Aluminum corners are attached using self-tapping screws. On inner surface At the thermal corner, foam adhesive for polystyrene foam is applied. The thermal angle is first applied to the future location.
Then the thermal angle is removed for 2–3 minutes to saturate the glue layer with air and speed up the hardening process. Remains of adhesive foam are removed using a special remover. Additionally, the site of future fixation is foamed.
Thermal corners are glued one by one. The structure is checked by level. To allow the glue to harden, the corners are pre-fixed with nails. Similar actions are performed with the remaining thermoelements.
To install thermal slopes on the horizontal and vertical parts of the window, the slopes are cut to length and the edges are cleaned.
A chamfer is cut for grouting the seam using a hacksaw and knife.
Foam adhesive is applied to the thermal slopes, and the product is placed against the future location.
The lower final elements for insulating the ebbs from the outside are made from the remaining material. Installation is carried out in the same way.

There are many options for insulating window slopes

At the junctions of slopes and corners there is a special chamfer for the grout joint. After the foam adhesive has hardened, it is necessary to apply grout paste into the seam and rub it in with a round spatula.

If there are no ready-made thermal slopes, the work will require polystyrene foam and the following materials:

Level;
Buckets for water and solution;
Square and tape measure for marking;
A rag for cleaning the window from the solution;
Stationery knife for small cuts;
Two spatulas: 10 cm and slightly longer (20–30 cm);
Wood saw to cut foam.

Before gluing foam plastic onto it, the slope must be cut to a smooth edge. Using a square, touching window profile, make identical turns. The shortest distance will serve as the starting point for insulating slopes. The opening must be primed.

It is important! To insulate slopes and ebbs from the street, extruded foam, 2 cm thick, is used. Thicker foam (3–5 cm) is not practical to use: a large area of the window profile will be covered. Thick foam is more difficult to work with. The design after installation does not look very attractive.

The sheets are cut according to the width of the slope. The distance from the window frame to the outer plane of the facade wall is measured. Extruded foam has zero water permeability. The material practically does not stick to solutions, and water rolls off. Therefore, it must first be scratched with a sharp object - to create rough surface, increasing the adhesion of the foam. In addition, you can purchase ready-made sheets.

When using glue, it is important to follow the instructions

The construction market offers a huge amount of foam glue; the products of each company are approximately identical. You can use any glue that a construction or hardware store offers, without going to extremes: without choosing the cheapest glue. It is better to choose the optimal price-quality ratio.

Basic Rules:

The glue is mixed, and the instructions must be strictly followed.
The mixed solution is applied with a spatula (10 cm) onto the prepared foam.
Pasting starts from the top window slope so that the side parts serve as support.
The foam is pressed tightly, lightly tapped with your hand. In this case, it is necessary to leave a small gap so that, if necessary, it can be installed while maintaining a horizontal level.
Two lines of the window slope are set according to the level.

A horizontal line is drawn along the part that joins the frame. It should be visually lower than the part of the slab that meets the plane of the wall. There should be a straight angle relative to the window frame. Aesthetically, the window looks beautiful, and much more light enters the room.

It is important! After placing the slab, be sure to remove excess mortar before it hardens. The side slopes are glued in the same way as the top slope. But they must be symmetrical while maintaining a vertical level. On final stage corners are installed, putty is applied, reinforcement is made and the mesh is installed.

Insulation can be done using aerated concrete traditional way using plaster mixtures to cover the installation gap filled with foam. Wait until the structure dries. The process is labor-intensive and lengthy. It’s easier to cover the slopes with polystyrene foam. This best option when insulating windows from the outside, regardless of the depth of the slopes and ebbs and design features walls. The material will reduce freezing of the frame, foam and, to some extent, the wall. Pasting with polystyrene foam is especially relevant if the walls are made of cold materials (concrete, cinder block, brick).

Thermal insulation from the inside

Regardless of the chosen method of thermal insulation, you first need to carefully inspect the frame and examine all the cracks. Errors and possible curvature are determined, due to which flaws may form in the future. The corners of the frame are fastened metal corners. If the gaps are large, the frame is disassembled and silicone sealant is applied. The glass is reinforced with glazing beads. If the frame does not fit tightly into the box, the end elements are cleaned and degreased for further application of insulating material.

Paper

In office supply stores you can still find special paper for covering windows. A paste is prepared in advance from potato or corn starch. After the mixture has cooled, apply the solution to the paper with a wide brush and seal the through holes.

You can use newspapers and paper strips. The cracks are compacted with newspapers soaked in water and rolled into tubes. Paper strips greased with a solution of laundry soap are placed on top.

Once upon a time, paper was the most common material for covering windows.

If you cut newspaper into small pieces, moisten them with water, add clay and chalk, you will get homemade putty. Available tools are used as tools: a knife, a screwdriver, a ruler and other devices. The top of the putty is covered with tape or masking tape. Parts of the tape are evenly distributed along both edges of the frame.

Sealant

The material is used for insulation in the space between glass and frame or frame and window sill:

The frame is freed from beads;
Places for insulation are washed away from debris, dirt, dust, and a sealant is applied;
After the work is completed and the solution has completely dried, the glazing beads are attached back to the frame.

The choice of special sealants eliminates the need for homemade putty

Instead of sealant, factory putty is sometimes used. The principle of applying the content is the same. At the end of the procedure, the putty is painted over. This option is not very reliable and convenient to use, since in the spring it will take a lot of time to bring the windows into proper shape.

Foam rubber and cotton wool

The cracks in clean frames are sealed with industrial wool. Instead of cotton wool, you can use narrow foam rubber. Masking tape or strips of fabric soaked in a soap solution are glued on top.

The tape is glued along the window. First, the tape is glued one centimeter along the edge of the window frame, bent at an angle as much as possible and carefully ironed by hand. The specific surface area for attaching the masking tape is maximized, and the fabric will last all winter. Cotton wool and foam rubber play the role of heat insulators.

You can use foam rubber separately with insulating cords made of soft rubber or polyvinyl chloride. Narrow foam rubber on an adhesive base is laid along the edges of the sashes. Ensures tightness when closing the window. The cracks on the top of the frame are sealed with paper tape. It can be easily removed later. The cords are not glued to the sashes; they are pressed into the grooves of the window profile.

It is best to seal small cracks using foam rubber.

Paraffin

To remove small cracks, you can use melted paraffin. Use a syringe to fill the holes liquid composition. After a few minutes, the paraffin hardens and does not allow cold air to pass through. IN large holes twine is placed and paraffin is poured. Insulation carried out in this way lasts for several years.

Special seal

It is better to choose seals that are marked every meter. The stamp indicates chemical composition material, manufacturer and country of origin. Factory-made silicone can solve the age-old problem of how to insulate a room for the winter season:

The required length of the seal is cut;
The top layer of self-adhesive tape is removed;
The seal is glued to the frame.

Instead of a gap, a foam cushion appeared, which fits tightly at the joint and serves as protection from the cold. Purchased in advance required amount seal, depending on the size of the window. If the seal does not have adhesive tape, purchase elastic silicone sealant.

Special seals are easy to use and reliable

Heat-saving film

It is convenient to use heat-saving film. The main thing is not to run into a fake. The quality of the film can be determined using a thermal imager.

Installation is carried out in five steps:

The entire window and frame near the glazing bead are washed.
Double-sided tape is glued end-to-end along the bead, along the gap with the frame.
The protective layer of tape is removed completely around the perimeter.
The heat-saving film is glued to double-sided tape, starting from the top left to the right top corner, down (clockwise). Excess parts are cut off with a stationery knife.
At the final stage, the film is heated with an industrial or ordinary household hair dryer. Under influence warm air The film stretches perfectly over the entire window.

High-quality heat-saving film – great option for window insulation

Using “Swedish technology”

One of the most popular types of insulation for wooden windows is fully justified in terms of price, reliability and quality. Before starting insulation work, the craftsmen take the necessary measurements. The general condition of each sash is visually inspected, the order of all stages is planned, and operating points are clarified. Procedure steps:

Preparing the window: the frame is freed from homemade insulation.
Diagnostics: each place is inspected and markings are made.
Dismantling: the window is removed from its hinges, the working surface is cleaned. Old fittings (latches, handles, brackets) are dismantled.
Correction of the geometry of the valves: the lap areas are planed.
Seal insertion: a groove is milled around the entire perimeter for further installation into the technological groove of the Swedish Eurostrip seal.
Using a special roller, the seal is pressed into the wood, rolling the seal into the groove.
The window ties are unscrewed, separating the frames.
An inter-frame seal is glued between the sashes. The sash is checked for free opening and closing, smooth and soft work locking mechanisms, handles and the quality of seal fit.

Installing a seal when insulating wooden windows using Swedish technology

The technology uses elastic, moisture-resistant material that can withstand large temperature changes. The guaranteed service life is more than 15 years. In addition to insulation, you can create a double-glazed window effect. The house becomes warmer and quieter, and comfort is created for a long time.

Video: insulating wooden windows using “Swedish technology”

You can, of course, insulate windows the old fashioned way: use a screwdriver to push cotton wool and old rags into the cracks, cover the frames with paper moistened laundry soap. And in the spring it takes a whole week to put the windows in order. But there are many good and inexpensive devices that save time, effort and are much more effective. At the same time, do not forget that, first of all, the quality of the installation affects the heat in the room. With proper care, wooden windows can last for decades.

Despite modern technologies, wooden windows remain a popular element of window designs. This is due, first of all, to their environmental friendliness. However, their significant drawback is their weak thermal insulation properties.

But this problem is completely solvable. By insulating such a structure, you can protect the house from the entry of cold air into winter time year and thereby ensure warmth and comfort in the house.

What do we insulate?

Before the onset of cold weather, you should carefully examine the window for the presence of so-called cold bridges, the main ones among which are:

Window sills. The main heat loss occurs through this zone. There may be several reasons. One of them is that the installation of the structure was carried out incorrectly. Perhaps the foaming was carried out poorly. Large gaps can occur in buildings with a fairly long service life.
Lintels above the windows are beams to strengthen the opening. This moment can only be revealed from the outside. Therefore, insulation is done from the outside of the wall.
Slopes. There may be gaps between the frame and the wall, the appearance of which cannot be avoided even if the windows are installed correctly.
Glass. Through this element of the window, thermal infrared radiation penetrates into the room. Therefore, their condition is very important. In addition, it is necessary to check the glass for cracks and chips.

If no visible errors are detected, but cold air coming from the window is still felt, it is quite simple to check exactly where the heat loss is occurring.

By running your hand along the entire structure, you can easily feel the flow of cold air. You can use a lit candle - insulation should be applied in the place where the flame fluctuates.

Insulation material

Since ancient times, improvised means available in almost any home have been used to insulate windows:

Tapes made from paper or old newspapers are the most popular way to insulate wooden windows. It is quite effective, but has one drawback. After the cold weather ends, it is difficult to remove the strips from the frame, and the paint can be damaged.
Strips of fabric and cotton wool. The cracks are filled with cotton wool and covered with fabric strips or special tapes. Heat loss is minimized, and it is quite easy to remove it in the spring without damaging the coating.
Foam rubber and tape. This insulation method is identical to the previous one and is used when there are large gaps between the frame and the wall. Foam rubber is glued around the perimeter of the frame. Scotch tape is applied on top. This material is more durable, but again, peeling off the tape can damage the paint on the frame. In addition, over time, foam rubber begins to crumble.
Paraffin is used in the presence of small cracks. The advantage over other methods of insulation is that it does not need to be removed in the spring. It will serve you well for several years.
Plasticine or window putty. The effect of such insulation is significant. But the problem is the subsequent removal of this material from the surface of the frame.

All of the materials listed do not require any costs or special skills for their use. But they all have almost the same disadvantages - fragility, moisture permeability, and the need for dismantling.

Modern materials that act as insulation for windows can get rid of these problems. The main ones are:

Silicone, polyurethane, butyl sealants. This material is most often used for a tighter fit of glass to the frame;
They are tubular gaskets coated on one side with a self-adhesive compound. They can be made from different material– PVC, polyethylene foam, rubber, polyurethane and foam rubber. But it is impossible to carry out insulation work with this material in winter; this must be done before the onset of cold weather;
Thermal reflective film perfectly retains heat in the room in winter. At correct installation it does not in any way affect visibility through the glass.

Besides, in summer period reflects the sun's rays, preventing the room from warming up.

Rules for insulating wooden windows

Before you start insulating windows, you need to inspect the entire structure for cracks, crevices, gaps, etc., and determine their sizes.
The insulation is selected according to all these data. When purchasing material, you must carefully read the information on the packaging.
It is extremely important to check its expiration date. This is especially true for self-adhesive seals. Material that has expired very quickly will fall off the surface of the frame. The same applies to sealants. The sealant must be white or transparent. As for seals, it is better to choose soft types
, which restore their shape when the pressure is removed. Before starting work, you should ventilate the room, in case of high humidity paste over wooden frames
pretty hard. Next, you need to clean the areas that will be directly insulated.
This is especially important when working with seals and sealants. On a dusty surface, the material will not adhere to the wood. If the windows are in summer time open, then use fastening materials

(spray foam, silicone sealant, plaster) should not be used at the junction of the sashes. The same applies to the windows. Here you can use available home remedies.

Methods of insulation with improvised means

When working you may need:
Thin spatula.

Soft cloth. Having prepared in this way, you can proceed directly to the insulation procedure.

It can be produced in different ways: Using a thin spatula or knife, plug all the cracks with cotton wool. Cover the top of the frame with paper strips 4-5 cm wide. The glue is prepared as follows: in 1 glass cold water dilute 2 tbsp. potato starch. Then gradually add 1 liter of boiling water to this mixture, stirring constantly until the mass thickens. As glue, you can use a sugar solution - 2 tbsp. for 1 glass of water.
Instead of strips, masking tape is also used. Then, using a knife or some sharp object, fill the cracks with the prepared material. Painting tape is placed on top to prevent drafts.
You can insulate windows using paraffin or wax. To do this, you need to melt it and then pour it into the cracks using a syringe. This method is quite reliable and long-lasting.
Often, ordinary putty intended for wooden surfaces is used to insulate windows.
It can be used for painting.. Another one is pretty simple

It is fixed on the outside of the window along its entire perimeter. Fastening is done with a construction stapler. The only caveat in this case is that the film must be well stretched, otherwise it may be torn off by the wind.

Seals

The main advantage of the seal is that there is no need to dismantle it; it can last for many years, reliably protecting the room from the penetration of cold air through the window. It is laid around the entire perimeter of the window at the junctions of the frame and frame.

Most often, seals have a self-adhesive surface on one side, with which they are attached to a wooden base.

In the absence of such a surface, special glue is used. The type of sealant is selected according to the size of the gaps. First of all, the frame must be thoroughly washed and dried. Freshly painted frames can be pasted over only after two weeks.

Measurements are taken with a strip of sealant, and it is very important not to stretch it. Both ends are cut at an angle of 45 degrees. Having removed a small piece of the protective layer, the sealant is applied to the upper edge of the frame and then, gradually removing the protective layer, it is glued to the lower edge.

Then the horizontal joints are glued in the same way.

In the corners of the frame, it is precisely thanks to the 45-degree angle at which the seal was cut that the horizontal and vertical sections should meet. For greater reliability in these places, the seal is secured with a construction stapler.

Polyurethane foam This material is used to fill large gaps between the wall and the window structure. The frames should first be strengthened with spacers, since the foam expands when applied and the window structure may warp. Next, you need to spray the gap with water. Foaming is done starting from the bottom and gradually rising up.

Some time after the foam has completely hardened, the surface must be covered with putty and paint. If the foamed surface is not treated, over time it begins to crumble under the influence of ultraviolet rays. In addition, it is susceptible to moisture.

When working with polyurethane foam, you must follow some rules:

You must use gloves while working.
The room should be well ventilated.
The air temperature should not be lower than +5 degrees.
During operation, the foam container must be shaken periodically.
You need to hold the bottle upside down.

The place where the glass comes into contact with the window frame is insulated with sealant. To do this, you need to stock up on new glazing beads and a mounting gun.

The sequence of work in this case is as follows:

Old glazing beads must be carefully removed. The lower glazing beads are removed first, then the side ones and only then the upper ones.
Carefully remove the glass.
Clean the areas of the frame where the glass was installed and dry.
Fill these places with sealant.
Replace the glass.
Install the glazing beads carefully

Installation of heat reflective film

This material for insulating wooden windows has appeared quite recently. It is a multilayer film 30-35 microns thick coated on one side with metal (chrome, nickel, silver or gold).

Its advantages are undoubted:

The film is absolutely transparent, its presence on the glass does not distort visibility.
Heat loss is reduced to a minimum.
Thanks to its reflective properties, it prevents the passage of harmful ultraviolet rays.
Protects glass from damage and fogging.
Easy to install.
Wear-resistant and durable.
Serves to protect the home from electromagnetic radiation.

To install it, you need to prepare a set of tools, which include:

Scissors.
Plastic spatula.
Stationery knife.
Spray.
Double-sided tape.

In addition, you will need a clean rag, soapy water and rubber or cotton gloves.

First of all, you need to thoroughly wash the windows and let them dry thoroughly. Then remove the structure from the fittings - handles, etc. Next, the window is measured; to secure it, you need to leave a small allowance of about 2 cm. Use scissors to cut the film according to the measurements taken.

Before gluing the glass film, moisten it with a soap solution, and the wooden elements of the window structure must be degreased.

Then the perimeter of the frame is covered with double-sided tape, onto which a film is then applied. In this case, you need to ensure that the side with the metal coating is on the outside. Use a spatula to smooth it over the glass, removing air. The edges of the film are carefully secured with glazing beads on top. Then the fittings are installed in place, the tape is removed.

If small wrinkles occur, they can be removed by gently heating the film with a hairdryer. Under the influence of hot air it will take the desired shape.

When working with heat-reflecting film, you must ensure that dust, dirt or water does not get on it, otherwise it will lose its properties. Insulation is usually carried out by inside
outer window frame. The only exception is the lintels above the windows. They can be covered with construction foam on the outside.
You cannot work with compactors in winter; the best time is the beginning of autumn.
Material for insulation should be purchased with a reserve. During operation, minor flaws are possible that lead to the unsuitability of the material. In the process of insulating a home, windows receive the most important role