With the onset of cold weather, a thrifty owner strives to escape the cold without causing significant damage to the family budget. Let's look at how to seal old wooden windows for the winter. All methods are aimed at doing it yourself at home using improvised means and inexpensive insulation materials.
According to thermal photographs of houses, a significant part of the heat leaves the room through walls, windows, doors, and roof. Insulating these units allows you to increase the heat-saving properties of the house. However, complete insulation is an expensive task, plus it is not always possible to do it yourself.
But sealing the windows for the winter is a relatively simple and easy-to-implement measure that anyone can do, and the effect is confirmed by an increase in the room temperature by 2-4 °C, depending on the chosen method of insulation.
Materials for insulating windows for the winter
10 ways to seal your windows for the winter
Summarizing the experience of previous generations, you can write an entire encyclopedia on the topic: how to seal the windows to prevent the draft.
Let's consider proven and affordable methods of insulation, for ease of comparison, arranging them in the form of a rating, in ascending order of the cost of performing the work:
Window paper
More precisely, paper putty. This is the cheapest method, since all you need to seal the windows is a selection of old newspapers and water. To increase the effectiveness of the putty, you can add 2 parts of crushed chalk or 1 part of clay to it. The resulting mass is highly plastic, which makes it easy to seal even the smallest cracks. The window can be easily washed off the putty during operation (as long as it remains wet). Insulating windows with paper is an effective way, but only for one season; in addition, a covered window does not make it possible to open the sashes in winter. As the weather gets warmer, the putty is removed from the cracks and the window is washed.
Cost : 0 rub.
Pros : free and simple.
Disadvantages : the need to repeat the work annually, there is no way to open a sealed window, it is not aesthetically pleasing and the presence of additional decor in the form of gluing paper or fabric strips.
How to insulate
When insulating windows, you should take into account several nuances. The recommendations given are relevant regardless of the material used.
Slopes
It is better to insulate slopes on both sides to provide good protection from blowing. If the apartment is on a high floor, it is better to entrust the work of insulating the outside of the slopes to specialists. Plaster, polyurethane foam and polystyrene can be used as insulation materials.
Adjustment
If the windows are uneven, they need to be adjusted. To do this, tighten or loosen the hinges so that the structure is pressed tighter and does not allow the wind to penetrate into the room.
Complete replacement of the seal
If the seal is severely worn, it is easier to replace it. To do this, purchase a new rubber seal and glue it in place of the old one.
How to prevent sweating
Condensation occurs due to high humidity in the room, wear of the seal, and also due to improper installation of windows. To prevent 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 a ventilation through valve under the windows;
- cover the interior walls of the room with insulating material;
- Ventilate the room regularly.
Paper tape or fabric strip
The fastest way to eliminate a draft. You can’t count on significant insulation, but the work can be done quickly and at minimal cost.
Approximate price : 100-130 rubles/roll, strips of fabric (used material).
Advantages : cheap, high speed;
Disadvantages : minimal efficiency, tape peeling off in a draft.
How to seal windows with soap and paper (toilet) - video
Common Mistakes
The work of sealing wooden or plastic windows is usually not difficult. But many make mistakes, because of which everything has to be redone again.
- Using a regular medical plaster. Once spring comes, it will be difficult to remove.
- Using masking tape. This method is quite popular, but the tape comes off quickly.
- Foam tape is not suitable for covering old wooden frames.
- Pasting energy-saving film onto dirty glass.
- Ignoring external insulation of slopes.
Any method of insulating windows, depending on the material from which the frame is made, has its own characteristics and nuances. Therefore, sometimes it is better to turn to craftsmen who, using a special tool, will complete the work quickly and, most importantly, with high quality.
Insulating a room for the winter is not that difficult. To do this, you can use available means, for example, strips of fabric or paper, foam rubber, cotton wool, etc. If there are large gaps, you may need to purchase spray foam or sealant. In particularly serious cases, when you need to insulate a window sill or slopes, you can use the services of specialists.
Cotton wool or foam rubber for windows
Technical wool is cheaper, but it is sold in large quantities.
Using cotton wool or foam rubber, you can seal large gaps, for example, between window sashes or a sash and a wall or window sill. The cotton wool/foam rubber must be sealed on top with paper tape or special tape, because It is difficult to seal small cracks with cotton wool. In this case, the paper tape will serve not only a decorative function, but also increase the efficiency of insulation.
Average cost : cotton wool (50 rubles/200 g), foam rubber (30-35 rubles/skein).
Advantage : simplicity and lack of wet work.
Disadvantages : the cost of insulation increases (+ the price of cotton wool or foam rubber), additional finishing of the insulated seam is required. In addition: cotton wool and foam rubber absorb moisture, the work must be repeated annually, and a sealed window cannot be opened for ventilation.
How to cover windows with newspaper for the winter - video
Insulation of plastic window sills
- As a rule, metal-plastic windows are mounted on foam, which dries out over time, leading to drafts .
- If it blows strongly from under the window sill, it needs to be dismantled, the remnants of the old foam must be cleaned out and foamed again, and all sorts of cracks and crevices must be filled with silicone sealant. After this, return the window sill to its place.
Insulation
Self-adhesive foam for windows
A more technologically advanced way to seal windows and combat drafts. This method is good because it allows you to do without sealing the cracks with paper or fabric strips. Due to the presence of adhesive (adhesive) tape on the foam rubber insulation, it can be glued to the inside of the window sashes.
Approximate cost : 60-75 rub./roll.
Pros : the window can be used as usual.
Cons : after gluing, the insulation can prevent the window from closing; foam insulation is non-hygroscopic and is not protected in any way. If the sashes fit tightly to the frame, you need to either saw down (cut, adjust) part of the wood, or choose other methods of insulation. If the gaps are large, you will have to decide what can be used to seal wooden windows besides this material.
Foam rubber for windows with an adhesive layer (foam rubber seal)
Why seal your windows every year?
Old wooden windows are made from solid timber, which does not hold its shape, dries out, swells and warps.
Photo: up to 25 m3 per hour easily passes through the gaps in the old window (highlighted in red). By the way, this amount of incoming air is taken into account when calculating the operation of the hood in old high-rise buildings. But in winter it is cold air and you want to reduce its intake. However, the problem of ventilation lies not only in the old woodwork. Some plastic windows are not inferior to them in this and blow out so much that the curtains move. I think the owners of apartments in new buildings understand what I'm talking about. Windows from the developer are in most cases an economical option, made from the simplest profile, thin reinforcement, cheap sealant, and any kind of fittings. Here we save on everything. The consequences are predictable - blowing.
Over time, high-quality plastic windows can also leak - this problem appears in windows installed 20-25 years ago. The seal begins to dry out, the fitting settings are lost, and the window begins to gradually leak.
How to deal with blowing depends on the reason for its occurrence. For old carpentry these are one event, and for plastic windows another.
Self-adhesive window seal
Most owners of old wooden windows prefer this type because of the optimal price/effect combination. The rubber seal is glued to the inside of the window sash. Due to the fact that the seal is hollow, it does not create problems when closing the sash. It adheres well to the frame due to the adhesive strip, which opens when glued. The seal lasts 1-2 years.
Average price : 84-100 rub./roll.
Advantage : longer service life, window operation mode is not affected, aesthetics.
Disadvantages : cost, labor intensity, you can install a low-quality seal (many fakes), the likelihood of the seal coming off the frame.
Causes
Having noticed the windows blowing, you should understand the causes of the problem. Having found out the reason, it is worth thinking about eliminating it.
Poor quality installation
Violation of installation rules often leads to thermal insulation problems. As a rule, blowing occurs as a result of self-installation of window structures.
House shrinkage
When the house shrinks, individual elements adjacent to the windows shift. The result of shrinkage is the formation of gaps and large cracks.
Saving
By saving on window construction, you have to sacrifice quality. Often, cheap windows create problems in terms of heat retention.
Seal wear
With prolonged use, the rubber seals on the windows wear out, resulting in air entering the room. The solution to the problem is to replace the seal.
Ignoring operating rules
Neglecting standard rules for using windows leads to defects. In addition, the service life of the structure is reduced.
See also
Which linoleum is better to choose for the kitchen by type of material, texture and color
Construction putty for windows
Allows you to seal the glass seat. First you need to remove the old putty or glazing bead, apply a new compound, level and paint or cover with glazing bead and paint. In this case, the putty is applied in a thinner layer, which reduces its effectiveness.
Approximate cost : 30 rubles/pack.
Advantage : relatively cheap putty, hygroscopic.
Disadvantages : labor-intensive work, the need to periodically renew the putty. Does not allow protection against blowing between the frame and the sash.
Preventing Heat Loss
Proper installation of window structures, periodic renewal of the sealing gum and the use of additional protective measures help reduce heat losses. If possible, energy-saving double-glazed windows with a thin layer of low-emissivity coating should be installed.
Due to this feature, heat is reflected back into the room, and losses can be reduced by 50%. At the same time, the design does not lose its transparency and appearance.
Windowsill
An incorrectly installed window sill leads to cracks. When performing installation work, it is important to make sure that the window sill is securely fixed in a strictly horizontal position.
Slopes
In most situations, blowing is observed on the slopes of window structures. If the position of the slopes is disturbed, they need to be adjusted to close the gaps that have arisen.
Window sealant
This method involves applying sealant to the junction of the glass and the seat. Before starting work, the window must be washed and degreased. When applying, try to squeeze out the sealant with equal pressure to ensure a beautiful sealed seam.
Average cost : 200 rub./pack.
Advantage : speed of the method.
Disadvantages : insulation costs increase due to the cost of the sealant and the gun for it, does not eliminate blowing through the frame.
Should I seal the windows for the winter, repair them or replace them?
Everyone will answer this question for themselves. If you don’t want to bother with insulation, seal it. If the cost of repair is less than half the cost of a new window, then it makes sense to repair. And if you decide to change, no matter the old joinery or the economical version of plastic windows, then choose high-quality equipment for a long and comfortable service. Saving will lead to additional repair costs and they will be much more than the amount you save when purchasing.
My windows were prevented from blowing due to high-quality materials. 20 years ago, manufacturers still worked only with European components. The Roto fittings that are in my windows have never even been lubricated during all this time, and they still work like clockwork, which is why I recommend them.
Of course, now there is another model of this fittings - Roto NX, but it has only become better, because the manufacturer constantly takes into account all the requests of its customers.
*The article contains contextual and visual advertising
Thermal film for windows
Energy-saving film allows you to cover the junction of the glass and the frame, and also reflects thermal radiation in the infrared range. Thanks to this, part of the heat remains indoors.
Average price : 270-550 rub./sq.m. mainly sold in rolls of 1.52 x 30 m. (45.6 sq.m.).
Advantage : efficiency.
Disadvantages : high price of the film, drafts remain between the sash and the frame.
How to cover a window with film - video
Is it possible to glue it over to insulate it?
You can seal plastic windows, but this procedure does not always make sense, because there are many other ways to insulate a room.
Sealing is one of the most common and cheapest methods of retaining heat indoors.
This method does not require significant funds and time spent, as may be the case with replacing the seal and using other materials to increase the tightness of the window.
Important! It is worth understanding that if you seal a double-glazed window with paper and tape, you will not be able to open it even for ventilation. If you do this, the integrity of the structure of the sealed material will be compromised and the procedure will have to be repeated again.
When is this necessary and when is it not?
Sealing a PVC window makes sense in a situation where a violation of the tightness of the double-glazed window has been discovered. This can happen for several reasons:
- violation of double-glazed window installation technology;
- shrinkage of a newly built multi-storey building;
- worn rubber insulation;
- improper installation of window slopes;
- low quality glass unit;
- the technical characteristics of the double-glazed window do not correspond to the existing climate.
A PVC window can be designed for warm weather, but it is installed in a region where the climate is characterized by colder temperatures and drafts. As a result, the window loses its seal and the room becomes cold.
The most common cause of the problem is a worn seal. If you don't care for it correctly, it can dry out, become thin and crack. The device does not fit tightly to the frame, which causes a leak in the seal.
But there are also situations when sealing windows will be irrelevant. For example, a window is located in a children's room or bedroom, where ventilation must be provided even in the cold season.
If the apartment is too humid and condensation appears on the walls, ventilation is necessary , but with sealed windows this will be impossible. Also, you should not use this particular method if you can resort to using better and more durable materials.
TOP list of the best materials: manufacturers
Having made a conclusion, you can make a small list of materials and give examples of manufacturers:
Heat-saving film. A good option from the manufacturer Termok: the film is sold both in cut pieces and by the meter.
In popular construction stores you can also find already cut film measuring 150x170 cm.- Application of construction foam. It is better to take foam intended for a special gun - it’s easier to work with it. A good manufacturer is Soudal, which offers foams for both summer and winter use.
- Using polystyrene foam. Select a material as thick as the gap in which the seal has broken. A good manufacturer is Knauf.
- Sealant. Universal colorless silicone sealant is suitable. For example, the company Tytan.
- Foam rubber and tape. In this case, materials from any manufacturer will be suitable. Instead of regular tape, you can use masking tape.
All of the materials listed are common and can be purchased at hardware stores in the city.
What will you need?
To independently carry out the work of sealing a double-glazed window, you will need the following tools and consumables:
- construction knife;
- scissors;
- brushes with stiff bristles;
- household vacuum cleaner;
- broom and dustpan;
- putty knife;
- construction or household hair dryer.
These devices are necessary when working with film, foam, and tape. To work with polyurethane foam, you need a special gun into which the cylinder is inserted. You will also need priming compounds, antibacterial impregnations and putty - if you have to partially dismantle the elements.
Preparatory stage
Before work, be sure to thoroughly rinse the surface of the windows, dry them and soak them in alcohol or gasoline to degrease them. Otherwise, adhesive insulation will not last long. Then dry the window frames again and begin the procedure.
Insulate before the cold weather sets in. This will not only ensure comfortable working conditions, but will also provide suitable humidity and provide the opportunity to immediately perform internal and external insulation. In addition, many materials cannot be worked with in the cold, since at low temperatures they lose their practical properties.
After insulation, the surface also needs to be washed or cleaned. How to clean windows after renovation, read here. And then we will consider various means of sealing windows.
