Do-it-yourself additional insulation of plastic windows. How to insulate plastic windows. Preparing a window sill for winter is a simple matter.

Reading time ≈ 9 minutes

Plastic double glazed windows They are considered one of the most airtight types of home windows, but even they eventually begin to let cold air into the house. In this article we will look at how you can insulate yourself plastic windows for winter indoors. This will increase the indoor temperature by several degrees and save a lot of money on heating.

Identifying draft locations

For effective insulation windows, it is necessary to find and eliminate the cause of the draft. Otherwise, all procedures aimed at insulation will not give the desired effect. To find problem areas, you need to independently check all the critical nodes of the window:

Glass holders.
Seal.
Hinges and handles.
The junction of slopes, walls and window sills with window frame.

The appearance of technical faults in one of these places can lead to the appearance of drafts, which in cold weather greatly affects the temperature inside the room.

To determine the exact location of the heat leak, the following methods are used:

Causes of drafts

You should also have basic information about the causes of drafts. Having basic knowledge, you can avoid such unpleasant situations in the future.

If you evaluate in detail all the causes of drafts and heat leaks, you can divide them into two categories, if possible, eliminate them - with the help of window installation specialists and independent decision problems.

It is best to use the services of professionals to solve the following problems:

If the work is done from the inside, then most of it can be done independently.

Insulation of a plastic window

Depending on the identified location of the heat leak, the work performed will be different. Let's look at each direction in more detail, and also determine how to insulate plastic windows for the winter.

Insulation of slopes

If a draft was detected in the cracks between the window frame and the wall, then the cause of this phenomenon should be considered poor thermal insulation. It could have become unusable over time, or there were technology violations during the installation process.

The most correct would be full installation thermal insulation materials again. To do this, you need to remove the slopes and do the following:

If the cold weather has already set in, and there is no way to complete replacement thermal insulation materials, then you can take temporary measures and treat the cracks with sealant. This will save you from cold penetration into the house for a while, but in the future it will be necessary to carry out a more thorough reconstruction.

Important! Many sealing compounds have a clear temperature range within which they can be used. Violation temperature regime may affect the main qualities of the composition. Be sure to check if you can use sealant.

Window sill insulation

In case of loss of tightness in the window sill area, it is necessary to accurately determine the location of the leak.

Such measures will be enough to insulate the window sill and eliminate any drafts in these places.

Insulation by adjusting windows

The cause of drafts may be insufficient tight fit locking elements to each other. To eliminate this, you need to know the basic principles of operation of plastic window sashes.

If the windows were initially installed correctly and closed tightly enough, then the problem can be eliminated by slightly moving the sash. How to adjust a window at home yourself is described in detail in this video:

The windows of most brands have a system for switching to winter or summer mode. To determine what position the windows are currently in, you need to pay attention to the locking pins. Depending on the window manufacturer, the current condition of the window is marked on them. If the mark is turned inward, then the windows are in the “summer” mode, and in winter mode, if the trunnion is turned in the opposite direction.

When installing the window in summer mode, when the sash is closed, it does not fit tightly enough to the frame. This allows you to maintain microventilation in the premises.

In winter from such ventilation more problems than good, so the window needs to be switched to winter mode. To do this, rotate all the trunnions to the desired position.

The average state represents a balance between micro-ventilation and heat retention. It is also called spring or autumn mode.

Important! Windows in winter mode are designed to press the sash against the frame as much as possible, which means fogging of the glass will be almost guaranteed. To avoid the appearance of fungus, it is necessary to regularly ventilate the room, even on winter days.

Replacing sealing material

Another way to insulate plastic windows for the winter with your own hands is to replace the rubber seal between the window frame and the opening sashes.

Important! It is worth replacing the seal only if it has become unusable. At regular care cared for and treated with softening compounds, it can last more than 5-8 years without losing its qualities.

First you need to determine whether the seal can be replaced. If you are the happy owner of a window with a replaceable rubber seal, then you can proceed to the next steps.

You can get acquainted in detail with the procedure for replacing the seal using the example of the work of one of the installation companies:

Attention! If you are not sure about the correctness of the work listed above, and also doubt the own strength, we recommend that you seek help from professionals. Most vinyl window installation companies can provide additional customization and minor restoration work for an appropriate fee.

Insulation with additional means

Sometimes a plastic window is in perfect order and does not create drafts, but in itself is a place of heat loss. In this case, it must be insulated with additional means. Let's look at a few simple ways additional window insulation.

The use of improvised means used for, in the case of correctly installed and configured double-glazed windows, shows minimal effectiveness. Their main purpose is to eliminate drafts, but does not work with hermetically sealed plastic windows.

Now you know how you can insulate plastic windows in your home for the winter and can put most of the methods into practice. Also remember that windows are not the only place loss of heat. You can get maximum heat retention after and..

Of course, first of all, you need to remember that the period of perfect operation can be extended if you carefully handle the windows and carry out the necessary maintenance.

Among other things, you need to remember that the rubber gasket around the perimeter of the window lasts much longer if it is periodically lubricated. Repairs should best be carried out early, when the need for it becomes clear.

When using certain insulating compounds, a strictly defined temperature regime is necessary for high-quality hardening. Also, it would not be a bad idea to choose a dry and windless day for repairs if possible.

You can do the work of filling gaps yourself. In case of carrying out external work independently, it is recommended to work only on the first two floors.

If your apartment is located higher, then you need to contact a specialist. It is also not recommended to act independently when adjusting windows or replacing their parts. Of course, with enough experience and appropriate skills, it is quite possible to handle it yourself, but a professional will do the job efficiently and with a guarantee.

Methods of carrying out work to improve thermal insulation

Let us immediately note that such works can be divided into two large groups:

Related to the repair of plastic windows and closing existing cracks.
Various additional measures.

The second section may include the following types of work:

Wool blinds. If used, their strips can be wrapped woolen fabric. This will greatly help keep you warm.
Heat-saving film. On the inside, a special film is attached using double-sided tape. We can talk about either a separate sash or an entire window. Then, the film is heated over the entire surface warm air from a hair dryer. The film tightly envelops the entire structure, providing high-quality thermal insulation.
Using an electric heater. This is a small square box that is installed directly on the glass. Sometimes this is done during installation, and sometimes during operation. We are talking about using a special electrical appliance that is made specifically for this method applications.
Use of curtains.

We must remember that if there are problems with heat conservation, then it may be necessary to insulate the joints of the window and walls or window sill. The plastic window itself does not need to be sealed. It needs to be adjusted and as a result it is able to completely restore its thermal insulating properties.

Where to begin?

Sealing seams is the easiest way to prevent blowing

If you feel that heat is leaking in, then first of all, you need to find out the reason. If we are talking about open cracks, then the easiest way is to check if there is air movement.

One common way to do this is to use a lighter. The deflection of the flame will show where the air movement is occurring. You can also move your hand to feel where the air is moving.

But the latter method has less sensitivity. Further actions depend on what kind of leakage occurs.

Let's look at the different possible options:

The gap under the window sill. Sometimes, when , is given insufficient attention its junction with the wall below. As a result, there may even be a through gap. In this case, it needs to be sealed. Another situation is possible here. The gap may not be visible from the outside. In this case, holes are drilled between the frame and the window sill through which the gap can be filled insulating material. Then, the joint along its entire length is covered with white opaque tape.
The gap between the window and the slopes. Applicable in this situation similar methods. But when repairing slopes, aesthetic requirements are much higher than in the previous case.
Repair of external tides. If it is necessary to correct the situation on external ebb tides, then special “ warm mixtures" They are a special primer. Water-repellent paint is also used for this purpose.

After foaming all seams, the foam is removed and protected using various materials

For the first two options, it is possible to use various placeholders:

Polyurethane foam. It is easy to use, it hardens well, but is also sensitive to temperature changes. The latter feature can lead to destruction of the filling.
Silicone sealant. It is relatively inexpensive and yet easy to use.
Mineral wool. Has good thermal insulation properties.
Use of polystyrene foam represents the cheapest, but also the least durable and durable solution to the problem.

In the above situations general order doing the job is quite similar:

Clearing the place, where filling will be done, from debris and remnants of old polyurethane foam.
We wash the surface and, if possible, degrease the working surface.
We fill the detected gaps with the filler we have chosen.(spray foam, silicone sealant, mineral wool or polystyrene).
If necessary, seal the holes(if available) with construction tape.

Additional adjustment and replacement of seals

The main reason for increased heat loss is wear of rubber seals

If no cracks were found, then it may make sense to adjust the windows. To do this, you need to check the quality of the rubber gaskets. If this is necessary, then they need to be replaced.

In some cases, gaskets may have nothing to do with it. Plastic windows have special adjustment screws that allow fine adjustments.

They are present in the frame from all four sides. Air leakage may be due to the fact that there has been a slight shift relative to window frame. For this type of work, it is best to invite a professional.

Also, accidental damage cannot be ruled out, which creates the need to replace certain parts of their delicate mechanism. Only a professional can do this efficiently.

One of the most common reasons for the seal failure of plastic windows is the need to replace both seals. One of them is on the glass block itself. The other is on the frame.

The work is carried out in the following order:

The window is removed from its hinges. The old seal is removed.
The groove is wiped from dust and dirt and degrease.
Then carefully insert the new seal with the desired edge, prepared in advance.
Then perform similar operations for the seal, which is located on the window frame.
Paste earlier removed window on the hinges.

It must be remembered that if you constantly take care of the seal, this will significantly extend its service life.

This is done as follows:

They are cleaned of dust and dirt and washed carefully.
Wipe dry.
Lubricate with special silicone putty (it is sold in car dealerships).

These procedures protect the seals from drying out in hot weather and from becoming stiff in severe frosts.

Repair costs

Let's give approximate prices.

Call a technician to inspect the windows, assessing the situation and drawing up an estimate - approximately 500 rubles for each window.
Minimum possible cost of work- 2000 rubles.
Adjusting the clamps- 400 rubles for each.
Replacing the seal- 130 rubles per linear meter.
Window hardware maintenance(disassembly, lubrication, etc.) - 800 rubles.

At independently conducting work prices are as follows:

The price for the seal is 50-55 rubles per linear meter.
Silicone sealant 280 ml will cost 50-160 rubles, depending on the brand.
Polyurethane foam 500 ml can cost about 150 rubles.
costs 340-550 rubles square meter heat-saving film for plastic windows.

Insulation of plastic windows- quite a difficult matter. At independent work You can save a lot on your costs. But to do this you need to have a good understanding of how to do it. If you don’t want to waste your energy on this, then it’s worth investing in a specialist who will do the job efficiently and reliably.

Wooden windows are replaced with new ones made of PVC or metal plastic, for the reason that they lose the ability to retain precious heat in an apartment or house. When installing a double-glazed window, few people are interested in how it will behave in the future. Will the cold be allowed to pass through, is it necessary to carry out insulation, how effective is it?

Many consumers are wondering how to insulate a plastic window. Like any other structure, metal-plastic or plastic system has weaknesses. They act as a direct path for heat leakage from the room.

Why is it blowing? This is exactly the question homeowners often grapple with. If you are also among them, then you should consider the main components and deal with design features window block. The most common places for inflation are:

rubber compressor;
window frame perimeter;
window bead;
window fittings.

In order to determine where it is blowing from a plastic window, you must run your palm over the surface of the block. You can also use a lighter. The last procedure is very simple. It is similar to the previous one. The fire will be sensitive to drafts, so you can detect blowing.

Before insulating a plastic window, you can take a sheet of paper and clamp it into the sash. If you pull the corner, you can easily pull out the sheet. In this case, we are talking about insufficient sealing of the glass unit. This indicates that the seal is not pressed well against the frame.

Why is it blowing from the window?

Over time, many consumers wonder why it starts to blow from a plastic window. There can be many reasons. Among others, it is worth highlighting:

installation error;
distortion of the glass unit;
physical wear and tear of window components;
violation of operating rules.

The most common cause is an installation error. It may be due to non-compliance with technology. Sometimes it happens that the window is simply warped. This problem remains relevant for residents wooden houses and new buildings.

Window components may experience physical wear and tear. This especially applies to rubber seals. In order not to have to decide over time the question of how to insulate a plastic window, you must use it correctly. The seal must be washed and treated with glycerin from time to time. Such care will prevent loss of elasticity and cracking of the material.

What you can do yourself

If you want to solve the issue of ventilation, then you can replace the seals with your own hands, insulate the contours of the frame, and insulate the window opening and window sill. It is necessary to do this work before the onset of cold weather. This is due to more comfortable working conditions, optimal humidity, material requirements, absence of drafts and reduced risk of getting a cold. When it’s warm outside, you can do not only outdoor, but also internal insulation.

If you are thinking about the question of how to insulate a plastic window, then first you need to choose a material. For this purpose the following are usually used:

polyurethane foam;
mineral wool;
Styrofoam;
expanded polystyrene.

The first option allows you to fill all the voids around the perimeter of the opening. This approach will eliminate air movement. Foam is 90% air, so it will be an excellent insulator. But in a frozen state, it must be protected from ultraviolet radiation, low and high temperatures.

Mineral wool will be an excellent solution for thermal insulation of internal slopes and window sills. It has a limited range of uses for insulation. As for polystyrene foam, it is widely used for insulating slopes. It is advisable to use rigid insulation when the thickness of the installation seam is no more than 3 mm. In all other cases, it is better to purchase mineral wool.

If you want to solve the question of how to insulate plastic windows for the winter, you can consider silicone sealant. It will eliminate blowing between the elements of the double-glazed window. Dry mixtures for slopes are also widely used. With their help, you can also provide thermal insulation from the outside. But if you purchase construction tape, you will need to stick it on top of the sealant. Sometimes it is used as an independent insulation.

Preparation for thermal insulation of a window block

In order to insulate window unit, you need to prepare:

seal;
sealant;
construction tape;
heat-saving film.

The latter is also called energy-saving. An excellent way of thermal insulation will be mechanical methods. This should include adjusting fittings.

External insulation of slopes

Quite often, owners of houses and apartments wonder how to properly insulate the slopes of plastic windows. The first step on the path to promotion thermal insulation properties the design becomes a dew point shift. This will prevent the appearance of dampness and the development of fungus.

You can cover the cracks, but this measure will be temporary, since over time the plaster will become covered with cracks and the polyurethane foam will open. The latter, under the influence external factors, will begin to collapse. You can cover the insulation with plaster, protecting the layer from atmospheric agents.

First you need to prepare rigid insulation and clean the surface of the slopes from protruding parts and dirt. The base is primed. On glue solution or foam insulation is installed. It is better to use foam, as it eliminates the need for wet work and sets in short time. With its help you can strengthen the insulation sheet as firmly as possible.

If you are faced with the task of how to insulate the slopes of plastic windows, then you will have to seal all the cracks with glue, install a perforated corner, a polymer mesh and finish the surface with plaster. When installing a layer of thermal insulation, it is necessary to ensure that the material covers part of the window frame and protects installation seam.

Thermal insulation of low tides

If you want to insulate the ebbs, then it will be enough to fill the cracks with foam or place thermal insulation material inside. In order to protect it from contact with moisture, a metal ebb strip must be mounted on top. It is located at an angle of 5°. The horizontal edge should extend beyond the façade by 30 mm. The side edges are folded up. The place where the plank will adjoin the surfaces must be treated with sealant.

Internal thermal insulation

If you are among those who want to insulate a plastic window from the inside, then you should take care of the slopes, which are not so influenced by external factors, but can still become a place through which heat escapes. It is important to leave the slopes aesthetically attractive.

First you need to treat the cracks, remove dirt and old foam. A primer is applied to the surface. The cracks are filled polyurethane foam. Its excess should be removed after drying. Next, thermal insulation materials are installed. They can be cotton wool or polystyrene foam. At the next stage, you can begin installing drywall. It is important to produce finishing its surface, covered with putty and painted.

Thermal insulation of window sill

If you want to insulate plastic windows for the winter with your own hands, then you can also work on the window sill. The gaps between it and the wall are a place of significant heat loss. Before starting work, it is important to determine weakness this part of the window block. Blowing can occur between parts of the window and window sill.

In this case, a sealant is usually used. Heat can escape into the space between the wall and the window sill. In this case, thermal insulation must be carried out before installing the window sill by laying an insulating layer. After finishing installation work distance between concrete or brick wall and the window sill can be filled with foam.

Insulation by adjustment method

If you want to solve the problem of how to insulate plastic windows with your own hands, then you can take a comprehensive approach. For this, in addition to the above methods, adjustment is usually used. You can eliminate the misalignment of the sash.

Some property owners change the seal. You can do this yourself. Old material is pulled out and a new one is installed in the groove. Before doing this, you must decide which seal to choose. After reviewing the assortment, you will understand that black and gray seals are available for sale. The former are distinguished by greater plasticity, while the light shade is due to the presence of additives that reduce the price and worsen the properties. The material is not so airtight when pressed.

Alternative methods

If you still cannot decide for yourself the question of how you can insulate plastic windows with your own hands, then you can use more simple methods. For this, many people use blackout curtains, which retain the ability to retain heat indoors. Sometimes improvised means are used, but some of them can ruin appearance glass unit.

The following are used as insulation:

window tape;
soaked paper;
foam;
strips of white fabric.

You can purchase heat-saving film, which is also called energy-saving film. It is glued to the doors. It is important to prevent the formation of air bubbles and the formation of folds. The film can reduce heat loss by 75%.

If you want to understand how to properly insulate plastic windows, you can use electric heating. In this case, there is a heating cable around the glass unit, which will heat the spiral. Sometimes an oil radiator is installed on the window. The most technologically advanced method is electric heating of double-glazed windows.

You can install heated windows. This technique is used at the production stage. It involves installation on inside glass conductive film. It is transparent and contains conductive threads. In this case, the glass is heated from the inside. If you still haven’t decided how to insulate plastic windows for the winter, you can use an integrated approach. It is most appropriate in a private house or apartment, as it allows you to eliminate possible reasons heat leaks.

Using a special tool

For insulation, you can use the method of adjusting the pressure of the sashes. An eccentric is used for this. Elements are installed around the perimeter. To ensure tight pressure, the eccentric is rotated clockwise. There are risks on the elements. When they are facing the street, this indicates a weakening of the pressure. If the pointer faces the seal, you will ensure that the sash is well pressed to the structure.

It is also important to pay attention to the hinges. They have their own mechanism. It provides pressure. You will need to use a hex wrench when adjusting the device. By sliding the tongue, you can ensure a snug fit of the sash. To extend, you must turn the hexagon counterclockwise. When the loop is on the right, the turn is carried out in the other direction - clockwise. The misalignment of the sashes is very easy to eliminate.

Finally

Now you know how to insulate the slopes of plastic windows inside. For an integrated approach, it is necessary to pay attention to the window sill. Experts do not recommend carrying out other thermal insulation work.

You should also be prepared for the fact that insulation can negatively affect the ventilation in the room. Complete tightness is not only protection from the cold, but also fogging of the glass, which causes the destruction of slopes and the occurrence of fungus.

In this article we will figure out how to insulate plastic windows for the winter with your own hands in order to enjoy a pleasant temperature in the house during frosts.

What determines the need for insulation?

By installing polyvinyl chloride (PVC) windows, which are modern high-tech structures, many consumers are confident that such products are guaranteed to protect their homes from the cold. Theoretically, this is how it should be. Properly installed plastic windows perform their task for a long time - they retain heat. But even the best PVC profiles lose their properties over time performance characteristics and the level of thermal insulation of the room decreases. If plastic window structures were initially installed in violation of technology, problems with them will begin quite quickly.

Winter insulation of plastic windows from any manufacturer is usually required due to:

natural wear of the seal;
linings extending from the glass unit;
violations of the geometry of windows caused by shrinkage by the wall of a residential building;
loose adjusting locking elements of PVC construction;
wear and tear of the materials from which the products were made;
improperly installed window sill or slopes.

Problems with polyvinyl chloride structures are solved in two ways. You can call specialists from a company that deals with additional insulation, sale, and window repair. And they will complete everything in a short time at a professional level. necessary work. Comfortable? Without a doubt. But the problem is that the cost of the services of such specialists is often similar to the cost of purchasing a new PVC profile. Not every person will agree to pay that kind of money. In this case, it makes sense to figure out how and with what to insulate plastic windows. And try to complete all the activities yourself.

What kind of work can you really do yourself?

At home, it is impossible to eliminate serious defects in plastic windows. With your own hands you can insulate only the following elements of a PVC product:

internal slopes;
window frame contour;
ebb and window sill outside the room.

At the same time, you should not forget about safety precautions. For example, it is undesirable to carry out external work in cases where windows are installed in apartments above the second floor of the building. Important nuance. Insulation should be done exclusively in warm weather. Choose a dry, windless summer or spring day, understand the technology for performing the work in advance, and stock up the necessary materials and tools. And only after that begin to restore the operational properties of the windows.

At the first stage, you need to clearly determine which areas of the window structure require insulation. Bring the lit lighter to window profile and start moving it around the perimeter of the PVC product. In places where the flame begins to fluctuate, insulation needs to be done. The most vulnerable areas are the joints of the frame and wall surfaces, slopes and ebbs. If there are significant leaks, you won't even need to use a lighter. The wind blowing will be felt with an open palm.

You should also analyze the condition window fittings. It often causes the seal of a plastic structure to break. If you see any defect or malfunction on the fittings, simply install a new part. You may not need to take any further steps after this.

IN mandatory examine the condition clamping mechanism profile. It is this that ensures the tightness of the window. Pay attention to the rubber seal. During operation, the gasket installed on the PVC structure loses its density (the phenomenon is due to climatic conditions, mechanical influences). This leads to a significant reduction in the volume and thickness of the elastic. If the gasket has cracks, gouges, or wrinkles, it should be replaced immediately. In the next section we will describe in detail how to restore the tightness of a window profile.

We reanimate thermal insulation - the procedure for different situations

Let's start by replacing the worn-out sealing gum.If this is the reason (the gasket has become thinner and lost its original elasticity), proceed according to the following scheme:

1. Dismantle the glazing bead along the area of the structure with the detected flaw.
2. Remove the linings and carefully remove the glass unit.
3. Pull out the old seal and install a new one. The length of the latter should be 40–50 mm longer than the initial piece. You will cut off the extra centimeters after installing the new elastic band. Its installation should be done without tension or excessive force.
4. Install previously dismantled parts (glazing beads, linings, package) in reverse order.

Before installing a new gasket, remove dust from the window grooves, wash them thoroughly and dry them. Then installing the seal will not cause any difficulties. He will stand up like a glove.

In cases where the seal looks intact, proceed to adjust the clamping mechanism. To perform this operation, you need to stock up on a special window key. First, inspect the glass unit. Lightly press it and release it. If it does not wobble too much, strengthen the clamp with silicone sealant. Such a composition should not include acids, which can negatively affect the rubber seal. If the double-glazed window is noticeably wobbly, you will need to adjust the special. with a trunnion key - metal cylinders fixed in slots. Loosen any existing bolts. And then tighten the hooks that hold the cylinders.

In some cases, it is necessary to adjust the adjusting locks on the windows. Two screws should be found in the area where the plumb lines are located for the PVC structure. One of them is responsible for the level of pressure on the sash, the second holds it in a given position. Take a screwdriver, loosen (completely) the fixing screw, and then gradually tighten the clamping element (clockwise). After tightening, close the window, arm yourself with a lighter, and check the structure for drafts. If the flame fluctuates, tighten slightly again. adjusting screw. Carry out the specified sequence of operations until you are sure that there is no draft.

Insulation for PVC windows – which one to choose and how to use?

Additional thermal insulation of plastic window designs can be done different materials.As a rule, for these purposes they use:

Mineral or stone wool. Slightly outdated, but quite effective heat-insulating materials for plastic windows (especially their window sills).
Construction foam. This insulation should be used with caution. It cracks and then collapses under the influence of elevated temperatures and the rays of the sun.
Silicone sealant. Easy-to-use material with high energy-saving properties.
A primer with water-repellent characteristics (for example,). An additional layer of paint must be applied to it.
Styrofoam. Used for filling gaps in slopes.
Heat-saving film. Modern way insulation of plastic structures, which is very popular among home craftsmen.

Let's see how to use energy-saving film. This insulation option guarantees high-quality results with little effort. You will need a hairdryer, tape (required double-sided), sharp scissors, or better yet, a stationery knife. Insulate the window using a simple algorithm. First remove dirt and dust from metal-plastic construction Using a damp cloth, degrease the cleaned areas. After this, cover the window frame with double-sided tape.

Cut the energy-saving film to the required dimensions using a stationery knife. Attach the resulting strips to tape. All that remains is to spray the glued insulation with hot air from a hairdryer and, if necessary, remove air bubbles from under the film (carefully pierce them with a knife). Described technique for owners plastic products is the most profitable in terms of financial expenses.

Internal and external slopes of windows are insulated, as noted, with foam plastic, as well as three-layer special panels, pieces of extruded polystyrene foam, and fiberglass materials. Small cracks (up to 4 cm wide) can be sealed with polyurethane foam. Internal slopes are insulated with foam plastic as follows: treat the problem area with a primer, plaster the surface, install a foam plastic sheet using assembly adhesive, wait for the insulation to set, then apply a layer of putty on top. Some home craftsmen additionally cover the thermal insulation layer with plasterboard sheets.

Outside, the slopes are insulated a little differently. Treat them with a primer. In this case, it is necessary to use formulations with antibacterial additives. Then you plaster the surface (if it is smooth, you can do without this step). Cut a slab from a piece of polystyrene. It should cover the entire slope. Mount the slab using metal corner and dowels (in addition, you can use mounting adhesive). Install a fiberglass mesh over the resulting structure. It is usually placed on an adhesive composition. After the slope has dried, you need to paint it with water-based paint.

Preparing a window sill for winter is a simple matter!

Separately, I would like to say a few words about how to insulate the window sill of a plastic window. If this element of the PVC structure is installed poorly, there is a high probability of the formation of a wide and deep crack.

Also, illiterate installation causes the appearance of relatively small gaps between the contacting parts of the window sill, under which it is often placed. In both the first and second cases, cold air will begin to penetrate into the home. This cannot be allowed. Do the following:

carefully open the special plugs on the windowsill;
use a screwdriver to unscrew the fasteners;
remove the window sill.

All problem areas that were not previously visible under the dismantled structure will open before you. Seal small gaps silicone sealant or polyurethane foam. Large holes should be filled with stone or mineral wool, covered with a plastic sheet on top and secured with the latter. After this, put the window sill in place. Now your home will be much warmer.

If the cold enters the house through a plastic window, do not rush to call the specialists. As you can see, many jobs can be easily done with your own hands, achieving good results. Try to bring comfort and warmth back to your home yourself!

Reading time ≈ 9 minutes

Plastic double-glazed windows are considered one of the most airtight types of home windows, but even they begin to let cold air into the house over time. In this article we will look at how you can insulate plastic windows indoors for the winter with your own hands. This will increase the indoor temperature by several degrees and save a lot of money on heating.

Identifying draft locations

To effectively insulate windows, it is necessary to find and eliminate the cause of the draft. Otherwise, all procedures aimed at insulation will not give the desired effect. To find problem areas, you need to independently check all the critical nodes of the window:

Glass holders.
Seal.
Hinges and handles.
The junction of slopes, walls and window sill with the window frame.

The appearance of technical faults in one of these places can lead to the appearance of drafts, which in cold weather greatly affects the temperature inside the room.

To determine the exact location of the heat leak, the following methods are used:

Causes of drafts

You should also have basic information about the causes of drafts. Having basic knowledge, you can avoid such unpleasant situations in the future.

If you evaluate in detail all the causes of drafts and heat leaks, you can divide them into two categories based on the possibility of eliminating them - with the help of window installation specialists and solving problems yourself.

It is best to use the services of professionals to solve the following problems:

If the work is done from the inside, then most of it can be done independently.

Insulation of a plastic window

Insulation of slopes

The most correct option would be to completely reinstall the thermal insulation materials. To do this, you need to remove the slopes and do the following:

If the cold weather has already set in, and it is not possible to completely replace the thermal insulation materials, then you can take temporary measures and treat the cracks with sealant. This will save you from cold penetration into the house for a while, but in the future it will be necessary to carry out a more thorough reconstruction.

Important! Many sealing compounds have a clear temperature range within which they can be used. Violation of the temperature regime can affect the main qualities of the composition. Be sure to check if you can use sealant.

Window sill insulation

In case of loss of tightness in the window sill area, it is necessary to accurately determine the location of the leak.

Such measures will be enough to insulate the window sill and eliminate any drafts in these places.

Insulation by adjusting windows

The reason for the appearance of drafts may be an insufficiently tight fit of the locking elements to each other. To eliminate this, you need to know the basic principles of operation of plastic window sashes.

Most brands of windows have a system for switching to winter or summer mode. To determine what position the windows are currently in, you need to pay attention to the locking pins. Depending on the window manufacturer, the current condition of the window is marked on them. If the mark is turned inward, then the windows are in the “summer” mode, and in the winter mode if the trunnion is turned in the opposite direction.

When installing the window in summer mode, when the sash is closed, it does not fit tightly enough to the frame. This allows you to maintain microventilation in the premises.

In winter, such ventilation causes more problems than benefits, so the window needs to be switched to winter mode. To do this, rotate all the trunnions to the desired position.

The average state represents a balance between micro-ventilation and heat retention. It is also called spring or autumn mode.

Replacing sealing material

Another way to insulate plastic windows for the winter with your own hands is to replace the rubber seal between the window frame and the opening sashes.

Important! It is worth replacing the seal only if it has become unusable. With regular care and treatment with softening compounds, it can last more than 5-8 years without losing its qualities.

First you need to determine whether the seal can be replaced. If you are the happy owner of a window with a replaceable rubber seal, then you can proceed to the next steps.

You can get acquainted in detail with the procedure for replacing the seal using the example of the work of one of the installation companies:

Attention! If you are not sure of the correctness of performing the work listed above, and also doubt your own abilities, we recommend that you seek help from professionals. Most vinyl window installation companies can provide additional customization and minor restoration work for an appropriate fee.

Insulation with additional means

Now you know how you can insulate plastic windows in your home for the winter and can put most of the methods into practice. Also remember that windows are not the only place where heat is lost. You can get maximum heat retention after and..