Is it possible to insulate windows with a sealant. How to insulate wooden windows for the winter: effective materials

A warm home means coziness and a comfortable environment in a 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 have split into two camps: some install plastic windows and are fully confident in their practicality and safety, while others adhere to the "old rules" and install wooden windows in their houses. There is one more category - those who, for whatever reason, have not changed their old windows yet.

It has been proven that non-insulated windows lead to the loss of half of the heat. Therefore, the insulation of old wooden windows is a forced and justified measure.

How to insulate wooden windows

There are several ways to solve this problem. Of course, due to our mentality, we are used 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 the cold seeps. All basic methods of window insulation are based on eliminating gaps in the structure and blocking the cracks.

Traditional methods of insulation

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

There are several factors that affect heat transfer:

  • thermal conductivity of walls, floor, ceiling and openings of doors and windows;
  • the conductivity of sunlight through a glass unit;
  • heat loss through crevices, cracks or porous materials.
  • when insulating windows, it is necessary to take into account all three factors.

Traditional insulation methods are an affordable way to keep a room warm, but not always convenient. How to insulate wooden windows using available tools? Let's consider some options.

The paper is used as slot filling. For this, newspapers or toilet paper are used. Pre-soaked and crushed to the degree of gruel. Then cracks and crevices are filled with this mixture. After drying, masking tape is glued over the blocking. This option protects the room from the penetration of cold air through the cracks at the joints of the frames and sashes, but does not in any way protect against the effects of other factors.

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

One of the most popular methods is insulation using strips of fabric. For this, the slots are filled with any insulation, for example, paper or rags. And then they are glued with strips of fabric dipped in kefir or cool soapy water. This option is convenient, because in the spring such tapes are easy to dismantle and there are no traces left on the surface of the windows. To remove the stripes, it is enough to wet them and wash the window.

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

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

In the case when condensation or ice appears on the glass, a heat-saving film is used, 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 editing is within the power of even 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 the previously cleaned and degreased surface, with which the canvas is fixed. The film must be stretched, warmed up with a hairdryer, gently straightened, avoiding the formation of folds and bubbles. This method is akin to insulation with plastic wrap, which is nailed to the outside of the frame.

Everyone knows how to insulate wooden windows with polyurethane foam. Foam is a versatile material that has firmly entered the world of repair. This is due to practicality and affordability. 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 an ordinary construction knife.

The foam has a porous structure, which allows you to achieve high thermal conductivity, moreover, in the liquid state, the material fills the entire space of the gap, excluding 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.

Silicone sealant is used as insulation. This method is convenient for eliminating gaps between the wooden frame and glass. Of course, this is a laborious process, but it's worth it. It can be attributed to the most effective insulation methods. Technology: glass is removed from the frames, the frame is cleaned of dirt, dust and old paint, sealant is applied, glass is inserted and another layer of silicone is applied, after which the glass is fixed with glazing beads.

Advice! Simultaneously with the insulation process, it is recommended to carry out ongoing repairs, for example, changing fasteners, sanding cracks, removing rotten areas and putty.

It is recommended to use a colorless sealant. This will create an aesthetic appearance for the window. Silicone is a reliable insulation method 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 recent years, the Swedish method of insulating wooden windows has become more and more popular. It is based on the same insulation with a special seal 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 fits into a slot in the frame.

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

Have warming windows for the winter is not a particularly difficult task, but here, as elsewhere, there are subtleties and nuances. Basically, insulation of old windows is usually required, including plastic ones that have been in use for a long time. Consider do-it-yourself window insulation, which can be done quickly and inexpensively.

In its most simplified form, the technology of window insulation boils down to ensuring the tightness of all joints of window parts, especially in places where opening sashes are provided. Materials for insulating windows can be roughly divided into two main groups:

1. gap filling materials;
2. materials for sealing the vestibules.

Do-it-yourself old window insulation technology for the winter

The simplest and cheapest technology for sealing gaps in old windows using strips of paper, cotton wool and paste today it can bring a smile to many - and completely in vain. Simple, fast and cheap. Of course, not for a modern apartment, but somewhere in the country, in old buildings, where the notorious Swedish insulation of windows is simply useless, you can even use proven "old-fashioned" methods. In total, then:

1. with a knife blade, carefully seal the cracks in the windows with technical cotton wool,
2. and stick the strips of paper on top with ordinary soap.

Thick paper tape for window insulation is sold in almost any building materials store and is inexpensive.

Old technology can be combined with modern materials by using a special tape with an adhesive surface applied instead of paper and soap - a kind of paper tape.

Modern technology of window insulation

To ensure high-quality and long-term insulation of wooden windows in an apartment for the winter, it is better to resort to modern technology using silicone sealant and / or synthetic sealing materials. To insulate windows with a sealant, it is better to purchase an inexpensive tool - a lever syringe. The tube with the sealant is inserted into this simple device and the required amount of silicone is squeezed out of it by pressing the lever. It is better to use a transparent sealant, if it comes out on the glass, it will not be noticeable.

Window insulation with sealant

First, you need to remove the glass from the window. Using a sturdy flat-blade screwdriver, remove the wooden glazing beads holding the glass. To make the screwdriver better fit into the joint between the frame and the glazing bead, sharpen its sting with a file or on a sharpening bar. The glazing beads are first lifted, as if "ripped" from their place, along the entire perimeter of the frame, then they are removed completely - first the lower one, then the side ones, and last of all, holding the glass, the upper one. After that, carefully and carefully remove the glass. This should be done with cloth gloves to avoid cuts.

Leave your tips and comments below. Subscribe to

Winter is on the doorstep, and is it blowing from your windows? Then it's time to start insulating them. We will tell you how to do this correctly and what material is best used for insulating windows for the winter, and we will also share some secrets of how to make any house warm and comfortable even in the most severe frosts.

The task of additional insulation is relevant only for ordinary wooden windows. Windows made of plastic, metal of a profile structure or wood with double-glazed windows and modern fittings are initially sealed and preparation for winter can only be a seasonal adjustment of the pressure mechanism.

The main ways to insulate windows

Thermal insulation of wooden windows for the winter is a standard procedure that can significantly reduce heat loss in a room and provide adequate comfort in the cold season. The main task that is put before the master is to achieve maximum tightness of the window structure.

There are several ways to insulate windows, which can be divided into two groups:

  1. Traditional, which were used by our grandfathers. This is the most affordable and least expensive option for those on a tight budget. These include the insulation of windows with old newspapers, paper, foam rubber, cotton wool, rags, paraffin and other materials at hand.
  2. Modern methods of insulating windows for the winter involve the use of special means, for example, sealants or a sealing cord made of foam rubber. The cost of such materials will be slightly higher, however, they will allow you to insulate windows as quickly and, most importantly, as efficiently as possible, to ensure their complete sealing. In addition, at the end of winter, it will not be necessary to carry out complex dismantling.

Using folk methods, windows are insulated as follows: with the help of cotton wool, paper, foam rubber, textile rags or any other material, they close up all the gaps between the frame and the window opening. After that, the frames are carefully sealed with white paper, cloth or masking tape. The disadvantage of this method is that it does not imply the possibility of opening the sashes and with the onset of heat it is necessary to dismantle the insulation.

Just sealing the windows with tape is not the best option.

Traditional methods do not always adequately cope with the task, spoil the appearance of the window, therefore it is better to prefer modern materials.

We insulate windows for the winter with our own hands

First you need to prepare all the materials necessary for insulation, namely:

  1. Chisel.
  2. Putty knife.
  3. Paint brush.
  4. A screwdriver.
  5. Frost resistant silicone sealant.
  6. Work gloves.
  7. Paint for windows.
  8. Polyurethane foam.
  9. Sealing tape made of foamed rubber or polyethylene on a self-adhesive backing.

Insulation of slopes and window sills for the winter

For those wishing to insulate wooden windows for the winter, experts recommend, first of all, to turn their attention to the window slopes and the area under the windowsill or ebb. Most often, cracks form in these places, through which it constantly flows through, and thus the room loses a significant amount of heat.

To eliminate these shortcomings, it is first necessary to clean the old slopes from paint with a spatula and treat them with a primer. After that, you can use polyurethane foam, blowing it into all the cracks. It is better to fill the space between the slopes and the ends of the window opening with some kind of heat-insulating material, for example, polyurethane foam or jute tow. After the foam dries, the excess can be carefully trimmed off.

Sealing gaps between glass and sash frame

The problem area of ​​most wooden window sashes is the lack of tightness of the inter-glass space. To solve the problem, it is necessary to use a silicone sealant, which is used to coat the groove between the glass and the sash.

First, carefully remove the glazing beads with a screwdriver, then remove the glass from the frame. We thoroughly clean the glass seats from paint, dust and dirt. Then we apply silicone sealant in a continuous strip without any interruptions along the entire perimeter. We return the glass to its place and fix it with glazing beads. Often, glazing beads break during dismantling; in this case, you need to keep new ones in reserve. The remains of the sealant can be carefully removed with a knife, and the glazing beads can be painted with paint.

Instead of a sealant, you can use a putty, even replace the glazing beads with it, if the glass is previously fixed with special clips around the perimeter

Insulation of window sashes

We proceed to sealing the space between the halves of the sashes. We do this in two steps:

  1. In a special groove, which is in the wooden frame, we lay a foam rubber seal with dimensions of 1x2 or 2x2 cm around the entire perimeter. You do not need to glue it so that it can be easily removed with the onset of summer and thus does not interfere with the natural slot ventilation of the room.
  2. Then, between the frame sashes, it is necessary to glue a sealing cord around the perimeter. After that, we again tighten the sashes with bolts.

1. Polyurethane foam for sealing cracks under the windowsill. 2. Seals made of foam rubber around the sash and between the two pieces of the piece frame. 3. Silicone sealant. 4. Foam insulation

If the sash is too tight to the frame and there is not enough space to accommodate the sealant, you can remove the extra layer of wood, and only then install the seal, or cut off part of the sealing tape with a clerical knife to reduce its thickness.

1. Polyurethane foam for sealing cracks under the windowsill. 2. Foam rubber seals. 3. Silicone sealant. 4. Foam insulation

At the end of all the work carried out earlier, the lock is adjusted for the correct clamping of the sash rebate. The considered insulation technology will allow your windows to survive the cold winter without any problems.

Secrets of proper window insulation for the winter

To increase the effectiveness of the above methods of window insulation, it is advisable to inspect and insulate the window opening not only inside the room, but also outside. Moreover, it is better to entrust such work to professionals.

If there are too large gaps in the window frames, more serious measures will be needed, for example, complete restoration of windows, replacement of their fittings, hinges, glass and other parts. However, such work should be performed long before the onset of cold weather.

The cleaner the glass of the windows, the better their thermal insulation characteristics, therefore the glass for the winter must be thoroughly cleaned of contamination.

Glass sealing can be carried out before the onset of frost at temperatures from +5 to +40 degrees Celsius. In cold weather, you can only work with internal frames.

Thus, following our advice and using modern technologies for insulating wooden windows, you can ensure an effective and durable result.

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

What is the reason for the need for insulation?

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

Insulation of plastic windows of any manufacturer for the winter is usually required due to:

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

Problems with PVC structures are solved in two ways. You can call the specialists of a company that deals with additional insulation, sale, repair of windows. And they will carry out all the necessary work in a short time at a professional level. Comfortable? Undoubtedly. 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 how 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 flaws in plastic windows. With your own hands, you can insulate only the following elements of the PVC product:

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

In this case, one 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. An important nuance. Warming should be done exclusively in warm weather. Pick up a dry, windless summer or spring day, figure out the technology of work in advance, stock up on the necessary materials and tools. And only after that, start restoring the operational properties of the windows.

At the first stage, you need to clearly determine in which areas of the window structure you need to carry out insulation. Bring the lighted lighter to the window profile and start moving it around the perimeter of the PVC product. In places where the flame begins to fluctuate, and insulation needs to be done. The most vulnerable areas are the joints of the frame and wall surfaces, slopes and ebb. In case of significant violations of the tightness, you do not even need to use a lighter. The breeze will be felt with an open palm.

You should also analyze the condition of the window fittings. It is often the cause of a breach of the tightness of a plastic structure. If you see any defect on the hardware, malfunction, just install a new part. You may not need to take any further steps after this.

Investigate the condition of the profile clamping mechanism without fail. It is he who ensures the tightness of the window. Pay attention to the sealing gum. During operation, the gasket installed on the PVC structure loses its density (the phenomenon is caused by climatic conditions, mechanical influences). This leads to a significant reduction in the volume and thickness of the elastic. If the gasket has cracks, indentations, wrinkles, it should be replaced immediately. In the next section, we will explain in detail how to restore the tightness of a window profile.

Reanimating thermal insulation - the procedure for different situations

Let's start by replacing the worn out sealing gum. If the reason is precisely in it (the gasket has thinned and lost its original elasticity), proceed according to the following scheme:

  1. 1. Dismantle the glazing bead along the section of the structure with the detected flaw.
  2. 2. Remove the linings, carefully remove the glass unit.
  3. 3. Pull out the old seal, put 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 a new rubber band. Its installation should be carried out without straining and applying excessive forces.
  4. 4. Install previously dismantled parts (glazing beads, linings, package) in the reverse order.

Before installing a new gasket, remove dust from the window grooves, wash them thoroughly and dry them. Then the installation of the seal will not cause difficulties. It will rise like a glove.

In cases where the seal looks intact, proceed with adjusting the pressure mechanism. To perform this operation, you need to stock up on a special window key. Inspect the glass unit first. Press lightly on it, release. If it doesn't wobble too much, reinforce the hold-down with silicone sealant. Such a composition should not contain acids, which can negatively affect the rubber seal. If the glass unit is noticeably staggering, you will need to adjust the special. with a trunnion key - metal cylinders fixed in the slots. Loosen the existing bolts. And then tighten the hooks that hold the cylinders.

In some cases, you have to adjust the adjustment locks on the windows. At the location of the plumb bobs of the PVC structure, two screws should be found. One of them is responsible for the level of clamping of the sash, the second holds it in a given position. Take a screwdriver, loosen (completely) the locking screw, and then tighten the pressure piece a little (clockwise). After tightening, close the window, arm yourself with a lighter, check the structure for drafts. If the flame fluctuates, retighten the adjusting screw slightly. Carry out the indicated 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 structures can be performed with different materials. As a rule, for these purposes they use:

  • Mineral or stone wool. A bit outdated, but quite effective heat-shielding 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 high temperatures and the rays of the sun.
  • Silicone sealant. Easy-to-use material with high energy-saving properties.
  • Water-repellent primer (for example). An additional layer of paint must be applied to it.
  • Styrofoam. It is used for sealing gaps in slopes.
  • Heat-saving film. A modern way of insulating plastic structures, which is very popular among home craftsmen.

Let's see how to use energy saving film. This option of insulation guarantees a high-quality result with little effort. You will need a hairdryer, scotch tape (double-sided), sharp scissors, and preferably a clerical knife. Insulate the window using a simple algorithm. First, remove dirt and dust from the metal-plastic structure using a damp cloth and degrease the cleaned areas. After that, cover the window frame with double-sided tape.

Use a utility knife to cut the energy-saving film to the required size. Attach the resulting strips to tape. All that remains is to rinse the glued insulation with hot air from a hair dryer and, if necessary, remove air bubbles from under the film (carefully pierce them with a knife). The described technique for owners of plastic products is the most profitable in terms of financial expenses.

The inner and outer slopes of the windows are insulated, as noted, with polystyrene, as well as three-layer special panels, pieces of extruded polystyrene foam, fiberglass materials. Small gaps (up to 4 cm wide) can be sealed with polyurethane foam. Internal slopes are insulated with foam as follows: treat the problem area with a primer, plaster the surface, install the foam sheet using assembly glue, wait for the insulation to set, apply a layer of putty on top. Some home craftsmen additionally cover the heat insulator 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 plaster the surface (if it is flat, you can do without this step). Cut a slab from a piece of polystyrene. It should cover the entire slope. Mount the slab using a metal corner and dowels (you can additionally use mounting glue). On top of the resulting structure, install a fiberglass mesh. It is usually placed on an adhesive. After the slope dries, paint it with water-based paint.

Preparing a window sill for the winter period is a simple matter!

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

Also, an illiterate installation causes the appearance of relatively small gaps between the contacting parts of the window sill, under which they are often placed. In both the first and second cases, cold air will penetrate into the dwelling. This must not be allowed. Proceed as follows:

  • carefully open the spec. plugs on the windowsill;
  • unscrew the fasteners using a screwdriver;
  • remove the sill.

All problem areas that were not previously visible under the dismantled structure will open before you. Seal small cracks with 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. Then put the window sill back. Your home will now be much warmer.

If the cold enters the house through a plastic window, do not rush to call specialists. As you can see, many works are easy to do with your own hands, having achieved good results. Try to return comfort and warmth to your home on your own!

Wooden windows are environmentally friendly structures, they create a comfortable indoor climate. For these qualities, many do not want to part with them. But over time, the tightness of the frame decreases and the window becomes a conductor of cold and draft.

There are different ways to solve the problem. How to glue the window for the winter and insulate the gaps between the frame, box and slopes depends on how durable the repair should be and how much time and money you are willing to spend on it. To varying degrees, both the old methods of insulation, which were used by our grandmothers, and modern ones, made with the help of technological materials, are effective.

Looking for the cause of cold windows

So that the work on insulation is not in vain, it is necessary to correctly determine the weak point of the window, which allows cold air to pass through. The reason may lie in different parts of the structure:

  • Slopes (insulation has deteriorated or is missing);
  • Window sill (in the lower part of it, cracks or bridges of cold may form, which, at first glance, are invisible);
  • Glass (blowing occurs in the places where the glasses adjoin the frame, the putty that closes the joint deteriorates over several seasons and requires regular renewal);
  • Frame and sashes (shrinkage of the tree, sagging of the sashes, movement of the ground under the house - all these circumstances lead to the formation of gaps between the frame and the window frame).
Defects in a wooden window frame lead to heat loss in winter

If visual inspection fails to identify the cause, some tricks can be used. For example, wet your hand with water and bring it to different parts of the window. An even more sensitive way is a lit candle or lighter. The flame reacts to any vibrations in the air, and they will indicate the places where heat is lost.

A very old window requires an integrated approach. To achieve good thermal insulation, all possible cold bridges must be eliminated.... Structures in good condition are sufficient to insulate around the perimeter of the frame and the opening flaps in any way possible.

How to fill up the cracks

The most common problem that owners of houses with wooden windows face is the appearance of gaps between parts of the structure. They are formed as a result of changes in the geometry of the window and window opening. In some cases, it is sufficient to adjust the position of the flaps by tightening the fastening hinges. But most often the cracks have to be repaired. You can use a lot of handy and specialized materials for this purpose.

Paper

A good insulation is obtained from cellulose fibers. You can make it yourself from toilet paper or newspapers.... To do this, you need to grind the paper and fill it with water. When the mass softens, it is necessary to remove it and squeeze it well. To make the putty more durable, add the same amount of clay and twice as much crushed chalk to the cellulose.


Pasting a window with paper is one of the easiest ways to insulate a house for the winter.

The mixture must be used immediately for its intended purpose. You can lay it inside the slots with any convenient tool, for example, a knife or a strong ruler. It is advisable to seal the sealed gaps with masking tape, soapy paper or cloth.

In this way, you can insulate the windows for the whole winter. But it will not be easy to remove the composition from the cracks and the frame, moreover, traces will remain on the surface, which can only be removed by staining.

Cotton wool

This method of insulating wooden windows for the winter with cotton wool is perhaps the fastest and cheapest. It is necessary to tear off pieces of cotton wool and lay them tightly into the gaps in the window structure. It is recommended to use a screwdriver or knife to seal small gaps.


Cotton wool is the cheapest, but also the most short-lived insulation

The advantage of this method is that it is easy to remove the cotton wool in the spring, while the window will not lose its appearance. Warming will be effective within one season, since cotton wool cakes and becomes compacted from time to time and under the influence of moisture, therefore, the gaps will have to be filled annually.

Foam rubber

Insulation of old wooden windows can be done using ordinary pieces of foam rubber or special foam rubber tape on an adhesive basis. Due to the many air chambers in the pores, this material provides good thermal insulation, but does not protect against street noise.


Thermal insulation of a window using foam rubber

Pieces of foam rubber can be hammered into the cracks between the frame and the box or laid along the perimeter of the working sash and tightly closed. If necessary, the insulation is very easy to remove.


Installation of adhesive foam tape around the perimeter of the window frame

To install adhesive tape around the perimeter of the window, you will need to remove the frame from the box. If the gaps are large, then the foam tape can be applied in several layers until a snug fit is achieved. The sashes are insulated in the same way. The disadvantage of this method is that when removing the tape, traces of glue may remain on the frame or pieces of paint may come off.

Rubber compressor

An adhesive tape made of rubber or polyurethane can last for more than one year. And to insulate the window with it very quickly. The only drawback is that you will need to spend money on purchasing a tape.

The insulation is in the form of a tube with a cavity inside - this ensures that its shape is maintained even if the sash is actively used. Gluing the gaps is not required - this is also a plus.


Window thermal insulation using Swedish technology is a fast and reliable method of insulation, but also not cheap

Similar materials are used to insulate wooden windows using Swedish technology. But before installing the tape, grooves are made around the perimeter of the frame and sashes, into which the insulation is then inserted.

How to reduce heat loss through glass

Even double-glazed windows of metal-plastic windows are always cold in winter. Through this part of the structure, the main loss of heat occurs. In the case of wooden windows, the situation is especially difficult - the glass is simply inserted into the groove and does not fit tightly.

Putty

This method of insulating windows partially solves the problem of adhesion of glass to the frame. But it is enough for 1-2 seasons. Then the procedure must be repeated.


The putty ensures a snug fit of the glass to the frame

For sealing, a special window putty or plasticine is suitable.... These materials are equally flexible and adhere well to wood and glass. They are applied from the outside of the window to the joint between the glass and the frame. Before using a small piece of material, you need to knead it and cover the gap with an even layer, slightly pressing it. The key disadvantage of the method is the destruction of the putty upon freezing and the melting of plasticine in the sun.

Sealant

The method of sealing the joint using silicone or acrylic sealant is more reliable and durable than the first one. But at the same time it is more troublesome and expensive.

For work, it is recommended to purchase a transparent color composition. The sealant is applied to the glass seat, that is, in the groove. Therefore, the glass will have to be removed. The composition must be squeezed out with a uniform strip around the entire perimeter and immediately put the glass in place and once again pass the sealant along the seam.


Sealing the joint between glass and frame with a sealant

A small feature that should be remembered when choosing this method of insulation is that the sealant hardens, so then it will not be possible to easily pull the glass out of the frame if necessary.

Film

Heat-reflecting film, according to the manufacturers, can reduce heat loss through glass by 30%... It is glued directly to the glass.


Heat reflective film can be glued to glass

In order to protect windows for the winter in this way, you need to clean the surface of dirt and degrease, then cut out a flap of film with a margin of 2 cm on each side. Tear off the bottom layer and apply to the glass. Glue it over the entire area with smoothing movements. If folds have formed, you can warm them up a little with a hairdryer, cut off the excess with a clerical knife.

Insulation of the window sill, drainage and slopes

If there are no gaps on the frame, and the heat still escapes from the room, it is possible that the problem is the presence of cold bridges in the space under the window sill or inside the slopes. In this case, it will be necessary to repair and insulate wooden windows at the same time.

Polyurethane foam

Universal insulation for windows - polyurethane foam. It can be used for filling gaps and installing slopes.

To exclude the loss of heat from under the window sill, it is necessary to clean out from the space under it the old fallen off plaster, scattered foam, caked cotton wool or another type of insulation that has become unusable. Then install the foam canister into the gun and blow the insulation into the slot. It is important to remember that the composition is expanding several times. Excess foam can be easily cut off with a knife after drying.


To seal large gaps under the windowsill, it is better to use polyurethane foam.

Also, foam is blown into the seam between the frame and the wall and along the edges of the slope, then any insulation is laid and the slope is made of plasterboard, plastic or sandwich plates. Temporarily it must be fixed on the wall with masking tape. All joints must be coated with sealant.

Polyethylene film

Insulation of windows in a wooden house can be done by other methods. A new and still insufficiently proven method - gluing a window opening with a completely transparent plastic wrap... The method is not entirely aesthetic, since it is difficult to glue the film absolutely evenly. It can only be partially smoothed out with a hairdryer. But, judging by the reviews, the method allows you to reduce the heat loss of the window to the level of a blank wall, which is much more effective than gluing or sealing cracks.


Sealing a window opening with a film significantly reduces heat loss, although it does not look very aesthetically pleasing

The film is fixed in different ways:

  • Double-sided tape;
  • Furniture stapler;
  • Masking tape.

This cold protection is easy to install and dismantle. The same film can be used multiple times.

Since you can insulate old wooden windows for the winter in different ways, it is best to use several at once in order to eliminate not only obvious problems, but also those that may arise in cold weather.