How to insulate wooden windows for the winter: effective materials
When a cold snap sets in and the first frosts appear, the owners of wooden windows have a problem related to their insulation. You can deal with this disadvantage yourself. This is an easy process that saves about half of the heat you spend. In today's review, we will look at how to insulate wooden windows for the winter, as well as what materials are best to use.
The content of the article
How to determine what insulation is needed for windows
Wood windows are a natural material that will help create an optimal indoor climate. Natural wood has many advantages, but it also has certain disadvantages. Over time, these frames can dry out. In this case, cracks and cracks are formed.
You can tell that the frames are not airtight from the patterned patterns on the glass. In order not to bring it to this, you need to start insulation at a temperature of +5 degrees. To identify cracks, you need to use a lighted candle.
A large number of factors affect the heat-saving properties of windows. For example, the features of wood processing, the tightness of the glass and the formation of cracks.
Note! Before insulating window openings, you should thoroughly wash the windows. The material will adhere well to the degreased surface.
How to insulate wooden windows for the winter: ways
To figure out how to insulate windows for the winter with your own hands, you need to understand how heat energy leaves the building. Leakage occurs through gaps in window sills, glass, through slopes and frames. Over time, the building shrinks. In this case, gaps between the slopes and walls can form. Similar disadvantages arise in the event of errors during installation.
In some cases, the gaps can be filled with construction foam. To insulate the slopes, you will need a layer of several layers. In this case, you can apply drywall, plaster or make slopes of PVC material. Additionally received voids are processed insulation, for example, foam.
Note! The presence of gaps can be checked by bringing a damp hand close to the frame. At the same time, you will feel a chilly breeze.
How to insulate wooden windows for the winter
Before choosing: how to insulate windows for the winter with your own hands - determine how firmly the glass is attached to the frame. If the surface rattles, then the problem is the tightness. In this case, you need to remove the glass and distribute a layer of sealant along the contour. After fixing the glazing beads, visible gaps are also treated with a sealant. All work is best done with special gloves. After you check the tightness, you can choose an insulating material. Let's take a look at each option and learn about their benefits.
Related article:
How to make frames for windows in a wooden house. In the article, we will learn the advantages and disadvantages of platbands, how to choose wood for their creation, the secrets of making and installing a product.
Do-it-yourself window insulation with film
The technology of insulating old wooden windows using film material is often used in the country. When choosing a material, do not forget about values such as frost resistance and transparency. In regions with severe frosts, you can use a special film with thermal insulation characteristics, which is used for greenhouses and is able to withstand even 40 degrees of frost. Fasten the film from the outside with a stapler. Pieces of film are placed under the staples. It is important to ensure that the tension is correct so that gusts of wind do not rip it out. If this happens, then the film can be sealed with tape.
The thermal insulation film deserves special attention. It is a composite material, one side of which is metallized. The thinnest layer of metal does not interfere with the passage of light, but it can greatly reduce the heat loss of glass.
Most often, this material is stretched from the outside of the house. A piece is cut out according to the dimensions of the glass with insignificant allowances. Using a spray gun, a soap solution is applied to the glass surface, and then the film is glued.
Helpful information! Before gluing this material, you need to clean and wash the glass well.
Paper application
The most used method for insulating wooden windows for the winter is to use paper. First, the surface must be thoroughly washed. Then cotton wool, synthetic winterizer or pieces of foam rubber are pushed into all the joints. All gaps are pasted over with strips of paper. In this case, wallpaper glue or PVA is used, which is diluted with water.
The disadvantage of this technique is that when it gets warmer, the paper will need to be removed and washed. Alternatively, you can use strips of fabric instead of paper. It adheres well to soapy water.
How to insulate with a sealant
Sealant can be used as insulation for wooden windows. This material is suitable if the gaps are small. This method is immediately done for several years, because the sealant is very difficult to remove. To prevent the frames from getting dirty, they need to be glued with masking tape, and the sealant is squeezed into the prepared holes using a special device. It is important to level the composition immediately, as it hardens very quickly. To remove excess, you can use a rag soaked in vinegar solution.
This material is of different types. For insulation, polyurethane or theokol is suitable. The first option is easier to apply and can be painted. The sealant selected must be moisture resistant and antifungal. This will provide excellent protection against mold. Polyurethane foam is a good option.
How to perform foam insulation?
This type of insulation for window frames as foam rubber has been used for many years. It is a resilient material that will fill any depressions. First of all, the frames are glued on the outside with paper, then foam rubber is applied, and then paper again.
You can immediately buy foam rubber, which is cut into different sizes. It is important to choose a thickness that is suitable for a particular window. You can also purchase insulation with an adhesive side. It needs to be sealed with special tape.
Using paraffin
Proven technologies include paraffin. It should be used for frames with fine slits. The material is melted in a water bath, and then the solution is spread with a syringe into the slots. If the recess is large, then you can push a piece of rope into it, and fill it with paraffin on top.
How to insulate with special seals
An excellent alternative to foam rubber is a rubber seal or PVC material. Known tubular profile. This material has a variety of markings, using which you can choose the appropriate option. PVC - materials have excellent thermal insulation characteristics. Rubber materials are more durable. When choosing such a material, it is worthwhile to focus on softer products.
What is the Swedish Method?
This method is not simple. It is not used for decrepit frames. The structure must be pulled out and cleaned of paint and roughness. Then a line is drawn around the perimeter, indicating the groove. To make it you need a special tool. A groove is cut by a milling cutter on all frames and even on the window. After that, a PVC profile is stuck into the recesses. Make sure that no overlaps form in the corners. This complex procedure is difficult to carry out on your own.
What insulation option choose is up to you. But with any method of thermal insulation, it is important to properly clean the surface and follow the instructions.
Video: insulating windows with a heat-saving film