How to properly prepare plastic windows for winter with your own hands

Do you need help preparing plastic windows and doors for winter in St. Petersburg (St. Petersburg) and the Leningrad Region?
Call! +7(812)904-30-42 — We’ll help!
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While enjoying our new windows, we often don’t think about the fact that plastic windows also need care and preparation for winter. Yes, of course, much less care than for wooden ones, but still needed. PVC window structures need to be cleaned regularly (once every six months) from accumulated dirt, lubricated and adjusted. The question of preparing windows for winter arises with the onset of cold weather, but a thrifty owner will think about how to adjust plastic windows for the winter much earlier. After all, prepare the sleigh in the summer and the cart in the winter. Proper preparation of plastic windows for winter is not a difficult task, but it is very important and you can most likely handle it yourself. And if you prefer that we do it, we will be happy to help you! Just call and a specialist will prepare your windows for winter professionally.

How to insulate a plastic window in 5 minutes? What are manufacturers keeping silent about?

How to insulate a plastic window in 5 minutes?
What are manufacturers keeping silent about? Good day. I want to tell you about how to insulate a plastic window in just 5 minutes. It's very simple. And if the window came with an instruction manual, you would probably already know about this method.

Winter. Minus on the street

.
Did you know that homes lose approximately 25% of heat
? Removing windows is not an option; losing heat is expensive. That is why it is necessary to reduce heat loss as much as possible. Installing plastic windows is the first step. However, there are many pitfalls here:

· Installation of windows must be carried out correctly.
· Windows must be adjusted. · Metal-plastic structures must be in full working order. · Double-glazed windows are correctly selected. · And so on.
In order for everything to be right, it is necessary that the selection and installation be carried out by highly qualified specialists. But that's not what we're talking about now.

Checking the tightness of a plastic window (how to check where it is blowing from a plastic window?)

If in summer the problem of window ventilation worries us little, then in winter we don’t want to freeze at home. So, three ways to detect the blowing of a plastic window. We check the windows for ventilation, look for where the wind is blowing from the window.

The first way to check the tightness of the window : using a sheet of paper, half an A4 is quite enough. We open the window sash slightly and expose half of the sheet to the street, close the sash, and lower the handle all the way down. Important! The sheet of paper should not fall on the locks that are installed on the window frame, otherwise it will simply be bitten and the experiment will be carried out incorrectly. We pull out the sheet. Three options: the sheet flies out with a whistle, the sheet comes out with difficulty, it feels like the sheet is about to tear. Important! Thus, the entire perimeter of the window sash is checked. If in most places of such a check the sheet comes out freely (flies out with a whistle), the seal needs to be replaced. If the sheet comes out with difficulty in most places of inspection, the problem of window tightness can be solved by adjusting and lubricating the window. If the sheet is about to tear in most places of inspection, you do not need to do anything to the window. You won't be able to blow from this window!

The second way to check the tightness of the window : using a soap solution. Do you remember how you were looking for a hole in a bicycle tube?))) We make a soap solution. Spread around the perimeter of the window. Where the bubbles appear is where it blows.

The third way to check the tightness of a window : using a candle flame. Carefully move a burning candle around the perimeter of the window. Where the flame fluctuates, that’s where it blows from the window.

How can you insulate a window with your own hands in 5 minutes?

Surprisingly, many people are not aware of this important feature. All modern plastic windows are equipped with a special mechanism that allows you to switch the window to one of two modes: winter and summer

. In fact, these two modes differ from each other by the force of pressing the window sash to the frame.

We are interested in winter mode. That's what we'll talk about. Let's move from words to action.

Open the window sash. Take a look at its end part. There you should find special metal eccentrics, which are actually responsible for the clamping force.

To carry out work

we will need a set of hex keys.
In fact, we need one 4mm hex key
. It is these adjustment connectors that manufacturers use in their products.

Adjusting the window sash vertically and horizontally

A shift in the window sash or a slight bevel can be removed by horizontal adjustment. The position of the window sash is adjusted using the upper and lower fastening loops. This can usually be done using a hex wrench. The adjusting screw in the bottom hinge allows you to adjust the window sash from the outside and inside. If you turn the key to the right, the window sash rises. If you turn it to the left, the angle of the window sash lowers. Also, the top hinge is adjusted when the window sash is open. You need to move the window sash back and forth no more than 2 mm. If the plastic window does not close tightly from the bottom, then you need to adjust the bottom hinge. If you need to press or move the window sash towards (away from) the lower hinge, then adjust the position of the sash when the window is open. There is a second adjustment screw on the bottom hinge to lower and raise the sash vertically. If you turn it clockwise, the window sash will rise. If it's counterclockwise, it will go down.

What do we need to do?

We open the window and look for all the pins. Their number may vary. It all depends on the window model.

Important!

The eccentrics are located on the end of the sash along its entire perimeter.

Take the key, insert it into the hole and turn it. Until when? Here again, everything depends on the window model. The most common case: round trunnions with a hole slightly off-center.

It is necessary to turn the eccentric so that the hole is closer to the street. Such an event should be carried out with every eccentric.

By the way

. At worst, you can get by with ordinary pliers as a tool. Not so convenient, but you can get the job done.

How it works?

By changing the position of the trunnion, you force the sash to close more tightly. The eccentrics cling to the strikers and pull the window sash along with them. Thanks to the pressure, there is no leakage from under the seal.

This method will work well if the rubber seal is no longer new and requires replacement. No, switching the window to winter mode is not a panacea, but these manipulations will help you gain a little time and save some heat.

The result is guaranteed. If you don’t feel a difference, then it’s probably so drafty from your window that no amount of increased pressure will help.

In this case, you need to find out the reason for the blowing. If necessary, you can contact a window repair company

.

By the way, this useful video can help you with the issue of blowing:

It's time to say goodbye. See you soon. Subscribe to the channel, there will be a lot more interesting things.

PS With the arrival of the warm season, the window mode should be replaced with summer mode. If this is not done, the rubber seal may be damaged.

Materials marked by readers as useful:

Proper preparation of plastic windows for winter with your own hands

Now almost every apartment or private house has plastic windows. This greatly simplifies people’s lives, because metal-plastic structures are very durable, they are more convenient to use, they are more reliable, and their service life is much longer than that of wooden ones. But these advantages do not negate the need for special care, which will extend the service life . PVC structures need to be cleaned, insulated, repaired, etc. Preparing plastic windows for winter is an important aspect of operation.

When it gets cold outside, it is important to think about how to adjust your plastic windows for the winter. Proper preparation is not difficult at all, but very important. If you do not perform a few simple manipulations, the Euro-windows will not perform the functions declared by the manufacturer.

Price for preparing windows for winter in St. Petersburg (St. Petersburg) and other types of services

Make your own calculation of the cost of repair and maintenance of plastic windows and doors in St. Petersburg (St. Petersburg)

A technician’s visit and diagnostics 500 rubles.

Out-of-town visit of a master: +30 rubles/kilometer from the Ring Road

When accepting an order, the dispatcher will tell you the approximate cost of the work. The full scope of work and its exact cost are determined by the foreman on site.

Our contacts (mobile office)

+7(812)904-30-42

How to prepare double-glazed windows for winter

To extend the life of the mechanism, you need to properly care for it.

preventing pollution.
It is important to know how to adjust windows .
Before each change of season, the structure must be thoroughly washed with a regular sponge and a gentle detergent.

The glass itself is cleaned, as well as slopes, profiles, sashes, window sills - that is, all structural elements on both sides. The drainage channels must be cleaned, otherwise water will accumulate in them.

Leak test

To check the tightness, a sheet of paper is inserted between the frame and the sash.

You need to pull it, checking the tension. When the sheet comes out easily, adjustment of the sash clamping mechanism is required.

Important! It should be taken into account that the tension of the sheet depends on the material of the seal.

Rubber will hold it tighter than silicone, since they have different coefficients of friction.

To carry out an additional check, you can coat the perimeter of the glass unit with soapy water.

Bubbles will appear on the problem area due to the passing air flow.

If the seal allows noise and cold to pass through, it is most likely damaged and requires replacement or treatment with silicone grease.

Cleaning from dirt and lubrication

Insulating plastic windows for the winter with your own hands involves inspecting the condition of the fittings. It should be thoroughly cleaned of dirt, dust mixed with old lubricant.

When all the mechanisms are clean, you need to reapply the lubricant composition - purchase a special one for metal-plastic structures or use grease.

Prohibited use

for fittings, edible oils - they dry quickly and become sticky, rendering the mechanism unusable.

So how to properly prepare plastic windows for winter yourself?

First, think about what bothered you last winter? How are things going with the windows now? Do they open well? Were there any puddles on the windowsill during heavy rain? How does the window handle turn? With or without effort? As expected, does the handle go all the way down? Or not? As they say: cleanliness is the key to health! In our case, regular removal of accumulated dirt and lubrication, plus timely adjustment (adjustment) of the windows, significantly increases the service life of the plastic window mechanisms. The question arises: how to properly wash a plastic window so that it does not get damaged? You can safely wash a PVC window with ordinary soapy water and a soft sponge. We soap the glass (glass unit), plastic window profile, slopes, window sill, and then wipe it dry with a soft cloth. Check the drainage channels (they are at the bottom of the window frame), maybe they need to be cleaned? It is also important to know how to adjust plastic windows, but more on that below.

Adjusting plastic windows for winter

Before the onset of the cold season, plastic structures are inspected and winter conditions are adjusted.

After installing the double-glazed window, standard criteria for locking the sashes

, positions are adjusted according to the seasons to enhance functionality. Installers must explain to owners how to prepare plastic windows for winter and summer.

But it is seasonal adjustment that is most often forgotten; the sash remains in neutral mode. Owners simply do not know how to tighten their plastic windows. Over time, this provokes the following consequences:

• drafts around the perimeter of the sash;
• summer mode in winter does not provide pressure to the locking mechanism, causing heat loss
  in the room;
• Constantly setting the winter mode provokes rapid wear
  of the sash;
• lack of seasonal adjustment makes the air dry, condensation and even mold can form.

Sealant for plastic windows

The most popular seals for windows: Rehau, KBE, Shlegel Q-Lon
In most window designs, two seal perimeters are installed. The first sealing circuit is installed on the window frame - the frame seal. The second contour of the seal is placed on the window sash - the narthex seal. Premium windows have three perimeter seals.

What type of sealant is there for plastic windows?

Tips on how to choose a seal for plastic windows

Open the window. Use a damp cloth to clean the seal from visible dirt. Examine it carefully. On all contours, the seal must be elastic, without visible cracks or tears, and lie flat in the groove without any bumps. Pay attention to the corners. If everything is in order, then lubricate it with silicone grease. If not, then the window seal needs to be replaced. Otherwise, in winter it will blow from this window.

Instructions: how to replace the seal yourself.

- open the window sash

- remove the old window seal

- clean the groove in the frame and sash

- place the new seal in the groove in the frame and sash

To properly prepare plastic windows for winter yourself, you do not need to unscrew the trunnions to maximum pressure. Otherwise, the new seal will quickly become unusable.

Adjustment methods

Window models may vary in fittings, thickness and strength of double-glazed windows.
But there are some general principles on how to tighten plastic windows. Setting up the entire rule is not that difficult. Before changing the mode, you need to check the double-glazed window to ensure that it has a special adjustment device.

As a rule, these are eccentric pins; in accordance with their location, they set the pressing force of the sash.

Trunnions differ in appearance between different companies of window designs. But they all definitely have an adjustment function. The transfer is carried out using a 4 mm hexagon or asterisk.

There is a mark on the edge of the eccentric - it indicates the set mode.

By default, it is set up - neutral position. It should be changed according to the time of year.

Vertical and horizontal adjustment

1. To remove slight bevel and frame shift, horizontal adjustment
   . It is made using the top and bottom loops. It has holes for a hexagon. Bottom – will allow you to configure the window from the outside and inside (that is, closed and open). As the key is turned to the right, the sash rises. If you rotate to the left, the lower part on the opposite side of the sash lowers. The same actions are carried out with the hinge at the top, but carry out manipulations only with the sash open. The shift should be no more than 2 mm.
2. Plastic structures can also be adjusted vertically
   - using the lower hinged loop. First, remove the plug so that the hexagon has free access to the loop. The sash rises if rotated to the right, lowers if rotated to the left. The range is no more than 2 mm.

Methods for adjusting the pressure of the window sash to the frame

There are many manufacturers of window fittings, and each of them has its own way of adjusting the pressure of the window sash, but there are also some general principles on how to tighten plastic windows. Open the window sash. At the end of the sash, find the eccentric pins. Most often they can be adjusted using a hex or star wrench. Usually, there is a mark on the trunnion - a small strip. By default, it is set up - neutral position. By turning the trunnions to the left or right, you can strengthen or weaken the pressure of the window sash to the frame, i.e. change the winter-summer mode yourself.

How to seal plastic windows

Rubber seals help to obtain a tighter fit between the parts of the window structure. It is necessary to constantly keep the seal clean and ensure that cracks or holes

. It is easy to clean it with a regular dry sponge or cloth, then lubricate it to prevent the formation of cracks.

In the case when the seal has completely lost its elasticity, a large number of cracks have formed on it - in order to prepare plastic windows for winter, it needs to be replaced

. If this is not done, the structure will begin to let air in from the street and will not protect against cold, noise and dust.

Replace seal

you can use the following instructions:

1. Open the doors and remove the old seal.
2. Process the grooves, clean out dirt and small debris.
3. Insert the new seal starting from the top corner. It should be well secured around the perimeter.
4. No need to pull the rubber
   , otherwise the angles will not match.

To properly insulate plastic windows for the winter with your own hands, you do not need to turn the eccentrics to maximum when replacing the seal. This will cause the new rubber to quickly lose elasticity.

Cleaning dirt and lubricating plastic window fittings

Start insulating your windows for the winter by inspecting the window fittings. Remove dirt, especially from the top of the window sash. All folds must be cleaned of deposits and dirt, especially cement and plaster residues. Direct exposure of the fittings to moisture and contact with cleaning agents should be avoided. Then lubricate the window hardware. Lubrication points for PVC windows are marked with special markings. How to lubricate a plastic window? The most common ones are WD-40, machine oil, grease. Do not under any circumstances lubricate with sunflower oil or olive oil or anything else! Edible oils dry quickly into a sticky substance that will break the window mechanism. After this, rotate the fittings in different modes several times to distribute the lubricant. Wipe off excess oil from the window.

How to close plastic windows for the winter

If PVC is classified as adjustable, that is, the trunnion has an input for a hexagon

- this means it can be switched to winter mode. It’s easy to close for the winter:

1. Raise the fittings roller.
2. Use a hexagon to adjust the pressure.
3. Lower the roller into place.
4. Turn the roller over to the bias side.
5. This should be done with each video.

Sometimes after carrying out manipulations, the fastening of the handle of the structure becomes loose. To fix this problem, rotate the plastic plate next to the handle 90 degrees, then tighten the screws.

If the handle is difficult to turn, you need to lubricate the mechanism.

special oil.

Do-it-yourself window insulation

Adjusting plastic windows in winter involves replacing elements that have stopped working correctly.

Replacing the bead

When the air leak is localized near the bead, it should be replaced

. Do it like this:

• Using a narrow spatula or thin knife, the glazing bead is pryed up and pulled out.
• The new one is selected according to size.
• The new glazing bead is placed in place, with a rubber hammer, and lightly tapped into the groove.

A new glazing bead is inexpensive: only 100 - 200 rubles. but this detail is very important, it is responsible for the entry of street air into the room.

Replacing the fixing pad

During use, the lining loses its elasticity

due to frequent and sudden temperature changes. You can replace it like this:

1. Remove the glazing beads.
2. Pull out the pads.
3. Dismantle the glass unit.
4. Remove the old tape and install the new one.
5. Reassemble all structural elements.

Sealing seams with thermal insulation materials

Another effective method of insulating window structures is sealing seams and joints with a special heat-insulating material
.

If installed incorrectly, this is the only way to preserve heat in the room in winter.

The main thing is to choose the right way to insulate plastic structures.

In the future, this may play a decisive role in the question of whether it will blow from the windows in winter.

You can insulate the structure to prepare plastic windows for winter with the following materials:

• polyurethane foam - affordable, quick to use, but begins to deteriorate due to temperature changes and under the influence of ultraviolet radiation;
• Mineral wool is a fire-resistant material, it is environmentally friendly, and is good for insulating window sills or large cracks.
• silicone sealant is a reliable material and affordable, but it does not have very good thermal insulation;
• a special film is transparent, a double-glazed window is glued onto us and helps to effectively retain heat;
• polystyrene foam is the most affordable material; it is used to seal seams on slopes;
• construction tape - glued on top of sealant, foam to increase thermal insulation properties;
• warm mixtures - used to seal joints and seams on the outside.

Note!

If there are even small cracks, it is better to insulate plastic windows for the winter using any specified method.

Sealing window seams with thermal insulation materials

In case of improper installation, sealing the seams with thermal insulation materials may be the only solution. Sealing installation seams and joints with special heat-insulating materials is one of the most effective ways to insulate windows.

How can you seal the street seams of a plastic window?

- polyurethane foam, which must be plastered or covered with strips

- mineral wool, which must be covered with strips

- polystyrene foam, which must be covered with strips

— liquid rubber (STIZ)

How can I seal the internal joints of a window?

- silicone sealant

- acrylic sealant

— cosmofen (liquid plastic)

The described problems with plastic windows can appear due to poor-quality installation of a metal-plastic structure or with a long service life - more than 10 years. During installation, installers had to familiarize them with the properties of PVC construction and teach owners how to use plastic windows.

The end of summer, the beginning of autumn is the time to prepare your windows for winter. If you take care of insulating your windows in advance, you will definitely not freeze at home in winter!

How to order preparation of plastic windows for winter in St. Petersburg (St. Petersburg) inexpensively and efficiently

Order preparation of windows for winter in St. Petersburg (St. Petersburg) inexpensively +7(812)904-30-42

By calling +7(812)904-30-42 , you can order inexpensive and high-quality preparation of windows for winter in St. Petersburg (St. Petersburg) and the Leningrad Region. A window repair specialist will arrive at the specified address at a time convenient for you. Will quickly and efficiently complete all necessary work. The experience of our technicians allows us to guarantee that, with proper operation, the corrected problems will not reappear for a long time.

Our specialists prepare windows for winter from many well-known window manufacturers VEKA (century), REHAU (Rehau), Thyssen (Thyssen), MONTBLANK (MontBlank), GEALAN (Gealan), KBE (KBE), Plafen (Plafen), Deceuninck (Deseninck) and others. We carry out complete (or partial) replacement and repair of plastic window (door) fittings from manufacturers Giesse, Roto, Siegenia, Internika, Elementis, Hoppe, Albrio, Vorne, Huatau and others. The price for replacing and repairing plastic window fittings is quite affordable and significantly lower than a complete replacement of a plastic window.

We employ only highly qualified professionals who will quickly identify and eliminate the cause of the malfunction. You can once again enjoy the flawless operation of your windows.

Draw your attention to! We DO NOT have “general profile” specialists (from ceiling to floor) or migrant workers!!! Only professional window repair specialists!!!

Timely repair of plastic windows in St. Petersburg (St. Petersburg) will require a significantly smaller amount of money than their complete replacement. The complexity of the problem that has arisen affects the cost of repairing plastic windows: the simpler the problem, the lower the price; in particularly complex cases, the price of window repair increases.

Our advantages

— We prepare windows for winter of any complexity, from any manufacturer.

— We repair plastic windows of any complexity, from any manufacturer.

— Affordable prices. System of discounts, promotions.

— Urgent departure. Urgent repair of plastic windows in St. Petersburg (St. Petersburg) at a time convenient for you.

- Only experienced craftsmen. We don’t accept crooked craftsmen!

— High-quality materials and fittings.

— Guarantee for all types of work.

There will always be someone who will do it cheaper...

“Expensive and sweet, cheap and rotten”, “Free cheese comes in a mousetrap” - this works here too. Okay - it doesn't come cheap. The one who works cheaply is the one who steals spare parts from production, the one who pretends to be a master, the one who does not value his work. We work HONESTLY and WELL.

The choice is yours, remember that “The miser pays twice”!

Honest reviews from real clients

Winter is coming: insulate windows without extra effort

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

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

Preparing for window insulation

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

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

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

Should I ask for help or insulate the windows myself?

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

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

How to insulate plastic windows with your own hands

We insulate the window opening

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

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

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

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

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

How to insulate the slopes of plastic windows

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

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

• We cut out blanks of the required sizes from plasterboard and treat them with a moisture-resistant primer, wait until the blanks dry;
• insert plasterboard sheets into the slots;
• fill the small gaps remaining between the drywall and the wall with polyurethane foam;
• After the foam has hardened, we complete the cosmetic repairs with primer and paint.

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

Insulating window glass

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

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

How to insulate a plastic window sill with your own hands

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

Replace the seal

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

How to insulate wooden windows for the winter with your own hands

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

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