How to insulate a plastic window with your own hands

Plastic windows quickly gained their popularity due to ease of installation and high thermal and sound insulation properties. Unlike simple windows, modern double-glazed windows have high strength, lower toxicity and a long service life.

But even these types of windows have problems over time. They begin to let in cold air from the street. Why this happens, and how to deal with it is described in detail in this article.

Causes of Draft in Plastic Windows

To solve the problems associated with heat loss, you first need to determine the causes leading to a draft. There are three main factors in the appearance in the plastic windows of places through which heat leaves the room.

1. The destruction of the insulating layer. If during the installation of a double-glazed window the heat insulator was poorly protected from direct sunlight, then it will collapse over time. As a result, through holes are formed, into which cold air enters from the street.
2. Incorrect assembly or installation of the structure. From poor-quality installation over time, the glass packet warps. Cracks appear between the frame and the window opening. Warm air begins to leave the room. The use of poor-quality fittings may also be a problem.
3. Untimely replacement of gaskets. The double-glazed window is constantly experiencing large temperature changes. In summer, it heats up very much under the rays of the sun, and in winter it cools. As a result, rubber seals deteriorate, losing elasticity. Untimely replacement leads to constant drafts.

Determining the location of the draft

In the absence of such a device, you can check the folk methods. To do this, bring a match or candle with fire to the intended places. If the fire starts to oscillate, this is a sign of a draft. It will be possible to determine the place of penetration of air by raising a palm. You will feel how a slight chill penetrates the room.

Thus, you need to check the places around the frame, the moving parts of the window (handle, door) and under the windowsill. These are the most problematic areas.

Adjustment of the plastic door lock

If you feel a draft passing through the gap between the frame and the door, this means that you need to adjust the pressure mechanism. He is responsible for the pressure force. Over time, the mechanism breaks loose and needs to be tightened up. This is a simple process and takes a few minutes.

Necessary tools

• flat or figured screwdriver;
• a set of hex keys.

Working process
On the side of the door is a pressure lock with adjusters. Take a wrench or a screwdriver, start tightening the screws. Turning it counterclockwise will tighten the mechanism. Try not to pull, otherwise the door will close poorly. Locate and adjust all screws. They must be tightened evenly.

After adjustment, check the slots for drafts again. If you did everything right, they will disappear. But sometimes the problem cannot be solved by just adjusting the clamping mechanism. The cause is damaged seals that need to be replaced.

Replacing plastic door seals

Sealers are in special grooves running along the inner perimeter of the window. They are made of rubber or silicone. Over time, this material dries out and loses elasticity. As a result, the thermal insulation of the window deteriorates.

To solve the problem, you need to replace all old seals. The process is time consuming and requires the use of a different tool. For work, you may need a partner. It will help to evenly distribute seals around the entire perimeter of the window.

Necessary tools

• screwdriver or knife;
• degreasing agent;
• sandpaper or file;
• special glue for sealants.

Working process
Remove the old seal with a knife or screwdriver. Clean the groove of the remaining rubber and glue with a file or sandpaper. After thorough cleaning, degrease the groove with a special liquid. You can use alcohol if you do not have a special solution. Gently apply glue to the surface of the groove.

Spread the seal evenly around the entire perimeter of the window. Do not over tighten or squeeze the seal. Otherwise, during operation, it may break or not firmly press against the frame.

After replacing the seals, the drafts from the window will stop. If this did not happen, it means that errors were made during installation. Or adjust the pressure mechanism again.

Insulation of slopes and windowsill

Most often, a draft penetrates through the cracks in the windowsill and slopes. The reason for the formation of large slit sections along the perimeter of the window is poor-quality installation or insulation that has become unusable. To get rid of this common problem, you need to dismantle the decorative panels of the slopes and windowsill, and then properly insulate. For this, there are several, common types, materials.

Materials

• mineral wool;
• polyurethane foam;
• warm mixes;
• Styrofoam;
• penoplex.

Choosing a heater, it is necessary to take into account its characteristics. For example, polyurethane foam is often used, but it is short-lived material. Under the influence of sunlight and temperature changes, it gradually collapses. The remaining heaters are durable, therefore it is recommended to carry out thermal insulation of plastic windows with just such materials. Also take care of the selection of tools.

Necessary tools

• electric drill with nozzle for stirring the solution;
• knife and scissors;
• stapler and staples;
• putty knife;
• hammer;
• level;
• ruler;
• corner.

Working process
First dismantle the slopes and window sill. Carefully study the condition of the old window insulation system. Remove old thermal insulation material (if present). Thoroughly clean surfaces from dirt and dust.

After the preparatory operations, make a plaster mortar to smooth the damaged surfaces of the slopes and window sill. After the plaster layer has hardened, begin the installation of the selected heaters.

Plug the slots around the perimeter of the window well with a heat insulator. Cut out from foam (or other material) slabs with a width equal to the width of the windowsill and slopes and glue them to the plastered surface. Wipe joints and corners with putty.

For finishing use plaster or moisture resistant plasterboard sheets. Apply a special decorative putty on the surface of the windowsill and slopes. In the end, you can paint with a suitable color, but this is optional.

Window pasting with heat-saving film

This is another way to insulate a plastic window. Special heat-saving film helps reduce heat loss in the room. It has a double effect: heat saving and UV protection. As a result, it is possible to get rid of fogging the glass. The film adheres to the inside of the window.

Necessary tools

• Double-sided tape;
• household hair dryer;
• sharp knife;
• scissors.

Working process

Tape the perimeter of the box with double-sided tape and remove the protective, upper film. Cut a piece of heat-resistant film to fit the window. Gently glue it on tape. Then wipe the perimeter of the window with a cloth so that air bubbles disappear between the tape and the film.

Take a household hair dryer and start heating the film. This must be done only at the corners, and not over the entire area of ​​the glass. It is enough to make a few circles, so that the hot air sets the film on the glass. After finishing work, cut off excess pieces of film.

Now you know how to independently insulate plastic windows. It is not difficult if you approach the process carefully. The result of labor will not keep you waiting and will certainly manifest itself in the form of warmth and comfort in the room.

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