How to properly warm the windows for the winter with your own hands in a private house or apartment?

Are you wondering how to make your house feel warm and inviting in the winter? Making sure your windows are adequately insulated is one of the easiest and most efficient methods. Insulating your windows can drastically lower heat loss and energy costs, regardless of whether you live in a private home or an apartment. Here’s a DIY guide on insulating windows for the winter!

First, look around your windows for drafts. Your heating system will have to work harder to keep warm air out and cold air in due to gaps and cracks. To close these openings, use caulking or weather stripping. It’s a cheap fix that can have a significant impact on keeping the interior at a comfortable temperature.

Consider applying window insulation film after that. Applying this transparent plastic film is simple and adds an extra layer of insulation. All you have to do is cut the film to the exact size of your window, apply it with double-sided tape, and then use a hairdryer to shrink and wrinkle it out. It’s an inexpensive solution that can cut heat loss by as much as fifty percent.

Installing secondary glazing or storm windows can be a very effective long-term solution. Storm windows add an additional layer of protection from cold air by being installed outside of your current windows. Similar insulating advantages can be obtained by installing a covert acrylic panel inside your window frame as secondary glazing.

A satisfying option for do-it-yourself enthusiasts is to make your own insulated window panels. Foam board insulation, fabric, and reflective foil are required. To improve insulation, cut the foam board to the exact size of your window, wrap it in fabric for a polished appearance, and cover one side with reflective foil. In the warmer months, these panels are simple to remove.

Finally, remember to take care of your blinds and curtains. When closed at night, thick, thermal curtains can provide an extra layer of insulation. Opt for thermally lined curtains or install one yourself. Choose honeycomb or cellular shades for your blinds; they are great at insulating and trapping air.

Making the effort to properly insulate your windows will help you make your house warmer and more energy-efficient. These do-it-yourself solutions will help you stay warm and reduce your heating costs this winter without breaking the bank. They are also very practical.

Ways of insulation

Contemporary The building sector provides dependable methods for warming window structures.

Examining the mounting seam’s size (width) and condition is necessary in order to select the best option.

For this reason You should carefully check for gaps before beginning any work. On a windy day, this is the easiest to accomplish.

The application stage is another distinction between the options that are used. Some are utilized during window installation because they are regarded as fundamental. Others are included in additional. It’s best to use them after work is done.

You must use contemporary materials for the thermal insulation of modern structures. As an illustration:

• polystyrene foam;
• mounting foam;
• sandwich panels;
• drywall.

Renowned plaster and mineral wool are also excellent choices for superior window insulation.

Crucial! The properties of materials must be considered in order to use them properly.

During installation

This is the best choice for insulation. The window’s cost goes up a little as a result, but its lifespan is greatly extended.

Double-glazed window installation, window sill installation, ebb and flow design, and interior and exterior slope design are all completed during the installation process. It is advised to insulate each of these components as soon as possible before finishing work starts.

Heated glass can also be done with electricity. It will be more difficult if this is not done during the installation phase. An electric heating coil is installed in the glass to provide heating.

After finishing

If cold air or moisture seeps through after the primary insulation stages are finished, such work will be required.

Other choices consist of:

1. Adjustment of clamping mechanisms. This method allows you to eliminate possible distortion of the window sash. It does not fit tightly to the seal, so the tightness is broken. The adjustment process takes a little time. You will need to slightly rotate the eccentrics located at the ends of the profile. Manufacturers set the eccentrics to the neutral position. Adjustment must be done independently.
2. Replacing glazing beads. New parts can be purchased separately. Removal of glazing beads must be carried out carefully, holding the glass unit. Then attach, observing the location of each along the length.
3. Replacing rubber seals. Installing a higher-quality circuit significantly improves the tightness of the structure. It is recommended to remove the seal from the corners, then thoroughly clean the grooves from dirt. Install a new circuit.
4. Window sill insulation. Despite the fact that this method is one of the main ones, it can be done poorly. Then you will need to additionally work with the window element, using mounting foam and sealant.
5. Insulation of slopes. Also required if the result after installation is negative or there is no insulation at the time of installation. In this case, you will need to disassemble the slope and do it all over again.
6. Heat-saving film. The film does not block the penetration of light. It is glued to the glass using double-sided tape. The tape is attached along the glazing beads around the perimeter of the frame. Then the polymer material is glued with slight tension. Additionally, the film is blown with a hairdryer.

Note: Warm blinds or curtains are another option.

In what parts of the structure is it required?

These are, first of all, areas where cold air can enter. Or, to put it another way, where the constriction might break.

The following components allow for the entry of moisture and cold into the space:

1. Clamping parts. They often become loose from the constant work of the valves.
2. Glazing beads. The parts hold the glass unit and can come off.
3. Sealant. It tends to wear out.

Slopes and window sills are two more significant areas where leaks tend to happen more frequently. Conversely, the profile never experiences any cracks or drafts. Drying out is not a problem for plastic frames.

Between the windowsill

The area where the structure is insulated from the interior is the window sill. A considerable amount of heat loss passes through the spaces that separate the wall from the window sill.

Accurately locating the cold air entry is essential before beginning any insulation work.

Significant damage is precisely created at the installation site of the window sill during the process. It could separate from the wall beneath the window opening in large gaps.

For both wooden and plastic windows, there are identical reasons to insulate the window sill:

1. Wear and subsidence of the seal under the window sill.
2. At the new window – a poor -quality installation of the seal.
3. Violation of installation technology.
4. Poor quality materials were used in the manufacturing process of the product.

Vital. It is necessary to foam the gap cavities and use silicone sealant to plug any tiny cracks. Plastering the surface and adding a decorative coating are the next steps.

Another option is to use polyurethane or polystyrene foam to insulate the window sill from the exterior. Finish with mesh + plaster on top.

Low tides

We refer to the low tide as the bottom of the slope. Erroneous installation of the element results in spaces between the window and the ebb. It is advised to use polyurethane foam for sealing. Since the ebbs are outside the window, outside influences will have an impact on the foam’s decomposition. The foam will quickly lose its ability to function if it is not further protected.

Another small detail: in order to prevent water from getting beneath the window sill, you must bend the side corners of the drip sill when installing it. It is sufficient to foam or place thermal insulation material in the cracks to adequately insulate the ebb. You must install a metal strip at a 5° angle on top of the thermal insulation material to protect it. Use sealant to keep the plank joints sealed.

Slopes

Insulating the slopes is a necessary step in installing a window structure. The state of the slopes affects a double-glazed window’s ability to insulate against heat.

The process is completed concurrently with the slope’s completion. In this instance, insulation helps to resolve a number of issues:

1. Provides high-quality insulation. The gaps that remain between the window block and the edge of the opening must be closed. For this purpose, a material with low thermal conductivity is used. This will reduce heat loss and increase the energy-saving effect of installing a new window.
2. Ensures tightness. High-quality closing of gaps not only reduces the possibility of cold air entering, but also protects against the penetration of noise and moisture.
3. Normalizes temperature and humidity conditions in the room. Accordingly, the windows will be protected from condensation, mold and mildew.

Crucial! It is necessary to finish the slopes after insulation.

Crucial details to consider when selecting insulation for slopes. Simple crack sealing won’t work if the operation needs to be done outside the window. The polyurethane foam will collapse from sunlight, and the plaster will start to fall off quickly due to external factors. Insulation should be protected with plaster. Rigid insulation is the best option.

Slopes are insulated on both sides, and windows made of PVC and wood are insulated as well. An internal cold bridge, or metal insert, is a unique characteristic of products made of metal and plastic. If the slope is just plastered, it will get wet from the temperature difference and eventually freeze due to frost. Slope insulation needs to be done carefully from the inside.

Glass

Rarely does a double-glazed window malfunction leading to a breach of the window’s thermal insulation. Depressurization is the lone exception. However, more insulation will help the product’s energy-saving capabilities be fully realized.

Heat-saving film is a recommended choice among contemporary techniques. It adheres itself to the glass.

Produced with metallized coating and specialized technology.

Metallized film functions as a barrier to prevent heat from escaping into the street while perfectly transmitting sunlight.

Crucial! The metal-covered side of the film is adhered to the street.

Glass can also be made more thermally capable by installing windows with energy-saving packages.

Necessary materials

A wide range of materials are available from contemporary manufacturers that go into producing high-quality window insulation. Among them are:

1. Styrofoam. Valued for its lightness, ease of installation, and air-tightness. However, it can accumulate moisture inside and needs protection from the sun.
2. Penoplex. Retains heat even better, does not accumulate moisture, but has a higher price.
3. Fiberglass. It is difficult to install, but has positive properties – non-flammable, moisture-proof, does not conduct electricity.
4. Plastering followed by painting. Proven material. Provides good protection from cold and moisture. If you purchase decorative plaster, the painting process is eliminated.
5. Polyurethane foam. Very popular material with decent characteristics. However, it is destroyed by ultraviolet radiation and environmental factors. Therefore, it requires mandatory additional protection.
6. Mineral wool. Suitable for insulating slopes. It is necessary to lay a layer of about 10 cm, which is not always convenient for working outside the window. requires additional water barrier.
7. Sandwich panel. Modern material with excellent characteristics. There are options with different types of insulation and decorative design.

Vital. Climate should be taken into consideration when selecting a material.

Tools

You’ll need the following tools to finish the job:

• measuring – tape measure, level, angle;
• knife;
• spray foam gun;
• spatula;
• hammer;
• puncher;
• screwdriver;
• allen key;
• pliers.

A chisel and a hacksaw should be added if cleaning the opening or removing old plaster is required.

Step-by-step instructions

If tightness issues are found, the first thing to do is identify the blowing source. Next, move on to solving the issue.

Before finishing work

The slopes need to be insulated first. The list of actions might vary slightly depending on the material that is selected. This is how the basic algorithm appears:

1. The opening between the wall surface and the frame must be foamed. After the foam has hardened, cut off all excess.
2. Treat the edges of the opening with an antifungal compound.
3. Align all uneven surfaces with a cement-based plaster mortar.
4. Glue thermal insulation panels around the perimeter of the window. For this, it is recommended to use polyurethane foam glue.
5. Perform the finishing coat. Materials – polystyrene foam, plasterboard, sandwich panel, plaster.

The process of installing external thermal insulation is similar, with the exception that plaster should be used as the finish coating. Mounting foam serves as the opening’s primary insulator. The windowsill’s installation and insulation Conducted concurrently:

1. First you need to clean and level the surfaces.
2. Then set the windowsill strictly horizontally. Wooden bars of different thicknesses should be used.
3. Apply the mounting foam around the perimeter of the slopes, along the frame and make a cross from foam in the middle of the lower part of the opening.
4. Fix the windowsill and lay a small load on top. This will help keep the windowsill in the right position when expanding the mounting foam.
5. After a few hours, to pierce the gap between the windowsill and the wall. After hardening the foam, cut off all excesses.
6. Primed the surface and cover with the finish putty.

Crucial! Apply sealant to all of the joints.

Additional thermal insulation

Glass insulation holds the top spot when it comes to options for extra thermal insulation.

What to glue on the outside?

Use of heat-saving film is recommended. You will need a hair dryer, rags, scissors, and a sharp knife for installation.

The glass must first be cleared of any impurities, dried, and degreased.

It is also necessary to wipe the film with a rag or sponge before adhering it. Air bubbles that build up between the glass and film surfaces must be released.

The algorithm

1. Clean glass from dirt.
2. Secure double-sided tape around the perimeter of the frame.
3. Cut a piece of film to the desired size and shape.
4. Attach to tape and remove the protective layer.
5. Spread the film over the glass.
6. Heat with a hairdryer until the material is even.

Crucial! Using a rag, gently straighten the coating without applying any pressure.

From the inside

Thermal film, also known as "third glass," can be used to insulate the interior of the glass.

Alternative techniques:

• foam tapes installed between the glass and the frame;
• self-adhesive insulation around the perimeter;
• replacement of the sealing contour.

Thermal films are the most popular option among those listed.

For old double glazed windows

The most popular forms of thermal insulation for old windows are two:

1. High-quality sealing, but with reduced functionality of the design.
2. The second option will allow you to maintain the ability to open while maintaining tightness.

For the purpose of thermal insulation:

• foam rubber and rubber seals;
• paper or rags;
• sealing.

The bottom strip of a contemporary plastic window and silicone sealant are used in the latter technique. The strip needs to be tucked in at the bottom of the doors, sealed, and fastened with fasteners.

A practical tip for insulating older windows:

Possible errors and difficulties

Frequent mistakes

1. Uneven thickness of foam layer between openings and frame.
2. Gaps between insulation and frame.
3. Carrying out independent work on floors above the second.
4. Failure to follow the sequence of work when insulating a structure.
5. Use of low-quality materials.

One more error. which happens rather frequently. During the warranty period, many users do the work themselves. Inexperience can result in certain errors.

Note: You should make sure you understand the terms of the warranty service and leave the thermal insulation correction to the experts.

Average prices for services

Price varying with window type (comprehensive insulation):

• single-leaf – from 400 rubles;
• double-leaf – from 900 rubles;
• tricuspid – from 1350 rubles;
• balcony block – from 1900 rubles.

Based on the nature of the work:

• replacement of seal – from 100 rubles;
• alignment of sash geometry – from 1000 rubles per sash;
• installation of thermal slopes – from 750 rubles;
• sash adjustment – from 300 rubles.

Blowing elimination is estimated to start at 250 rubles per window.

Making sure your windows are adequately insulated for the winter can have a big impact on your energy costs and comfort level. You can keep cold drafts out of your house by taking the time to seal any gaps and add more insulation.

Examine your windows first for any gaps or cracks that could allow cold air to enter. For effective sealing, use caulk or weatherstripping in these areas. Additionally, to add an additional layer of protection from the cold, think about installing window film or thick curtains.

Consider creating or buying draft stoppers to put at the base of your windows for extra warmth. Throughout the winter, you can keep your house warm and cozy by using these small but efficient devices to stop heat loss.

Lastly, keep in mind how crucial it is to maintain your windows all year long. Maintaining the effectiveness of your insulation and the comfort of your home can be achieved by routinely cleaning and inspecting for wear.

Appropriate window insulation can greatly improve comfort and lower energy bills in houses and apartments during the winter. Whether you live in an apartment or a private home, this post will show you how to properly insulate windows for the winter using do-it-yourself techniques. These affordable solutions, which range from installing draft stoppers and window films to using thermal curtains and weather stripping, are meant to assist homeowners and renters in making their homes cozier and more energy-efficient without requiring the assistance of a professional.

Video on the topic

How to insulate a plastic window with your own hands for the winter