How to seal old wooden windows for the winter - 10 options

With the onset of cold weather, a thrifty owner strives to escape the cold without causing significant damage to the family budget. Let's look at how to seal old wooden windows for the winter. All methods are aimed at doing it yourself at home using improvised means and inexpensive insulation materials.

According to thermal photographs of houses, a significant part of the heat leaves the room through walls, windows, doors, and roof. Insulating these units allows you to increase the heat-saving properties of the house. However, complete insulation is an expensive task, plus it is not always possible to do it yourself.

But sealing the windows for the winter is a relatively simple and easy-to-implement measure that anyone can do, and the effect is confirmed by an increase in the room temperature by 2-4 °C, depending on the chosen method of insulation.

Materials for insulating windows for the winter

10 ways to seal your windows for the winter

Summarizing the experience of previous generations, you can write an entire encyclopedia on the topic: how to seal the windows to prevent the draft.

Let's consider proven and affordable methods of insulation, for ease of comparison, arranging them in the form of a rating, in ascending order of the cost of performing the work:

Window paper

More precisely, paper putty. This is the cheapest method, since all you need to seal the windows is a selection of old newspapers and water. To increase the effectiveness of the putty, you can add 2 parts of crushed chalk or 1 part of clay to it. The resulting mass is highly plastic, which makes it easy to seal even the smallest cracks. The window can be easily washed off the putty during operation (as long as it remains wet). Insulating windows with paper is an effective way, but only for one season; in addition, a covered window does not make it possible to open the sashes in winter. As the weather gets warmer, the putty is removed from the cracks and the window is washed.

Cost : 0 rub.

Pros : free and simple.

Disadvantages : the need to repeat the work annually, there is no way to open a sealed window, it is not aesthetically pleasing and the presence of additional decor in the form of gluing paper or fabric strips.

Modern rubberized insulation

Modern Swedish technologies suggest using a special rubberized Eurostip seal. This is the most effective, durable and reliable, but also the most expensive method of insulation. It is easy and quick to insulate with such material. It does not absorb moisture and saves you from the cold even at minus forty degrees.

This seal comes in profiles of various thicknesses. “E” profiles are used to seal plastic windows. Profile “D” is denser and is used to cover cracks and crevices in wooden frames. Universal profiles “P” are suitable for both.

The profiles are not glued to the surface of the sashes, but are placed in a pre-prepared groove. There the material is securely fixed using a herringbone holder. At the same time, the appearance of the window remains aesthetic and attractive, and the window frames can be easily opened if necessary.

This design effectively protects from cold and retains heat in the room, and lasts for about twenty years. Among the disadvantages, we note the labor intensity and high cost of work. Setting up profiles on your own is quite difficult.

Paper tape or fabric strip

The fastest way to eliminate a draft. You can’t count on significant insulation, but the work can be done quickly and at minimal cost.

Approximate price : 100-130 rubles/roll, strips of fabric (used material).

Advantages : cheap, high speed;

Disadvantages : minimal efficiency, tape peeling off in a draft.

How to seal windows with soap and paper (toilet) - video

How to seal windows for the winter to prevent mistakes

The work of sealing wooden or plastic windows is usually not difficult. But many make mistakes, because of which everything has to be redone again:

• using a regular medical plaster. With the onset of spring it will be difficult to remove;
• using masking tape. This method is quite popular, but the tape quickly peels off;
• foam tape is not suitable for gluing old wooden frames;
• gluing energy-saving film onto dirty glass;
• ignoring external insulation of slopes.

Any method of insulating windows, depending on the material from which the frame is made, has its own characteristics and nuances. Therefore, sometimes it is better to turn to craftsmen who, using a special tool, will complete the work quickly and, most importantly, with high quality.

Insulating a room for the winter is not that difficult. To do this, you can use available means, for example, strips of fabric or paper, foam rubber, cotton wool, etc. If there are large gaps, you may need to purchase spray foam or sealant. In particularly serious cases, when you need to insulate a window sill or slopes, you can use the services of specialists.

Cotton wool or foam rubber for windows

Technical wool is cheaper, but it is sold in large quantities.

Using cotton wool or foam rubber, you can seal large gaps, for example, between window sashes or a sash and a wall or window sill. The cotton wool/foam rubber must be sealed on top with paper tape or special tape, because It is difficult to seal small cracks with cotton wool. In this case, the paper tape will serve not only a decorative function, but also increase the efficiency of insulation.

Average cost : cotton wool (50 rubles/200 g), foam rubber (30-35 rubles/skein).

Advantage : simplicity and lack of wet work.

Disadvantages : the cost of insulation increases (+ the price of cotton wool or foam rubber), additional finishing of the insulated seam is required. In addition: cotton wool and foam rubber absorb moisture, the work must be repeated annually, and a sealed window cannot be opened for ventilation.

How to cover windows with newspaper for the winter - video

Which materials are better?

If the material of the PVC window was chosen of high quality, and the installation was carried out according to all the rules, then for the next 2-3 years after installation there is no need to insulate the structures for the winter. It appears when the windows are not adjusted or a leak in the glass unit is detected. You can seal or cover PVC windows with the following materials for the winter:

• construction foam;
• Styrofoam;
• heat-saving film;
• sealant;
• foam rubber and tape.

Polyurethane foam

Often used when installing windows and window sills on them. If mistakes are made, then over time the foam dries out, cracks and becomes unusable. Such material is no longer able to provide adequate protection for the window from drafts and in winter it will definitely blow through the room.

Reference. The method is most often used when a leak has been detected in the window sill area - then it is recommended to remove the old material, clean everything and use new one.

Styrofoam

It is also used for sealing PVC windows: it is useful when the tightness of the slopes is broken. This technique allows you to promptly eliminate drafts from cracks on slopes, since after repairs putty is applied on top and a casing is installed.

Heat-saving film

Using heat-saving film is one of the best options today.
This material is transparent, it does not change the optical properties of glass and does not distort. Additionally, the film reflects thermal energy back into the apartment. The film itself contains a thin metal layer, due to which this effect is achieved.

In order not to additionally cover the glass with film, it is recommended to immediately install heat-saving double-glazed windows.

Sealant

Another option is sealant: you can use it to seal all detected cracks around the perimeter of the plastic window.

Note! This method will be relevant only in case of a long-term measure - it will be difficult to remove the sealant from the cracks in the future.

Scotch tape and foam rubber

The most affordable and easiest way to seal a PVC window is to use tape and foam rubber. In this case, the foam rubber will act as insulation, and the tape will act as its fixation. This method is good for wooden frames, since large gaps can actually appear there. In the case of plastic double-glazed windows, this option is applicable only as a last resort.

Self-adhesive foam for windows

A more technologically advanced way to seal windows and combat drafts. This method is good because it allows you to do without sealing the cracks with paper or fabric strips. Due to the presence of adhesive (adhesive) tape on the foam rubber insulation, it can be glued to the inside of the window sashes.

Approximate cost : 60-75 rub./roll.

Pros : the window can be used as usual.

Cons : after gluing, the insulation can prevent the window from closing; foam insulation is non-hygroscopic and is not protected in any way. If the sashes fit tightly to the frame, you need to either saw down (cut, adjust) part of the wood, or choose other methods of insulation. If the gaps are large, you will have to decide what can be used to seal wooden windows besides this material.

Foam rubber for windows with an adhesive layer (foam rubber seal)

Why do windows let heat into an apartment: the main reasons

The installation of plastic or wooden double-glazed windows in advertising looks fast and reliable. In fact, with the onset of cold weather, the owners of residential premises are faced with a problem - sooner or later, cracks appear in the windows, which have to be plugged from the draft.

There may be several reasons causing this problem:

• double-glazed windows are made from low-quality plastic, which is subject to temperature changes;
• improper storage: storage outdoors or in unheated rooms;
• inconsistency during window installation or broken insulation;
• the tightness of fastening and locking elements is not observed;
• improper installation of the window structure;
• the window sash has sagged;
• low quality sealing gum.

It is easy to determine the location of the draft. To do this, you should use a lit candle or lighter and run it along the entire frame, under the window sill. If the flame fluctuates strongly, you can verify that the problem really exists, the tightness of the glass unit is really broken.

A trusted company will help you solve the problem correctly. Typically, specialists change fittings, update joining seams, perform external high-rise work, and use other modern methods. With small drafts caused by poor thermal insulation, you can handle it yourself.

Self-adhesive window seal

Most owners of old wooden windows prefer this type because of the optimal price/effect combination. The rubber seal is glued to the inside of the window sash. Due to the fact that the seal is hollow, it does not create problems when closing the sash. It adheres well to the frame due to the adhesive strip, which opens when glued. The seal lasts 1-2 years.

Average price : 84-100 rub./roll.

Advantage : longer service life, window operation mode is not affected, aesthetics.

Disadvantages : cost, labor intensity, you can install a low-quality seal (many fakes), the likelihood of the seal coming off the frame.

TOP best options

The TOP adhesive tapes for insulating window openings are as follows:

Construction putty for windows

Allows you to seal the glass seat. First you need to remove the old putty or glazing bead, apply a new compound, level and paint or cover with glazing bead and paint. In this case, the putty is applied in a thinner layer, which reduces its effectiveness.

Approximate cost : 30 rubles/pack.

Advantage : relatively cheap putty, hygroscopic.

Disadvantages : labor-intensive work, the need to periodically renew the putty. Does not allow protection against blowing between the frame and the sash.

Tips for choosing

To buy a quality tape, you need to focus on the following indicators:

• Material: foam rubber, PVC, rubber, PPE. Foam tape is the most affordable, flexible, and can close gaps of different sizes, but the porous structure quickly absorbs moisture, which leads to further deterioration of the raw material. PVC is stronger, resistant to moisture, and stretches. The rubber base can be self-adhesive or sealing tape. It contains rubber, which gives elasticity and resistance to temperatures. PPE is made from foamed polyethylene. Increased flexibility allows use for small window defects. Use at elevated temperatures is unacceptable, as a toxic compound will be released.
• Manufacturers. A lot of them. There are films from domestic representatives, and others from foreign ones. The most common ones can be identified: Profitrast, KIMTEC, Sanok. Domestic brands are not inferior in quality to foreign ones, as they are produced according to European standards and technologies.
• Price. The tape can be purchased by the meter or by the coil. Domestic materials are cheaper than foreign ones. So, Russian-made tape costs about 15 rubles per meter, and German quality tape costs 50 rubles.

Window sealant

This method involves applying sealant to the junction of the glass and the seat. Before starting work, the window must be washed and degreased. When applying, try to squeeze out the sealant with equal pressure to ensure a beautiful sealed seam.

Average cost : 200 rub./pack.

Advantage : speed of the method.

Disadvantages : insulation costs increase due to the cost of the sealant and the gun for it, does not eliminate blowing through the frame.

How to insulate

When insulating windows, you should take into account several nuances. The recommendations given are relevant regardless of the material used.

Slopes

It is better to insulate slopes on both sides to provide good protection from blowing. If the apartment is on a high floor, it is better to entrust the work of insulating the outside of the slopes to specialists. Plaster, polyurethane foam and polystyrene can be used as insulation materials.

Adjustment

If the windows are uneven, they need to be adjusted. To do this, tighten or loosen the hinges so that the structure is pressed tighter and does not allow the wind to penetrate into the room.

Complete replacement of the seal

If the seal is severely worn, it is easier to replace it. To do this, purchase a new rubber seal and glue it in place of the old one.

How to prevent sweating

Condensation occurs due to high humidity in the room, wear of the seal, and also due to improper installation of windows. To prevent windows from fogging up, it is recommended:

• increase the number of radiator sections or increase the heating temperature;
• reduce the width of the window sill;
• install a ventilation through valve under the windows;
• cover the interior walls of the room with insulating material;
• Ventilate the room regularly.

Thermal film for windows

Energy-saving film allows you to cover the junction of the glass and the frame, and also reflects thermal radiation in the infrared range. Thanks to this, part of the heat remains indoors.

Average price : 270-550 rub./sq.m. mainly sold in rolls of 1.52 x 30 m. (45.6 sq.m.).

Advantage : efficiency.

Disadvantages : high price of the film, drafts remain between the sash and the frame.

How to cover a window with film - video

Paste

To prepare the paste you will need a little flour or starch. Pour 1 tbsp. l. product 0.5 cups of cold water and put on fire. With constant stirring, bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for several minutes until it thickens. Cool the finished paste to room temperature.

It is convenient to apply a homemade adhesive composition to the surface of the paper with a brush. You can apply a thin layer to only the rays and middle of each snowflake or cover it entirely. Without waiting for the glue to dry, transfer the product to the glass and press it with a sponge, simultaneously leveling it. The paste will dry in a few hours. To speed up the process, you can use a hairdryer, directing a warm stream of air onto the glued decor.

To remove New Year's decorations from windows, it is recommended to use a spray bottle with warm water. Then moisten the surface of the paper and let the adhesive layer soak for 20-30 minutes

Pick up the edge of the paper and carefully remove the figure from the glass. You can wash off glue residues from a transparent surface with clean water: a flour or starchy composition is a version of jelly

It is safe for children, so they can also be involved in preparing for the holiday and cleaning.

Glass repair and sealing

Glass is sealed using a special material based on liquid polymers and rubbers. After application to the surface, a mesh structure is used to provide protection against air passage.

The sealing process is easy to do yourself, unlike repairs, which are best left to specialists.

Common Mistakes

Also, a medical plaster is not suitable as a heat-insulating material, since the adhesive mass is firmly fixed in place, and in the future it becomes difficult to tear off the plaster.

Another mistake is incorrect installation of slopes. The elements must be evenly positioned, as on the door, to ensure the tightness of the structure and protection from blowing. When installing, you must strictly follow the attached instructions.

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Price issue

Note that foam insulation is far from the most expensive of the possible options. EPDM seals, especially foreign ones, are much more expensive.

Self-adhesive foam tape for window insulation:

Let's calculate the cost of foam tape for one window using an example.

The window in the example has a width of 1300 mm and a height of 1400, which means that the insulation perimeter requires 1300 + 1300 + 1400 + 1400 mm of tape = 5400 mm or 5.4 m. If we additionally insulate not only the joint between the frame and the wall, but also the joint frames and sashes will additionally come out:

1400mm x 2 + 700 mm x 2 = 4200 m or 4.2 m. Thus, to maximum insulate our window we need 5.4 + 4.2 = 9.6 m of insulation. To do this, one package of Polypack worth 70 rubles will be enough for us. You will also need a special tape for covering windows, but it is also inexpensive.

So, we calculated the cost and purchased the required amount of material. Let's move on to installation.