How to insulate wooden windows yourself? – 7 working methods for those who are tired of being cold

To make the house comfortable even in severe frosts, a good heating system and daily heating of the house are not enough. You also need to learn how to conserve heat and not let it out of your home. In what ways does heat leave us most often? Let's figure it out.

Most of any home is occupied by walls. It is through them that the home loses a huge part of its heat. But no less, and according to some data, even more heat leaves the house through the windows. But if it is enough to use high-quality insulation for walls, floors or ceilings (basalt wool, polystyrene foam, etc. - the market will offer you a lot of options) - and heat loss will immediately decrease, then with windows everything is not so simple. How can you insulate wooden windows, especially if they are decades old? We are looking for the most effective options.

Paper

Familiar to many from childhood and the most budget-friendly way to seal cracks is old newspapers and paper. Depending on the size of the cracks, the most suitable option for using waste paper is selected.

The paper is cut into strips of 3-5 cm, moistened in paste or soap solution and glued to the window joints. Homemade blanks are often replaced with masking tape. You won't have to fuss with glue, and longer stripes will look much neater. Despite all the advantages, this insulation option has a significant drawback - the paper is often removed along with the paint when it gets warm.
Thin tubes are twisted from album sheets or newspapers, which are tightly driven into crevices and cracks using a screwdriver, spatula or knife.
Putty is made from waste paper. Newspapers are crushed, soaked, mixed with chalk and flour in proportions of 2 to 1. The solution is mixed to a medium consistency, and then used to fill cracks.

Ventilation of windows sealed with paper will have to wait until spring. In case it suddenly gets warmer in winter, it’s worth leaving at least one unsealed window.

How to check?

You can check whether a wooden window is ventilated using:

Candles or lighters .
The lit flame must be held slowly and carefully at the joints. This should be done carefully so as not to cause fire or melting of the paint. In places where the flame will be strongly deflected and there is a blow-out.
It is recommended to move your hand with candles or a lighter smoothly, as with a sudden movement the fire will begin to deviate. If the flame is even everywhere, then the problem should be looked for not in the frame or box, but in another place.
Presence of dirt at joints . This means that a gap has appeared there. Where there is more garbage, there is a place for blowing.
A thick sheet of paper . To do this, it must be closed at the joint between the frame and the moving part. After this you need to pull the sheet. If it pulls out easily, then the connection is not tight.
A small piece of cotton wool (not crumpled, but fluffed up) can also show where there is blowing.
A thermal imager can show a decrease in temperature in certain areas of the window, which also helps to find cracks.

When is this the norm?

The air in the room should not stand still, as this causes discomfort and can be harmful to health. Acceptable speed is 0.1 – 0.2 m/s.

Important! During the cold season, physical processes can create a blowing effect. The window cools down during cold weather. This causes the air to cool and sink towards the ground. This movement creates a blowing effect.

This process can occur even if there is a heating system under the window or the heat from the pipes is blocked by decorative furniture (the window sill itself).

cotton wool

Sealing cracks with cotton wool or soft cloth is in many ways similar to the previous insulation method. Using a sharp object, the material is pushed into the frame joints. Adhesive tape or a strip of fabric soaked in soapy water is glued on top.

The disadvantages of insulation with cotton wool are the same as with paper:

Inability to ventilate a window when the temperature rises temporarily;
Paint peeling off when removing strips of fabric.

In this case, the cotton wool can be easily removed when “unpacking” the window. It does not turn yellow or harden during the winter. Cotton wool for work can be used both technical and ordinary household.

Paraffin

Melted paraffin is able to cope with drafts from small cracks and at the same time preserve the visual beauty of a wooden window. The insulation will last for several seasons and will not cause visible damage to the paint on the wooden frame.

Paraffin is heated in a water bath to 70 degrees. Using a pipette, syringe or spoon, pour the mixture into the cracks and allow to cool. If the cracks are wide enough, you can place a strip of fabric or braid in them before pouring paraffin.

Using putty

This method is more thorough. It will allow you to get rid of cracks in the windows and at the same time make the frame warmer. For this, special building mixtures are used, which can be purchased at a hardware store. It is best to use glue-based putty; alabaster mixed with chalk will also work. The solution must be made one to one. It is convenient to use sealants specially designed for windows.

Apply the selected mixture with a spatula. Once the putty dries, it will be difficult to remove. If necessary, the paint will peel off along with it.

Using putty

Do you want to replace your old wooden windows with new ones? Find out about prices for wooden windows with double-glazed windows from our article “How much do wooden windows with double-glazed windows cost? And which wooden double-glazed windows are the most budget-friendly?” Read in our review what consumers think about wooden windows with double glazing. Read how to finish windows in a wooden house, arrange slopes and window sills in our material on the website.

Sealants or foam

There are several advantages to sealing cracks with sealants:

They can fill not only defects in the wooden panel, but also the gaps between the frame and glass.
It is possible to choose a transparent sealant or choose a shade to match the color of the frame.
The solution is easy to apply and lasts for more than one season.

If the gaps are large, you can use polyurethane foam along with silicone sealants. This method is especially good for eliminating gaps between the frame and the slope or window sill. When working with foam, it is important to follow several rules:

It is better to carry out the work before the onset of frost.
The container should be shaken well before use.
It is worth filling the cracks by a third, because... When it hardens, the composition expands.
After the composition has dried, the excess is immediately cut off. For greater decorativeness and protection from solar exposure, the surface is primed and plastered or covered with gypsum putty.

Ways to repair glass and make it airtight

If the glass is poorly secured, even a well-insulated frame will not be able to protect the room from drafts. To solve this problem you will need to use silicone sealant. It will fill the voids, securely glue the glass, and protect the structure from moisture.

Do not use window putty. Over time, it dries out and falls out, and the problem of glass rattling will reappear.

Preliminary preparation

Before you insulate your windows for the winter with your own hands, you need to study the following instructions:

Check how the glass is secured. The glazing beads must be in place, not wobbly, and they must fit tightly. If proper fixation does not occur, you need to buy a new kit and install it.
To make it more convenient to work with the frame, the glass can be pulled out, freeing it from nails and glazing beads.
The frame will need to be cleaned of window putty and paint residues. This can be done using special alkaline solutions or liquid for removing old paint.
After this, you need to dry the frame, clean it of dirt, and coat it with silicone sealant.
Reinstall the glass. When carrying out this procedure, press the glass only along the edges, otherwise it may crack.
If there are any gaps left after installing the glass, you need to fill them with sealant. Excess substance can be removed with a rag before it dries.
Complete drying of the sealant occurs no earlier than after 4 hours. After this, you can wash the window and proceed to insulating the frame itself.

Foam rubber

If complete blocking of windows for the winter is not considered, insulation with foam tape is a suitable option. It is sold in rolls of various sizes and has an adhesive side, due to which it is attached to window sashes.

Before sealing, for a tighter adhesion, the frame must be washed, cleaned of flaking paint and dried well. Having removed the protective layer from the adhesive side, the foam tape is attached around the perimeter of the window, closing all the cracks. In case of severe distortion of the frame and the appearance of wide cracks, the sealant is glued in several layers.

As the weather warms up, you don’t have to remove the foam rubber. If the adhesive base is of sufficient quality, the seal will last at least 2 seasons.

The most vulnerable spots in wooden windows

Before deciding how best to insulate windows, you need to figure out through which places in the windows heat escapes the most and cold comes into the room. So, the weakest points in window frames:

The place where the glass connects to the frame.
The place where the sash joins the window block.
The junction of a window and a window opening.

This means that our task comes down to making all the named connection points more airtight. This way we will get rid of unnecessary cracks and block all the entrances and exits to the air - both cold and warm.

Sealing cords

Along with foam tape, various cord seals are used to seal the frame.

Clothes cord is the simplest and most budget option. Using small nails or pushpins, it is fixed to the surface of the frame, closing small cracks and increasing the tightness of the sashes when closing the window.
Plastic seals are a more modern and durable method of sealing. The cords have different shapes, which ensures their versatility for combating cracks and cracks of various sizes. For wooden windows, D-shaped and E-shaped seals are more suitable, designed for large and relatively small defects, respectively.
Tubular rubber seals are relatively cheap and easy to use. In most cases, the cords have a self-adhesive base, but for greater reliability they require additional installation with glue or silicone sealant. The disadvantage of rubber seals is their shorter service life compared, for example, with PVC analogues. After 2-3 seasons, the rubber will dry out and begin to crumble.

Insulation of wooden windows using Swedish technology

The Swedish technology is so named because this country invented the EuroStrip seal that it uses. It can withstand frosts down to -50 degrees and is very elastic. This method of insulation makes it possible to bring wooden windows closer in technical characteristics to double-glazed windows, without losing their attractiveness and ability to ventilate. Other benefits:

Sealing can be done at any time of the year.
The amount of noise and dust is reduced in the summer.
The seal will last 15-20 years, and the costs for it will not be very high.

We separated this technology from low-cost methods because it is more labor-intensive. According to the craftsmen, it is very difficult to do everything with your own hands and the process is more reminiscent of restoration than simple insulation. For work you will need: a milling machine, a seaming roller, a pencil or marker, sealant, tools for dismantling the frame. All actions can be divided into several stages.

Material selection

EuroStrip is a tubular strip made of silicone, thermoplastic elastomer or rubber. The first option is more expensive than the others, as it is the most elastic, resistant to temperature fluctuations and durable. TEP is a budget option, but can be destroyed by external conditions. A rubber product is of better quality, but it is very rigid and more difficult to handle - it only fits into a well-prepared groove.

In addition, the seal is sold with different markings:

E - for small gaps 2-3 mm.
P - for gaps of 3-5 mm.
D - for gaps 5-12 mm.

You can use analogues of material from other countries, but their manufacturers do not guarantee a long service life. When purchasing, look at the expiration date of the product. If the date is approaching, the tape may be unusable.

Surface preparation

First, the structure is inspected for defects: cracks, chips. Particular attention should be paid to the lower part and the places where the hinges are inserted. Further actions can be carried out only if the structure is well preserved. If not, it is modified.

Procedure:

Replace worn elements.
Remove gaps between the glass and the sash using putty.
Remove the previous coating, dust and other contaminants, coat the wood with an antiseptic and repaint.
Close the doors and check for any distortions or cracks. Mark areas that require treatment.
Dismantle the structure and sand the uneven areas or build up the surface with slats.
Replace outdated fittings.

Installation of seal

This is done in several steps:

A groove measuring 3*5 mm is made on the prepared and leveled surface of the valves. It is cut at an angle of 45° around the entire perimeter of the structure.
Immediately after cutting, remove the chips and clean the hole.
The seal is placed into it using a roller, skipping the areas where the hinges are installed. The recommended distance from them is approximately 10 mm.

Experts advise rolling the roller backwards rather than forwards, so as not to stretch the tape. There is no need to apply glue to the grooves, since the product is securely held in it due to the herringbone fastening.

The final stage

The sash is put back and checked how the window opens and closes and whether the gaps have disappeared. After this, it is necessary to cover the joints of the glass and sashes with transparent or white sealant for additional insulation.

Watch a visual video tutorial on how to seal EuroStrip windows.

Polyester film

Transparent metal-coated film was initially used to increase the thermal insulation properties and strength of glass, but over time it began to be used to insulate the entire window leaf. The polyester base makes it visually invisible. The film completely transmits sunlight, but at the same time acts as a barrier to heat leaving the room.

Before applying the film, the glass and frame are washed, dried and degreased. Large cracks are sealed with window putty. Double-sided tape is glued around the perimeter of the window, onto which a film pre-cut to the size of the window is attached. To avoid leaving fingerprints, work is performed with gloves.

When the temperature changes, condensation may form in the space between the film and the glass. To prevent its appearance, you can pour a little silica gel or salt into the corners and along the bottom joint, which will collect excess moisture.

Often internal insulation is not enough. Along with thermal insulation of the frame, it is important to periodically inspect external slopes and ebbs for cracks. The cracks are sealed with foam or polystyrene foam, primed, and painted. Install a bar to drain rainwater. If you approach the issue comprehensively, then the heat from a wooden frame will be no less than from a plastic double-glazed window.

What to put between the frames to prevent the windows from sweating and freezing

They made me wooden frames, with double glazing, I installed the glass myself, this was a year ago, now I see there is a little condensation between the glasses. Now I want to install two frames, I haven’t glassed it yet, does it make sense to put silica gel between the glasses? Or can you advise what else? Thank you!

Condensation between window panes is unpleasant and often inevitable. I vaguely remember the basics of thermodynamics, dew point and similar things. Due to lack of time, I don’t want to get into theory, but I’ll remember practice.

Windows are the most vulnerable place in a person’s home. From a heat preservation point of view. If the window has single glazing, then there are no special problems. If the glass fogs up from the inside or atmospheric moisture appears outside, a little time will pass and the water will evaporate.

In extreme cases, you can wipe the glass with a rag.

When the glazing is double, then between the glasses there is a space filled with air and there is a certain amount of moisture in suspension. An exception may be modern double-glazed windows, where this moisture is not present by definition.

And ordinary wooden windows with double glass most often have moisture.

I always remember the windows of my parents' house from my childhood. They had double frames that opened one at a time. First the inner doors, then the outer ones.

To prevent the windows from sweating and from freezing in winter, salt shakers with salt poured into them were installed in the gap between the outer and inner sashes. As you know, salt attracts and absorbs water very well. Over time, the salt shakers filled to the brim with moisture. And then they were taken out, the salt was dried from them, they were put back in and placed in their original place. (Salt was in short supply back then).

Sometimes, instead of salt, other hygroscopic substances were used - sulfuric acid in a small open glass container, or charcoal. Or they did it completely differently - clean and dry window glass was wiped with a rag moistened with a mixture of glycerin and alcohol (1/4 proportion). There was a good effect too.

Now, perhaps, these methods are outdated, although they are sometimes used.

Silicogel is a more modern thing; it is used in many cases, including as an air dehumidifier at a relative humidity of about 70 percent. The cost of silica gel is about a hundred rubles per kilo. Inexpensive. You can also pour it out of bags that they put into new shoes. You just need a lot of shoes.

You can also try using something exotic in the form of special pencils for rubbing the inner glasses of gas masks. But you still need to get them.

In the old days, our ancestors used a whole system to remove moisture from windows and areas adjacent to them. Just for fun, if you have a chance, look at the old windows. On the bottom side of the window sills, grooves (tear holes) were made along the entire surface for water drainage.

Similar grooves were made directly under the frames on both the outer and inner sides of the windows. And sometimes there were holes at the bottom and top of the frames (inside the room), through which moisture had the opportunity to evaporate from the space between the frames.

Nowadays, double-glazed window designs are also used in which the space between the panes can only be penetrated by removing one pane. If necessary, it is difficult to remove the silica gel placed there; to do this, you first need to remove the glazing bead, and only then the glass. And glass is sometimes also sealed with silicone to boot. Removing the glass is quite problematic.

In any case, window blocks should be dried as much as possible, then covered with drying oil a couple of times (natural!) and sometimes with paint. There will be less and less moisture contained in the wood and, accordingly, there will be less of it between the glasses.

And cut the glass more precisely so that the gaps are minimal. Although play is required between wood and glass, otherwise the glass may bend and, as a result, break.

So go ahead, experiment, the choice is yours.

Thank you for your answer, I have already installed the windows, I will describe how it happened, maybe it will be useful to someone. I inserted the outer glass onto the sealing rubber and filled the gap between the glass and the seat with sealant, just a little and nailed the glazing bead, and placed the inner glass on the sealing rubber and glazing bead.

I left the frame outside and checked the condensation in the morning. I removed the inner glass and between the glass, in one part of the frame, I drilled two holes, in the upper and lower parts. Installed glass. In the morning I look at where the holes are, there is no condensation, but in the rest there is. In general, I took out the inner glass and drilled holes, installed the frames, and for a month now I have seen no condensation, but in the one I installed a year ago, there is dew in the mornings.

And I also tried using a vacuum cleaner to remove sawdust through the hole, the glass cracked from the vacuum with a deafening sound. The hole leading into the room is L-shaped and is closed from the side of the room with a foam rubber stopper so that dust does not get sucked in and living creatures, flies, ants, etc. do not get in. If anyone is interested, I can describe the details. Good luck everyone.

Other questions on the topic of condensation formation in premises:

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No one will argue that the patterns that frost draws on window glass in winter are bewitchingly beautiful. However, they bring additional cold into the house and prevent you from freely observing the events taking place outside the window.

The main reason that ice appears on windows should be considered poor ventilation. As a result, condensation forms on the windows, they begin to “cry”, and in frosty weather outside they freeze. Usually in standard houses

is not a very powerful device: it is planned that the natural movement of air through the cracks in the window frames will help it cope with its functions.

Therefore, one of the reasons for poor indoor air ventilation is excessive sealing of a certain area. This occurs due to the fact that in winter many housewives seal the windows in the house so tightly that the air humidity increases and ice appears on the windows. The second popular reason that moisture and ice appear on windows in winter is the fact that modern double-glazed windows are completely sealed.

Therefore, the practice of solving this problem shows that most often plastic windows fog up. Thus, condensation on plastic windows occurs when there is high humidity in the room, and when it is also cold enough, then such windows freeze. As a result, it should be said that if excess moisture does not accumulate in the room, and the rooms are heated at the proper level, then ice will definitely not appear on the windows in the house.

Accordingly, efforts can be made in two directions: to establish ventilation that will work with good exhaust and normal air supply devices, or, if the house is not warm enough, to insulate the premises. If you cannot do this, then you can use the following folk recipes.

For example, not a single generation of people in our country has been struggling with condensation on plastic and ordinary windows using a special liquid intended for automobile glass, or glycerin. Also, a similar recipe is to lubricate the inner surface of the window with an alcohol solution (10 tablespoons) and glycerin (2 tablespoons). After the mixture has dried, the window should be wiped with a flannel cloth.

A good proven recipe is to install salt or a layer of cotton wool with sprinkled salt between the frames in narrow trays: this method allows the salt to absorb moisture. A more modern way, if windows freeze, is to lay any hygroscopic material, such as silica gel, between the frames.

Another way to forget about ice on the windows is to seal only the inner frames, while leaving the outer ones unsealed. You can also wipe the glass with a solution of water and salt. Some housewives have adapted to keeping the inner window closed and the outer window open. Then the windows will not fog up. But if you do the opposite, then you will be provided with droplets of moisture or ice on the glass.

Today, manufacturing companies have begun to produce special forms that are inserted into plastic windows and help avoid condensation on plastic windows. For general insulation of windows, special insulation products that can be bought at every hardware store have now proven themselves to be excellent. They are usually thin strips of foam rubber that are attached to frames using an adhesive base or simply mechanically.

But you can approach this matter from the other side. In a water bath you need to melt a piece of paraffin, which can be bought at a pharmacy, although the stub of a simple candle will do. Then you need to warm up the used disposable syringe in water: it should be without a needle and of a volume, the larger the better. You need to put paraffin into it before it cools down. And then quickly fill all the window gaps and cracks that you don’t need with it. This method is very convenient: it is simple, fast and clean. In the spring, when you open the windows, the paraffin will fall off on its own.

Excess cold air, which then causes the windows to freeze, also allows cracked glass into the room, which for various reasons you may not have been able to replace with whole panels. To eliminate this reason, naturally, you need to seal the cracked glass. A good proven method would be the following method. Pour acetone into a small glass bottle with a syringe and gradually lower pieces of packaging foam into it.

The mixture should be brought by stirring until the thickness of liquid sour cream. Then put four cubic centimeters of turpentine there and stir thoroughly again. Use the resulting thick, transparent, viscous mass to coat the glass crack. Of course, the seam will be visible, but it will not let any air or moisture into the room.

Apply our tips, and ice on windows in winter will not spoil the coziness, beauty and comfort of your home.

Frosty patterns on the windows are very beautiful. But not everyone knows about the reasons for their appearance. This happens because wooden windows freeze. In fact, this is a serious problem that requires elimination for a comfortable life. There are several different reasons why window structures can freeze. But before you begin to solve the problem, you should determine its root cause.

Among the main reasons, the following can be identified - poor ventilation in the room . As a result, condensation begins to accumulate on the surface of the window and it freezes. The accumulation of moisture is facilitated by the difference in temperature in the house and outside.

Due to the difference in temperature outside and indoors, condensation accumulates on the window due to poor ventilation.

There are two ways to deal with a problem caused by poor ventilation. The first involves replacing the ventilation system and the windows themselves if they are faulty. This is an expensive and time-consuming process that not every person is willing to undertake. The second solution is more accessible - frequent ventilation of the house. However, the second method will not completely solve the problem.

An equally common cause is poor window sealing . As a result, it freezes, because the microclimate inside and outside the room is different. Incorrect installation can also lead to problems. Most often this happens when people try to save money and install structures themselves, without knowing all the intricacies of the installation process. Sometimes the reason lies in the fact that the windows in the house are not suitable for the microclimate of the region. In this case, they will freeze, even if the installation is correct and the ventilation meets the requirements.

Additional reasons include the following:

Incorrect operation of the window structure.
Distortions and the need for structural repairs.
Insufficient heating at home.
Wide window sill. It can also cause a problem due to the fact that the convection stream of hot air meets an obstacle, due to which condensation forms and accumulates on the window.
Freezing of fittings.

The cause of freezing of a wooden window may be poor heating at home.
Many people try to solve problems on their own. Most often, they place various materials between double panes of glass - sawdust, cotton wool. As a result, these materials absorb moisture even more. This leads to condensation accumulating faster, the windows freezing, and frost appears on them.

To prevent wooden windows from freezing in winter, it is worth performing high-quality sealing of the window structure. One of the methods is to remove a quarter of the window block, sashes and frame. To eliminate the appearance of possible cracks, additional platbands are attached to the sashes.

Removing a quarter of the window block reliably seals the structure

If the method described above does not suit you for some reason, you can use another one - glass fastening caulk. The method involves removing the old putty and using new one. You can also replace old beads using silicone sealant. This method is only suitable for old wooden windows, but for modern ones with double-glazed windows it is worth looking for other ways to solve the problem.

For old products, caulking is carried out in the areas of the narthex where the window block and sashes touch. It is important to ensure a tight fit of the strips to the window frame. You can use elastic materials. The work algorithm is as follows:

Remove old trims.
The contact points between the window block and the wall are caulked using polyurethane foam or tow.
The platbands are put in their original places. You can use both old and new ones.
A special wallpaper tape or construction tape is glued between the sashes on the inside.

Caulking the window block and installing platbands prevents the access of cold, but also impairs ventilation.
The result is a completely blocked access of cold air inside and warm air outside. However, it should be understood that this method reduces natural ventilation.

Many owners try to insulate window structures before the start of the heating season. This leads to another problem - their fogging. If there was no such problem before doing the insulation yourself, it means that natural ventilation was disrupted during the repair process.

You can prevent windows from fogging up in a more modern way - by gluing a special film. Most often, a specialist is called for this, who performs the work quickly and efficiently. But if you wish, you can paste the film yourself; there are no difficulties in this work. It should be remembered that the film will prevent fogging only at temperatures outside the window down to minus 20 degrees . The product may have additional functions, for example, energy saving or protection from sunlight.

A special film protects the window from fogging

Many experts advise using a solution of glycerin and alcohol in a ratio of 1:10 to prevent windows from freezing. First, the glass is wiped with a solution and then wiped dry.

High humidity and condensation lead to the formation of mold. It should be gotten rid of immediately, since mold is one of the most powerful allergens. It can have a negative impact on the health of household members, especially children. This happens because mold releases spores, causing allergic reactions.

Excessive moisture can cause mold to appear on a wooden surface.

First, the affected areas of the structure are treated with a bleach solution. There are also special chemicals that remove mold. Particular attention is paid to the corners. Additionally, you can treat them with a heat treatment using a hair dryer. To prevent the recurrence of mold, the corners are treated with ultraviolet light using special irradiators.

If ice does form, it must be properly disposed of. This is done as follows:

Use a plastic scraper to carefully remove ice formations. It is not recommended to use scrapers made of other materials, as this will scratch the glass.
Next, use a paper towel or dry rag to remove the remaining moisture.

To remove ice and snow from window glass, it is better to use a special plastic scraper

Some tips will help alleviate the problem until it is completely eliminated. Firstly, during the daytime you should try to ventilate the room every four hours for an average of ten minutes. Secondly, at night you can place a towel at the bottom of the window frame. It will absorb condensation that forms at night.

There is no need to seal the outer frames, as this will lead to freezing of the window structures . It is best to lubricate the glass with a special solution on both sides. You should also try to maintain temperature and humidity at normal levels.

So, if wooden or plastic windows freeze, the root cause should be eliminated. Also make sure that the installation of windows is professional from the very beginning. This will significantly reduce the likelihood of windows freezing.

Since the appearance of plastic windows on the Russian market, everyone has been trying to replace old wooden frames in apartments with them. When building new houses, another type of glazing profile is practically not considered. They are energy efficient, retain heat well and suppress noise from the street. But with the onset of cold seasons, they often begin to fog up, especially in the kitchen. In this article we will look at the reasons why plastic windows fog up and consider the main methods on how to avoid this.

Causes of window fogging
How to prevent fogging of plastic windows
Folk remedies for fogging windows
Proper window cleaning
Chemical compositions to prevent windows from fogging
Ventilation of window structures

High indoor humidity. This is the most common cause of condensation on plastic windows. It is caused by poor air circulation, for example due to faulty ventilation or exhaust hood. The situation is aggravated by frequent and lengthy cooking or hanging out laundry.

Poor heat circulation from radiators or other heating sources. This may also be due to the lack of necessary heating, when the room is too cool and the weather outside is humid. Or, due to the window sill being too wide, warm air from the radiator does not penetrate to the window itself, and an unheated cold zone remains in its lower part, covered with condensation. This can be observed especially often in early autumn, when the batteries are not yet turned on, and the weather outside is cool and humid.
The window was installed poorly. The price of plastic windows is quite high. And if they don’t skimp on the quality of double-glazed windows, then many try to allocate the smallest amount for installation. Good installers of PVC structures value their time and work, so when ordering a cheap installation you need to be prepared that the work will not be carried out according to standards. In this case, within a few weeks or days the first signs of poor installation will be detected, including fogging of the glass. For example, if the seal is broken, cold air from the street will enter the room and moisture will appear. Either the window is not level, and the subsequent misalignment will affect the tightness of the window sash at the beginning of the “blowing”.
Poor quality glass. First of all, these are poor fittings that do not provide a tight fit and the necessary insulation.
Double-glazed window. This modification is only suitable for glazing non-residential cold rooms, as it does not have sufficient thermal insulation. Installing these most inexpensive models in an apartment or house often leads to fogging up of the windows.
Poorly adjusted transoms. During installation, special attention should be paid to adjusting the window sash. With seasonal temperature changes, the profile expands and contracts, which has an adverse effect on sealing.
Bad rubber seal. Its presence is provided in all models; it is located along the perimeter of the opening doors. In more economical models, it quickly wears out and hardens, thereby becoming unusable.

The drain holes are clogged. They are located at the bottom of the profile under the swing-out sash. They are small holes designed to drain water from the outside during ventilation. If they are clogged, then excess moisture will fall inside onto the windowsill.

There are many reasons that lead to windows fogging up from the inside, but there are always simple ways to deal with this problem. And this does not always require large material costs; most methods are based on simple steps that are easy to do yourself:

remove indoor plants from the room (or just from the window);
increasing the number of radiator sections or heating temperature (if there is a private boiler room);
reducing the width of the window sill;
installation of a ventilation through valve under the window sill;

insulation of the walls of the house from the outside;
frequent ventilation or constant micro-ventilation mode (at high humidity in the room).

Advice: in most cases, when plastic windows fog up from inside the room, it is enough to organize constant ventilation throughout the year. This promotes a good microclimate and the formation of condensation will become impossible. Even at sub-zero temperatures, the micro-ventilation mode will not cause discomfort.

It is worth saying that external fogging of windows is almost impossible, since this requires the creation of conditions that are very difficult to create. This means that the living room should be colder than outside and at the same time high humidity.

The most popular way to deal with foggy windows is a simple wax candle. Our ancestors resorted to this method for a long period. But this applies more to old wooden windows, on which frost forms in cold weather. But even today, a similar problem occurs on inexpensive double-chamber plastic windows.
The meaning of the method is that several candles are placed closer to the frost-free window, where they burn during the day and thereby warm up the glass. Thanks to the convection of air masses obtained from a burning candle, condensation does not accumulate on the glass. In addition, when burning, carbon dioxide is released, which plants especially love. Therefore, they do not have to be removed.

The above method is not only the simplest, but also the most accessible to all citizens. Wax candles are sold in any store, and their cost is very low. In addition, you will not have to perform complex construction work. It is important not to forget about safety precautions and there should be no curtains or other objects near the flame that could ignite due to heat.

Tip: It is better to use thick candles that burn slower. If desired, they can have an aroma that will bring a pleasant note of comfort to the room, especially if we are talking about the kitchen and you want to muffle the smells of the food being prepared.

Depending on what is used when washing the window, you can protect it from condensation with varying degrees of success. For washing it is most convenient to use:

soft, lint-free rags;
microfiber cloth;
newspapers for wiping;
soap solution;
glycerol;
alcohol or vodka;
regular shaving foam;
special automobile anti-foggers (spray);
rubber squeegee for cleaning windows.

Glasses with a fatty layer are most susceptible to long-term moisture retention. Therefore, one of the ways to combat window fogging is to properly wash them with alcohol degreasing. The stages of work will be as follows:

first, wash the window as usual with soap and water or dishwashing detergent;
wipe with a dry, lint-free cloth;
the remaining wet stains are removed using a rubber scraper;
pour alcohol onto a sponge and wipe the entire surface of the glass and leave to dry.

The result is a grease-free surface on which condensation will not linger for long.

A salt solution will help protect against fogging:

it is applied evenly to pre-washed glass. To prepare it, dissolve 1 level tablespoon of salt in 4 liters of water;

if after drying white stains appear, it means that there was too much salt concentration, you will have to repeat the procedure, wash off all the stains and apply a weaker composition on top;
salt will effectively protect the plastic window from the formation of frost when freezing.

No less effective for preventing fogging of a plastic window is a solution of glycerin with alcohol:

mix 10 parts of alcohol with 1 part of glycerin;
it is applied to clean glass and left. The alcohol will disappear quite quickly, and the glycerin will remain on the glass in the form of a protective film that prevents the formation of moisture.

Another popular way to protect a window is by wiping it with a solution of potassium oil with glycerin and turpentine:

a fairly thick solution is obtained by mixing 40 g of potassium oil with 20 g of glycerin and 4 g of pine turpentine;
it is applied to damp and clean glass and spread evenly with a sponge. After this, the glass is polished with a natural wool cloth until it shines.

This is not the first time that ten-year-old windows have been wiped with crumpled newspapers. With their help, it is possible to completely remove soap stains and give the windows perfect cleanliness. But few people know that due to the composition of printing ink, a water-repellent effect is obtained:

Windows are washed with soapy water and immediately wiped with newspapers until the desired result is obtained.

Chalk is also an assistant when treating windows. It (or white tooth powder) is diluted with water and rubbed over problem areas. After this, rinse with water to avoid streaks.

If folk remedies do not help, then modern chemical compounds come to the rescue to help combat fogging of plastic windows. They are available in the form of wipes, aerosols or liquids.

Regardless of the form of release, they are united by the principle of action - a combination of surfactants with weak acids. After applying such a product to the glass, a thin but durable water-repellent film is formed on it, protecting the glass from dirt and moisture. When used, they are applied to clean glass and left to act for the time specified by the manufacturer in the instructions. Then they simply wipe it dry.

Anti-freezing and fogging agent “Li-lo”. This inexpensive composition can be purchased at almost any hardware store. Initially, it is sold in concentrated form, and it is the concentrate that is first applied in a thin layer to the glass using a sponge. You should work with gloves. Then prepare a solution by mixing 1 part of Li-lo product and 10 parts of water. It is applied on top and left without rinsing off.

Another chemical composition that successfully copes with the formation of condensation on plastic windows is “Second”. It is sold in aerosol form, so applying it to glass is very convenient. After spraying several times, the solution is distributed over the glass and wiped dry with crumpled newspapers.

But, perhaps, the most effective way to solve the problem of fogging of plastic windows once and for all is to equip them with ventilation. This could be a window, micro-ventilation, a comb or a ventilation valve.

Plastic window with a window. In modern plastic models, vents are extremely rare, only on individual orders. With their help, you can control the flow of fresh air from the street, which enters the upper part of the room and combines with warm room air. A healthy microclimate is formed, humidity decreases and condensation disappears on the glass.
Micro-ventilation. Almost all modern windows are equipped with them, since they perform the function of vents, but are cheaper in cost. This is a window opening mode that leaves a very small gap. Thanks to this, fresh air gradually enters the room, without causing discomfort to people inside the room, even in the cold season.
Self-ventilation. It is provided initially in the design of the window profile. It consists of a large number of micro-holes in the lower and upper parts of the frame. Air enters the house through the lower holes, mixes with warm air and exits through the upper holes. This creates a constant circulation of air masses, which completely eliminates fogging.
Combs for windows. This is an inexpensive and simple, but very effective device. The comb allows you to independently regulate the intensity of ventilation, choosing the optimal mode for a particular case.

Ventilation valve. Often it is not installed immediately, but after some time after using the window and encountering the problem of fogging. It is mounted either on the window profile itself, or in the wall under the window sill. They are quite varied in appearance and operating principle. The cost of the valve is low, but installation work can only be carried out by professionals. Such valves ensure a continuous supply of air from the street, which has a beneficial effect not only on the problem of condensation on the glass, but also on the general microclimate in the room. In some cases, they can act as the main ventilation in the room.

As soon as the cold weather sets in, the windows begin to cry. And this problem becomes a headache for most housewives. How to deal with this? How can you get rid of condensation on glass in order to forget about this crying problem forever. We offer you some useful tips for caring for windows during the cold season, and ways to solve the problem of always foggy windows.

Here is a list of reasons why windows sweat:

The difference between the temperature outside and inside the house;
Poor or broken ventilation in the room;
Bathrooms are insufficiently ventilated;
Leaking plumbing;
If a gas stove is used to heat the apartment;
Lack of kitchen hood;
Too many indoor plants (they produce moisture that settles on the glass);
The wide window sill does not allow heat from the radiator to pass through to the glass, so it fogs up;
No ceiling or floor insulation;
We did not have time to prepare the wooden frames for the onset of cold weather;
Plastic windows were not installed correctly;
There is a manufacturing defect in the glass unit;
Drying clothes in the apartment occurs in places not intended for this;
When installing double-glazed windows, the builders did not seal the cracks properly, so cold air gets onto the glass;
After installing plastic double-glazed windows, it is necessary to open the window in winter mode for natural ventilation.

If you have found the cause of condensation, then use this list of possible means to remove and prevent window fogging.

Any container for water (bucket, basin);
A soft, lint-free cloth;
Wool rag;
Microfiber cloth;
Newspapers;
Soap solution;
Glycerol;
Alcohol or alcohol-containing substances;
Shaving foam;
Anti-foggers or other special means;
Window scraper with rubber nozzle.

Next, we will list all the ways to remove unnecessary moisture from glass.

Oily glass becomes the most common problem that causes windows to fog up and trap moisture. How to clear condensation from glass and prevent further fogging? For this you will need:

Wash the window with warm soapy water;
Wipe it with a clean, slightly damp, lint-free cloth;
Remove any remaining moisture with a rubber scraper;
Pour alcohol or vodka onto the sponge;
Wipe the entire glass with an alcohol sponge;
Leave to dry.

To prevent the window from fogging up, use a saline solution, namely, dissolve a tablespoon of salt in four liters of water. Wipe the glass with the resulting solution.

Attention! White streaks may appear on the glass. Don't be scared! This means that the saline solution needs to be diluted with water and the window cleaning process must begin from the beginning. The advantages of a salt solution are that salt prevents frost on the glass.

Make a mixture of glycerin and alcohol in a ratio of 1:10. The alcohol will erode, the glycerin will form a protective film that will not allow water to settle on the glass. First, wash the window with warm water and dry it with a microfiber cloth. Apply the mixture to the glass with a cotton pad or swab. Leave it like this and don’t wash it off.

You should know! This method will protect against fogging and freezing of the glass from the inside.

An effective recipe for preventing condensation on windows.

Wash the window with a damp cloth;
Mix 10 grams of glycerin with 20 grams of potassium oil and 2 grams of pine turpentine;
Apply the resulting paste to the glass with a cotton pad;
Polish the glass with a wool rag.

A simple way to keep windows from sweating. Use crumpled newspapers as a glass cleaner. Printing ink has a water-repellent effect. Thanks to it, the windows will not fog up for a long time.

There are a huge number of chemicals to prevent glass from fogging; these can be napkins, aerosols, or special liquids. They contain surfactants. Apply any of the available products to the window, it will create an invisible film on the glass that will repel water and maintain excellent visibility and cleanliness of the glass. They are very easy to use:

Remove moisture from the window;
Apply aerosol (liquid) to the glass;
For best results, leave the product on for a while;
Wipe the window dry.

You should start taking care of your wooden window frames.

All existing gaps between the glass and the frame must be sealed with sealant (silicone) or other building materials;
For the best effect, glue the window joints with special paper tape or adhesive foam tape.

Before working with chemicals and other detergents, think about hand safety and use rubber gloves;
Also cover the window sill with a protective film or rag;
Read the instructions for using chemicals and follow them strictly.

By following these tips, you will forget about the problem of condensation on windows and all the inconveniences associated with them.