Tape for window insulation: varieties, methods of insulation

Light sources can be insulated with different materials. Why then does it make sense to choose foam insulation for windows? Being, at its core, polyurethane foam, this material retains heat well due to its porous structure. It is very elastic and has a high percentage of compression, which allows it to be used in the smallest crevices.

Foam rubber strips were used for window insulation several decades ago. But today, based on yellow material, there are factory-made insulation materials that help insulate windows from the cold easily and quickly.

Did you know that: Foam rubber is the name of a Norwegian company that supplied elastic polyurethane foam to the Soviet Union. Over time, the proper name became a common noun and now foam rubber is called this very type of polyurethane foam, which was actually invented in Germany in the 1940s, and, by the way, was initially only a by-product, an undesirable product.

But, this is a lyric, but in fact we will look at quite practical things, how to choose, how much it costs and how to mount a foam seal on a window frame. But first, for those curious: how this material is produced. (If you are not the inquisitive type, skip the second paragraph and go straight to the third).

About insulation

The microclimate of the room depends on the windows. Due to uninsulated windows, the glass fogs up, cracks and fungus appear on the slopes, and there is always a draft and street noise. To effectively insulate windows, it is necessary to determine the reasons for low thermal insulation.

Most often they are the following:

Wooden windows

First of all, insulation is required for old window structures for the following reasons:

Previously, glass was secured to the frame with special putty. Over time, it dries out and becomes stained;

the frames dry out, so cracks and gaps appear between the glazing bead and the glass;

the sashes are deformed and are not held tightly to the frame.

Plastic windows

It is mistakenly believed that such windows are quite airtight and therefore do not need insulation. Unfortunately, after a few years the seal collapses, and insulation is indispensable.

There are other reasons why it is necessary to deal with plastic windows:

violation of window installation technology;

distortion of the window structure due to shrinkage of the house;

factory defect of window design;

mechanical damage to structural elements.

Best options

The most popular products should be highlighted:

Manufacturer	Type of seal	Price
Profitrast	EPDM, PVC	399 rubles for 10 m
Economy	Foam rubber	39 rubles for 19 m
Kim Tech	EPDM	1350 rubles per roll
Deventer	TRE	85 rubles for 1 linear. m
Sanok	EPDM	1800 rubles for 150 m

Types of insulating tapes

The widespread use of tapes for insulating windows is explained by a number of reasons:

no annual replacement required;

insulation is carried out in a short time on our own;

there is no dirt when pasting, since no water is used;

no traces of adhesive remain on the frame;

there is no diffusion of the adhesive layer with the frame paint.

But this method of insulation also has disadvantages:

after gluing, you cannot open the window sashes;

Poor-quality or poorly glued tape lags behind the frame in small areas.

Construction stores offer two types of tapes, which differ in the installation method.

Pasting

Foam tape with adhesive backing
Tapes of this type have a wide grip. The adhesive composition is applied during manufacturing (self-adhesive type) or during installation work.

To create self-adhesive tape, polyvinyl chloride, rubber and polyethylene foam (foam rubber) are used.

Due to the plasticity of these materials, the tape is easily compressed to the size of the gap. To ensure that the insulation does not stand out against the background of the window, dyes are added: black, brown, white.

Typically the packaging will indicate the size of the gap that the tape will cover. Popular options with sizes 3 - 7 mm.

Foam rubber tapes were the first to be used. Their popularity is explained by a number of advantages:

high compression ratio;

the frame does not collapse in places of insulation;

low cost;

high protection efficiency.

Such tapes have negative qualities:

insufficient efficiency for large gaps;

short service life. Effective during one winter season;

in cheap models, the adhesive tape does not stick well;

low resistance to water.

Important!

It is more convenient to use self-adhesive tapes on foam rubber for insulation.

They stay on the window longer and regulate the degree of pressing of the sashes.

Sealing

D - shaped tubular seal with adhesive base
Tapes of this type have a hollow tubular shape, which is why heat is retained. The materials chosen are rubber and polyvinyl chloride.

Production of foam rubber

To produce the material you need two components:

Polyester;
Isocyanate.

Water is also used.

When mixed, organic substances mixed with water form carbon dioxide. As a result of foaming, a hollow, dough-like mass is created that is quite soft and quite strong. After hardening, the foam rubber only needs to be formed into slabs/pieces of the desired form factor. We tend to associate foam rubber with the color yellow, but in fact it can be painted in any color.

So, let's conclude: foam rubber is one of the varieties of polyurethane.

Tips for choosing

As a rule, a tape is selected based on three indicators.

By material

Foam rubber ― has been used for insulation since ancient times. Currently it is included in the tape.

Main advantages:

low cost;

high elasticity, allowing you to close gaps of different sizes.

There are also disadvantages:

Due to the porous structure, moisture is quickly absorbed. The drying process takes a very long time;

low durability. With prolonged use, the material turns yellow and crumbles.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) ― material with high strength and adhesiveness. It is not afraid of humidity and temperature fluctuations. The tapes are fixed on any surface and stretch well.
Read also: VEKA seal (century) types and characteristics. Installation and replacement of VEKA seals on windows

Unfortunately, such tapes are rarely used for window insulation, as they increase the cost of window construction by up to 15%.

Rubber - used to make two types of tapes: self-adhesive and sealing.

Tubular seals with a groove
Self-adhesive tapes are made on the basis of synthetic rubber and have all its positive qualities: elasticity and resistance to temperature fluctuations.

Rubber seals are not afraid of aggressive environments, so they last a very long time.

Polyurethane foam (PPE) is a porous material made of foamed polyethylene.

Due to their high elasticity, the tapes are very effective for small gaps.
Good insulating qualities. Due to the presence of air in the structure, a thermal insulating environment is created. Its use is limited by its ability to transform into a toxic liquid state at high temperatures.

By manufacturer

In construction stores you can find tapes from different manufacturers.

However, only materials from the following brands are in demand:

Russia - Profitrast, Economy, Zubr.

Germany - KIMTEC, Deventer.

Poland - Sanok.

Domestic manufacturers, as a rule, work using European technologies and produce high-quality material no worse than foreign samples. At the same time, German and Polish ribbons, although more expensive, last longer.

By cost

Insulating tapes are sold retail and in coils from 6 to 10 meters.

Since a standard window requires about 5 meters of self-adhesive insulation, purchases are most often made at retail.

The price range is very wide.

For a linear meter of Russian material you need to pay up to 15 rubles, and the most expensive German rubber insulation will cost 50 rubles.

When choosing, it’s easy to calculate how much it will cost to insulate an apartment with any number of windows.

Application area

You can quickly insulate an air duct with self-adhesive penofol.
The product is used for interior and exterior decoration. Among the important features are waterproofness, fire resistance, lightness and strength. In addition, the material is environmentally friendly, hypoallergenic and does not emit harmful substances.

Due to its technical characteristics and quality, the material is in demand in construction.

Applicable in the following areas:

floor insulation;
sealing windows and doors;
wall protection;
thermal insulation of pipes;
insulation and sound insulation of car interiors;
interior decoration of walls and ceilings of baths and saunas;
thermal insulation of air ducts, ventilation;
insulation of air conditioners;
screens behind heating radiators;
production of insoles for shoes, goods for tourism and sports.

During installation, self-adhesive wall insulation is laid with the foil side up.

Features of preparing windows for insulation

Preparing a window for insulation with tape is almost no different from preparation for other insulation materials. At the same time, there are some peculiarities.

The main stages are as follows:

Everything is removed from the windowsill. The blinds are removed from the window.

The frames are washed with soapy water and then dried. The tape requires a dry and grease-free surface.

The glass is carefully inspected. Wooden windows may have cracked glass. They must be replaced as they are a source of heat loss.

Grooves are prepared for the sealing tape. They should not contain old tape, dirt or paint.

Before starting work, they determine the places where cold air comes from the street. They are insulated first. Weak points are the sashes, slopes, and window sills.

Insulation with adhesive tape

The insulation technology is not very complicated. First of all, it is necessary to follow the sequence of work.

Plastic windows

Insulation is carried out in the following sequence:

pre-removed old insulation is used, firstly, to purchase similar material, and secondly, to pre-cut the old material to size.

gluing begins from the top of the window. As you progress, the protective layer is removed in small sections, and the tape is pressed tightly.

More details in our video:

Important! 1. The pasted tape should not have many tears.

2. In the corners the tape is not cut, but wrapped.

Wooden windows

For these windows, in addition to adhesive tape, thin foam rubber is often used. The work is performed in the following sequence:

strips of foam rubber are cut along the window opening;

cut foam rubber is placed between the frames;

The tape is cut to the size of the window;

The tape is applied with a sticky layer to the foam rubber and smoothed with a napkin.

This insulation will last up to three years. But it’s better to do it as shown in the video:

Advantages and disadvantages

Window self-adhesive seals made from modern materials have an undeniable superiority over old insulation (wool, paper, fabric, tape):

service life is up to 10 years;
the seal adheres firmly to the window block without interfering with ventilation;
does not spoil the appearance of the window;
reliably protects against drafts, noise, moisture and dust coming from the street;
self-adhesive tape is convenient and quick to attach;
dismantling the tape is simple and does not harm the window unit.

There is only one drawback to such a seal – high cost compared to outdated materials.

Insulation with sealing tape

Plastic windows

Typically, plastic windows lose heat for two reasons:

breakdown of fittings;
seal wear.

Correct installation of the tape increases the insulating ability of the window. The following sequence of work is recommended:

before installation, the tape is kept at a positive temperature, since this affects its expansion inside the groove;

The tape is cut to fit the window. The joints are cut at right angles. For thermal expansion, a reserve is created: for every meter 1 centimeter of material;