Scotch tape for sealing windows for the winter: selection rules and instructions for insulating windows

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.

Application area

There are several types of PSUL seals, depending on the scope of application and installation conditions. They can be used in any case for waterproofing. But in addition to this, they perform the functions of sound insulation, steam and heat insulation.

For example, when replacing old windows with new ones, a weak point immediately appears - the junction between it and the wall. Most often it is filled with polyurethane foam. But it deteriorates very quickly during operation. Especially if there is increased exposure to moisture and sunlight. In order to fill the resulting gaps efficiently and profitably, Psul Robiband tape is used. It is also capable of protecting the polyurethane foam itself from destruction.

Another area of ​​application is balcony blocks. The most commonly used tape here is butyl psul. In addition, this material is suitable for roofing under certain conditions. Its main quality is sufficient here - waterproofing. It seals drainage joints, joints of roofing materials, attic windows, etc.

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

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

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.

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.

What it is: description

The main materials from which insulation is made are rubber, PVC, foam rubber and polyethylene foam. An adhesive composition, protected with special paper, is applied to one side of the insulating tape. When applying insulation, the paper is removed.

Insulation materials are supplied in the form of cut strips, combined into reels, or in the form of formatted rolls.

Rubber

They are distinguished by the lowest price among analogues. They retain heat effectively and are attached using glue or a stapler. One of the disadvantages is poor resistance to moisture: when water gets on the rubber, the material quickly peels off.

If you buy rubber insulation, then the softest one. Rigid models do not adhere well to the window and allow heat to pass through.

Polyvinyl chloride

Reliable and environmentally friendly insulation, which has good frost resistance and resistance to deformation.

When choosing, it is important to pay attention to the rigidity of the product: overly hard models will not adhere well to the surface. Service life is 2-3 years

Foam rubber

Safe to use and reliable insulation. In addition to thermal insulation, they provide good protection from extraneous sounds. Foam insulation is supplied in the form of strips. The advantages of such seals include low cost and provision of air flow for the room.

However, in terms of thermal insulation, foam rubber is significantly inferior to PVC and polyethylene foam, plus it peels off from the surface quite quickly.

Figure: the shelf life of foam rubber is 1-2 years.

Polyethylene foam

They are bundles made of foamed polyethylene. They retain heat perfectly, provide sound insulation and even protect against moisture on the balcony. The most expensive insulation materials among those presented. Service life – 3-5 years.

Benefits and Features

The advantages and technical characteristics of self-adhesive insulation include:

1. Frost resistance. Depending on the material from which the insulation is made, its thermal conductivity coefficient varies. However, for all of them it is at a high level: after application, the tape will maximally limit the contact of the room with the environment and prevent the appearance of drafts and cold bridges.
2. Versatility. The insulation is suitable for cracks up to 7 mm wide.
3. Reliability. The material is not afraid of temperature changes, moisture, and chemical influences.
4. High-quality sound insulation. Most types of insulation can not only protect the room from frost, but also from extraneous sounds.
5. Environmentally friendly. The materials do not come into contact with the environment or react with chemicals. Insulation materials are absolutely safe for human health.
6. Convenience. Once applied, the insulation will not interfere with closing and opening windows. And the installation process itself will not require the help of specialists: the owner of the house will be able to insulate the window on his own.
7. Low cost. Compared to other methods, self-adhesive insulation has an optimal combination of price and quality.
8. Variety of colors. Among them are white, black, dark brown, which allows you to choose the material to match the windows, ensuring a harmonious appearance of the finished structure.
9. Fire safety. The materials from which insulation is made are low-flammable and difficult to ignite.

The video shows self-adhesive foam insulation for windows:

One of the disadvantages of insulation is its fragility - the material is enough for one or two seasons. And also that the tape is not suitable for insulating plastic windows or loggias with double-glazed windows.

But this article will help you understand how to use foam insulation for windows and how to do it correctly.

But what self-adhesive insulation for metal doors is and how it is used correctly can be understood by watching the video in this article.

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.

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.

9. Heat-saving 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

Window insulation using Swedish technology

An effective type of window insulation using Swedish technology using Eurostrip sealant. It consists in the fact that the seal is not glued to the surface of the sash, but is inserted into a specially made groove. The configuration of the seal also matters. The herringbone holder facilitates reliable fixation of the seal in the groove and ensures its long service life.

Insulation using Swedish technology involves partial restoration of the window, and therefore is the most expensive method.

Approximate cost : 2.5-7 thousand rubles. for the repair of one window, depending on the condition, design (with double/separate sashes) and the size of the window unit.

Advantages : thermal insulation efficiency, 20 year warranty.

Disadvantages : labor intensive, high cost, difficult to do with your own hands.

Please note that plastic windows are not a panacea for drafts. Due to installation defects and wear of the rubber seal on the sash, owners of metal-plastic windows sooner or later think about how to seal their plastic windows so as not to blow.

We recommend a detailed description of how to insulate PVC windows.

Theoretically, all of the above methods are suitable for both wooden and plastic windows. But as reviews indicate, the most popular are insulation using Swedish technology and pasting with heat-saving film.

Insulation using tubular insulation

Insulation using tubular insulation

One of the most modern and effective methods. To perform such insulation, a sealant based on silicone rubber is used. The material withstands temperature changes and is not afraid of contamination. If desired, you can even paint it - this will not deteriorate its thermal insulation properties.

You can set the required diameter using plasticine. It is enough to take a piece of plasticine, wrap it in plastic wrap and squeeze it between the sash and the frame. By the thickness of the resulting “cast” you can find out the size of the gap.

The rubber seal provides reliable thermal insulation and allows for partial restoration of windows

The rubber seal provides reliable thermal insulation and allows for partial restoration of windows. But it is quite expensive, plus it requires some skills for successful installation. Suitable exclusively for windows without significant damage, which they tried to maintain in proper condition throughout their entire service life.

You can install the seal yourself. First, you need to remove the sashes from their hinges, and then mark a place in the window frame for cutting the groove. Next, you should select a groove around the perimeter of the window frame. This is easily done using a cutter. The sealant is rolled into the prepared groove. It needs to be glued. Fixation is done using glue. It must be of the highest quality and reliable so that the material does not shift or fall out. After installing the seal, all that remains is to return the window sashes to their place.

If necessary, replace the fittings and try to align the window geometry, but without the necessary skills it is almost impossible to do this. With proper installation and proper handling, the seal will last about 15-20 years.

How to seal windows for the winter?

To insulate windows you will need:

• degreasing liquid,
• sealing filler,
• masking tape.

The frame is degreased with a cloth soaked in alcohol, and when it dries, they begin to seal it with foam rubber insulation, pushing it into the cracks using a sharp object, such as a narrow spatula. Finally, all that remains is to seal the frames with masking tape or tape.

Let's start with insulation

1. If there are gaps, fill them with window putty, paint or plasticine (but plasticine will melt when heated and leave marks on the windows).
2. To seal, tap the glazing beads with a hammer, or better yet, fill the gap between the glass and the frame with transparent silicone sealant.
3. If possible, it is advisable to remove the glass and reinstall it, lubricating the folds with putty or a layer of paint, and also apply a layer of paint on top of the wooden glazing beads. Putty can be prepared from alabaster and chalk (2:1).
4. Carry out degreasing, without which the adhesive tape will not last too long. You can use any cleaners containing liquid alcohol, including vodka.

Soft flagella made of newsprint, tubular sealant, cotton wool, tow, rags, and linen cord are suitable as insulation. There are practical insulating profiles on sale marked P or D (E - for small cracks), but it must be glued at a temperature of plus ten degrees.

According to experts, the best materials for sealing gaskets are polyethylene foam, foam rubber, and rubber. Foam rubber is placed exactly between the frames to block the access of cold. Insulation with melted paraffin, which is convenient to inject into the cracks with a syringe, will also work.

How to seal the cracks?

Masking and regular tape, paper strips with wallpaper glue, as well as strips of white fabric, which are soaked in hot water and thickly soaped, are suitable. Fabric strips fit the smallest protrusions more tightly, hold up well, do not turn yellow and do not allow drafts to pass through, and are easily removed in the spring, unlike adhesive tape, which strips off the paint.

A possible drawback of the fabric during reusable use is peeling due to temperature changes.

From the article you will learn:

The onset of the cold season for some apartment owners promises additional hassle associated with insulating windows. Of course, if plastic double-glazed windows are installed in your home, then there should be no problems with heat retention...

However, if the apartment is not equipped with modern light-transmitting structures, and the window openings are covered by old, Soviet-style windows, then in order to maintain a comfortable temperature in the home during the winter, it is necessary to implement a set of measures aimed at insulating the windows. After all, it is through it, as well as through the door, that the room loses a large amount of heat, up to 50%...

In this article we will describe the most popular options for insulating a window for the winter - sealing the space between the frames of the structure with various materials, and we will analyze the advantages and disadvantages of the most popular of them. We will also consider the sequence of each type of work.

Polyethylene film

Window thermal insulation film is made with a reflective metal layer sprayed on it. It is glued with a protective layer on the outside.

A properly glued film allows sunlight to pass through and is opaque from the street:

1. The frame is degreased at the attachment points.
2. Double-sided tape is applied around the perimeter of the pasting area.
3. The film is cut to the required size.
4. Remove the protective tape from the tape.
5. The film is applied to the window and pressed from the middle to the edges.
6. The work is completed by warming it up with a hairdryer - this way the film lays more evenly.

There is no need to seal the window from the outside. This can lead to the fact that instead of a landscape you will see snow patterns on the window in winter.

Properly carried out window insulation measures will create a warm and cozy atmosphere in your home to survive the winter in comfort.

Select the necessary materials by evaluating their characteristics in the comparison table.

Paper ribbon.

The most common method of insulating a window is using paper tape .

As a rule, this tape is offered to the buyer assembled on a roll in a single color - white. It is attached to the gap between the window frames. As a substance that holds the tape on the surface of the frames, you can use either a soap solution or well-diluted wallpaper glue. The first option will be significantly cheaper for the owner who decides to seal the windows for the winter, but at the same time, in order to cover the windows with paper, you will have to tinker quite a lot. After all, the process of preparing and applying a soap solution to paper tape is quite troublesome.

Therefore, it is best to opt for glue designed for wallpapering. Having diluted it according to the attached instructions, and additionally adding a certain amount of water (it is important for us that the paper just sticks and does not come off), you need to apply the resulting consistency to the surface of the tape using a paint brush. By gluing the tape so that it covers the gap correctly and tightly, you can count on the fact that in winter the window will not let gusts of wind into the room. If there is no cold air entering the room, you can count on it being much warmer.

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:

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

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

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

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

1. 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.

Masking tape.

The method of fixing this material is approximately similar to the method of fixing the previous one, with the exception of the actions associated with applying an adhesive - in this case it will not be needed, since the masking tape already contains it.

Using tape to cover gaps between window frames is quite effective in keeping the heat in your home. However, when removing this material (at the end of the cold weather), some problems are possible, which consist, first of all, in the following:

• characteristic marks may remain where the tape was applied;
• Removing the tape may also entail removing a layer of paint.

Therefore, when using masking tape to seal window frames, be prepared for the fact that after winter is over, your windows may need touch-up in problem areas.

Types of insulating tapes and tape

Insulation sheets and tape have a number of advantages over other methods of window covering:

• The base will last for several years without replacement.
• Pasting is carried out independently, quickly.
• No additional materials are required.
• The adhesive base leaves no traces when peeled off and does not interact with the material to which it is glued.

But it is worth considering the disadvantages of this method:

• Covered openings cannot be opened.
• If the strip is poorly glued or of poor quality, then removal will be difficult and there will be tears.

There are two types of insulation sold in stores and markets:

• Pasting. This type has a lot of grip. Polyvinyl chloride, rubber raw materials, and foam rubber are used for its production. It has good flexibility and simply compresses to the required size. Stripes are available in black, white and brown colors. It is written on the packaging what size gap the fabric is suitable for.

• Sealing. This type is characterized by a void inside the tube, which helps retain heat. One side is equipped with an adhesive layer. The 7 mm gap is tightly blocked and can withstand all temperature changes. The color of the strip is chosen to match the color of the glass unit.

The durability of the glued tape must be checked annually. If replacement is required, then do it for the entire strip or a separate fragment.

Foam rubber.

Since Soviet times, our citizens, taking care of the insulation of windows before the coming winter, have covered the surface of the frames with adhesive-based foam . This option for making a window warmer is good because it is universal and can be used both with installed wooden structures and with modern metal-plastic blocks. The adhesive strength of this material is such that the foam rubber can easily stay on the surface of the frames during the winter period. The only disadvantage of the material is its ability to accumulate moisture in large quantities, which over time can cause it to wear out and reduce its heat-saving properties.

Subtleties of choice: manufacturers and prices

When choosing a self-adhesive tape, you should pay attention to the profile and material from which the insulation is made. For cracks with a width of 1-3 mm, profile C or E is suitable, for 3-5 mm - P and V, for 3-7 mm - B and O.

Important: shelf life plays a big role in insulation materials, since the glue dries out over time.

The modern range of insulation products includes many manufacturers:

• rubber insulation, which can be found in any store - from 160 rubles for 5 meters;
• Ultima - Polish foam rubber seals, price from 220 rubles per 12 m;

Penosil - two-component insulation made of EPDM rubber, price from 600 rubles;

• "Penofol" - foil-coated polyethylene foam, price from 108 rubles per m 2.

But you can find out how and where you can use liquid insulation in Polinor cylinders by reading the contents of this article.

It will also be interesting to learn about what kind of insulation to put under linoleum and how to do it correctly.

But what is the price of insulation for a warm water floor and which one should be used, this information will help you understand.

Which floor insulation under screed is the best to use and how to use it correctly, you can read in this article.

But what is the price of foil insulation for the floor and where should such a building material be used, this information will help you understand.

Silicone sealant.

The specific use of this material for window insulation involves its application into the cracks at the junction of the glass and the frame. In order to seal windows during the cold season in this way, it is necessary to dismantle the glazing beads and clean the intended area for application.

As a rule, silicone sealant is sold in a special tube. Therefore, to work with it you will need a construction gun. Before installing the sealant into the gun, the tip of the tube should be cut off. If there is an excess layer of substance at the joint, its remains can be scraped off with a metal spatula. After the work on sealing the joints is completed and the sealant itself has dried, the previously removed glazing beads are installed back in the normal way.

Features and Benefits

The unique properties of self-adhesive insulation make it possible to carry out work on thermal insulation of walls, ceilings, pipes, windows, doors, basements and attics. The material is used for finishing work both inside and outside. For the production of self-adhesive insulation, rubber, polyethylene foam, PVC, and foam rubber sheets are used. Professional builders note the following advantages of this building material:

• environmental Safety;
• universal technical characteristics;
• high level of fire safety;
• light weight and thickness;
• the presence of waterproofing and moisture-resistant properties;
• resistance to negative environmental influences;

• affordable price;
• wide range of colors;
• ability to fill gaps and cracks;
• mobility;
• resistance to low temperatures;
• reliable sealing and sound insulation;
• production of insulation of different widths and purposes;
• ease of installation work.

But they also highlight the disadvantages of self-adhesive insulation, such as:

• rapid contamination and deformation;
• fragility and low resistance to mechanical damage of foam rubber insulation;
• special care for rubber insulation;
• quick drying of the adhesive;
• replacement of insulation on plastic windows is carried out by professional service organizations;
• complex process of removing adhesive traces from removed tape.

Putty.

Insulating windows using putty is the least labor-intensive way to give the window optimal heat-saving properties. Judge for yourself: the putty looks like plasticine - it wrinkles easily and has a uniform structure that does not allow air flow through it. It should be taken into account that after application to the cracks between the window sashes, the putty needs time to harden. At the end of the cold season, such material can be easily removed using the same spatula.

Ethylene propylene synthetic rubber

EPDM, a compound of ethylene and propylene rubber (soft porous rubber seal), is most often used in the manufacture of self-adhesive seals, because the material is quite ergonomic and does not deteriorate when exposed to constant loads, which is especially important and necessary for windows and doors.

A special advantage is that rubber is a non-toxic coating that is environmentally friendly for people and the environment. It does not form mold, rot, insects, termites and other pests.

Very wear-resistant. Absorbs shocks, maintaining the durability of structures. Adheres to any surface, used for metal doors and even gates, hatches and cabinets, for industrial purposes - on electrical equipment and ventilation systems.

What should I do before installation?

If you want to ensure that when installing a self-adhesive seal on doors and windows there are no problems leading to its subsequent deformation or dismantling, be sure to follow the pre-installation procedure, namely:

• clean the surface from dust and dirt, wipe the surface with alcohol or acetone and dry thoroughly; visually mark the places where the seal will be glued and the places of contact (on the frame, sash, door or door frame);
• prepare the required length of the seal in advance; remove the protective layer gradually and press firmly to the base; after 2 hours, the glue finally sets to the base, drying occurs in temperature conditions from +5-40 degrees Celsius.

Source: vhod.guru/otdelka/uteplenie/samokleyuschiesya-uplotniteli-dlya-dverey-i-okon.html

Rubber seal.

Sealing a window using a rubber seal (insulation) is much more effective in terms of retaining heat with light-transmitting structures than previous options. Today you can find three types (classes) of this insulation on sale, differing only in thickness. Class “E” is intended mainly for plastic windows with small gaps between the frames. Class “D” is optimal for sealing the space between ordinary wooden windows. Class “P” is universal, it is suitable for all types of windows.

This article offered the reader only the basic, most popular methods of sealing windows for the winter. Of course, there are a number of other options for insulating window openings. However, either due to their excessive labor intensity or the cost of the materials used, they are noticeably inferior to the methods described above.

About insulation

Before you begin insulating measures, you need to understand the reason for the occurrence of cold air. The wooden structure serves to retain heat, but over time it can become deformed and stop performing its intended functions. The plastic double-glazed window retains heat and at the same time serves as soundproofing protection.

Several reasons have been identified why a draft occurs through these frames:

• Low-tech window installation. Often workers are dishonest about their work and do the installation quickly but with poor quality.
• Saving raw materials during installation. If the price of a window opening pleases you, then it is underestimated for a reason. Here you will save on insulation sealants, polyurethane foam, etc. As a result, installation and insulation will cost much more.
• Single-layer bags do not provide complete protection; they only protect the room from the street, but not from the penetration of cold.
• When the building shrinks and deforms, the window becomes skewed, after which the window frame no longer fits tightly, and air leaks begin.