Features of using hydro and vapor barrier of PVC windows

In warmth, a person feels comfortable and cozy. Recently, many people have been installing plastic windows. If competent work has been carried out, and the windows have reliable waterproofing of the joints, then you don’t have to worry about the microclimate in the room. It will be favorable, and moisture will not seep through the frames.

To waterproof window openings, special materials are used to seal the seam between the wall and the glass unit. The use of polyurethane foam helps protect window systems from excess moisture and possible leakage. The main impact falls on the material itself. It gets wet and ceases to protect structures from moisture. Some builders claim that its use promotes good waterproofing of window seams and joints. Actually this is not true.

Special materials are used to waterproof window openings.

The composition of the polyurethane foam includes polyurethane. It fills or covers seams, cracks, voids, small joints or cracks in window structures, but to ensure reliability and protect the room from excess moisture, additional waterproofing must be done and other materials must be used.

Polyurethane foam contains polyurethane

Has the following properties:

• when water enters, its volume increases many times;
• at an air temperature of 5-35C and a humidity of 60%, the hardening process occurs during the day;
• susceptible to the destructive effects of UV rays and water;
• has sound and heat insulation characteristics.
• When installing windows, you need to pay special attention to waterproofing the joints, using not only foam, but also other means.

Particular attention should be paid to joints.
If the work is carried out efficiently and the frames are installed correctly, the room will be reliably protected from excess noise and dust. It will always be warm in such a room. If errors are made during installation, over time, gaps and cracks will appear at the joints, collecting moisture, which in turn will lead to the formation of fungus or mold.

If all the work was carried out correctly, unnecessary sounds and dust will not enter the house

Installation of hydro and vapor barrier for windows

The tightness of the window complex is ensured by three significant layers. Competent work on filling the gap between the opening and the PVC frame includes them:

1. Polyurethane foam. Ensures a strong fit of the window to the walls, prevents liquid from the street from getting inside the object, minimizes heat loss and the process of draft penetration.

Feature of the mass: it is vulnerable to UV rays, which is why it loses its properties over time and weakens.

1. Waterproofing layer – eliminates the leakage of moisture from the outside, maintains the existing thermal regime inside the object. The one-sided vapor permeability of the material creates correct ventilation for hydro-protection of window seams.

Important property: protects mounting layers from the influence of UV rays.

1. Vapor barrier layer - placed from the inside of the room, it almost completely prevents moisture from getting into the seams. Often done for rooms with high vapor levels (toilets, baths, kitchens). For dry treatment of slopes, types of foil-based vapor barriers are used.

Craftsmen and owners of objects with glazing, when solving the issue of hydro-protection, choose different materials, depending on the regional climate and the form of finishing. Often only foam is used. However, only the use of all three layers of insulation will make it possible to completely avoid damage to the insulation, accumulation of moisture in the slopes and freezing of the seams.

Slope insulation

The following materials are used for waterproofing window slopes and openings:

• standard sealant;
• liquid sealant;
• sealing tape.

The most commonly used sealant is silicone. It is based on silicone rubber. Its production does not require large expenses. Silicone materials, in turn, are divided into neutral and acetate. The former are excellent for smooth and porous surfaces, including external window joints or sealing an entire block. The sealant is non-toxic and adheres well to glass, wood, ceramics, walls, aluminum, etc. Its properties are not affected by temperature changes. Acetate masses are intended for application to glass surfaces.

The most commonly used sealant is silicone

Acrylic products are often used in the construction industry. They help protect the foam from moisture. Acrylic-based sealants have low vapor permeability, are resistant to temperature changes, and adhere perfectly to various substrates, except bitumen and resin. They are often used to waterproof window seams.

Acrylic agents help protect foam from moisture

Polysulfide sealants are elastic materials. They can be used at any temperature and on any surface. They are used to seal the block together with primers. Polyurethane-based sealants are recognized as the cheapest. High heat resistance allows them to be used on cold surfaces such as concrete or brick. The sealant does not react to acids and oils, hot or cold materials.

Liquid sealant is a one-component adhesive mass. It is based on white PVC. This sealant is durable, adheres well to the wall, to polyvinyl chloride, and is resistant to UV rays and temperature changes.

Recently, sealing tape has been increasingly used to seal the block. It is attached to a flat surface. The tape protects the seam and structure from excess moisture and allows steam to escape. Resistance to rain or wind depends on the degree of its compression.

Waterproofing windows from outside

Window installation seams are heavily exposed to influence from the street. When specialists do not use special insulating materials, they at least plaster the slopes or cover them with panels. GOST assumes the use of water-based sealant or tape.

Waterproofing tape

The sealed strip is used in diffuse or PSUL format. These sealants have the following characteristics:

1. PSUL. The pre-compressed dense concrete-colored tape is similar in appearance to foam rubber. One side has an adhesive with a protective film. The product is sold rolled up and unrolled only during installation. If you unwind the roll earlier, it will be unusable. A special characteristic of PSUL is its expansion in cross section. Therefore, it is possible to fill any errors between the frame and the wall. The tapes prevent water from seeping into the seams, after which the moisture dries out.
2. Diffuse vapor-permeable tape. It is often used in the vicinity of PSUL, to seal the bottom of the PVC block in the places where the ebb system is fixed.

No. 3. Debugging the clamping mechanism

House shrinkage and weather factors can lead to slight distortion of the window sashes and slight deformation of the sealing rubber. This leads to deterioration of thermal insulation, but in this case, returning the former tightness is a matter of a couple of minutes, however, knowledge of the design of a plastic window and skills in working with tools will be needed.

The clamping mechanism can be adjusted using special eccentrics located along the perimeter of the sashes. To ensure a tighter fit of the sash, the eccentric must be turned clockwise using a 4 mm hex key. Focus on the serif located on each such element. When it is directed towards the street, the pressure is weakened; when it is directed towards the seal, it is strengthened. The video shows everything well.

adjustment of the hinges , which also have their own mechanism responsible for the pressure density, helps to insulate a plastic window Here the regulation is carried out using a hexagon. You should follow a simple rule: if the tongue is pushed out strongly, then the sash fits well. To pull it out, you need to turn the hex counterclockwise if the hinges are on the left, and clockwise if on the right.

Things are even simpler with glazing beads . It is enough to pry off the old, loose glazing bead with a thin spatula, and install a new one in its place, which can be bought from the same company that sold and installed your windows.

After adjustment, check whether the tightness of the structure has improved using your palm or a lighter. If everything is done correctly, but there is still a draft, you will most likely have to change the seal.

Vapor barrier from inside

The seams of windows inside the room must be treated. Protection is required from generated steam and water. Insulation activities on the inside of the object are carried out using liquid mastics or tape.

Vapor barrier tapes

A well-known building material for sealing a window from inside a room is hydro-vapor barrier tape (GPL). It is characterized by:

• polyethylene composition (most often);
• the main part of the products is produced with foil coating on one side;
• complete protection of the profile and opening from moisture and air (the tape does not allow them to pass through);
• resistance to household chemicals and sun rays.

This material has the highest protection against getting wet.

Vapor barrier tape

Do-it-yourself waterproofing of a plastic window

When the insulation problem is related to water penetrating through the cracks, then comprehensive hydro-protection is done in the contact areas of the frame. This work allows you to eliminate leaks, and is much cheaper than replacing PVC.

Waterproofing is carried out in several steps:

• the nominal dimensions of the gaps are found;
• the surface is cleaned of dust;
• PVC installation is carried out;
• the foam is “poured”;
• layers of protection from vapor-permeable and vapor barrier agents are applied;
• the window sill and drain are fixed;
• The seams and joints are treated with high quality foam.

Process Features:

• Before installing the structure, the opening is measured taking into account the maximum deviations likely due to weather changes and shrinkage;
• if PVC is delivered in winter, then the object must “settle” in the room for 10-12 hours;
• when there is no space heating, increase the gap between the joints.

To completely prevent water from penetrating into the room, insulation is created inside and outside.

Note: when working with liquid mastics, there are specialized installation rules, for example, the SAZI system. The method was developed in accordance with GOST. For work on the outside, there is a vapor-permeable one-component hydro-protection STIZ-A; the inside is covered with STIZ-V vapor barrier paste, based on acrylic.

Materials for waterproofing plastic windows

The choice of building materials is carried out in accordance with the working conditions. To solve different problems, building materials are different.

Task	Materials
First window installation	Select foam and hydro-protective tape
Repair work of adjacent areas	One tape is enough
Frame repairs	Silicone sealants are used

Waterproofing tape for window

There are 4 types of tapes:

1. Steam and moisture resistant with adhesive. A regular tape is distinguished by its ability to keep out both drizzle and air. It is reasonable not to use it for buildings made of aerated and foam concrete. When there are voids in the joint seam, a fungus “starts”, destroying the stone.
2. Insulated. It has a coating in the form of a reflective layer. It keeps the cold out and keeps the room warm. Often used in frosty climates.
3. Pre-compressed. Retains water but conducts air. Suitable for use in buildings made of foam concrete. In cold areas it can be used in combination with a diffuse outer tape.
4. Tapes for outdoor use. Resistant to weather extremes (heat, snow, rain). They limit the passage of moisture from the outside, and somewhat interfere with the ventilation of the seams. This is a suitable material for objects where renovations have been done.

The upper 3 formats are used only inside buildings.

Polyurethane foam

Suitable only during the installation of PVC. It foams in liquid form in the gap between the wall and the frame structure. As it dries, its pores expand and fill the voids. Secondary foaming of seams does not give the desired result. In such situations, the old foam is dismantled and a new one is then blown in.

Important: foam is not suitable for the life of bugs, bacteria and fungi, however, it can burn out under UV rays and crumble. Therefore, additional insulation is implied.

Window sealant

This finishing building material is offered in various types:

• in dry;
• in a tube;
• like paste;
• in a bucket in the form of a ready-made mixture.

The tube and pastes are suitable for coating small seams and are produced in small volumes. Ready-made materials are used if complete installation is carried out at one time.

Attention: the products dry out quickly, so it is a mistake to keep the containers open - this leads to the unsuitability of the composition.

Liquid sealant for windows

Liquid mastic is suitable for sealing seams and for frame repairs (when the rubber of the glass unit is worn out or has mechanical damage).

The characteristics include: reliability of insulation, ease of use and durability. In terms of price, they are the most expensive. Available in white and transparent.

Stage of evolution No. 3

Recently, steam and waterproofing for windows has begun to be carried out using completely new means for this area, which are simply applied to problem areas. Here are the two most popular groups:

1. Water repellents . They are organic compounds that include silicon in their structure. When applied, they form a transparent “breathable” waterproof film, which has absolutely no effect on the appearance of the window unit and the adjacent wall. Examples:

• "Aquasil" is characterized by increased fire safety and economical operation. Its service life exceeds 1 year, and the cost is from 310 rubles per liter;

Sample of water repellent "Aquasil"

• “Aquastop” has no serious temperature restrictions and costs from 250 rubles per kilogram;

Sample of water repellent "Aquastop"

• "AKVAFOB-E" increases the frost resistance and strength properties of the treated surface. The price of such a solution is 330 rubles per kilogram;

Sample of water repellent "AKVAFOB-E"

• "Razacor" imparts dirt-repellent properties and increases adhesion of the application area. It costs 220 rubles per liter;

Sample of water repellent "Razacor"

1. Liquid rubber . It costs much more, but it has a number of excellent qualities:

• The highest level of adhesion with any building material;
• Anti-corrosion properties, allowing to protect the treated surface from premature destruction;
• Ease of use. Especially when it comes to sprays;
• Low mass of frozen film. No additional loads on the window are expected;
• Wide temperature range, allowing the substance to be used at different times of the year;
• Long service life;
• Excellent elasticity;
• Absolutely waterproof

For example, I propose to consider the American spray “Plastidip”:

Parameter	Description
Manufacturer country	USA
Brand	"PLASTI DIP"
Volume	0.325 l
Weight	0.3 kg
Color	Transparent
Price	850 rubles

Sample of liquid rubber in the form of Plastidip spray

Features of the use of window sealants

Waterproofing is carried out only on an area that is cleared of debris and dirt. If PVC openings are damaged, they are repaired in advance. After installing the frame, the joints are foamed completely around the perimeter. Harness ruptures are not allowed. Excess parts of the foam are cut off after it hardens. Painting tape is carefully applied to the seams. Mastic is spread over the seam and joint with a spatula. The thickness of its layer is acceptable within the range of 2.5-4.5 mm. Manipulating the sealant in rain or snow (at air humidity above 90%) is a mistake.

When creating waterproofing inside and outside, one of 4 types of liquid mastics is used. Unlike films, they do not conduct water that may be inside the seam. This is important to consider when working on streets.

Silicone sealants for windows

The most popular mounting mastics are silicone. They come in acetate and neutral.

1. Acetate ones are suitable for smooth surfaces: painted wood, plastic and glass. They are used extremely rarely for interaction with stone joints.
2. Neutral - fits well on PVC profiles and hardened cement.

These sealed materials do not have a toxic effect. Mastics are effective in temperatures from -50 to + 170.

Acrylic sealants for windows

Acrylic-based waterproofing mastics are the least elastic compared to silicone ones. Therefore, their implementation is not rational in buildings with a probability of shrinkage, for example, in wooden houses and frame structures.

Peculiarities:

• have different textures that combine favorably with most building materials;
• presented in a wide range of colors;
• Compared to other sealants, they look advantageous when finishing facade work.

The base of acrylic insulating products is stronger and more durable than that of silicone counterparts.

Semi-sulfide window sealants

This type of product is also called thiokol. The mixture is suitable for any climate. It is viscous and has low density. For high-quality adhesion to stone or concrete, their surface is “passed” with a primer in advance.

The characteristics of these pastes are similar to silicone neutral mastics. Semi-sulfide mastics are suitable for repairing mechanical defects in the frame (from impacts or unsuitability of fittings).

Polyurethane sealants for windows

This product format is classified as polyurethane foam. It has the same properties, only polyurethane is more fragile. They quickly and efficiently fill any voids. It is meant to be used together with a hydro-strip that creates protection.

Polyurethane sealant for windows

Motivation

First, I want to devote a few words to the reasons why waterproofing and vapor barriers are necessary for windows. The fact is that the joints of a double-glazed window with a window opening are not affected in any way by its quality. That is, even if you purchase a very expensive and high-quality product, there remains a danger that moisture will find its way at the junction of two structural elements of the house.

Possible result of poor-quality window waterproofing

As a result, instead of warmth, silence and dryness, you get draft, street noise and dampness. So, if you don’t want the money spent on a window unit to simply be thrown away, pay due attention to protecting its joints with the wall.

Waterproofing with sealing tape for windows

At the junction of the slopes with the frames, a through gap always remains. When foam was used, there are also small voids. Moisture passes through them. To correct the situation, some craftsmen plaster, fill the joints with cement or coat them with acrylic mixtures. This does not give a quality result.

Alternative	Minuses
Plaster	Gets wet and crumbles
Cementing	Material leaks water
Acrylic	Errors in adhesion to slopes, formation of microcracks, as a result

The quality of work can only be achieved by using waterproofing tape. Action plan:

1. Eliminate all dust and construction debris from the slope and frame using dry rags.
2. Degreasing surfaces with acetone or alcohol solution.
3. Gluing tapes. The spool is delicately untwisted and the film is removed.

Tip: it is better to distribute the width of the tape in half (equal parts on the wall and frame).

This type of work is considered the final stage, and is carried out after the introduction of PVC.

Main mistakes

When carrying out work on sealing plastic windows that have lost their heat-protective properties with their own hands, inexperienced owners make typical mistakes:

• dismantle, change structural elements, components and fittings during the period of validity of the manufacturer’s and installer’s warranty; During the warranty period, invite specialists to eliminate defects;
• when replacing mechanisms and accessories, “non-original” repair kits are used;
• begin to eliminate defects with the onset of frost; it is better to do repairs in the warm months or, at least, on a dry, windless day;
• show negligence in identifying gaps and voids, seal seams and voids poorly.

Important! Failure to comply with the technology for insulating plastic windows and the use of low-quality materials leads to constant problems and discomfort for residents.

Waterproofing the installation seam

The considered building materials and vapor-waterproofing methods are suitable, for the most part, for contact with stone buildings. When waterproofing window seams is carried out in wooden buildings, there are rules:

1. Upon completion of installation of the frame in the opening of the ram, the installation seams are foamed very carefully.
2. It is necessary to treat the seams with a silicone or semi-sulfide product.
3. The sealant is selected according to the conditions of use.

List of well-known and proven manufacturers of products for seam work:

• “Vikar” – ribbons;
• Ceresit – all types;
• “Moment” – the entire hydro-protective line;
• “STIZ” – dry and ready-made mixtures, semi-sulfide mastics.

Not so long ago, bitumen sealants began to be supplied to the market - they create high-quality insulation of PVC and seams. They consist of resin, which is excellent for finishing the seams of wooden houses.

Installation procedure

Work on additional insulation of the window seam from moisture is carried out both before and after its installation in the opening. In most situations, it is more convenient to glue tape materials before installation. The same cannot be said about liquid sealants, the use of which is possible only on an already installed block.

Gluing the tape (on the outside PSUL and diffusion under the tide, on the inside of the GPL) and installing the window is carried out according to the following algorithm:

• If the opening has a quarter into which part of the outer profile will rest, we perform a preliminary installation to mark the places where the waterproofing will be glued.
• We take the dimensions and cut the corresponding pieces of tape with allowance for the corner joints;
• Removing the protective strip, glue pre-compressed tape on the sides and top;

• We glue GPL to the inside of the frame along the entire perimeter;

• We level the window in the opening, fix it with fasteners and fill the seam with foam.

• After polymerization of the foam sealant, we remove its excess and glue the internal vapor barrier to the opening.

• We glue a diffuser tape under the casting profile to the lower profile from the outside.

When installing in an opening without a quarter, preliminary test installation of the block is not required, since the PSULs are attached to the ends of the frame, and for this no marking is needed.

How to make waterproofing in a wooden frame house

The process begins with processing the wall where the installation of the double-glazed window is planned. The task is to create a layer of hydro-protection for PVC openings in a wooden or frame building.

Instructions:

1. The outer part must be covered with a wind-waterproofing film, and the inside with a vapor barrier film. Both building materials must cover the entire opening.
2. The edges of the film are secured with ordinary tape. Construction tape provides additional reliability.
3. Using a building level, level the frame vertically and horizontally. If irregularities, even small ones, are detected, use special leveling wings.
4. The frame is attached to the walls using mounting plates (they must first be attached to the frame, and then to the walls).
5. Seams up to 2 cm thick are left completely along the opening, then they are blown in with foam (during the work, the PVC surface is protected with film).
6. As the mounting film dries, its excess parts are eliminated.

Note: wood, even treated with good compounds, gets wet. It, in accordance with the seasons and temperature data, changes its own geometry. The use of hard mastics is destructive - they will crumble and come off the seams or damage the frame.