Despite the abundance of plastic structures in the window market, many prefer classic wooden windows. This choice is due to excellent environmental characteristics and the noble appearance of wood products.

However, these advantages fade into the background with the onset of cold weather, when the wind blows through the cracks, and the room is becoming more and more difficult to heat. There are two solutions to the problem: buy new PVC windows or properly insulate existing wooden windows.

Content

1. Insulation of wooden windows is an important component of the overall thermal insulation of a house
2. Technologies for warming wooden windows: from ancient methods to high-tech methods
   • paraffin, newspaper, cotton, paper and fabric strips in the fight for heat
   • use of foam rubber and sealing cords  video
   • heat-saving film progressive thermal insulation of windows
   • insulation of wooden windows with foam and putty
3. Features of insulation of old window structures made of wood
4. Swedish technology for warming wooden windows
   • the essence of the Scandinavian method and its main advantages
   • do-it-yourself window insulation using Swedish technology  video

Insulation of wooden windows is an important component of the overall thermal insulation of a house

To maintain a comfortable microclimate in the house in the winter, it is important to properly organize the thermal insulation of the room. Most of the attention is often paid to warming doorways and walls, since they occupy a large area and are more susceptible to freezing.

However, even window openings, despite the fact that they occupy a smaller area from the total perimeter of the room, play an important role in the struggle to preserve heat.

The structure of the window is not an integral structure and it is impossible to insulate it with standard heat insulators (polystyrene foam, polystyrene foam), and when using wooden frames, heat losses also increase through the formed cracks and voids. All this suggests that wooden windows are the most vulnerable target for the cold, through which you can lose up to 50% of the heat.

This problem remains relevant today, and to solve it, traditional, time-tested insulation methods and new, quite effective methods of thermal insulation are used.

Technologies for warming wooden windows: from ancient methods to high-tech methods

paraffin, newspaper, cotton, paper and fabric strips in the fight for heat

One of the oldest ways to warm windows is to use paraffin wax. This option is suitable for wooden frames with small gaps. Paraffin in this case will act as a sealant.

In a metal bowl in a water bath, paraffin must be heated. The syringe (without a needle) must be lowered for a minute in hot water so that it also warms up. After that, paraffin is collected in the syringe and carefully inserted into the voids of the window. If the slots are very large in them you can first push the cord or rope, this will reduce them in volume, and then paraffin paraffin.

A few years ago, the most popular materials for window insulation were newspapers, cotton wool and strips of fabric or paper. Newspaper and paper strips  used by our grandmothers. Newspapers twisted into a bundle were hammered into the window slots (some were pre-wetted). Top openings were sealed with strips of paper. As the glue used a solution of laundry soap or homemade glue (boiled water with flour).

Of course, this method rather reliably protected the room from drafts, but its use was accompanied by a number of disadvantages. With the advent of spring, in order to open the windows they had to be depressurized to remove the insulation. But, along with paper strips, a layer of paint was often removed, and it was difficult to wash the remaining paper from the window frame.

A less harmful method for the surface of window frames is to use cotton and fabric strips. Technical cotton wool replaces newspaper tow; she slammed all the cracks and voids in the window. Wool is not inferior to paper in its heat-insulating properties. On top of the cotton wool is sealed with strips of fabric (strip width 5cm), which is moistened with soapy water.

The advantages of this method include:

• affordability (if the house does not have all the necessary materials, then they can be purchased at any store for very little money);
• cotton wool is easily removed from window slots;
• the fabric does not leave marks on the frame when removed and does not harm the paintwork of the window.

use of foam rubber and sealing cords

When warming wooden windows with their own hands, foam rubber or special tubular profiles are often used sealing cords.

Foam rubber is perfect for windows in which large cracks have formed in the narthex, and the wings are too shriveled and do not provide a snug fit to the frames.

The thickness of the tape foam in a compressed form should correspond to the width of the voids and slots in the insulated window

The procedure for thermal insulation of windows with foam with a self-adhesive base:

• to measure the length and approximate width of the window slots is necessary to select the optimal foam tape;
• the places where the tape will be applied (moving parts of the window where cracks form when closing) must be cleaned of dirt, dust and degreased with alcohol or acetone;
• the tape must be separated from the protective base and glued to voids and joints;
• if additional sealing is necessary, the joints, for the winter period, can be sealed with paper tape.

The service life of a foam rubber insulation is 2 years, after which it can be replaced with a new one (the price of a foam tape is not high, and installation is quite simple).

Today, sealing cords made from polyethylene foam, rubber, polyurethane and PVC are widely used.

The warming profile is made of various shapes, this is noticeable if you look at the cord in section. A profile in the form of the letters P and D is used to insulate wooden windows with large cracks, a profile with an end face resembling the letter E for windows with small cracks.

The material of the seal itself must be selected taking into account the climate and the need for frequent closing (opening) of the window. The most wear-resistant rubber, but it is less frost-resistant. Polyvinyl chloride cords are not brittle (do not crumble) and are able to withstand significant temperature fluctuations.

Usually, sealing cords, like foam tapes, have a self-adhesive side, but if not provided, then silicone sealant or glue can be used to fix it to the window profile.

Seals sealed on silicone sealant for up to five years last the longest.

Installation of sealing cords is performed in the same way as insulation with foam tape, however, it must be borne in mind that the insulation of the window must be carried out at an air temperature outside the window of at least 10 degrees.

heat-saving film progressive thermal insulation of windows

Heat-saving film is a new word in the thermal insulation of rooms and window structures in particular. The principle of the film is to reflect infrared rays and transmit the visible spectrum of light.

The heat-saving film consists of the thinnest layers of polyester, which are processed by platinum and gold atoms. Due to this, there is a delay and reflection of thermal radiation coming from the room through the window to the street.

Heat-saving film has the following characteristics:

• material transparency;
• lack of optical distortion;
• high strength;
• resistance to many chemicals, including detergents;
• electrostatic inertness does not attract dust to windows;
• safety of use in case of damage to the window, the glass will not fly apart by many fragments;
• environmental Safety;
• window load is practically absent;
• frost resistance.

I must say that the use of such a film will really help reduce the heat loss of the room, but it will not save from drafts and purges. Therefore, the use of heat-saving film is more correctly considered as an addition to the thermal insulation of wooden windows.

insulation of wooden windows with foam and putty

Sometimes insulation of the window between the frame and slopes or between the frame and the windowsill is required. Large gaps can be eliminated using a mounting foam or a self-prepared solution. For the manufacture of putty, it is necessary to mix building gypsum and chalk in a ratio of 1: 2. Add a little water to the dry mixture and mix well.

This is an effective and very affordable method of thermal insulation of wooden structures, but the appearance of the window will suffer.

Putty will be less noticeable on the background of the window than the mounting foam.

Features of insulation of old window structures made of wood

It is much easier to insulate new window structures than old, worn wooden windows. Warming of old wooden windows is a complete repair, without which thermal insulation of the window will not make any sense.

The procedure for the restoration and warming of wooden windows may include the following actions:

1. The sash should be removed, wiped well and dried.
2. Gently dismantle the glass (remove the old putty and glazing beads).
3. Wash the glass (if there are cracks, replace it with a new one with a minimum thickness of 4 mm).
4. Remove old paint from the frame and level its surface as much as possible, this will ensure a snug fit of the frame to the window opening.
5. Putty to close up all defects, cracks and crevices.
6. Paint the casement windows and glazing beads with paint.
7. Attach the glass to the wings, fixing them with silicone sealant.
8. After the sealant and paint have dried, the sash can be installed in the window box.
9. If necessary, insulate the gaps between the flaps and slopes with foam or selecone sealant.

The performed work will not only allow more efficient use of heat in the room, but also extend the life of wooden windows.

Swedish technology for warming wooden windows

the essence of the Scandinavian method and its main advantages

Swedish (Scandinavian) technology for thermal insulation of wooden windows; insulation made using the Swedish Euro-Strip sealant. In principle, this is the same reconstruction of windows, including fitting the sashes, adjusting or replacing accessories, possible replacing the glass, sealing the joints between the glass and the frame, as well as installing insulation.

The main advantage of the technology is that the imported insulation is installed in a specially machined groove and the window can be opened (closed) without any problems at any time of the year. In addition, the appearance of the window does not suffer at all, and the window structure itself acquires some properties of plastic windows:

• sound insulation increases;
• the window does not allow drafts;
• window life is significantly extended (up to 10 years).

It is advisable to use Swedish technology for windows that are in a normal state, not deformed or rotted. It is better to entrust the work of insulation to a professional, since skills will be needed to make a groove. If you have confidence in your own abilities and experience with wood, then you can save and conduct thermal insulation yourself.

do-it-yourself window insulation using Swedish technology

Before starting work, it is necessary to assess the condition of the window, calculate the required amount of material, determine the type of seal and purchase it, and also prepare all the tools.

We will analyze the process of window insulation using Swedish technology in stages:

1. Dismantling the sash window sash is removed from the hinges (at this stage, you may need a hammer).
2. The most critical step in the manufacture of a groove under the seal The necessary groove is machined along the perimeter of the window sash with a special milling cutter. The size of the groove will depend on the diameter of the tubular insulation.
   
3. After the groove is prepared, it is necessary to fit the sashes under the window opening, remove the swollen wood and install the sealant in the groove.
4. With a sealant sealant you can seal the fit of the frame to the glass.
5. The sash is installed in place, and the fittings are adjustable.

The whole procedure for updating and warming a window with skillful execution takes several hours, but poor-quality work can lead to a deterioration in the appearance of the window or the need for its complete replacement.

  Insulation of wooden windows is an excellent alternative to buying and installing new plastic window systems, which allows you to save money and keep warm in the house.

Author: Sergey and Svetlana Khuentsov

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