Proper MethodWindow Sealingof a House
In autumn and winter, there are various solutions to raise indoor temperatures and prevent cold air from entering, such as using fireplaces, heaters, and other heating devices.
When doors and windows open and close, they let a lot of cold air into the house and waste a significant amount of energy. By insulating windows, you can significantly reduce cold drafts. It’s worth noting that the energy loss in double-glazed windows is much less than in standard windows.
However, the main role of double-glazed doors and windows in buildings is thermal and sound insulation. Therefore, these types of doors and windows can also be insulated during cold seasons. In this section ofSelMagz, we will explore methods for insulating doors and windows and suitable techniques for properly sealing them against the cold.
Methods for Insulating Doors and Windows Against Cold
- Sealing and using window trim. The first step is to find cracks and prevent air from entering through them. Seal both the inside and outside of the windows and use special sealing strips in the window frame.
- One easy method to find window cracks is to use sunlight during the day. If sunlight enters through gaps around the windows, there is definitely a crack present.SunlightIf sunlight streams into the house around the windows, a crack exists.
- Another method is to use a candle. If you place a lit candle around the window and the flame flickers, it indicates a draft. To test this method, make sure to turn off heating or cooling devices to prevent wind from affecting the candle flame.
Before starting to seal, clean old seals and wipe the window surface with a damp cloth to ensure it’s completely clean and dry.
When sealing windows, pay attention to the following tips:
- Use flexible seals to reduce the chance of contraction.
- Use a sealing tool and insert the caulking tube into it for application.
- Carefully draw the caulk along the crack to create a straight line.
- If the shape of the caulk line is important to you, smooth the caulk over the gap with the back of a spoon or a water-dampened finger before it dries.
Different Types of Window Seals
Seals come in various models including foam, vinyl, resin, and others. Depending on your needs and the type of door and window, you can choose the appropriate seal. Vinyl and resin models are suitable for various gaps and all seasons, and they are easy to install and replace.
Old doors and windows tend to suffer more damage over time, making their insulation slightly more challenging. Foam seals are a good option for these types of doors and windows. The density of the foam material is one of its main advantages as it can keep gaps closed effectively.
Foam seals can be used on all four sides of the door and window frame. Most of these seals come with adhesive backing to stick to the surface and prevent air leakage and energy waste.
Using sealing objects behind doors and windows
There are other methods for insulating doors and windows.
1: Just as we swap thin clothes for warm sweaters in winter, you can use heavier, thicker curtains like velvet or linen to block cold air. Thick fabrics act as extra insulation in front of the window.
2: Using thick doors over exterior glass doors helps retain warmth effectively. While this may not be feasible in all homes, it can be very effective where implemented.
3: A folded doormat placed behind the door can significantly reduce cold air from entering the home. The larger the doormat, the more effectively it can block cold drafts.
4: Insulating film can be directly applied over windows, serving as an additional protective layer. However, keep in mind that cleaning the window will be difficult with the film in place. Therefore, use these films on windows that are not frequently visible.
5: Placing various objects such as blankets, fabrics, furs, and other similar items, or large portable objects behind doors and windows can effectively block airflow. To ensure this method works well, choose items that match your taste or coordinate with your home’s interior decoration, as they will need to be in place for a long time.
6: Use full-length curtains or blinds to create a warm environment in your home. These types of window treatments not only provide good cold insulation but also create a beautiful atmosphere in the house.
7: Blinds, which are a type of fabric cover, work like a fluffy comforter, creating multiple layers of insulation over the windows.
8: Cover glass entry doors with a full-length velvet curtain; during the day, you can pull the curtains aside for a more beautiful view, and when it gets dark and cold, you can close them again. These curtains add an extra layer of warmth between the glass and the exterior door.
9: Using plastic is another recommended solution to prevent excessive air leakage. To implement this method, cut the plastic slightly larger than the gaps around the doors and windows, and secure it tightly with tape.
If you want to set plastic over the entire door and window, you should use a hairdryer. First, warm the plastic with the hairdryer so it shrinks, and then apply it completely over the window surface; this method is commonly referred to as vacuum sealing the window with plastic.
10: Windows with wooden storm shutters are typically more expensive than others, but they work effectively to block cold air from entering. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, adding a winter window with a wooden storm shutter to an old sealed window saves energy as effectively as or better than a new double-glazed window.
