The heating season is in full swing. It brings with it additional bill fees. However, you can reduce them a little by sealing the plastic windows. Your apartment will be warmer and you will pay significantly less. Here are effective ways to save during the fall and winter.

Over time, even the best-fitted windows can let in the cold, causing discomfort but also increasing heating bills. So it pays to find out how to seal them. The materials used and the assembly technique are important.

Why do windows let in cold air?

Up to 30% of the heat escapes through the windows. The reasons are different. With a significant drop in temperature, the material shrinks, so even these airtight elements can let in cold air from the outside.

In the case of old plastic windows, material wear occurs. On the other hand, in the case of new windows, the cause can be found in improper installation and often in bad settings.

How do you check if your windows are leaking?

To check your windows for leaks, simply place your hand on the hinges and handles. If you feel cold, it is a leaky window.

The second way is to insert a piece of paper between the frame and the sash and close the window. We can easily pull it out of the leaky one.

Some people even order a thermal imaging survey. These make it possible to find out exactly where the heat escapes the fastest. Such a test is good when we are concerned that more windows need to be sealed. This is, for example, the case when we buy a house for renovation.

Sealing plastic windows – effective methods

If you find that your windows are leaking, you should act as soon as possible. So what can we use to seal plastic windows?

  • Gaskets

The caulking method is best for plastic windows. Before the whole process, we have to clean the frame and wings from all dirt. First, we adjust the size of the seal to the window so that it can open and close freely. We select it on the basis of a warranty certificate or a contract with an assembly company. This sealing is done in accordance with the instructions on the package.

  • Sealing tape

We use this material to seal plastic windows from the outside. Then we stick half of this tape, preferably self-adhesive, on the frame and the wall. If followed correctly, this method will last for many years. We recommend using modern Duo tapes that adapt to temperature and humidity. We can also use multi-functional expansion tapes, which make installation easier, but also reduce sealing costs.

  • Pena

Plastic windows are sealed with foam using a gun. This material fits perfectly into any space. Do not forget that it increases its volume up to three times. However, we can remove the excess by cutting it off.

  • Silicone

We use this material to seal small gaps in windows. Unlike foam, we apply a large amount of silicone because it does not have expansion properties. Most often, barely visible white silicone is used for plastic windows.

  • Sealing strip

Thanks to the self-adhesive edges of the sealing strip, its installation is simple and trouble-free. In addition, this material guarantees sealing for many years. During assembly, we place the sealing strip to the windows so that it fits the edges. The protruding material can be trimmed.

Is the cold wind blowing through the apartment? Do not forget to pay attention to these elements