Blowing From A Plastic Window: What To Do To Find And Eliminate The Cause

2024 Author: Bailey Albertson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 12:53

Blowing from a plastic window: finding out the reasons and eliminating drafts

Modern plastic windows sometimes come with surprises. The most common of these is draft. This leads to heat loss and cooling of the room. Therefore, it is worth identifying and eliminating the cause of this disorder.

Why plastic windows allow air to pass through

The reasons for heat loss can be the following:

• mistakes made during the installation of windows (there are gaps between the window structure and the wall, through which air passes);

  

  A poor-quality assembly seam will cause heat loss

• incorrectly adjusted mechanisms (there is a gap between the window sash and the frame when closing);

• Poor-quality materials or window fittings: over time, cracks can form in the PVC profile that allow air to pass through, locking mechanisms are not always able to ensure a tight fit of the sash to the frame. In the latter case, the mechanisms can be replaced by contacting the service center. If cracks have formed in the plastic, then, unfortunately, the entire window will have to be changed;

  

  Poor quality materials cause cracks in plastic windows

• a seal that has lost its elasticity. With proper care (lubricated with glycerin or silicone composition 2 times a year) it can last up to 10 years, but over time it needs to be replaced. The cause of gaps and heat loss can also be a seal that is too thin, initially unsuitable for the window profile system. In this case, the hardware creates a clamp around the entire perimeter, but the rubber does not properly cover the gap between the sash and the frame.

Video: why it blows from plastic windows

What to do if blowing from a plastic window

The first step is to find out which part of the window structure allows air to pass through.

How to determine where it is blowing from

Two ways to identify the location through which air is passing:

• scanning the window with a thermal imager is the easiest and safest way. You just need to turn on the device and aim at the window - cold areas that allow air to pass through, depending on the settings, will be displayed on the screen in white, black or blue;

  

  The tightness of the window can be checked with a thermal imager

• using a candle flame or a match. Slowly moving the candle along the window structure at a distance of 3-5 cm from the surface, observe the flame. Where there is air movement, the flame will begin to vibrate.

  

  A draft can be found by the flame of a match

Mechanism adjustment

If the window sash is leaking air, the problem is most likely due to a loose hold-down.

How to check:

1. Close the window completely by turning the handle down.
2. Try to pull the sash away from the frame with your hands in different places. If it works, then it does not press tightly, and, therefore, the mechanisms require adjustment.

How to adjust:

1. Remove the protective cover on the bottom fastening of the sash to the frame.

   

   You can adjust the sash position and the clamping force on the window fixing hinges

2. Using a 4 mm Allen key, align the vertical and horizontal position of the sash. Turning clockwise moves the movable part of the structure up and towards the handle. The eyeliner should be done little by little (no more than 90 °), checking each time the change in position and the pressure.

   

   You need a hex wrench to adjust the window

Video: how to adjust windows

Replacing the seal

If the seal has become unusable and does not provide a snug fit of the sash to the frame, it will have to be replaced:

1. Select the correct thickness for the new seal. If the window did not allow air to pass through before, you can cut a piece of old rubber from the window and take it with you to the store as a sample.

2. Dismantle the old rubber.

   

   Remove the old seal

3. Remove debris from the structure.

4. It is recommended to fill a new seal on the sash and frame from the upper parts. Without pulling or squeezing the rubber, lay it around the perimeter. The ends and angles of the seal can be glued to better adhere and not diverge.

   

   Insert a new seal into the grooves

Video: how to replace an elastic band on a plastic window

Elimination of gaps

If gaps have formed between the window structure and the wall (on the slopes or under the windowsill), you can eliminate them by re-foaming the voids:

1. Remove the remnants of the old foam if it is obvious that it has lost its properties (dried out, crumbled upon contact).

2. Fill the resulting voids with new polyurethane foam. For narrow slots, it is convenient to use a nailer with a long tip.

   

   It is convenient to fill with foam with a construction gun

Video: what to do if blowing between the window sill and the frame

The cracks in the window structure itself (the seam between the frame and the window sill, cracks in the profile) can be insulated with silicone or acrylic sealant. But it is better to use a special glue for PVC windows - "liquid plastic". It is strong, durable and, unlike sealants, does not change color (remains white) and does not accumulate dust.

1. Remove dust and dirt from the seam, for example with a brush.

2. To work neatly, use masking tape - glue it to the windowsill and frame, stepping back 1 mm from the seam.

   

   Masking tape will protect the window sill and frame from glue

3. Slide a special narrow tube onto the tube.

4. Squeeze liquid plastic from the tube along the seam.

   

   Seal the seam between the window and the sill

5. Remove excess funds.
6. And immediately, without waiting for the glue to dry, remove the tape.

Video: how to make a neat seam using liquid plastic

Covering windows with foil

You can insulate plastic windows using a thin transparent film:

1. Glue double-sided tape around the perimeter of the window frame (on the glazing beads).
2. Cut the foil to the size of the glass unit + 5 cm on each side.

3. Peel off the protective strips from the tape and stick the tape, starting from the top.

   

   Apply the plastic to the frame starting from the top

4. Press the tape firmly against the tape so that there are no air bubbles.
5. Spray the window with a stream of warm air from a hair dryer, first along the edges, then in the middle.
6. Cut off excess film along the outline.

Video: how to insulate windows with transparent film

So, we looked at what to do if blowing from a plastic window. Now you can find and eliminate the cause yourself.