Old window fixtures? Find out how to insulate them to keep drafts out and the heat in
Feeling drafts of cold air entering through the windows is not only very annoying and potentially harmful to health, but it is also a factor that contributes to increasing energy consumption when you want to heat the home. This is due to the window fixtures not being well insulated, which, in turn, could be due to the fact that they are very old and/or have become damaged over time.
But it is not the case that the only solution available is to replace the windows (which involves a very large expense). There are ways to insulate windows and greatly reduce heat loss. Read on to find out more:
If you notice cracks around the window frames, you may consider filling them with polyurethane foam, but only when the cracks fairly large.
Alternatively, you can proceed with caulking, to be used on smaller, narrower cracks: it is a question of sealing them with silicone, or special latex, with a procedure that is similar to that used on ships to waterproof them.
When, on the other hand, there are no cracks and fissures around the frame but the problem comes at the point of the junction between the glass with the wood frame, then insulating gaskets are often used, usually made of rubber. They are cheap but need to be replaced more often, as they wear out quite quickly compared to other materials.
Again, to increase the insulating capacity of the glass, there are special contact films that can be used. They are spread on the glass and are also able to filter out the sun's rays (thus also useful against the summer heat).
Then there are more rudimentary solutions which can sometimes come in handy in emergencies (or in less lived-in environments such as attics and closets): instead of contact films, you can use bubble wrap sheets which actually insulate pretty well. Or plastic screens can be added to create a sort of second pane of glass: these are fixed to the frames, and therefore create an air chamber between themselves and the glass and performs the same function as the double glazing.
Have you ever tried one of these solutions?
