Blowing out the window: causes and solutions

The question of why it blows out of the window is asked very often. If you ignore the problem of drafts, then heat losses will grow — and very soon, even at not the lowest temperature outside, the owner of the room will feel severe discomfort from the cold.

To prevent this, it is worth paying attention to the problem of blowing out of the window as early as possible. To figure out exactly where it can blow, why there is a draft and how to get rid of it, we will try in this article.

Localization of purging

Modern PVC window is quite airtight — tight pressing of the sash to the frame minimizes air exchange. But sometimes the tightness is broken, which leads to blowing. The most problematic areas:

• Between the hinges in the middle part of the sash.
• In the corner of the window.
• On the threshold of the balcony door.
• At the junction of the frame and window sill.
• Along the slope.
• Under the bead.

Blowing is detected quite simply — the raised hand feels the flow of cold air. If in doubt, you can use a candle or a lighter — a draft will deflect the flame. In winter, ice or frost may appear at the place of blowing.

Why is it draughty from the window?

Most often, the cause of blowing is a loose pressing of the sash to the frame. The sash can deform or warp under its own weight — and accessories with knocked-down settings can no longer tightly press it to the frame.

Other possible reasons for blowing a plastic window:

• The seal loses elasticity due to drying, freezing or natural aging of the material. It is also possible to deform the seal due to too strong pressure - the petal loses its shape and does not restore it even after opening the window.

Pay attention! The seal needs to be taken care of, at least twice a year, lubricating it with a protective compound. If this is not done, then the sealing circuit will last not 20-30 years, but not more than 5 years — then it will need to be changed.

• The tightness of the mounting seam at the junction of the frame to the window sill or slopes is violated. In the lower part of the window, an influx of ice may form at the place of blowing, and in strong winds, the window emits an unpleasant high-frequency sound.

Sometimes there is no blowing as such — but there is the effect of a draft or cold wind. The reason is the high thermal conductivity of the double—glazed window: single-chamber double-glazed windows without energy saving quickly cool down and become sources of unpleasant sensations. And the mobility of cold air is provided by convection.

Independent solution of the problem

Before you start adjusting or sealing, you need to understand exactly where it blows. We have already talked about using a candle, but there is another way to determine blowing. A sheet of paper is clamped between the frame and the sash in a "suspicious" place. If it is pulled out effortlessly, it means that the pressure is insufficient:

• Eccentric trunnions on the sash are used to strengthen the clamping. We rotate the trunnion with a hex key or pliers in such a way that the risk on it is directed towards the street.

Pay attention! For different models of accessories, the principle of adjusting the clamp may differ, therefore, before starting the setup, download the manufacturer's instructions specifically for the kit you have installed.

• To restore the elasticity of the seal (if it is still possible), treat it with a special lubricant. It is best to use compounds that are included in the "PVC Structures Care Kit". If there are none, use a neutral silicone—based lubricant.

Fighting purging: the help of a master

In difficult cases, it is worth contacting a specialist for setting up and repairing PVC windows. Thanks to his qualifications, he can cope with more serious tasks and restore the tightness of the window more effectively:

• Most often, the problem of the sash misalignment or insufficiently strong clamping is solved by adjustment. When adjusting, screws on hinges and trunnions are used. It is also possible to adjust the double—glazed window - due to the displacement of the center of gravity of the sash, its distortion is eliminated.
• Blowing from under the bead is most often caused by incorrect selection of the bead profile. Beads with a thin leg do not provide sufficient clamping force, and therefore a gap is formed through which cold air penetrates. There is only one way out — replacing the beads with an exact fit to size.
• Replacing a double-glazed window can help if the entire area of the window becomes a source of cold. If the thickness of the glazing increases (instead of a single—chamber double-glazed window will be installed), it will also be necessary to replace the beads.
• A complete replacement of the seal is also possible — the elastic contour will block the gap and restore tightness.
• If the purging is localized under the window sill or in the area of slopes, a redesign of the structure will be required. Sealing with acrylic or silicone is applicable as a temporary measure. For a permanent effect, it is necessary to mount the structure according to the DSTU with the formation of an insulated three-layer mounting seam.

A careful study of the PVC structure will allow you to understand exactly where it blows from the window and why there was a purge. And it is possible to eliminate the reason why the room begins to suffer from drafts only after diagnosis — but it must be done! 

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