QUESTION: Windows and doors: how to eliminate drafts and replace seals?

Eliminating drafts and replacing worn-out seals in windows and doors is an effective way to make your home warmer, quieter, and more comfortable. To achieve the best results and avoid redoing the work twice, the process should be divided into several logical stages. At the first stage, it is necessary to clearly define the goal, assess the condition of the window and door units, determine the required budget, and compile a list of consumables.

To identify places of heat leakage and drafts, you can use a simple diagnostic method. Run a lit lighter or your hand along the perimeter of the sash of a closed window or front door on a windy day. The problem lies right where the flame begins to flicker or you feel a stream of cold air. Most often, the cause of drafts is the shrinkage, cracking, or loss of elasticity of the old rubber or foam seal.

Buying new seals requires attention to their profile and manufacturing material. Silicone and rubber seals last the longest, retaining their elasticity at temperature drops from minus forty to plus fifty degrees. Before installing new material, it is important to completely remove the old seal and thoroughly clean the grooves from dirt, adhesive residue, and dust using an alcohol solution.

The step-by-step process of replacing the seal is as follows:

Regular updating of the sealing contours every few years allows you to completely get rid of drafts, street noise, and significantly reduce the cost of heating the apartment in winter.