The technologies of manufacturing plastic windows are constantly developing. They ensure the improvement of the insulation of indoor premises from external influence. But for a long time manufacturers did not pay attention to installation. Large percentage of heat loss occurs precisely because of non-compliance with the standards of placement and insulation of the window system during the installation process.

That is why the technological solution was developed to prevent such a situation. It is called a warm window installation. It includes several additional processes, as well as use of more reliable insulating materials.

What is a warm window installation? Why is it useful?

Warm installation of uPVC windows is a sequence of installation stages in which high sound, hydro- and heat-insulation are guaranteed. These are the requirements for modern window systems. That is why the concept of warm installation must be specified. It is the latest method of installation which provides better protection of the mounting seam due to the use of additional or more effective insulating materials.

The main purpose of using this method is to protect the building from excessive heat loss and moisture accumulation both inside of the building and in building structures. In fact, warm installation can be divided into three stages with the use of external, internal and intermediate construction and insulation materials.

The use of this technology leads to:

• optimization of the microclimate inside of the building;
• reduction of heating costs;
• increasement of the exploitation durability.

IMPORTANT! All the listed advantages are the result of the reduction of the negative impact of thermal bridges formed between the window system and building structures.

Warm installation vs standard window installation

Standard window installation is significantly different from warm installation technology. Let's consider both technologies.

Standard installation

It is done quite quickly, ensures reliable fixation of the window in the opening and has a low level of insulation parameters due to the use of common construction materials. The sequence of actions is as follows:

• Dismantling works (if necessary) or preparation of a window opening. At this stage should be removed the remains of finishing materials and embedded parts of building structures.
• Installation of the window system and its vertical/horizontal alignment using plastic tires and wedges.
• Marking the places of the technological openings of the window box. Then openings are illuminated and dowels should be installed.
• The window is installed and fixed in the opening.
• All gaps are filled with mounting foam.

Warm installation technology

The labor input and cost of installing warm windows is higher than the usual installation due to the use of multi-layer insulation which consists of the following elements:

1. The inner layer - performs the function of protecting the room from heat loss and at the same time does not let moisture-saturated air inside the structure between the window and the wall of the building.
2. The middle layer - performs the function of thermal insulation. It simultaneously minimizes acoustic and vibrational noises from the outside.
3. The outer layer performs protective functions, as it prevents negative factors in the form of precipitation and wind from penetrating into the structure. At the same time, these materials contribute to the removal of excess moisture from the structure to the outside.

What are the stages of warm window installation?

Warm window installation technology involves the following stages:

1. Dismantling, preparatory stage and initial measurements for marking the place of installation of anchor fasteners. This process is completely identical to ordinary installation work.
2. Insulation of the seam between the window box and the elements of the building structure. Here is what the process of warm windows installation looks like:

• Installation of an internal layer with the use of a special vapor barrier tape, which from one side provides a barrier against moisture penetration and from another side it diverts moisture-saturated air from the structural element to the outside.
• Laying of self-expanding tape in the gap between the frame and the building structure instead of mounting foam. In this case the box is more reliably fixed with the help of dowels. The use of such a tape provides the maximum level of thermal insulation and completely excludes the possibility of the formation of ‘cold bridges’.
• Applying and fixing the waterproofing tape on the external side. It completely eliminates the possibility of getting moisture inside and removes air saturated with moisture to the outside.

Prices for warm window installation

As it was mentioned before, the cost of installing warm windows is slightly higher than the price of a regular installation. This happens due to the use of the latest higher quality and expensive insulating materials. At the same time, the price difference is fully compensated by the following factors:

• Significant increase of insulation characteristics. As a result it leads to the reduction of heating costs and heat loss.
• The durability of the structure increases due to a decrease in the intensity of external seasonal influence.
• Window systems require less adjustment because of minimization of temperature deformations.

What mistakes should be avoided during warm installation?

Here are the most common mistakes which inexperienced installers can make during warm installation:

• Replacement of materials specified by the manufacturer with budgetary analogues with the aim of saving money.
• The use of mounting foam because of too large gaps between the window and the building structure.
• Deviation from the vertical and use of less effective methods of waterproofing from the outside.

Advantages of warm window installation

Warm installation of PVC windows gives to users the following advantages:

• protection of heat-insulating materials located inside of the joint structure from the negative impact of moisture coming both from the outside and inside of the building;
• prevention of freezing of joints and formation of "cold bridge";
• additional reliable fixation of the window frame;
• elimination of the possibility of deformation due to the negative influence of mounting foam;
• preventing mold formation on the slopes of the window unit.

Properly installed high-quality windows and entrance doors will help to keep the heat in your home. Visit our configurator or contact our manager who will help you to choose the optimal solution for your home.