How to insulate a kitchen inside the house

Insulation with plastic panels

The most practical and economical way to insulate a kitchen is to use plastic panels, metal profiles, as well as foam or polystyrene foam. But, before starting repair work, you need to check the availability of the necessary materials, as well as tools.

Such materials and tools include: metal profile, polystyrene foam or polystyrene foam, plastic panels, metal screws, screwdriver, dowels with screws, profile fasteners, drill, stationery knife, construction meter, marker or construction pencil, primer, level, cladding adhesive insulation.

Having the above materials, as well as tools, you can begin insulation and cladding work. The first stage of such work is to clear the room of all things and furniture in order to have access to any point on the wall surface. After this, it is necessary to measure the height and width of the surface that will be insulated. This is necessary to know how long the profiles are needed, as well as their number. Having completed the measurements, it is necessary to cut the profile in accordance with the height of the ceiling.

Insulating the kitchen with panels

How to cover windows with toilet paper. How to glue windows with soap for the winter

We glue windows with soap

Man has always thought about improving living conditions and the comfort of his home. This has always been the case at all times. Strong winds and harsh winters leave little choice, forcing residents to seal their windows and insulate their homes. Of course, at the current stage of development of the construction industry there are many modern technologies for sealing windows and further retaining heat. Also, no one has canceled expensive plastic windows, which can forever solve the issue of saving heat in your apartment.

But not every family can afford to buy modern windows, and they are simply accustomed to gluing windows with soap for the winter the old fashioned way

Or in some other old and proven way, it doesn’t matter. There are a large number of old and quite effective methods for sealing windows that remain relevant to this day.

We will discuss the most famous and widely used, affordable method of sealing windows using strips of paper or fabric and simple laundry soap.

Eliminating shortcomings

The primary task before starting window covering is the following.

There are more convenient pasting methods

It is necessary to carefully examine all potentially dangerous places from where cold air can pass into the room. Determine how you want to insulate your windows. Then you need to purchase materials and available tools, if necessary. One of the simplest and most affordable methods of insulation is to cover windows with soap for the winter. This is the most popular and beloved method that our grandmothers and mothers used in those years when there was no talk of other innovations. The work, in principle, did not require much physical effort and consisted of several stages:

Carefully seal all detected cracks with rags or cotton wool using a knife;
cut strips of paper;
soak the pieces of paper in soapy water and carefully stick them on the window frames.

The main advantage of this method is that the white paper or fabric is not noticeable and does not interfere with the aesthetic appearance of the window.
The soap itself simultaneously serves as an adhesive and sealant, and also does not allow cold or wind to pass through. Also, already cut paper or fabric strips can be used several times without losing the quality of window insulation. The disadvantage of this budget method is that if there is a sharp change in temperature, the paper may peel off. When the warm season approaches, strips of paper or fabric can be easily and without much physical effort peeled off by simply moistening them with warm water. Typically, this very affordable and effective method is used to cover old wooden windows. In addition, instead of cotton wool, you can use other materials that are available on the farm. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diWmEA1RPlI

Last few tips

Before the cold weather, every person begins to think about such an important

question: how to save heat and insulate windows? This issue is all the more relevant and acute given the increasing prices for energy resources. It is known that poorly laminated windows do not retain even half the heat. Now there are modern insulating materials that allow you to effectively cover windows and contribute to impressive heat retention. But with such a variety of means, the choice always remains only with the person, which method of insulating windows, modern or old-fashioned, to choose.

How to calculate the amount of material

The number of profiles must be calculated based on the fact that they are attached to the wall in increments of 50 centimeters. Having prepared the material, you need to mark the locations for the holes for fastening and mounting the profiles. To do this, apply a profile on the left side of the surface and mark its position, then repeat this procedure in increments of 50 centimeters. Having marked the installation locations with a drill, holes are made from bottom to top in increments of 30 centimeters on both sides of the profile near each profile. Dowels are driven into the holes and the profile fasteners are secured.

Having completed such preparatory work, a number of profiles are installed to the fasteners, the level of the profiles is aligned with the building level. After this, the surface between the mounted profiles is treated with a primer, glue is mixed and foam or polystyrene foam is glued. This entire structure is sewn up with plastic panels using the same metal screws. Thus, you get a smooth, neat and insulated wall in the kitchen.

Regardless of whether a person lives in a private house or in an ordinary apartment, he wants to be in comfortable conditions, the main one of which is warmth.

However, this is not always possible to achieve, especially if we are talking about an object built from panels.

If the walls do not cope with their task of maintaining a comfortable air temperature, they need to be insulated. Read the article on how to do this.

Types of insulation

The choice of thermal insulation material is made taking into account the location of the insulated area. The most widespread are:

Polyurethane foam that helps fill the voids between the window block and the wall, i.e. form the so-called installation seam;
Mineral wool used when performing thermal insulation work inside the house, allowing to ensure a sufficient level of insulation of the window sill and slopes inside the building with the formation of an installation seam of more than 30 mm;
Expanded polystyrene, polystyrene foam, which allows you to insulate slopes both from the inside and outside, with the formation of a 30 mm installation seam;
Putty and plaster for external use, helping to protect the laid insulation from the effects of negative factors and increasing its thermal insulation properties;
Silicone-based sealant that closes various gaps between the fixed elements of the window unit;
Construction tape glued to a pre-formed sealing layer, or used instead;
Energy-saving film glued to glass;
Rubber seal purchased to replace an old one that does not fulfill its function.

Attention! In order for the formed thermal insulation layer to last long enough, it is protected with the help of slopes.

When is it necessary to insulate inside?

to insulate walls made of panels inside a house when external thermal insulation has proven to be ineffective . In addition, it is not always possible to carry it out, for example, installation of insulation from the outside cannot be carried out if the house is a panel high-rise, or the walls border technical spaces, for example, an elevator shaft.

Reasons for insulating walls from the inside:

The apartment is corner. In such a room, a large area of the walls comes into contact with frosty air, which is why it warms up worse and cools down quickly.
Due to high heat loss, mold begins to grow in the corners of the walls.
There is no external insulation, or it does not cope with its main task.
The apartment is located on the ground floor or on the basement, which is why it is always cold in it.

If the panels quickly give off heat, then heating devices will not be able to cope with maintaining a comfortable temperature inside the room. At the same time, costs for heating, gas or electricity will increase. Frozen walls are the source of many troubles, ranging from mold to colds.

When is this not needed?

to insulate panel walls if the building has high-quality external thermal insulation . This means the dew point does not move closer to the living space, and the wall does not freeze.

The dew point is understood as the conditional boundary at which water vapor cools to the condensation temperature. This is especially true during the cold season.

If the cooling is below the dew point, then the process of vapor condensation starts : the windows begin to fog up, and the room becomes damp. However, if the house is built and insulated according to the standards, then the dew point will pass through the center of the facade panel and it will always be warm inside the building.

How can you seal windows from the sun?

Everyone has a desire to escape the summer heat - some sit under the air conditioner, some douse themselves with cold water, and some eat ice cream. But to create an acceptable temperature in the house without having an air conditioner, you can stick a film on the window so that the sun's rays cannot penetrate the room.

You can see foil on some people's windows. The opinion that foil glued to the window will save you from the heat is wrong, since it is metallized, which means it only attracts the sun and heats the room more.

Sun protection film has two functions:

From the side of the house it creates a pleasant shadow.
From the street side, it reflects the rays of the sun and the room, accordingly, becomes cooler.

In addition, in this way you can hide from prying eyes, if there are no curtains, and from the sultry sunlight.

How to apply solar film?

This can be done by any person who does not have special skills in this type of activity. To do this job, you will need several tools:

Window surface cleaner.
Spray bottle for water.
Plastic or rubber spatula (whichever is more convenient for you).
A sharp knife for the job.
Film for windows.

First, you should thoroughly wash the window glass on both sides.
Use a spray bottle to spray a homemade solution containing liquid soap and water onto the sticky surface of the film. It is better not to shake it too much, so that a lot of foam does not form. This solution will help you move the product freely on the glass in the way a person needs.
Now you need to apply the film to the glass. After waiting for the foam to settle, use a spatula to smooth the film with gentle movements so that all formed bubbles are removed. Movements are carried out from the center to the edges of the film. Having achieved a perfectly flat surface, you need to let the product dry.
At the end, you can trim off the excess film when it is completely dry and set. It is better not to adjust the desired size before gluing, as a small gap may form.

Before starting work, the window must be clean and dry. Only then will the film adhere well to the surface of the glass and last a long time. Now you don’t need to rack your brains and think about how to seal your windows from the sun.

Materials

To insulate panel walls from the inside, various materials are used. There are many possible solutions. To make the right choice, you need to understand for which panels this or that type of insulation is suitable, what features it has, and more. Here's what you need to pay attention to:

Minvata

Secondly, mineral wool absorbs moisture, which over time leads to a deterioration in its thermal insulation properties. The film will not help to cope with this problem; the water will still end up inside. In addition, the installation of insulation will require the construction of a frame structure. If you still decide to use mineral wool, then you need to choose a certified product that is approved for indoor use.

High-quality material retains heat well, meets fire safety requirements, and is lightweight. It is also recommended to cover the layer of wool with particle boards (OSB), and then proceed to finishing. The cost of the material is 580 rubles for 8 layers of mineral wool measuring 1200*600*50 mm.

Regular non-pressed polystyrene foam . It is mounted with glue and additionally reinforced with dowels; a fiberglass mesh is attached on top, which is embedded in the plaster. However, this material also has its drawbacks: it burns and melts, releasing toxic substances into the air, it is fragile and can be damaged by rodents.

Paper tape

If you don't want to bother too much, you can seal the window with tape. In this case, you shouldn’t hesitate, because masking tape (the most popular in this matter) begins to appear on store shelves quite early - in the first months of autumn. If you haven’t had time to stock up on the necessary equipment, don’t worry.
As an alternative, take regular tape (wide, of course). You will also need a hairdryer for melting ice on windows and non-sterile cotton wool, which can be easily found at the nearest pharmacy. You need to make bundles of cotton wool and then place them in the cracks.
Before you start insulating, first dry the windows with a hairdryer - this way the tape will stick better. The last step involves sealing with tape. This method will allow you to quickly insulate your home, but it has its drawbacks: such adhesive material may not adhere well.

Consumables and tools

The tools and consumables that will be required during the work differ, depending on the type of insulation .

If installation is carried out from sheet material, it will not be possible to do without the following devices and tools:

Tile adhesive.

Primer.

Insulation.

Sealant.

Reinforcing mesh.

Spatula.

Brushes.

Drill.

Dowels.

Glue and container for diluting it.

When using wallpaper or paint as insulation, some tools, such as a drill or tile adhesive, will not be needed. For some materials, for example, mineral wool, beams will be required to construct the frame.

Window putty

Paper or window putty is an affordable and quick method. To work you will need old newspapers or paper, water and two parts of crushed chalk or part of clay.

Grind the newspapers, mix the components and as a result you get a viscous, plastic mass that can be used to seal any, even the smallest and narrowest, cracks and gaps. For aesthetics, the putty is covered with decorative elements on top.

You can buy ready-made construction putty. This is a rather labor-intensive process, since before starting it is necessary to remove the old putty, then apply new material, level it, if necessary, close it with a bead and paint.

After the procedure, the window can be easily cleaned of putty. In addition, the product does not absorb moisture. However, the effect will only last for one season. In addition, the putty prevents the window frames from opening. Therefore, with the onset of warm weather, the product is removed and the windows are thoroughly washed. Before next winter, to prevent the wind, you will have to seal the frames again.

Technology

To insulate panel walls inside a house or apartment yourself, you need to follow the instructions. The step-by-step algorithm of actions is as follows :

Calculate the required amount of material and purchase it.
Prepare the surface for upcoming work. To do this, the walls are thoroughly dried.
Remove old coverings in the form of wallpaper, paint and other decor. If plaster has been applied to the wall, it is removed down to the concrete panel.
Clean the wall from dust and other contaminants.
Prime the surface using a deep penetration solution. It is recommended to apply at least 2 coats of primer.
Leave the walls until completely dry.
Formwork is installed into which layers of insulation, for example, mineral wool, are installed.
If formwork is not needed, insulation is attached. There is a specialized adhesive for each material.
Seal the joints with sealant.
Cover the structure with slabs or other finishing material.

Important ! You can start insulating walls only in summer or early autumn. During the cold season, this work is not done.

Causes of drafts

You should also have basic information about the causes of drafts. Having basic knowledge, you can avoid such unpleasant situations in the future.

Making mistakes during window installation. One of the most common problems associated with the low qualifications of the installer. If a draft occurs immediately after installation, then you need to contact this installation company again and demand that the defects be corrected. If you install plastic windows yourself, you need to check the correct installation and correct any errors.
Shrinkage of the soil under the house and, as a result, skewing of windows. A rare problem that occurs among residents of new houses.
Poor quality materials and manufacturing defects. An attempt to save on the price of double-glazed windows can cause poor window sealing, but even owners of expensive windows are not insured against defective parts. If the terms of purchase allow, take advantage of the opportunity to return the entire set or only the defective parts.
Physical wear and tear on the locking parts of the window and seal. A very common problem for window owners who have been using them for a long time without replacing them.
Violation of the rules of use and care. Over time, the sealant may lose its properties. To prevent this from happening prematurely, it is necessary to wash it and treat it with emollients. For example, glycerin.

If you evaluate in detail all the causes of drafts and heat leaks, you can divide them into two categories based on the possibility of eliminating them - with the help of window installation specialists and solving problems yourself.

It is best to use the services of professionals to solve the following problems:

If problems with the window are identified during the warranty period. At this time, the installer company bears full responsibility for its operation. Independent intervention in the design features may result in denial of further warranty service.
External work at height is required. In such conditions, the likelihood of injury greatly increases, and it is better to entrust such work to professional workers.
Detection of manufacturing defects during the warranty period.
Replacement of some structural parts, requiring certain tools and skills to work with them.

If the work is done from the inside, then most of it can be done independently.

Difficulties and errors

When insulating panel walls, novice repairmen often make the following mistakes :

They begin work in the cold season.
They do not pay enough attention to the quality preparation of the wall.
The glue is applied incorrectly (it is applied to the slabs along the perimeter in the form of strips about 4 cm wide, and dotted along the rest of the surface).
The seams between the insulation are left empty.
Install the insulation on an undried wall.

Consequences of errors

Mistakes made during the process of wall insulation lead to serious consequences:

If the walls are cold or poorly prepared, the glue between the insulation and the wall will dry out quickly, which will impair its adhesion. As a result, the entire structure will be unreliable, and there will be a risk of mold and mildew growing.
If the glue is applied to the insulation incorrectly, the material will deform, bending in one direction or another.
If the seams between the slabs are not filled with sealant, cold bridges will form in the wall, through which warm air will escape.
If the wall is wet, then soon a fungus will appear under the insulation.

Tips for use

High-quality insulation of a plastic window significantly reduces the level of heat loss. If after the completed manipulations the level of heat loss still remains high, it will be necessary to adjust the window system, as well as:

fix heat-saving film on the wall;
provide electrical heating for the window unit;
use wool blinds and curtains to decorate the window.

The first option is relevant if, in the manufacture of a plastic window, not an energy-saving, but a regular double-glazed window was used. It involves the use of a thin transparent material that has good heat-saving properties, but does not change the optical properties of the glass. The thin layer of metal included in the film ensures the desired effect is achieved.

Installation of energy-saving film is carried out in the following sequence:

glass and frame are thoroughly cleaned of existing contaminants;
double-sided tape is glued around the perimeter of the window frame;
the film is cut from the roll with a small margin;
The film is attached to double-sided tape, blowing the film with a hairdryer to ensure sufficient tension.

You should act with extreme caution so as not to damage the canvas and prevent the appearance of distortion and bubbles. If the technology is followed, the canvas will remain invisible.

Installation of electric heating is more complex. It is provided at the installation stage of the window system itself. If this has not been done, you can always seek help from a specialized company that can replace ordinary glass with panels with a built-in electric heating coil.

It is best to carry out thermal insulation work on a warm, dry day. Many thermal insulation materials allow installation work to be carried out at temperatures from +5C. At low temperatures you will not be able to achieve the desired result. In addition, the air temperature in the house will drop significantly.

During operation, you should adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations, performing a set of maintenance measures in a timely manner. All elements of the door structure should be periodically cleaned of accumulated contaminants. It is necessary to make seasonal adjustments and lubricate the fittings. On sale you can find ready-made aerosols aimed at servicing plastic windows. If they are not available, you should use industrial Vaseline or automobile oil.

By following the recommendations listed, you can significantly extend the service life of the window system and create comfortable living conditions in your home.