Window sealing: That‘s how it‘s done!

Drafts around windows not only affect your comfort at home. They also cause heat loss and can cost you a lot of money in energy bills. Our expert explains how to find leaks and how to close small cracks and joints single-handedly. However, in the case of cavities in the transition area between window and wall and on the facade, it is necessary to consult an expert. To prevent drafts from entering your home, it is best to invest in proper insulation right from the start, preferably with healthy building materials that are recognizable by the EC1 seal.

Tip 1: Detect thermal bridges around windows

First of all, scan the interior walls with your hands. Any cold spots you can feel indicate thermal bridges. With a burning candle (be careful with curtains!) you can quickly determine the direction of the draft. Alternatively, you can clamp a piece of paper between window frame and window. Close the window. If the paper can now be pulled out without effort, the seal is no longer intact. Thermal imaging cameras provide the most reliable information about the location of leaks.

Tip 2: Eliminate leaks

Joints and cracks between window frame and sash can be closed very well with self-adhesive sealing tapes. Alternatively, rubber sealing strips can be used to stop drafts. To reduce heat transfer via the window panes, they can be covered with an insulation film. Spaces between window pane and frame as well as connection joints can be filled with injectable insulation materials such as acrylic and silicone sealants. In the case of cavities between masonry and window frame and also around windowsills and roller shutter boxes, the specialist must be called in. It is important to seal the windows both to the outside and to the inside, because the following principle applies: Inside tighter than outside. This helps to prevent mold and moisture damage.