Winter and windows: How to prevent thermal bridges and heat loss
Winter and windows
Winter is a time when taking care of the thermal insulation in our homes becomes crucial. One of the main factors affecting thermal comfort and heating costs is the windows. It is useful to understand what problems can occur during the winter and how to effectively prevent thermal bridges and heat loss through windows.
1. Thermal bridges: What are they?
Thermal bridges are areas in the construction of a building where the thermal insulation is interrupted or reduced. As a result, these areas become 'bridges' for heat loss, resulting in higher heating energy consumption. In the context of windows, thermal bridges can occur around window frames and where the frame connects to the wall structure.
2. double or triple glazed windows: Choice of solution
In winter, double or triple glazed windows provide an excellent thermal barrier compared to single glazed windows. These additional layers of glass create thermal insulation, reducing the risk of thermal bridges and heat loss.
3. adequate insulation around windows
It is important to ensure that windows are properly insulated. Sealing window frames and joints around windows can effectively minimise thermal bridging. It is also worth investing in high quality gaskets and flexible insulation materials.
Roller shutters or façade blinds are another effective way to protect against heat loss during the winter. They can serve as an additional layer of thermal insulation, reducing thermal bridges around windows. Roller shutters with anti-intrusion or thermal insulation technology are particularly effective.
5. modern window technologies
Today's windows are available with advanced thermal insulation technologies. Thermally caged, triple-glazed windows with a low U-value and modern seals can significantly reduce heat loss and effectively protect against thermal bridges. If you are looking for energy-efficient windows that additionally provide adequate thermal and acoustic insulation, as well as protect you from thermal bridges, our new profile is ideal. Kommerling 88 MDwhich has 7 thermal chambers, an installation depth of 88 mm and 3 welded seals so you can enjoy the warmth in your home.
6 Monitoring of energy consumption
For more advanced solutions, it is worth considering home energy monitoring systems. These can help identify the areas of greatest heat loss so that appropriate corrective action can be taken.
The winter season requires special attention to the thermal insulation in our homes. Taking care to eliminate thermal bridges and heat loss through windows has a significant impact on occupant comfort and heating bills. By choosing the right windows and taking thermal insulation measures, you can enjoy warmth and savings during the winter.
If you want to make sure you don't have to worry about thermal bridges, use a warm frame. Read more about this solution read here.
Plastic frames, such as PVC, are much more effective in preventing thermal bridging compared to traditional aluminium frames. Low thermal conductivity materials, such as PVC, provide excellent thermal insulation and effectively reduce the risk of heat loss through windows.
With PVC warm-frame windows, we not only reduce the risk of thermal bridges, but also improve the energy efficiency of the entire window. As a result, we can enjoy better thermal comfort during the winter and reduce heating costs.
It is therefore worth considering windows with a plastic (PVC) frame as an effective solution for the winter months to prevent thermal bridges and heat loss.
8. Warm tape mounting
Warm tape installation is a window installation method that provides additional thermal insulation around windows. Special installation tapes are used to secure gaps and joints, eliminating thermal bridges in these areas. This is an effective solution to prevent heat loss and improve the energy efficiency of windows. At GM PLAST, we offer the option of warm tape installation, which is handled by specialists with 25 years of experience. More about this read here
Remember, consulting a window and thermal insulation professional can help you tailor the best solution for your individual needs. It's worth investing in the quality and energy efficiency of your windows to enjoy comfort and savings for many winter seasons to come.