Warm sill - what is it and is it worth it?
Warm sill is an innovative solution used during window installationwhich increases their thermal insulation and improves the tightness of the frame-to-masonry connection. It is a special profile usually made of extruded polystyrene (XPS) or polyurethane (PUR) foamwhich is mounted under window as an insulating layer. This effectively eliminates thermal bridges, reducing heat loss and limiting the risk of damp walls around the windows.
How the warm sill?
A warm window sill has several key functions:
- Provides better thermal insulation - reduces heat loss, resulting in lower heating bills.
- Seals the joint windows with a wall - eliminates leaks through which cold air could penetrate.
- Facilitates assembly windows - provides a stable and level base, so that the window is precisely embedded.
- Protects against moisture - reduces the risk of condensation and mould growth.
A warm window sill is a particularly good solution for modern energy-efficient construction and passive houses.
How much does a warm sill?
The cost of warm sill depends on several factors, such as material type, profile thickness and width windows. Average prices fluctuate in the following ranges:
- Standard warm sill XPS - approx. PLN 30-60 per running metre.
- Warm sill of PUR foam - approx. PLN 50-100 per running metre (a more expensive but more sustainable option).
- Warm sill dedicated to energy-efficient windows - PLN 100-150 per running metre.
To this must be added the installation costs, which can range from PLN 20 to 50 per metredepending on the region and contractor.
Is it worth investing in a warm sill?
Definitely yes! Warm sill is an investment that pays off in the form of lower heating costs, greater thermal comfort and longer service life windows. This is particularly important in modern construction, where energy efficiency and structural integrity count.
If you are planning to replace windows or building a new home, it is worth considering installing a warm window sill as an additional layer of insulation to provide better protection against the cold and damp.
When to use warm sill?
Warm sill is a solution that proves its worth in many cases, especially when it comes to improving the thermal insulation of a building. Here are situations where its use is particularly beneficial:
- In new energy-efficient and passive construction -. If you are building a modern home with high insulation performance, warm sill is almost a necessity. Provides better sealing windowsreduces heat loss and helps meet standards energy-efficient and passive constructionwhere the aim is to minimise energy consumption.
- When replacing windows in an older building - If you plan to replace windows in an older house, it is worth thinking about a warm windowsill. Old buildings often have thermal bridgesthrough which heat escapes, leading to higher heating bills and moisture problems. Warm sill will help to prevent this, especially if we install modern, energy-efficient windows.
- When you want to eliminate thermal bridges - Thermal bridges are places in the building envelope through which heat escapes to the outside. Warm sill eliminates this problem, improving thermal comfort in the room and protecting against moisture. This is particularly important in rooms exposed to temperature differencessuch as the kitchen or bathroom.
- In areas with harsh climates - If you live in a region where winters are harsh, warm sill will provide better insulation and greater thermal comfort at home. It will also prevent the phenomenon of frosting windowswhich can lead to condensation and mould on the walls.
- When you want to avoid condensation at the joint windows and wall - Many people are struggling with evaporation of glazing and dampness around the windowsespecially during the heating season. This is the result of the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the building. Warm sill improves insulation and reduces this phenomenon, thus avoiding problems with damp and mould.
Frequently asked questions:
Not mandatory, but significantly improves thermal insulation and joint tightness windows with masonry. It is particularly recommended for energy-efficient and passive houses.
Yes, it can be used both under PVC windows, woodenas well as aluminium. It is available in various variants to suit systems windows.
3. whether it is possible to install warm windowsill in an existing building?
Yes, but this is best done during exchanges windows. In an existing building, installation may require additional building work.
4. What materials are used in the production of warm window sills?
The most common use is extruded polystyrene (XPS) or polyurethane (PUR) foamwhich have high thermal insulation properties.
It is installed prior to embedding windows. Assembly consists of gluing and sealing the profile on the substrate and then set the frame on it windows.
6. whether warm windowsill affects the installation of the external and internal sills?
Yes, it facilitates the installation of window sills, providing better support and tightness of connections.
7. how much does it cost to install a warm windowsill?
The price depends on the contractor, but is usually PLN 20-50 per running metredepending on the complexity of the work.
8. whether warm windowsillt can be used for large glazings?
Yes, especially in the case of sliding systems (HS, PSK)where stability and insulation of the lower part of the structure are crucial.
Yes, it eliminates thermal bridgeswhich are the main cause of frostbite at the interface windows and masonry.
10. What are the differences between a warm windowsill and a standard foundation for window?
Standard underlay often does not provide such good insulation and airtightness, whereas warm windowsill significantly reduces heat loss and improves stability windows.