To protect the installation seams in window openings from exposure to moisture, use a vapor barrier tape. It is made from butyl rubber or aluminum. This material is glued to damp polyurethane foam at the seams, extending the life of the windows.

Is it worth spending money on protecting window seams?

When installing a window in an opening, remember that its service life is related to how competent the installation is. Even the most quality designs will not be used for a long time if installed incorrectly. Due to improper work, moisture will gradually penetrate the walls, leading to the destruction of building materials and the spread of mold.

When installing the frame, consider several important points:

• WITH inside premises, we make a denser layer of the mounting solution (for example, foam).
• To ensure high-quality sealing of all gaps, we use three-layer protection - the outer material protects from the effects of precipitation, the middle layer is responsible for thermal insulation, and the coating inner surface- for vapor barrier.

Vapor barrier provides reliable protection a thermal insulation layer against condensation, which is present not only in the bathroom, but also in an ordinary room. In the process of finishing window slopes stick a special tape. The principle of vapor barrier is based on blocking the contact of moisture with polyurethane foam, which forms the middle protective layer. Materials with low elasticity and low elasticity are suitable for these purposes. throughput for water and air . When installing windows, you cannot save on vapor barriers. Such neglect will lead to rapid wear of frames, plaster and finishing materials.

To protect the seam, special vapor barrier tapes are usually used. They come in a coiled and compressed sponge-like material. Absorbing moisture, the material swells, sealing all existing cracks. Vapor barrier tape for plastic windows has a number of advantages:

1. 1. isolates moisture;
2. 2. It is consumed economically, with virtually no waste;
3. 3. does not emit toxic substances;
4. 4. Easy to stick;
5. 5. has a long service life.

Classification - what characteristics to pay attention to

Moisture insulation tapes are available with one or two strips of adhesive. The second option allows you to process the window-wall joint more efficiently. The material is classified according to periods of use:

• summer (air temperature – 5-40 °C);
• winter (temperature below 5 °C).

Depending on the nature of the surface being treated, the tapes are produced in various sizes, making it possible to isolate any seams. When choosing a material, keep in mind that it must exceed the width of the gap by 4.5 cm. To work with outside tapes made of foam materials are suitable for buildings, which will ensure reliable sealing.

Moisture Insulation Tape

An adhesive finishing material made from butyl rubber is intended for processing window, balcony, door frames and joints between panels. There is a non-woven layer inside it. After gluing, such a strip is primed, plastered, wallpapered or painted. There is a full-butyl vapor barrier tape made using the Robiband system. It provides better processing assembly seam.

Metallized vapor barrier material is used for gluing seams with joints in rooms with high humidity air - baths, baths, saunas. A layer of glue over the entire surface in this form greatly simplifies the work process. Manufacturers produce metallized tape of different widths. When selecting material, add 45 mm to the seam width.

The tape, which has a protective strip of polypropylene, withstands mechanical stress well. In addition, it does not react with acids, organic solvents and alkalis.

We understand the variety of types of tapes - VS or GPL?

First on the list is PSUL (pre-compressed self-expanding sealing tape). It ensures a high-quality fit of the window frame or door frame to the wall. This tape is used for vapor barrier of external joints and seams.

The next material is vapor barrier BC. It is used for sealing seams when dry finishing is performed. For example, under sandwich panels, drywall, plastic surfaces, etc. The tape has a layer of adhesive across its entire width - this property greatly simplifies the installation process. There is an improved version - BC+. It is supplemented with anti-adhesive film. Given additional coverage provides strong adhesion of insulation to building materials.

Robiband tape VM for vapor barrier – next quality option material for processing seams. It is used for interior work, and a wet plaster solution is applied on top. Vapor barrier VM+ is a more complicated option with better performance characteristics.

The last type is GPL (water vapor barrier material). It is made from foamed polyethylene high quality. The tape has one laminated side, as well as an additional metallized layer. Its second surface is completely covered with glue. This tape is universal, that is, it can be used for all types of work. Its variety is GPL-S tape, which has similar characteristics.

How to glue insulation - we work without errors

Vapor barrier material not only provides protection from moisture, but also has an alternative property when applied correctly - sound absorption. Vapor barrier tape is applied to the seams in one piece; there should be no breaks. Before starting work, measure the length of the surfaces to be treated.

The pasting process consists of several steps:

1. 1. Clean the window opening from dirt, dust and debris.
2. 2. Before installation, remove the PVC window and wipe with a dry cloth.
3. 3. Place the structure in place and mark the places where the tape is attached on the frame and wall.
4. 4. The tape is attached to the window frame before applying foam along the seam.
5. 5. Take out the structure and stick a vapor barrier on its surface around the perimeter.
6. 6. Before replacing the window, remove the remaining protective film from the adhesive surface.
7. 7. When gluing the material, do not allow wrinkles to form. This defect will allow drops of liquid to pass under the vapor barrier, impairing performance.

In order for a window structure to last long enough, its installation must be carried out in strict compliance with existing technology. Outer material for steam, heat and water insulation, it is necessary to glue after the polyurethane foam has completely polymerized. We process the seam under the window sill last.

If the tape is glued under a layer of plaster, then it must have a special layer that will ensure strong adhesion to the building material. Uneven joint between wall and window frame cover it with a flashing, and a vapor barrier is glued onto it. The use of building materials for wall decoration is permissible only if the requirements for water permeability are fully met.

If a metallized tape is used for vapor barrier, then when applied to rough surface Additional reinforcement may be required. To enhance the adhesive effect, use self-adhesive tape with one or two strips of glue. It is additionally used to process vapor barrier joints, eliminating and smoothing out defects (places of peeling and wrinkling) formed during the work process.

Capable of increasing quality characteristics design, which extends its service life. On sale you can find tapes that have an adhesive strip on one or both sides. It is designed to fix the tape to the window and wall. Among other things, such materials are classified according to temperature characteristics during operation.

The first variety is suitable for summer period and can be used in a temperature range from +5 to +35°C, while products intended for winter can withstand temperatures below zero degrees. The width of such a strip can vary depending on the tasks, which allows it to provide vapor barrier to seams different sizes. When choosing a vapor barrier tape, you must take into account that its width should be 45 mm larger than the installation seam.

General description

The described outdoor installation tapes may consist of foam materials and are required for and may be used in conjunction with plaster mortar, which increases vapor barrier characteristics. There is a vapor barrier tape for windows on sale, the characteristics of which are presented in the article. This material may be based on butyl rubber, which is intended for sealing joints and installation on window and window frames. The product consists of a non-woven fabric, is primed during installation, covered with plaster at the next stage, and painted at the final stage. This type has a self-adhesive layer. If you need a vapor barrier tape that will be used for high humidity, then the material should be installed for dry finishing of slopes, using a metalized variety.

Characteristics of foil vapor barrier tape

Foil hydro-steam and thermal insulation tape is glued to clean, dry and pre-degreased surfaces. The material itself is supplied in boxes whose dimensions are 420x420x600 mm. It should not be used at temperatures below +10°C. The tapes are based on polyethylene foam, which is laminated and metalized with polypropylene film on one side, while on the other there is a waterproof adhesive layer that reliably ensures fastening of the material to concrete, brick, metal, plastic and wooden structures.

It is based on a material that consists of a closed cellular structure; it has low hygroscopicity and almost does not absorb moisture. Elasticity is ensured thanks to polyethylene foam, which guarantees sealing of seams with varying degrees of unevenness. High mechanical strength was achieved thanks to the presence of polypropylene film, which is resistant to alkalis, organic solvents and acids. The reflective layer is protected from mechanical damage and oxidation. The sticky layer consists of a water-resistant adhesive, which is created on the basis of synthetic rubber. It has improved adhesion properties different materials, which allows you to use the tape without preliminary preparation surfaces.

For reference

You don’t have to worry about the vapor barrier tape sticking together in the roll, since there is a protective siliconized layer on its surface. This type of steam-hydro-thermal insulation is used for seams, assemblies and connections of various building structures, including when installing window blocks, wood, metal, plastic and concrete products.

Material sizes

The film thickness is 20 microns, while the length is 15 m, and the width can vary from 90 to 200 mm. Intermediate values ​​are 120 and 150 mm.

Specifications

Vapor barrier tape for windows has a high coefficient of thermal reflection, which reaches 95%. The thermal conductivity coefficient is very small, and at 20°C it is in the range of 0.038-0.051 W/m °C. The heat absorption coefficient during the day reaches 0.48 W/(m 2 °C). Thermal resistance equals 0.031 °C/W, which is true for one millimeter of thickness. Professionals are sometimes also interested in such a characteristic as specific heat capacity. In the case of the one described, this parameter is 1.95 kJ/kg °C.

Under a load within 2-5 kPa, the dynamic modulus of elasticity can vary from 0.26 to 0.6 MPa. Vapor barrier tape for windows has another significant advantage, which is expressed in the ability to absorb extraneous noise. Thus, the sound absorption is 32 dB. The material belongs to the flammability group G2, smoke-forming ability - D3. The density of the material can be equal to 50 and 80 kg/m3.

Features of installing sealing tape

Vapor barrier tape for windows, technical specifications which were presented above, should be installed according to the algorithm developed for this material. For internal sealing of the seam, a duplicated vapor barrier tape based on aluminum foil is used. For reliable and easy fixation, there are adhesive strips on it, which are located on both sides. The tape should be installed around the entire perimeter of the window, and then covered with slopes that are installed using a dry method.

To install the internal vapor barrier tape at the first stage, it should be cut into separate pieces, the length of which will be equal to the width and length of the window. To these values ​​you need to add 10 cm, which will go to corner connections. The length of the tape is joined with an overlap, the width of which should be approximately 1/2 the width of the material.

Work methodology

Vapor barrier tape for PVC windows, the use of which is described in detail in the article, at the next stage is freed from the protective paper on the side of the duplicated strip. Now the material can be glued to the frame profile. This must be done under tension, and the inner edge of the adhesive layer must coincide with the inner edge of the frame. The protective layer that is on the butyl rubber coating should not be removed at this stage.

To ensure that the adhesion of the adhesive strips is not reduced, the structure must be kept open for a shorter period of time, and before gluing, the surface of the window must be wiped with a soft rag or paper napkin.

Conclusion

Vapor barrier tape for windows, the density of which was mentioned above, should be installed in one piece, with breaks at flat surfaces there shouldn't be. On final stage you need to install the tape on the window sill, and then assemble the window with sashes.

Any window needs additional sealing. This is especially important if street noise has increased, a draft has appeared, and heat is lost in winter. It is best to do insulation in warm weather. Many methods are used for this, including replacing the window. Fortunately, there are building materials that successfully solve this problem. This material is considered to be insulation tape.

About insulation

The microclimate of the room depends on the windows. Due to uninsulated windows, the glass fogs up, cracks and fungus appear on the slopes, and there is always a draft and street noise. To effectively insulate windows, it is necessary to determine the reasons for low thermal insulation.

Most often they are the following:

1. Wooden windows

First of all, insulation is required for old window structures for the following reasons:

• Previously, glass was secured to the frame with special putty. Over time, it dries out and becomes stained;

• the frames dry out, so cracks and gaps appear between the glazing bead and the glass;

• the sashes are deformed and are not held tightly to the frame.

1. Plastic windows

It is mistakenly believed that such windows are quite airtight and therefore do not need insulation. Unfortunately, after a few years the seal collapses, and insulation is indispensable.

There are other reasons why it is necessary to deal with plastic windows:

• violation of window installation technology;

• distortion of the window structure due to shrinkage of the house;

• factory defect of window design;

• mechanical damage to structural elements.

Types of insulating tapes

The widespread use of tapes for insulating windows is explained by a number of reasons:

• no annual replacement required;

• insulation is carried out in a short time on our own;

• there is no dirt when pasting, since no water is used;

• no traces of adhesive remain on the frame;

• there is no diffusion of the adhesive layer with the frame paint.

But this method of insulation also has disadvantages:

• after gluing, you cannot open the window sashes;

• Poor-quality or poorly glued tape lags behind the frame in small areas.

Construction stores offer two types of tapes, which differ in the installation method.

1. Pasting

Foam tape with adhesive base

This type of tape has a wide grip. Adhesive composition applied during manufacture (self-adhesive type) or during installation work.

To create self-adhesive tape, polyvinyl chloride, rubber and polyethylene foam (foam rubber) are used.

Due to the plasticity of these materials, the tape is easily compressed to the size of the gap. To ensure that the insulation does not stand out against the background of the window, dyes are added: black, brown, white.

Typically the packaging will indicate the size of the gap that the tape will cover. Popular options with sizes 3 - 7 mm.

Foam rubber tapes were the first to be used. Their popularity is explained by a number of advantages:

• high compression ratio;

• the frame does not collapse in places of insulation;

• low cost;

• high protection efficiency.

Such tapes have negative qualities:

• insufficient efficiency for large gaps;

• short service life. Effective during one winter season;

• on cheap models, the adhesive tape does not stick well;

• low resistance to water.

Important!

It is more convenient to use self-adhesive tapes on foam rubber for insulation.

They stay on the window longer and regulate the degree of pressing of the sashes.

1. Sealing

D - shaped tubular seal with adhesive base

Tapes of this type have a hollow tubular shape, which is why heat is retained. The materials chosen are rubber and polyvinyl chloride.

On one side of the tape there is a groove hook or adhesive coating with paper protection.

It is believed that the groove is more resistant to mechanical stress.

The following qualities are considered advantages:

• gaps up to 0.7 cm are blocked;

• withstands any temperature changes;

• It is possible to choose a color to match the color of the frame;

• the use of the window is not limited;

• affordable price.

But most of the disadvantages relate to adhesive tapes:

• not suitable for all window designs;

• when temperature changes, the adhesive layer is destroyed;

• with frequent deformations, peeling occurs in glued areas;

• The foam tape quickly gets wet and dust sticks to it. For this reason, frequent replacements are carried out.

Tubular seals are checked annually. If necessary, individual fragments are replaced.

As a rule, a tape is selected based on three indicators.

By material

Main advantages:

• low cost;

• high elasticity, allowing you to close gaps of different sizes.

There are also disadvantages:

• Due to the porous structure, moisture is quickly absorbed. The drying process takes a very long time;

• low durability. With prolonged use, the material turns yellow and crumbles.

Unfortunately, such tapes are rarely used for window insulation, as they become more expensive window design up to 15%.

1. Rubber― used for the manufacture of two types of tapes: self-adhesive and sealing.

Tubular seals with groove

Self-adhesive tapes are made on the basis of synthetic rubber and have all its positive qualities: elasticity and resistance to temperature fluctuations.

Rubber seals are not afraid of aggressive environments, so they last a very long time.

1. Polyurethane foam (PPE)― porous material made of foamed polyethylene.

Due to their high elasticity, the tapes are very effective for small gaps. Good insulating qualities. Due to the presence of air in the structure, a thermal insulating environment is created.

Its use is limited to its ability to high temperature turn into a liquid toxic state.

By manufacturer

In construction stores you can find tapes from different manufacturers.

However, only materials from the following brands are in demand:

• Russia - Profitrast, Economy, Zubr.

• Germany - KIMTEC, Deventer.

• Poland - Sanok.

Domestic manufacturers, as a rule, work using European technologies and produce quality material no worse than foreign models. At the same time, German and Polish ribbons, although more expensive, last longer.

By cost

Insulating tapes are sold retail and in coils from 6 to 10 meters.

Because for standard window About 5 meters of self-adhesive insulation is needed, then most often it is purchased at retail.

The price range is very wide.

For linear meter for Russian material you need to pay up to 15 rubles, and the most expensive German rubber insulation will cost 50 rubles.

Features of preparing windows for insulation

Preparing a window for insulation with tape is almost no different from preparation for other insulation materials. At the same time, there are some peculiarities.

The main stages are as follows:

1. Everything is removed from the windowsill. The blinds are removed from the window.

1. The frames are washed with soapy water and then dried. The tape requires a dry and grease-free surface.

1. The glass is carefully inspected. U wooden windows glass may have cracks. They must be replaced as they are a source of heat loss.

1. Grooves are prepared for the sealing tape. They should not contain old tape, dirt or paint.

1. Before starting work, they determine the places from which it comes cold air from the street. They are insulated first. Weak points are the sashes, slopes, and window sills.

Insulation with adhesive tape

The insulation technology is not very complicated. First of all, it is necessary to follow the sequence of work.

1. Plastic windows

Insulation is carried out in the following sequence:

• pre-removed old insulation is used, firstly, to purchase similar material, and secondly, to pre-cut the old material to size.

• gluing begins from the top of the window. As you progress, the protective layer is removed in small sections, and the tape is pressed tightly.

More details in our video:

Important!

1. The pasted tape should not have many tears.

2. In the corners the tape is not cut, but wrapped.

1. Wooden windows

For these windows, in addition to adhesive tape, thin foam rubber is often used. The work is performed in the following sequence:

• By window opening strips of foam rubber are cut;

• cut foam rubber is placed between the frames;

• The tape is cut to the size of the window;

• The tape is applied with a sticky layer to the foam rubber and smoothed with a napkin.

This insulation will last up to three years. But it’s better to do it as shown in the video:

Insulation with sealing tape

1. Plastic windows

Typically, plastic windows lose heat for two reasons:

• breakdown of fittings;
• seal wear.

Correct installation of the tape increases the insulating ability of the window. The following sequence of work is recommended:

• before installation, the tape is kept at a positive temperature, since this affects its expansion inside the groove;

• The tape is cut to fit the window. The joints are cut at right angles. For thermal expansion a stock is created: for every meter 1 centimeter of material;

• The tape is pressed into the groove with a spatula, and the adhesive strips are removed in small sections.

Important!

1. In the corners of the frame, the tape is connected only end-to-end.

2. To prevent impregnation from leaking out, the tape is not compressed more than the permissible value.

After installing the sealing tape, the locking mechanism is adjusted: the pressure is changed by trunnions, which are located at the end of the sash.

Adjustment is made with a hex wrench. The pressure increases when the trunnion head is installed in a horizontal position.

1. Wooden windows

The Swedish method of insulating such windows using EuroStrip technology is in great demand. It has the following advantages:

• there is no need for annual window insulation;

• after ventilation, the tightness of the windows is not compromised;

• frame service life increases;

• high degree of protection from dust and street noise.

For insulation, two types of tapes are used: rubber and silicone.

By the way, branded Swedish silicone seals are easily inserted into the groove and last up to 20 years.

Installation is performed in the following sequence:

• the sashes are removed from their hinges and inspected. Rotten areas are identified and then restored;

So, both types of window insulation tapes deserve attention. Which one is better depends on the condition of the window.

If you choose the right one, the insulation will quickly pay for itself, and the apartment will always be warm and cozy.

Replacing windows in a residential or commercial space is always accompanied by the protection of the weakest components of the structure: the seams between the frame and the wall. It is produced by filling the space between the window opening and the frame using polyurethane foam. This material has excellent sound and heat insulation qualities. However, with insufficient or incorrect protection under the influence of moisture and ultraviolet radiation, the foam begins to collapse and lose its original properties.

To avoid this, you need to take measures to seal the seams and protect the filler. To do this, waterproofing is used on the outside, which prevents natural precipitation from getting on the porous insulation, while on the inside, a vapor barrier for PVC windows is used, which protects the foam from the effects of water vapor.

The structure of vapor barrier for a plastic window is shown

What should the vapor barrier be like?

Vapor barrier prevents moisture from the air in the room from being absorbed into thermal insulation material. The vapor permeability coefficient of vapor barrier of internal joints for PVC windows should be no more than 0.01 mg/(m*h*Pa).

To protect joints use:

• silicone;
• backing cords;
• Lena PSUL;
• butyl rubber tapes;
• reinforced foil.

PSUL tapes are designed to create an assembly seam with natural ventilation.

The choice of vapor barrier should be made taking into account subsequent finishing. So there is material for dry construction (plasterboard, plastic), wet plaster, there is separately for protecting the joints of wooden windows in wooden houses, for internal and external use.

The tape can be either single or double adhesive

Butyl rubber tapes are similar to self-adhesive foam, but with protective impregnation. With their help, all seams between the window and the wall of the house are sealed efficiently. Also, a vapor barrier for windows can have either one adhesive side or two.

Vapor barriers for PVC windows are distinguished by seasonal periods:

1. warm season with air temperatures from 5 to 35 degrees above zero;
2. winter period with temperatures below zero.

Read more: Why are plastic windows harmful?

Vapor barrier prevents the destruction of polyurethane foam under the influence of moisture, prevents the appearance of damp corners in window opening, the appearance of fungus and drafts.

If you don’t do a vapor barrier and slopes, there may be fungus

It should be noted that the price of vapor barrier for PVC windows is absolutely adequate and affordable to everyone. Very small costs for hydro and vapor barrier will increase the service life of windows, and protect the house from drafts and mold in the corners.

Installation of vapor barrier for windows

Below are general rules installation of vapor barrier for PVC windows, since each individual type of tape may have its own characteristics:

1. The window frame and opening are cleaned of dirt and dust.
2. The window is inserted into the opening without fixation; the places where the vapor barrier is attached are marked on the plastic.
3. The window is removed and a vapor barrier is glued to the marked places.

Concealed installation is carried out before the voids are foamed. The outer tapes are glued only after the mounting foam has completely dried. In any case, the vapor barrier tape is glued to the window in a continuous layer.

Do not forget that the choice of tape largely depends on the type of subsequent finishing. It is very important to use materials that comply with all moisture-permeable characteristics.

Where to buy? Prices

You can buy vapor barriers for PVC windows at any hardware store. If you have to replace windows in your home, consult with repairmen which vapor barrier is best for you to choose, taking into account the final finishing of the walls.

True professionals will give you practical recommendations. But, if you come across “experts” who insist that using vapor barriers for windows is unnecessary, kick them to the curb. Someone's incompetence can later bring you a lot of problems with dampness and drafts.

Replacing windows in a house is always accompanied by the installation of protection for the junction of the frame and the wall. Polyurethane foam is applied between the opening and the frame - traditional and proven thermal insulation. The foam performs its role properly, but if exposed to extreme moisture or ultraviolet radiation, its quality may change for the worse.

To eliminate the possibility of such a situation in advance and save yourself from replacement in the future, you should think about sealing the seams. To do this, you need to install additional insulation.

A complete set of insulation allows you to avoid freezing of the room and minimize the penetration of moisture and noise.

The insulation between the wall and the window consists of three layers:

• Outer. Its function is waterproofing, which means protecting the room from any weather conditions - snow and rain.
• The load-bearing insulation layer is located in the middle of the joint and is responsible for heat and sound insulation. Protection from frost is provided by a porous material resembling polyurethane foam. The waterproofing agent prevents moisture from getting inside.
• The inner layer is also considered thermal insulation. Here the mechanism of heat conservation is different. This layer does not allow heat to escape from the inside, unlike the outer layer, which protects the premises from cold air flows from the street.

The vapor barrier of windows refers to the inner layer, but is not always included in the insulation system. Single-sided self-adhesive vapor barrier tape or double-sided vapor barrier tape is additional protection. The need to use tape increases if the window is installed in a room with a high moisture content: kitchen, sauna, bathhouse.

Installing vapor barrier tapes is no more difficult than installing other types of seam insulation. However, a vapor barrier can help avoid subsequent serious problems with the entire window protection system. When installing a vapor barrier, in some cases you may need a couple of additional accessories, for example, vapor barrier tape. This is worth considering.

Classification of vapor barrier tapes

Vapor barrier tapes are manufactured in two versions:

• tapes with one adhesive side;
• double-sided vapor barrier tapes.

The first type of tape is attached to window frame windows. The second allows you to choose the mounting location: both on the frame and in the opening.

In addition to differences in adhesive structure, tapes are divided into two types according to climatic design:

• for predominantly warm average annual weather, “summer” vapor barrier films are suitable;
• if available subzero temperatures“winter” tapes are used.

Adhesive surface of vapor barrier tapes

All vapor barrier films are equipped with an adhesive strip. The absence of the need to apply glue yourself eliminates the possibility of poor-quality fastening of the tape, as well as moisture getting into the thermal insulation environment.

The material for the adhesive layer of the vapor barrier tape is butyl rubber or, in cases with high humidity, metal. Tapes containing rubber film are used for windows, balconies and doors in almost all types of premises. The basis of such a vapor barrier is non-woven fabric.

Types of vapor barrier tapes

The most common types of tapes, depending on the material:

• One of the most popular butyl rubber tapes is PSUL (pre-compressed sealing tapes), which are responsible for external vapor barrier, finishing of external joints and tight connection between frame and wall.
• GPL polyethylene tape is made from foam material. On one side it is treated with lamination. The strip contains metal inserts and an adhesive part along the entire length and width. Thanks to its well-thought-out composition, it is almost universal and is recommended for insulating all types of door and window frames.
• Vapor barrier tape for aircraft windows. Suitable for insulating joints if a subsequent dry method of finishing slopes is planned. Typically used on plastic or plasterboard elements. The connecting tape protects surfaces from condensation. The wide adhesive strip makes the installation of the vapor barrier strip simple and quick.
• Vapor barrier tape VM. Just like other types of tapes, it attaches perfectly to window and door frames. Installation is carried out in sequence from the frame. The strips of tape are attached overlapping in order to avoid possible heat leaks during operation of windows or doors.

Butyl rubber tape has a high specific gravity. PSUL tape weighs approximately 5 times more than tape made with reinforced aluminum foil with the same width. The differences between the types of tapes also lie in the surfaces for which they are usually used. Thick rubber tape can be firmly attached to the wall, and for gluing to slopes there is no need to use heavy insulating materials. For this case, lungs are preferred foil reinforced stripes.

GPL tapes

GPL are vapor-waterproofing tapes that perform moisture protection as the main task. These tapes form the outer layer of insulation with an additional vapor barrier function. Self-adhesive vapor barrier tape is made of polyethylene foam.

Polyethylene foam has a porous structure and has good thermal insulation properties and practically zero hygroscopicity (does not absorb moisture). The presence of this material in the tape makes it elastic and provides high-quality sealing with any surface, including uneven ones.

On one side the strip is laminated with a thin film of metal, on the other side there is glue. A special moisture-resistant adhesive allows the tape to easily adhere to any materials: plastic, metal, wood, brick, without requiring labor-intensive preparation.

In general, polypropylene film has significant resistance to destruction and chemical resistance to both alkalis and acids. Thanks to these qualities, polypropylene vapor barrier for windows is used without wear and oxidation.

Characteristics of GPL

GPL vapor barrier tape is characterized by:

• heat reflection – at least 95%;
• thermal conductivity – 0.04-0.05 W/m °C;
• specific heat capacity – 1.95 kJ/kg °C;
• zero vapor permeability;
• sound absorption - from 32 dB.

The tape is transported in the form of a twisted roll. There is no gluing of the layers; to prevent it, a paper film is laid.

Dimensions of self-adhesive GPL tape

The dimensions of the insulating strip for plastic windows are characterized by width, length and thickness:

• The width varies according to the buyer's needs. Standard sizes– 90/120/150/200 mm;
• Typical tape roll length is 15 m;
• The thickness of the tape has two layers:
  • the first insulating layer is non-crosslinked polyethylene foam, 2 mm;
  • the second is the vapor barrier itself - polypropylene film, 20 microns. This thin film, relative to the entire thickness of the layer, is enough to prevent condensation from falling onto the slopes of the window opening, and the entire system of protecting the window from weather conditions works better.

Installation of vapor barrier is carried out at a temperature of 10°C.

Installation of vapor barrier tape

Installation of vapor barrier tape is carried out in several stages:

• Preparation and processing of window/door openings. The surface of the opening walls and frame must be cleaned of dust. The less contamination, the more reliable the thermal insulation.
• It is necessary to mark the line for attaching the vapor barrier tape. To do this, you need to place the frame in the opening without securing it, and visually calculate where you need to draw the line.
• After this, the frame is removed back, and the vapor barrier strip is glued along the marked lines.
• The paper films covering the adhesive part are removed last.
• The installation of the vapor barrier tape is completed by covering the seam with foam.
• If it is necessary to install the tape in the area under the window sill, then it is done at the very end.

When installing a vapor barrier tape, subsequent application of plaster may be required. In this case, the open part of the tape must be made of a material that provides the best adhesion of the insulating strip and decorative covering among themselves.

The vapor barrier tape must be glued around the perimeter of the frame in a continuous layer, without gaps. Optimal thermal insulation is facilitated by the selection finishing materials, bordering the insulation, which have permissible moisture permeability in this case.

Accessories for vapor barriers

When installing a vapor barrier, minor difficulties may arise - overlapping strips and overlaps. You may consider this not dangerous for tightness, but in the end you will most likely get problems with heat and vapor barrier. Therefore, when installing a sealed vapor barrier for PVC windows, you may need additional accessories, for example, self-adhesive tape. In some cases, glue is most convenient.

If a vapor barrier metallized tape is attached to a non-smooth surface, it may require additional reinforcing force.

Self-adhesive tape can be the same as the vapor barrier sheets themselves, single- or double-sided. They are purchased if it is necessary to additionally glue the joints of vapor barrier strips and correct damage to the strips.

In the case of a double overlap or adhesive tape to wood or metal, double-sided tape is often used. With double overlap, i.e. When attaching a strip to pipes or doors, it is more convenient to use one-sided.

Cost 1 linear m of vapor barrier tape averages from 25 to 45 rubles. The price tag for additional products, for example, double-sided tape, is quite high (up to 1,400 rubles). Therefore, in the matter of purchasing them, everyone is guided by the installation process, the desired degree of confidence in the operation of the system and the possibility of spending money.

Video: using vapor barrier film for plastic windows

In general, vapor barrier is not currently considered mandatory. Its installation is often determined by the choice between reinsurance against possible unpleasant situations or saving. Some producers and buyers choose budget option, which does not include vapor barrier on windows. However, wide range products for vapor barriers allows for the most suitable choice without compromising the safety of operation of the entire window system.