Helpful information

Installation of PVC windows involves the use of special insulating materials. This category includes mounting foam for PVC windows and tape. Each of these materials has a specific purpose. As a rule, the tape serves to isolate seams from dust and moisture, preventing the formation of fungus and mold in the joints. In turn, the foam compensates for the effects of temperature changes and provides reliable sound insulation.

Mounting tapes for windows

The tape is selected taking into account functional purpose. We offer mounting tape for plastic windows buy for any task - for sealing ebbs or slopes, window sills or window openings. We recommend paying attention to the PSUL feed.

At a relatively low cost, it has excellent operational parameters, reliably protecting the seams from dust and moisture. In addition, its installation is carried out without special tools. The self-adhesive surface adheres tightly to the base without much effort.

Mounting foam for windows

Window insulation polyurethane foam Lately it has become especially important. By correctly installing the window unit, you can significantly reduce heat loss. Naturally, the effectiveness of such insulation is determined by the properties of the material. And here the question usually arises: polyurethane foam for PVC windows - which is better? Basically, the insulating characteristics depend on the components included in the foam, as well as on the production technologies used by the manufacturer.

Buy PSUL in Moscow

Our category is represented by the German company Bauset, which has been one of the leading manufacturers in Europe for many years. If you follow the manufacturer's instructions, the consumption of polyurethane foam on the window is minimal - at low costs you can reliably seal the window unit and extend its service life. In the adjacent sections of the catalog you can find everything necessary tools to carry out work.

Joints and seams of any structure are the most vulnerable places. The same can be said about windows installed in a window opening. It is the installation seam that will be the weakest point in the entire structure. A poorly laid seam can allow heat to escape, moisture to enter and extraneous sounds from the street, finally, condensation, which forms due to temperature differences, will accumulate inside the insulation and deteriorate its characteristics, leading to destruction. The description of the characteristics of the assembly seam and the technology of its installation is given special attention in GOST. At the moment, GOST 30971-2012 is in force.

Features of the technology. Why do you need a vapor barrier tape?

According to GOST, the installation seam must be three-layer. Each layer performs its own function:

1. The middle layer - the main one - provides heat and sound insulation due to its porous structure.
2. The outer layer protects from moisture coming from the street (it removes it) and from UV rays.
3. The inner layer is a vapor barrier. Essentially, it traps heat in the house and prevents steam accumulating in the interior of the room from penetrating into the insulating layer.

Thus, compliance with the seam construction technology is necessary to prevent moisture penetration, condensation formation, and improve heat and sound insulation properties. Refusal to install insulating layers will reduce the cost of installation and construction by about 15-20%, in general, but GOST does not allow such cases.

Classification of vapor barriers for windows

To install a PVC window, vapor barrier tape in a wide variety of varieties and diffusion vapor-permeable tape are used.

Tapes can have one or two adhesive surfaces. The first ones are installed on the frame itself, the second ones can be installed in window opening, gluing them both to the wall and to window profile. The range is divided into winter and summer options. Summer ones are intended for installation at temperatures from +5 degrees to +35 degrees, winter ones - for installation at temperatures of +5 degrees and below. Moreover, when installed in winter time It is necessary to warm up the surface of the window opening.

The tape should be approximately 5 cm larger than the width of the mounting seam.

Based on the material used, there are two types of tapes:

1. Butyl rubber tape with a reinforcing layer of non-woven fabric, designed for sealing joints.
2. Metallized tape, intended for installation in damp rooms.

Types of tapes

The functionality of the tapes is different, so when installing windows they use different varieties depending on the goals for each specific stage. A review of the tapes should be carried out.

	Material of manufacture	Where is it used?	Properties	Peculiarities
PSUL	Polyurethane	Used when organizing a ventilated assembly seam from the outside. Allows high-quality sealing of joints. Acts as a sound insulator when glued to bottom surface low tide	Provides a tight fit of the frame to the wall.	It is necessary to unwind the tape (it is supplied rolled into rollers) immediately before installation. Over time, it expands and loses its sealing properties. The width of the PSUL tape must exceed the width of the installation gap.
	Non-woven material. BC+ – foil.	Used during installation internal slopes. Combines with plastic, plasterboard, protects against condensation.	Prevents moisture from the insulation used to insulate slopes, in particular mineral wool. BC+ has a double-sided adhesive layer. Is an effective vapor and heat insulation	There is an adhesive layer across the entire width. BC+ is thicker than BC.
	Non-woven material. VM+ – foil.	Used when finishing internal slopes, but under plaster.	Prevents condensation from penetrating mineral wool insulation. VM+ has an adhesive layer on both sides.	Provides adhesion to plaster. VM+ is more resistant to moisture.
	It is made of foamed polyethylene, which is laminated on one side with a metallized film. On the other side there is an adhesive layer applied.		Combines the properties of several tapes. It has increased elasticity, mechanical strength and resistance to aggressive chemicals.	May not adhere well to gas and foam concrete.
	A thicker layer of foamed polyethylene is used than GPL. Metallized layer based on polyurethane film.	Universal tape. Used for heat, hydro and vapor barrier.	The difference from GPL tape is that there is an additional adhesive strip on the metallized film side. The tape has the best thermal insulation characteristics. Effectively reflects heat.	Quite voluminous, which is inconvenient when finishing slopes.
Diffusion tape	Polyester fabric with self-adhesive strips based on butyl rubber.	Used to seal the installation seam on the ebb side.	It is vapor permeable from the inside and has waterproofing properties from the outside.	Resistant to UV rays.
Butyl rubber mounting tape	Butyl rubber	Installed between the window sill and insulation.	Protects against blowing.	There is a self-adhesive layer.

Installation procedure for vapor barrier tape

The vapor barrier tape is installed after completing the preparatory procedures: dismantling the old window, cleaning the opening from debris, dust, sealing and leveling large irregularities.

1. The window opening is wiped with a dry cloth and the window structure is pre-installed. In the process, the future location is marked vapor barrier tape PSUL.
2. The window is removed from the window opening and a vapor barrier tape is glued to the frame with a distance of 5 mm from the markings. In the corners, the tape is glued end-to-end, for which the tape is initially cut off with an allowance that will be used for fitting. The surface must be degreased and dust free.
3. Tape for slopes is glued to the side profiles and the top. leave an overlap of about 10 cm.
4. Install a window. Foam the seam.
5. Assembly seam with outside cover with diffusion tape.
6. Before installing the ebb, PSUL is glued lengthwise to its lower surface.
7. On the seam at the bottom of the window with inside attach metallized vapor barrier tape.
8. The tape on the window sill is glued last.

September 17, 2016
Specialization: professional in the field of construction and renovation ( full cycle carrying out finishing works, both internal and external, from sewerage to electrical and finishing works), installation window designs. Hobbies: see the column "SPECIALIZATION AND SKILLS"

Waterproofing tape for PVC windows, as well as other installation materials, are used relatively rarely: their use increases the cost of work, since a set of high-quality mounting tapes for installing one structure costs approximately 15 - 25% of the cost of the entire window.

And yet, if you plan to glaze the house “for yourself,” use modern materials not only possible, but also necessary. That is why I decided to write a short review on mounting tapes, their purpose and correct use.

Purpose of mounting tapes

If we approach it from a formal point of view, then use special vapor-permeable and vapor barrier materials for installation PVC structures necessary primarily to meet the requirements of industry standards. The use of tapes is regulated by the following documents:

• GOST R 53338-2009 “Vapour-permeable, self-expanding, self-adhesive tapes for construction purposes”;
• GOST 30971-2012 “Seams assembly units junctions of window blocks to wall openings. General technical conditions";
• GOST R 52749-2007 “Window installation joints with vapor-permeable self-expanding tapes.”

That is, it is basically impossible to install windows according to GOST without using tapes. But there are also rational explanations for the need to use such materials. Some of them are set out in the already mentioned GOSTs, and some can be formulated based on many years of experience in the installation, repair and operation of translucent structures:

1. To seal the joint between the window and the window opening, self-expanding foam based on liquid polyurethane is used. Despite having a number of objective advantages, foam also has disadvantages - first of all, it is vulnerable to ultraviolet radiation.
2. To protect the foam from UV radiation, self-adhesive tape is used, which covers the mounting seam from the outside.

1. The next aspect that justifies the need to use special tapes for installation is ventilation, or more precisely, liquid drainage. When operating a window without additional protection, the heat that forms in the room partially collects inside the installation seam, reducing the efficiency of heat conservation. To avoid this, a vapor barrier material can be used to seal it from the inside of the room.
2. However, it is important not only to protect the foam from moisture, but also to ensure the unimpeded escape of water vapor beyond the assembly seam. For this purpose, exclusively vapor-permeable tape is used for exterior finishing, which guarantees normal diffusion of moist air .

The question of whether it is necessary to glue a vapor barrier tape or use a vapor-permeable material is largely debatable. On the one hand, the efficiency of these materials is really quite high, so their use in installation will clearly affect the functionality of the window in the best possible way.

On the other hand, the price of mounting tapes is also quite high, so to save money you can choose other methods: from the inside, for example, install a slope made of plastic (in principle, it provides good hydro- and vapor barrier), and from the outside, finish the installation seam with vapor-permeable plaster followed by painting .

And yet I repeat: the use of special tapes when installing a window structure into an opening is completely justified both from the point of view of standards and from the point of view of optimizing the indoor climate.

Types of materials

Type 1. Water vapor barrier tape

For PVC installation A variety of tapes are used for windows. Each type of such material has its own characteristics and advantages, therefore, to achieve maximum effect materials should be combined to combine their functional advantages in the best possible way.

I’ll start my review of materials used when installing windows with the most popular - water vapor barrier tape:

1. Self-adhesive water vapor barrier mounting tape (GPL) is tape material, which covers the installation gap from the room side.
2. The basis of the tape is polyethylene or foam polyethylene film. On one side, the plank is laminated with a thin layer of aluminum foil, and on the other, one or two strips of adhesive are applied for installation.
3. The adhesive mixture used for application provides good adhesion to most materials - wood, concrete, brick, etc. Problems may arise when trying to cover an opening made of gas or foam concrete, so before purchasing installation material I recommend consulting with the seller or carefully studying what the manufacturer’s instructions say about this .
4. The structure of the tape ensures almost complete tightness of the finished assembly seam: neither the gluing area nor the polyethylene strip itself allows air and water vapor to pass through.

1. The polymer structure provides the product with additional advantages: the finishing material is not afraid of not only moisture, but also the effects of acids, alkalis, and other chemically active substances, and also does not degrade under the influence of ultraviolet radiation.

Type 2. Insulated water vapor barrier tape

Insulated tape is, in fact, a modification of a conventional water vapor barrier material. Its key features include:

• increased thickness of the base, which is made exclusively from foamed polyethylene;
• a denser foil layer based on a durable polypropylene film.

Thanks to these design features:

1. The product is no worse at preventing the diffusion of liquid and water vapor and the penetration of moisture into the middle part of the assembly seam. This ensures the most effective hydro- and vapor barrier.
2. The increased thickness of the base and its porous structure help reduce heat loss. Foamed polyethylene acts as window insulation.
3. Finally, the foil coating also plays an important role. Thin layer metal on an elastic base reflects infrared radiation, performing the function of a “thermal mirror”. However, most of the heat generated heating devices, returns to the room.

The disadvantages of such products would include their rather large dimensions: finishing the installation gap with insulated tapes requires subsequent masking of the junction unit using slopes, which is not always included in our plans.

Type 3. Pre-compressed tape (PSUL)

Another universal material– PSUL (pre-compressed sealing tape). This material is used to ensure self-ventilation of the installation seam:

1. The tape is a strip of porous polyurethane foam impregnated special composition. On one side, the strip is equipped with an adhesive layer protected by a special protective coating.
2. The product is supplied in rolled form (rolls or reels). It is necessary to unwind the material immediately before installation, since over time the product loses its properties.
3. During installation protective covering is removed and the PSUL is glued to the window structure. After this, the impregnation reacts with air, due to which the linear dimensions of the product increase. The tape expands and completely covers the installation gap.

Complete and high-quality overlap is possible only if the nominal size of the product specified by the manufacturer corresponds to the dimensions of the gap. So, for example, if I need to seal a 35 mm gap with my own hands, then for work I take a PSUL about 40 mm wide.

1. After expansion, the material becomes completely vapor permeable. This ensures unimpeded exit of water from the assembly seam.

Type 4. Inner tapes

In addition to the varieties indicated for interior decoration other products are also used on slopes. It is convenient to analyze their main features using the table, which I will give below:

Marking	Description
Sun	A product that you use for installing window structures if you plan to finish slopes using a dry method (plasterboard, plastic, lining, etc.). Provides effective vapor barrier and prevents moisture from entering the thickness of the assembly joint. The tape is installed using a self-adhesive layer with a protective coating.
VS+	It is used for the same purposes as BC tape, but is thicker. An additional advantage is the presence of a foil layer, which provides more effective vapor and heat insulation.
VM	A hydro- and vapor barrier material, which is used if it is planned to plaster the slopes on the inside of the window opening. We protect the mounting foam from moisture, while ensuring maximum adhesion to the plaster mixture.
VM+	A more effective version of the previous product, used for the same purposes. Key Feature is increased resistance to moisture.

Other types of mounting tapes

In addition to the products described above, other types of tapes are used for the installation of translucent structures:

1. Diffusion tape for exterior finishing. Used in combination with PSUL or polyurethane foam. Provides protection of the assembly seam from moisture and ultraviolet radiation while maintaining vapor permeability. Finishing the junction unit with diffuse material allows you to maintain a natural level of ventilation: air will freely flow out from the middle part of the installation gap.

1. Butyl rubber mounting tape under the window sill. As the name suggests, it is used to seal the junction under the window sill and protect the insulation from blowing, moisture and heat loss. Like other materials in this category, installation is carried out using a self-adhesive layer.
2. Non-woven material for installation under low tide. It has high vapor permeability and is glued to the base of the opening under the drainage strip. In addition to providing ventilation, it significantly reduces the noise of galvanized metal flashings, acting as a shock absorber and dampening some of the loud sounds.
3. Adhesive tape is a universal material that is used for installing lightweight structures. For example, self-adhesive reflective film is popular, and mosquito net with fastening tape is also very convenient to use.

How to use it correctly?

The technology for using installation years when installing PVC profile windows is quite simple. I use the following algorithm:

1. First I prepare the opening: I remove old design, I level the walls, remove dust and dry all surfaces. It is desirable that the edges of the opening be more or less even, therefore, before installing the window, it may be necessary to refine them using a quickly hardening solution.
2. Then I cut water vapor barrier tapes, PSUL and diffuse material. I cut the products along the length of each side of the window with an overlap of at least 10 cm (these areas are used to form a corner joint).

1. I paste the tapes on window frame, removing the protective film from one of the adhesive strips. I glue PSUL in a compressed state onto the front surface of the structure from the outside.

It is desirable that the PSUL be completely hidden behind the wall fence, so before gluing, I usually fit the window to the opening, making marks at the installation site.

1. I install the structure in the opening and fix it using the chosen method - either using anchors or using mounting plates.

1. I fill all the gaps with self-expanding polyurethane foam.
2. I shoot from the inside and outer tape protective strips and glue their edges to the opening, completely covering the foam.
3. If installation is carried out in winter, I use specialized materials with glue that retains adhesive ability at subzero temperatures.

1. Before installation additional elements I separately glue to the support profile or the bottom of the frame a material that protects the space under the window sill and under the drainage strip.
2. At low tide horizontal surface I paste on the PSUL strip: it acts as a shock absorber, and therefore the metal canopy will not rattle when there are gusts of wind and drops of rain hit it.

Cost of materials

As I noted at the very beginning, the high price of mounting tapes partially limits their distribution. But at the same time, if you know exactly what you need, there is a chance to fit within the budget allocated for glazing.

Conclusion

Both vapor-permeable and vapor barrier tape for plastic windows may not be included in the required set of parts for successful installation. But their use allows you to fully comply with GOST requirements. And also ensure the formation favorable microclimate indoors - primarily due to the normalization of the installation seam.

The video in this article will help you master the technology of using such parts, and when choosing a product, you can consult with me and other experts by asking questions in the comments.

September 17, 2016

If you want to express gratitude, add a clarification or objection, or ask the author something - add a comment or say thank you!

High-quality glazing requires serious consideration and is impossible without proper insulation of the gap between the opening and the window. Often, organizations that install translucent structures limit themselves to traditional polyurethane foam, which is subsequently covered with plaster or other finishing materials. This approach has proven itself relatively well and in some cases does not cause any complaints from the consumer throughout the entire life of the window.

However, glazing with one level of sealing of the opening does not meet the state requirements for the quality of services or goods provided, that is, GOST. To comply with these requirements, additional insulation is required at the junction of the window and the opening both from the street side and from the room side. Such insulation is ensured using special mounting tapes.

Scheme for using mounting tapes on windows
View from above

Mounting tape for windows is a self-adhesive material on a polymer or fabric basis, designed for additional sealing of window or door openings.

Types of mounting tapes for windows

The functions performed by the tapes are different and depend on the location of gluing, the condition of the opening, the features of the future finishing of the slopes, as well as the requirements for the window block. Next, we will consider the most commonly used materials common in the modern construction market.

PSUL

Pre-compressed sealing tape is used primarily on the outside of translucent structures. Its main purpose is to ensure unimpeded drainage of moisture from the area where the hatch connects to the opening.

Essentially, this is a tape product made of elastic polyurethane foam (looks like foam rubber), usually gray or black. One side of the material is covered adhesive composition, isolated protective film. The tape is supplied twisted into compact reels or rolls (depending on the size), which need to be unwound only during the installation process, since the material loses its quality over time.

An example of tape expansion over time

The main feature is the ability to fill joints as a result of expansion, which occurs as a result of contact with air. The tape isolates the gap from moisture and external influences with outside, while simultaneously allowing excess liquid from the inside to evaporate.

Scope of application of PSUL:

• Additional sealing of interfaces between elements of prefabricated structures;
• Sealing the gap between the frame and the opening when installing windows and doors;
• Insulation of joints between small-sized moving units of building facades;
• Filling the outer seam between the slope and the frame during PVC installations windows

It is important to understand that to fill the gap efficiently, you need a tape of the appropriate size. For example, if the task is to seal a joint with a maximum width of 40 mm, you will need a PSUL with a nominal size of 45-50 mm.

Water vapor barrier (GPL)

This type of tape product is most popular when installing window blocks. Among its main features it is worth highlighting the following:

• Water vapor barrier mounting tape is designed to seal joints on the room side.
• Polyethylene film is most often used as the basis for self-adhesive material. On one side the tape is equipped with a foil coating, and on the other - with an adhesive composition.
• The glue used provides reliable fixation on most surfaces (concrete, brick, cinder block, wood and others). The products of some brands have poor adhesion to foam blocks and aerated concrete, so before purchasing you should consult the seller or read the attached instructions.
• The structure of the material prevents the penetration of moisture or air both through the tape itself and through the gluing points. This ensures the maximum possible tightness of the joint of the opening and, as a result, the structure as a whole.
• In addition to insulating from moisture, the tape does not deteriorate during prolonged contact with ultraviolet radiation and is not subject to destruction from exposure to aggressive environments (household acids, alkalis and other reagents).

GPL is used for waterproofing installation gaps that arise when installing window and door units, as well as for sealing structures made of metal, wood, concrete and plastic.

GPL-S and insulated GPL

VM (VM+) tape

• VM. Vapor barrier tape designed for sealing joints indoors. It is used in cases where wet finishing of slopes is planned (plastering or decorating tiles). Provides protection from moisture entering the joint of the opening and reliable fixation of the finishing coating.
• VM+. A modified analogue of the previous product with similar properties. It has the best waterproofing qualities, which allows it to be used in rooms with high humidity(kitchens, showers).

VS (VS+) tape

Diffuse (vapor-permeable waterproofing tape)

It is used outside structures in conjunction with pre-compressed tape or in situations where it is impossible to use the latter. Traditionally, diffuse tape is used to isolate the area where the molding profile is attached, since PSUL cannot be glued to the place where it is fixed, but there are also frequent cases of use along the entire perimeter of the window block.

The structure of the diffuse tape prevents the penetration of moisture and cold air into the assembly joint; in addition, the material protects the polyurethane foam from the effects of solar ultraviolet radiation. In addition to its protective qualities, the tape has the property of allowing vapor formations to pass through from the inside of the joint between the frame and the slope, thus providing the necessary ventilation for this section of the structure.

Butyl rubber tape

Butyl rubber, used as the base of the tape, is a fairly elastic material with high adhesion to most surfaces. It is fixed equally firmly on stone, wood or plastic. It is also worth noting that it is environmentally friendly and almost completely harmless to the consumer. The main disadvantage is the flammability of butyl rubber, which requires compliance with appropriate standards for installation and subsequent operation.

Used as insulating material from the inside of the structure. It is glued to the bottom of the window sill profile as additional protection against blowing from the outside and penetration of steam into the installation seam from the room side.

Installation features

The tape is applied both before fixing the window block in the opening, and on already installed structures. The first option is more convenient in cases with the installation of external insulation.

Let's consider the algorithm for using tape insulation using the example of gluing pre-compressed sealing tape (PSUL) and internal GPL-S with an additional strip of double-sided tape:

It should be remembered that the tape must be selected in accordance with weather conditions. When working in winter, it is possible to glue only material intended for use in low temperature conditions.