Sarbocolo wrote:Hello,
I live on the ground floor of an HLM residence.
Despite my requests, the landlord refuses to change my old iron shutters allowing cold air to pass through.
What can I do?
Can I use transparent insulation for windows? Is it effective?
Thank you in advance for your answers.
There are several ways to view the problem.
Awning boxesIt is necessary to identify if there is an access hatch. If so, you have to dismantle it (awning raised) to see how much space you have available to put an insulation (polystyrene panel type, which must press all the way around without allowing air to pass through, and obviously be placed against the element You can complete the insulation by putting this type of extruded polystyrene panel against the box but inside (especially if the hatch is made of metal. You will then need a system for prevent any air path from entering by blocking it (if it is a strap system for raising / lowering the awning, it is a little more annoying, because it is necessary to replace and remove the cover which prevents the air path , each time you use the blind, you have to be imaginative to create a removable device that can be placed quickly, a foam such as a sponge can sometimes be sufficient)
Existing window insulationI had the same problem when I rented a room in town.
I first made sure that the window and the window frame and seal were waterproof.
If there is no seal, one must be obtained with a hollow body in the form of a “d” (in section plane). Use a degreaser where it will be glued (the support must be spotlessly clean and smooth) then put the joint all the way around with the overlapping area at an angle. Repeat for each window.
For the window, I first made sure that the glass was sealed all the way around and I sealed off any air coie with a silicone sealant or glazier's putty on a wooden frame. I then went to a supermarket which has a flower section, they have big and long rolls of cellophane film transparent like glass. Sometimes it's free, sometimes a few euros.
Then cut with an overlap area of 1,5cm of margin all around and taped with yellow bodybuilder's tape (again, the application area must be impeccable). This system creates an air space that insulates well.
If the window frame is made of metal, this constitutes a thermal bridge and that can hardly be corrected without changing the whole window with another made of PVC.