Methods Of Glazing Windows On Balconies And Loggias

2023 Author: Philip Bishop | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 07:54

• What frames are most commonly used?
• What you need to know about installing a balcony block?
• What kind of profiles can be used besides aluminum?
• What type of glazing should you choose?
• Methods for installing a roof on a balcony

Glazing of balcony windows is quite popular in cities: thanks to this, it can be turned into a functional heated room or made into an unheated structure that can protect from rain and wind. Glazing makes the facade more attractive and can give it an unusual appearance.

What frames are most commonly used?

Balconies are most often installed without glazing. The owners of the premises have to think about the latter if they want to get a covered structure. This usually does not require complex installation work, however, it may be necessary to strengthen the supporting plate of the balcony, depending on how much the glazing will weigh and how much weight the balcony plate can withstand.

The aluminum base is convenient in that its weight is minimal, and often the plate reinforcement is not required. If you succeed in obtaining a special permit, it will be possible to close an entire block of a multi-storey building by creating panoramic glazing.

There are several types of frames:

• Swing-out.
• Sliding.
• Swing.
• Deaf.

What you need to know about installing a balcony block?

It is not always possible to install aluminum frames on your own, since their installation requires special equipment. In addition, you will need to have the necessary skills, therefore it will be faster and cheaper to immediately hire a specialist than to redo the consequences of non-professional glazing of windows and balconies later.

If the structure is on the top floor, installation of the roof or balcony canopy is a rather difficult stage. This will require a specialist who has not only equipment suitable for working at height, but also an admission to such work, since they are associated with a risk to life.

Tip: if you are going to glaze the balcony on the first floor, you should consider installing a grate. It is easier to glaze the floor accessible from the ground, but it will not be difficult for a criminal to break open such a window. The grill will be able to reliably protect the room from burglary, especially the degree of protection will increase if, in addition to the grill, you use special anti-burglar fittings.

What kind of profiles can be used besides aluminum?

Glazing of windows of loggias, balconies is often carried out using PVC frames with double-glazed windows. This is a popular, relatively inexpensive method that does not have great installation difficulties, but it should be remembered that such structures weigh much more than aluminum ones and are not suitable for all hinged systems. The positive side of plastic insulating glass units is their high tightness. You can create a warm room, carry out heating there and use the curtain structure as a full-fledged part of the living space.

Tip: in some cases, the slab can be further strengthened, but this will not add much more strength to it.

If you are going to install a double-glazed window, keep in mind that most often installation is possible only if the building was erected relatively recently. The fact is that old buildings are rather flimsy, not designed for a large mass. If the old building structure is overloaded, the balcony slab may collapse, for the consequences of which the owner of the premises is responsible.

Advice: if you want to install quality aluminum profiles, you should pay attention to companies such as PROVEDAL and SLIDORS. Analogs producing high quality plastic constructions are KBE and REHAU.

What type of glazing should you choose?

The glazing of windows and balconies can be warm or cold. The difference is that with warm glazing, the structure will be completely sealed. It can be used for heating, the balcony can be used as part of the room. With cold glazing, it is impossible to achieve the desired tightness, therefore it makes no sense to heat the balcony. The temperature on it will not differ much from the outside temperature.

Contrary to popular belief, warm glazing can also be made from aluminum frames, but you will need to use special structures equipped with a thermal bridge. Such a frame is much more expensive than a conventional aluminum frame, it often comes out more expensive than a plastic one, but retains heat no worse than PVC, while maintaining the main advantage of aluminum - its low weight.

Warm glazing will make it possible to conduct heating on the balcony, install an air conditioner, creating comfortable conditions for using the structure at any time of the year. Such work will cost much more than a cold analogue, but it will be more functional.

Cold glazing is able to protect from wind, precipitation, dust, but does not protect from cold. It makes sense to do it if you plan to store items on the balcony that should not get wet, dry your laundry. It will be possible to use the room comfortably only in summer, but the balcony will be heated. It is also pointless to install an air conditioner on it, as well as heating, since cold or warm air from the street can freely penetrate inside. Installing loggias with such glazing is cheaper, especially if you use ordinary aluminum profiles.

Methods for installing a roof on a balcony

The roof is quite an important element, especially if the balcony is on the top floor and does not have a balcony slab above it - the structural element above it.

Tip: to increase the service life of the structure, it is advisable to cover the roof with aluminum. This material does not rust, does not rot, does not need painting or any other additional protection, which makes the roof more durable without significantly increasing its weight.

The aluminum profile itself is installed, having previously prepared the site for this. The parapet can be made of concrete, brick, metal. Before starting work, you must make sure its strength and ability to withstand the expected load from the mass of the glazing. Outside, the structure can be sheathed with aluminum siding. It will make it neater, more complete, protect it from the effects of the environment, and help eliminate gaps that can cause drafts.

Conclusion: balcony glazing is quite useful, regardless of whether you choose a warm or cold option. Aluminum is a practical and affordable material for such work.

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