The Use Of Sliding Windows For Glazing A Balcony Or Veranda

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

• What types of designs are there?
• What material to choose for glazing?
• Wood glazing

Sliding windows are a convenient solution for rooms where space is limited. Quite often they are used for balconies and loggias, however, recently, designs have become relevant for offices, rooms, and other premises, since manufacturers have learned to make them airtight. The design is convenient for opening in narrow spaces, does not affect the window sill, which can be used as a shelf.

What types of designs are there?

Modern sliding windows can be of different designs, and manufacturers offer the following options:

• Vertical: similar in structure to the doors of a wardrobe, they are the most convenient and common. The movement of the structure is due to rails and guides. In order for the sash to open, free space is required on the wall, since it moves to the side, extends beyond the window structure.
• Parallel sliding windows: they work in a similar way, but the sash does not go beyond the structure.

• Swing-and-slide views: open like a bus door with a shift to the side, then to the side. This happens thanks to special fittings. This design is the most sealed, movement occurs parallel to the profile; can be combined with blind doors.

  

• Tilt-and-slide models: do not open horizontally, but vertically. Fixation takes place thanks to a special mechanism. The design is convenient if there is no room to open the side.

What material to choose for glazing?

Manufacturers offer different glazing options. The choice of material should depend not only on cost, but also on the tasks that the glazing must perform. For example, if you only need protection from snow, wind, debris, and you do not plan to insulate the balcony, ordinary sliding aluminum windows are suitable for you.

Aluminum is durable, does not require maintenance, does not suffer from corrosion, however, it does not retain heat, if the frame does not have a thermal bridge. This is an affordable material for insulation, the price of which is low.

Advice: when choosing a conventional aluminum frame, you should not install a glass unit in it. The heat will not stay indoors anyway, so there is no point in overpaying for high-quality glass.

Sliding aluminum windows are well suited for those balcony structures that, due to their age, cannot withstand heavy loads. The glazing is lightweight and does not require reinforcement. The appearance of the frames is pleasant, visually, they do not make the structure cumbersome, if necessary, they can be painted in any color, which will allow for an original design solution.

However, do not expect such a frame to be able to isolate heat or noise. Aluminum is not suitable for these purposes, therefore, such a frame can be used on balconies that are not planned to be attached to the living space. Cold glazing is able to protect from precipitation, if the glass is darkened, it can shield the structure from the sun, it performs such glazing and a protective function from debris. If you want to make the balcony warm, then you should consider aluminum frames with a thermal bridge or pay attention to other materials.

For warm glazing, sliding plastic windows are often used. The plastic construction is devoid of the disadvantages of aluminum. It is well suited for protecting a room not only from natural phenomena, such as precipitation, but also from the effects of low temperatures. The plastic frame can be insulated, retains heat well inside the room, and isolates noise. Choosing this type of glazing, you can order a double-glazed unit, the thickness of which will determine the heat and sound insulation properties of the product.

Tip: sliding windows for a balcony do not have to be equipped with a thick 3-glass unit, double glazing is optimal. He will be able to perform the tasks of insulation, prevent the structure from freezing even in severe frost, while the weight of the structure will not be significantly overestimated.

Sliding plastic windows are often used for balconies that are planned to be turned into a part of the living space. Such structures isolate the external environment. You will be able to bring heating to the balcony, which will work efficiently. A large selection of opening systems will help you choose the design that is most convenient for you and suitable for the space that you have.

Another positive side of plastic is durability: the material does not suffer at all from moisture, temperature changes, and other negative factors. The only drawback is the large mass of the structure, because of which it is not recommended to install it on old and dilapidated balconies.

Wood glazing

This type is suitable as a cold one, since a regular wooden frame has a lot of cracks and is equipped with ordinary glass, which is not able to keep heat or noise. If you want high-quality warm glazing, with a wooden one, there is a way out - to install euro windows. This is a rather expensive option, such frames are manufactured in the factory and supplied with modern double-glazed windows, similar to those that are installed in plastic frames. The Euro window can be made of different types of wood, which affects the technical characteristics of the final product.

There is also an inexpensive version of wooden glazing, it is often used as a summer cottage or, if necessary, create inexpensive cold glazing on your own. To do this, use a wooden beam and ordinary glass, which are inserted into a homemade frame. For an apartment, this option is not recommended, as it has an unattractive appearance.

A wooden window also has a number of disadvantages, regardless of whether it is factory-made or not. You will have to monitor the safety of the structure, paint and varnish it regularly, and protect it from pests with special compounds. The tree does not like changes in temperature and moisture, it will help to crack or start to rot. The mass of such glazing is quite large, especially if not completely dried wood was used.

Conclusion: PVC sliding windows are the most optimal solution. Warm glazing will turn the balcony into the most useful area, while the price of the profile is acceptable, and the quality is high.

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