Sliding windows to the balcony - saving space!

The pandemic year 2022 has clearly demonstrated the need for comfortable arrangement of balconies and loggias. Locked in apartments, citizens en masse converted balconies into work rooms or recreation areas. Which glazing is most suitable for cozy balconies?

Photo: © fotolia.com

Sliding windows to the balcony - what are they?

In sliding windows, the sashes move parallel to the plane of the window; they do not require space when opening. For limited balcony space, sliding windows are the best option:

• The balcony area is fully used, there are no “blind” spots;
• Balcony furniture does not interfere with the opening of the doors;
• A variety of materials allows you to choose sliding windows depending on its use

The choice of sliding windows for a balcony primarily depends on its purpose - warm for a balcony-office or cold for a balcony-storage.

What difficulties might you encounter?

This type of glazing has several typical problems that usually appear when the ambient temperature changes sharply. These include :

• quick change of geometry under its own weight;
• sagging of the sash, which leads to drafts;
• handles breaking due to frequent use.

You should not wait for a problem to appear and take preventive measures.

Troubleshooting solutions

To prevent changes in window geometry, adjustments must be made at least once a year . When the problem appears, it can also be eliminated by adjustment.

Sagging of the sash requires moving the panel and tightening the fixing screws. Breakage of the handle can occur due to the expiration date or frequent opening of the window. In this case, it is necessary to replace this part of the fittings.

Aluminum sliding windows to the balcony

This type of sliding windows takes up the lion's share in the glazing of balconies. The doors in it move along guides.

Advantages of sliding aluminum windows:

• The most economical type of sliding windows;
• Varied appearance due to coloring;
• They weigh little and are suitable for balconies of any degree of wear.
• There are mosquito nets

Photo: sliding cold aluminum - the leader in glazing balconies, © ru.depositphotos.com Disadvantages of sliding aluminum windows:

• Cold single-pane glazing is not suitable for insulated balconies;
• Possible blowing, precipitation and freezing of the sashes;
• The doors may jam and warp when opening;
• There are cases when the doors on high floors are blown away by strong winds

Ready-made cold glazing solutions:

Cold glazing
Solution price:

Glazing Provedal 47,517 rubles

Window sill: matte white 150mm 1584 rubles

Exterior siding: 8,200 rubles

The price includes the Provedal design for a U-shaped balcony, ebbs and canopies, connecting elements.

Cold glazing

Loggia 3 meters

Solution price from:

(-10% on promotion) 25,395 rubles

(without discount) 28,385 rubles

The price includes sliding aluminum glazing (four sliding sashes), sills, canopies on the outside, additional profiles, installation.

Cold glazing

Loggia 6 meters

Solution price from:

(-10% on promotion) 46,440 rubles

(without discount) 51,890 rubles

The price includes sliding aluminum glazing (six sliding sashes), sills, canopies on the outside, additional profiles, installation.

Cold glazing

Solution price:

Glazing Provedal47 517 rubles

Window sill: golden oak matte 300mm6,594 rubles

Roller blinds: art. 300100-5173 white box2 141 rubles

The calculation was made for a U-shaped balcony measuring 850×3500×850 mm. The cost of additional elements is not taken into account, delivery is paid separately

Cold glazing

Solution price:

Glazing Provedal47 517 rubles

Window sill: golden oak glossy 300mm7 266 rubles

Roller blinds: art. 300100-1852 white box2 141 rubles

The calculation was made for a U-shaped balcony measuring 850×3500×850 mm. The cost of additional elements is not taken into account, delivery is paid separately

Cold glazing

Solution price:

Glazing Provedal47 517 rubles

Window sill: glossy mahogany 300mm7 266 rubles

The calculation was made for a U-shaped balcony measuring 850×3500×850 mm. The cost of additional elements is not taken into account, delivery is paid separately

Cold glazing

Solution price:

Glazing Provedal47 517 rubles

Window sill: white pvc 300mm2 433 rubles

The calculation was made for a U-shaped balcony measuring 850×3500×850 mm. The cost of additional elements is not taken into account, delivery is paid separately

Cold glazing

Solution price:

Glazing Provedal47 517 rubles

Window sill: white pvc 150 mm1 584 rubles

The calculation was made for a U-shaped balcony measuring 850×3500×850 mm. The cost of additional elements is not taken into account, delivery is paid separately

Cold glazing

Solution price:

Glazing Provedal47 517 rubles

Window sill: white pvc 150 mm1 584 rubles

Roller blinds: art. 300100-1852 white box 2,141 rubles

The calculation was made for a U-shaped balcony measuring 850×3500×850 mm. The cost of additional elements is not taken into account, delivery is paid separately

Cold glazing

Solution price:

Glazing Provedal47 517 rubles

Window sill: white pvc 150 mm1 584 rubles

Roller blinds: art. 300100-5850 white box 2,141 rubles

The calculation was made for a U-shaped balcony measuring 850×3500×850 mm. The cost of additional elements is not taken into account, delivery is paid separately

Cold glazing

Solution price:

Glazing Provedal47 517 rubles

Window sill: white pvc 150 mm1 584 rubles

Roller blinds: art. 300106-2850 white box 2,141 rubles

The calculation was made for a U-shaped balcony measuring 850×3500×850 mm. The cost of additional elements is not taken into account, delivery is paid separately

Cold glazing

Solution price:

Glazing Provedal47 517 rubles

Window sill: white pvc 150 mm1 584 rubles

Roller blinds: art. 300504-1881 white box 3,442 rubles

The calculation was made for a U-shaped balcony measuring 850×3500×850 mm. The cost of additional elements is not taken into account, delivery is paid separately

Plastic sliding windows to the balcony

Sliding windows to the balcony made of plastic profiles are divided into two categories according to the principle of operation:

• Cold plastic sliding doors are analogous to cold aluminum sliding doors.
• Warm plastic sliding doors made from a regular window profile with special sliding fittings, they are called portals.

Cold plastic sliding windows

These sliders are a little warmer than aluminum ones. With them, a comfortable temperature on the balcony will be longer than with aluminum ones by about two months.

Photo: For their manufacture, a multi-chamber plastic profile with double-glazed windows is used, © fotolia.com Advantages of cold plastic sliding windows:

• Heat-saving or solar control glass can be installed in the double-glazed window, which increases comfort on the balcony.
• The doors are heavier and do not warp when opening; they can withstand strong winds.
• Dyeing and lamination for decoration are possible.
• Can be used on balconies with a high degree of wear and tear due to its light weight.

Disadvantages of cold plastic sliding windows:

• Not suitable for insulated balconies
• The large size of the structures creates problems when lifting.
• The cost is 30-35% higher than that of aluminum windows

Warm plastic sliding windows

For insulated and heated balconies, you need to choose warm, sealed glazing that will not let the cold in and will not let the heat out.

Conventional swing doors are not the best solution for a small balcony space - an open door will block it completely.

To be able to ventilate the balcony without dancing around the open sash, you should choose a sliding (portal) opening.

The price for such windows is rather high - 4 times more expensive than aluminum sliding doors, but the convenience and comfort of actually an additional room more than pays for the costs.

Recipe for a warm plastic sliding window for a balcony:

• Multi-chamber profile system with a width of 70mm;
• Energy-saving double-glazed window;
• Reliable sliding fittings from a well-known brand, such as MACO.

Photo: warm plastic sliding windows on the balcony retain warmth and space, © ru.depositphotos.com Advantages of warm plastic sliding windows:

• Fashionable and most modern glazing;
• Ergonomic glazing;
• Year-round comfortable use of the balcony;
• No blowing or freezing;
• The doors open easily;

Disadvantages of warm plastic sliding windows:

• The highest price among all balcony glazing options. Increased comfort comes at a price;
• Problems with cleaning windows - when ordering, you need to take this into account and provide sashes with simple hinged opening instead of blind openings;
• Large windows are difficult to lift to the floor.

In order for the window sashes of sliding windows on the balcony to work without interruption, it is important to choose the appropriate fittings.

What it is?

Aluminum sliding windows are a structure made of aluminum profiles with different fillings: cold or warm, with glass blocks and fittings, in which the sashes move parallel to each other along guide rails. They are installed in a specially designed technological opening to protect the balcony area from atmospheric influences.

Sliding windows have a larger percentage of glazing than conventional wooden frames due to their smaller thickness, thereby maximizing the natural light of an apartment or house. This means they will be lighter, warmer and cozier in the dead of winter.

Traditional PVC windows have hinges that allow them to open inward or outward. This requires free balcony space, aluminum sliding doors slide on a track, so no interior space is required to open and close them.

Like mirrors, large sliding windows can create the illusion of a huge space, making a small balcony appear larger. For security, such systems are equipped with super secure locks with locking pins.

The sliding guides have a special coating that improves the smooth movement of the sashes, and since they are separate from the central section, they can be removed and replaced independently of each other if necessary.

Is it possible to place it on a loggia?

Such designs are most preferable for installation on balconies and loggias.
This is due to the fact that these rooms are usually limited in area, in addition, they also have restrictions on weight load, which is important since aluminum frames are the lightest of all possible balcony frames.

However, there are restrictions for their installation, especially in northern regions, since aluminum conducts heat well and its structures are considered cooler compared to wood and PVC windows.

There are also restrictions associated with installation in noisy places, near highways, factories and airports. Since it is not capable of absorbing airborne noise by more than 27 dB for cold modifications and more than 40 dB for warm ones.

MACO fittings for warm sliding windows on the balcony

Let's consider the possibilities of fittings for sliding windows on a balcony using the example of Austrian MASO fittings. The company has a well-deserved reputation as an innovator all over the world - the hottest new hardware products come out of its engineering laboratory.

Photo: MACO's assortment has highlighted and is actively developing a whole line of sliding fittings - MACO RAIL-SYSTEMS, © maco Among all its diversity, the MACO SKB line is most suitable for sliding windows. Three modifications with different opening principles at an affordable price make it possible to choose the appropriate option for your balcony.

MASO system SKB-S category “Basic” (manual control)

System capabilities:

• Folding the sash for ventilation
• Easy shift towards the sash weighing up to 160 kg and dimensions 1650x2350 mm (width x height)

Features of the MASO SKB-S system include fully manual control, when when opening the sash you need to pull it towards you, and when closing it push it into the opening. This may be inconvenient for doors with a maximum weight sash, but sash of this size are not found in windows. Therefore, MASO SKB-S can be considered the most affordable option for warm plastic sliding windows to the balcony.

Photo: an updated version of the MACO SKB-S system is MACO SKB-S Upgrade, © maco MACO System SKB-SE category “Standard”

An improved version of the tilt-and-slide system.

With the same maximum dimensions and weight of the sash, it differs from the previous version in three functions:

• Tilt-and-slide fittings with automatic locking of the sash in the tilted position (SKB-SE)
• When closing, the sash automatically moves into the tilt position and can then be closed like a regular tilt-and-turn window, making the closing process easier.
• There is no risk of unintentional closure of the sash. Thanks to the protection against fixation and, as a result, locking in the reclined position, which is activated when the handle is installed at an angle of 90 degrees, a person who goes out onto the balcony will not remain on the street.

Photo: MACO system SKB-SE is the golden mean with the best combination of “price and functionality” for sliding windows on the balcony, © maco MACO system SKB-Z category “Premium” (automatic)

The premium MACO SKB-Z system is the most user-friendly version for controlling large sashes with dimensions up to 2000x2700mm (width x height) and weight up to 200kg.

The main difference is the mechanism for automatically pushing out the sash when opening and retracting when closing. A simple turn of the handle puts it into action and you don’t have to put any effort into operating the sash.

MASO SKB-Z is always available in a burglary-proof version. This is a big plus when glazing balconies on the first and last floors, in private houses.

MASO SKB-Z – opening sliding windows onto the balcony for those who love and appreciate comfort and convenience.

All MACO SKB systems are not only reliable and functional. The manufacturer also took care of the elegant appearance of the visible parts of the fittings - handles and linings.

Design by MASO SKB

For easy opening of sliding windows, MACO offers special stylish handles with an extended neck.

Photo: assortment of 4 popular colors (white, silver, bronze-SKB, brown) MACO Harmony pens, © maco

Buy plastic windows with MACO fittings

Care Tips

In order for the product to last for many years, you need to follow the rules of care. Glass and frame must be cleaned regularly to remove dust and dirt. For these purposes, alcohol-based products that are intended for these purposes are suitable.

For those who live on the upper floors of a high-rise building, the best solution would be to contact a cleaning company that specializes in cleaning high-rise buildings.

The accumulation of dirt in the system itself should not be allowed. This will cause the doors to be difficult to move. Once every two years, the moving mechanism is lubricated with oil.

Sliding or casement windows to the balcony – which is better?

When choosing between swing and sliding doors on a balcony, you need to take into account the advantages and disadvantages of both methods and choose the one that has more advantages for you.

The convenience and features of sliding doors are described above. What are the pros and cons of swing doors?

Advantages of swing doors:

• A common option that can be implemented in any profile and with any fittings, therefore fast production time.
• Optimal price-quality ratio.
• Warm

Disadvantages of swing doors on the balcony:

• They take up a lot of space in the open (swing) position. In order to ventilate and not block the balcony, you will have to make a tilt-and-turn opening, which will increase the cost of each sash by 10%.
• You can't put anything on the windowsill. Boxes with seedlings will interfere with the opening of the doors.

Photo: warm glazing of a balcony can be made with any opening, © ru.depositphotos.com The main thing is that it is made of high-quality components - profiles, double-glazed windows and fittings. MACO MULTI MATIC window and door fittings will make opening and closing windows easy, comfortable and durable. Durable metal fittings can withstand at least 20,000 opening-closing cycles with a 10-year guarantee. The fittings will serve well in any region and will not rust due to the patented Silber-Look coating.

Pros and cons of such glazing

Any design has its own advantages and disadvantages.

of a sliding door are :

• maintaining the volume of the room due to the method of moving the sashes;
• reliability, withstand heavy loads;
• uniform load distribution when open;
• the ability to install a frame from any material;
• possibility of installing radius structures;
• elegance and modern look.

Flaws:

• price;
• labor-intensive care from the outside;
• the need to divide the structure into blocks.

The advantages of the system outweigh the disadvantages.

Consumer Reviews

Users post their reviews on forums. Among them are positive statements :

• practicality, space saving;
• beautiful appearance;
• ideal for warm regions.

Flaws:

• difficulties with purchasing a mosquito net;
• low noise insulation;
• poor heat savings.

It should be noted that user opinions may vary depending on the frame material.

Full reviews can be found here, here and here.

Useful tips for glazing a balcony or loggia

1. On large balconies up to six meters long, you can make a sliding opening with a frame (without a jumper in the middle) - the sashes will move apart in different directions, and in the center you will get a completely open opening. In this case, you can enjoy a panoramic view without lintels.
2. Next to the sliding sashes, it is better to make hinged sashes rather than blind windows for easy cleaning. To prevent the handles on them from interfering with the sliding sash, you can use a removable handle with a plug.
3. To wash blind windows on a balcony you need to be an acrobat and risk your own life every time. It is better to choose rotary doors for convenient and safe washing.
4. Balcony windows are just as dangerous for children as the windows in the room. They must be equipped with means of protection against opening by children - child locks or a tilt-and-turn window option
5. If the balcony faces the sunny side, then it is better to use solar control or multifunctional glass. Without it, a small balcony room will overheat greatly in the sun.
6. For glazing balconies on the first and last floors, it is recommended to install anti-burglary fittings and anti-vandal outer glass (triplex or tempered). Glazing without these options is unprotected and can be opened in a couple of seconds.
7. The balcony-office will have excellent sound insulation from the noise of household members if triplex (laminated glass) is installed in the double-glazed window of the balcony block.

Manufacturing materials

Frames are made from several types of materials: plastic, wood, aluminum. There are advantages and disadvantages.

Plastic options are reliable and allow you to glaze your balcony for relatively little money.

Plastic is reliable. Well insulated. Has protection from noise and other sounds. Plastic models are durable and do not deform over time. They do not deteriorate due to bad weather. Long service life. More often they choose windows with a plastic frame. The only negative is the heavy weight.

This is an ideal option for insulating a loggia. After this, you can turn the balcony into a separate room for personal needs.

Aluminum is lightweight. Resistant to wind, frost and corrosion. Durable. Easy to care for and clean. Cons: releases heat - only cold glazing can be installed. It will not be possible to insulate a balcony if there are aluminum frames. Suitable for those who do not use the loggia in the winter season.

Aluminum profile is lighter and more durable

Wood is an environmentally friendly product. Excellent noise protection. Keeps the room warm. Durability and long service life. Deformation is possible due to the large amount of moisture and light weight.

What not to do when glazing a balcony

Balcony glazing should not change the appearance of the house. In this regard, there are a number of prohibitions:

• You cannot replace, for example, frameless glazing installed by the developer with warm glazing. The only option is to make a change to the project and change the balcony windows throughout the house.
• You cannot change the color of balcony windows from the outside.
• You cannot cut off the continuous facade glazing of balconies provided for in the project and install another one. If you want to insulate your balcony, but the facade glazing from the developer is cold, then you can install warm windows with a second thread. But this requires agreement.
• Without approval, you cannot demolish the balcony block and combine the balcony and the room.

Dismantling of structures

There may be several reasons for removing the sliding system:

1. For washing glass from the street side. This will allow for quality cleaning.
2. During a major renovation of a balcony or apartment. Removing the sashes will protect the fittings and glass from damage and construction debris.
3. If you need to replace the glass unit. This occurs when a part is damaged or replaced with a new version.
4. When replacing accessories. It is much easier to install new elements if the folds are removed.
5. Complete dismantling of the balcony frame is required. Most often this happens when a product is replaced.
6. When replacing cold glazing with warm glazing.

In any case, the first step will be to remove the sashes.

Tools for work

To work you need to prepare a set of tools :

• scrap;
• hammer;
• saw;
• putty knife;
• saw;
• screwdrivers of different types;
• sandpaper.

In addition to the listed tools, you will need to prepare a protective film for glass.

How to remove correctly - step by step process

Before starting dismantling work, you will need to perform a number of preparatory actions :

• clean the balcony space;
• prepare a place for the removed parts in the next room;
• cover the glass with protective film;
• invite a partner.

Dismantling process:

1. Slightly lift the movable sash with both hands until the lower part comes out of the guides. If the sash does not rise, there are three solutions. If there are notches on the guides, you need to bring the edge of the sash to them and remove them. If there are grooves, then they need to be aligned and the sash lifted. If there are blocking plugs, they need to be removed by picking them up with a screwdriver.
2. Remove the glazing beads, remove the double-glazed windows, and remove the glass from the blind sections.
3. Remove the frame and clear the opening of debris.

Now you can begin further work.

Sliding windows to the balcony - comfortable and safe

If the balcony will be used as a storage room, then cold sliding aluminum will be a suitable option. Glazing with cold sliding plastic will allow you to use this area a little longer, but the price will be more expensive.

Photo: If you plan to make a balcony or loggia a living space, then sliding warm plastic will be the best option, © oknamedia You can use the balcony all year round after it has been glazed, insulated and heated flooring has been installed. This option may not be budget-friendly, but the investment is justified by ergonomics and increased living space. Real estate capitalization will increase due to an increase in residential square meters.

Tools and accessories for installation

High-quality installation will provide a set of necessary tools and devices. Before starting work you need to prepare :

1. Stretcher. This is a metal profile for a balcony or a wooden board for a loggia.
2. Drill or screwdriver.
3. Dowels, thick and long screws.
4. Roulette, triangle.
5. Construction level, plumb.
6. Marker, pencil.
7. Polyurethane foam, gun, sealant.

Fastening elements can be different - dowels, anchor bolts or plates.

Panoramic glazing with aluminum profile

Such designs can be implemented both in warm and cold versions. As part of a balcony, as a rule, it is necessary to dismantle the enclosing parapet and install a translucent filling from the lower load-bearing slab to the upper ceiling. The result is a so-called French balcony, which during the day allows almost all natural light from the street to pass through, and at night it simply looks beautiful.

Panoramic balconies have one drawback - neighbors and passersby from the street can see the entire contents of the room glazed in this way. This problem can be easily eliminated by installing blinds or using film coatings for glass.