When glazing balconies and loggias, they choose not only wooden double-glazed windows or plastic, but also aluminum ones.
This material allows you to elegantly and modernly complete the image of your apartment: in order to understand when this option would be appropriate, it is recommended that you become more familiar with the features of aluminum loggia windows.
What kind of windows are these for balconies and loggias?
The term “aluminum windows for balconies and loggias” refers to the use of aluminum profiles for glazing a balcony or loggia room.
The aluminum profile is a lightweight structure that does not place much additional load on the balcony, so it can be used on the highest floors. Even if the balcony block is not reinforced and its restoration is not planned, you can safely install such aluminum frames, having previously eliminated the possibility of an emergency.
The aluminum structure will effectively protect the loggia from dust, dirt, strong wind and bad weather. Different companies offer both cold and warm glazing, which differs in the thickness of the profile used and the presence of a special thermal gasket that seals the window.
Manufacturers and window installation companies offer various options for opening windows: you can choose the right one based on your individual goals.
The concept of a block and its differences from windows
Often, clients of window manufacturing companies confuse the concepts of “balcony block” and “windows for a loggia.” Many of them believe that these are the same thing, but it’s worth looking into:
- Balcony block is a combination of a window unit and a door mechanism. The balcony block is located at the exit from the room - bedroom, kitchen, living room. In Soviet houses, such a design was often located in the living room and led to the loggia. Over time, many apartment owners redesigned their housing and removed this structure, while others left it.
Therefore, when we talk about glazing and choosing a balcony block, we mean exactly a standard fixed window with a door mechanism that leads to the balcony. Moreover, the window in the block can have several sashes and open for “ventilation”. - Designs for balconies and loggias - These are windows that are installed directly above the balcony railing and overlook the street. Often, when a window block on a loggia is replaced, the fence itself is also redone, since it needs to be strengthened or completely restored. This can also be done from an aluminum profile, but you will have to shell out a lot of money.
Now, when ordering from a window company, you can clearly formulate your wishes, clearly understanding the difference between windows facing a loggia and balcony and a balcony block.
Aluminum glazing for a balcony: step-by-step installation instructions
Many types of work are done independently. You can install plastic windows on a loggia or balcony. You can also glaze your balcony yourself.
It is necessary to purchase materials and working tools.
List of tools
The list of tools for going to the market should include:
- a hacksaw for cutting metal aluminum profiles;
- construction tape;
- electric drill and screwdriver;
- self-tapping screws and self-tapping screws as fastening elements;
- to create a seal, stock up with waterproof silicone sealant;
- for insulation and sealing of gaps, use polyurethane foam;
- To increase the rigidity of the screws, a hex wrench is needed.
Removing old glazing step by step instructions
Before installing a new glazed aluminum frame, it is necessary to dismantle the old one. The work is entering the preparatory stage. Actions are arranged in the following order:
- the operational condition of the old frame and the material from which it is made is assessed. It can consist of sliding PVC balcony frames, be made of wood or aluminum as a new construction.
- the visor is dismantled;
- during swing opening, the doors are removed from the hinges;
- The glass is carefully removed from the rigidly installed frames. To avoid injuring your hands, you should use construction gloves with a rubberized palm. The dismantled glass must be installed on wooden panels or boards of short length, laid out perpendicular to the glass.
- then the frames are dismantled. Using a screwdriver and drill, the old fasteners are removed. The frame is carefully pryed up with a screwdriver and slightly loosened, forming a gap. In difficult areas, a crowbar is used;
- On a large panoramic balcony or on the frames, when dismantling, cuts are made in several places. This makes the structure easier to remove. Everything must be done so as not to deform the parapet and slopes;
- Remove accumulated debris and make the work area clean.
Installation of aluminum windows on a balcony step by step instructions
Glazing a balcony with your own hands must be done sequentially. Glazing technology must be followed. The work must be carried out in the following sequence: - old frames are dismantled. In order not to deform the parapet, the direction of force during removal should be directed parallel to the frame;
- fasteners and concrete residues remaining from the old frame on the parapet are removed.
- The length of the horizontal part of the opening is measured. The measurements are marked on the guide parts. Cuts are made according to the established marks;
- if there are sagging, potholes, or height differences on the parapet, it needs to be leveled with a concrete mixture. The surface is cleared and dusted.
- The formwork is installed at a height just above the parapet level. Filling is being done. The evenness of the layer is checked by level. Installation of the new frame is carried out after the mixture has completely dried. This usually takes a day.
- To rigidly fix the balcony frame, a wooden beam with a cross-section of 50 by 50 mm is attached to the concrete vertical surface of the walls. Thermal insulation is created between the base structure and the frame.
- When glazing balconies and loggias with aluminum profiles, new frames are mounted from separate elements. This makes the process easier and faster.
Preparatory steps:
- moving parts are removed from aluminum structures;
- double-glazed windows are removed from the “blind” fixed frames and neatly folded;
- installation of balcony frames begins with securing the assembled elements of the frame structure to the parapet. Galvanized screws and mounting loops are used;
- the sash begins to be fastened along the upper guides, and the part where the rollers are located (with sliding frames in the structure) along the lower ones;
- using metal screws, special plates are attached along the frame in 70 cm increments;
- Aluminum frame structures are installed on the balcony railings. The bottom is secured with self-tapping screws. The horizontal position is checked by level;
- Wooden wedges are used to install vertical frames. Holes are drilled in the walls and in the top floor slab using a hammer drill. The fastener is strengthened by laying anchors;
- A steel canopy is attached to the anchors. The connection to the top floor slab is made with self-tapping screws;
- a casting is cut out of a metal strip using metal scissors, which is then mounted to the lower horizontal plane of the opening;
- wide gaps are foamed with polyurethane foam. Particular care is taken to insulate the panoramic balcony. You need to make sure there are no gaps;
- Windows with an opening function are being installed;
- Finally, the blind sashes are glazed. Install the movable fasteners in place;
- a brush seal is attached along the line of the installed sashes;
- thin cracks in the structure are sealed with sealant;
Are aluminum structures suitable for glazing?
It is allowed to glaze a balcony or loggia with an aluminum system. This option is lightweight and durable, it has a small width and a laconic design. The material is hard, so it is suitable for the manufacture of large-sized structures. Since balcony windows are often large in width and height, aluminum will come in handy. Often, when remodeling a loggia or balcony, owners want panoramic windows - this option also correlates well with an aluminum profile.
Aluminum profiles for balcony glazing are also suitable if you plan to place storage systems , flowerpots, and cabinets in the balcony area. If you choose sliding options for opening windows, then this design will not take up space and will not interfere with the installation of any objects on the balcony, which cannot be said about the tilt-and-turn mechanism.
When won't it work?
The option of using aluminum double-glazed windows for a balcony is not suitable in the following cases :
- too reduced budget for glazing;
- there is a high level of noise on the street;
- It is planned to arrange an additional sleeping place on the balcony.
Despite the wide range of advantages of aluminum profiles, it will not always be relevant. For example, the cost of glazing will be high if the loggia is large.
Aluminum windows provide good protection from dust, dirt and wind, but heat can only be retained inside the loggia by using multi-chamber double-glazed windows and special thermal pads on the windows. If this is not done, then it will be cold inside the room and living there will be uncomfortable.
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.
Requirements
All products must comply with the technical requirements, drawings and diagrams proposed by GOST. The requirements for window structures made of aluminum profiles for balconies :
- requirements are regulated by GOST 21519;
- aluminum structures can open inward, opening outward is not allowed;
- it is allowed to use sliding structures for balconies;
- if the product is designed for use above the first floor, it must have opening elements;
- boxes and doors of products consist of frame elements;
- profile parts must have the characteristics established by GOST 22233.
All aluminum windows for balconies must be tested, and their quality and safety must be confirmed by international standard certificates.
Specifications and Dimensions
All overall dimensions and architectural design of products, including opening methods, are indicated in the project for the manufacture of products from aluminum profiles.
The nominal dimensions are indicated in the working documentation, and the maximum dimensions of the valves are indicated in the technical documents. The area of the opening panels should not exceed 1.5 square meters. If this value is exceeded, then a special document is required, which provides calculations for allowing such a deviation.
A single window on one side of the balcony can be up to 1 meter wide, provided that it can be opened.
The technical specifications will be as follows:
- heat transfer resistance – not less than 0.1 m2 °C/W;
- sound insulation of at least 20 dBA;
- total light transmission coefficient – 0.65-0.75;
- resistance to wind load – not less than 200 Pa.
All specifications and requirements must be met by the manufacturer.
“Cold” glazing with the “Provedal” system
“Cold” aluminum glazing is the best solution in 80% of cases. I'll try to explain why.
When it comes to balconies, in 80% of cases we are faced with a concrete slab 3 to 6 meters long, protruding from the wall of the house by about 80-90 cm. At the same time, the slab simply hangs in the air, without support either to the right or to the left . A shaky parapet made of thin sheet metal up to 1 meter high is installed along the perimeter. In addition, over the 20-30 years of its existence, the slab and parapet wear out quite a lot and are no longer able to withstand the weight of windows made of warm aluminum or plastic.
In such cases, the only correct option would be glazing made of lightweight “cold” Provedal aluminum. This is the best price-quality ratio for balconies.
Advantages of light “cold” glazing:
- Cheap. As a rule, glazing with a light aluminum profile costs 2 or even 3 times less than glazing a balcony with windows made of PVC or “warm” aluminum. Firstly, the profile system itself is inexpensive. Secondly, there is no need to carry out additional work to overhaul the balcony slab and strengthen the parapet, and sometimes even completely replace it (the cost of such work may exceed the cost of the balcony itself).
- Maximum area on the balcony. First. In 60% of cases, for light glazing, there is simply no need to strengthen the existing parapet and thereby reduce the usable area of the balcony. Second. Light glazing can be extended outside up to 30 cm and thereby increase the area of the balcony to 1 m2.
- Reliable. Glazing made of “cold” aluminum is less sensitive to vibrations and forced deformations that always occur during operation, as well as under the influence of wind loads. Thus, your balcony windows are guaranteed to continue to open and close even after 10 years.
The Provedal profile can use hinged, sliding, or fixed-type sashes.
Hinged aluminum windows and shutters of the Provedal P-400 system
Provedal P-400 is an aluminum profile for a balcony with single glass (5mm). The profile width is 40 mm. It is used to make rotating shutters and “capcaillie” (non-opening), which are usually used for glazing the side parts of the balcony. I do not recommend using hinged windows in the front part of the glazing, since when torn off they will cover the entire depth of the balcony, interfere with the passage and will not allow installing a hanging dryer on the ceiling. The distinctive features of the profile are its lightness, strength, durability and low cost.
The service life of windows and doors made from the Spanish Provedal P-400 profile, with proper installation and operation, can be decades, and the factory powder coating is durable.
Sliding aluminum windows (two- and three-pane C640)
The Provedal C640 sliding profile is made of 6063 grade aluminum. The design is available in both two-slide and three-slide versions. In the two-slide version, the width of the aluminum profile is 60 mm, in the three-slide version - 90 mm. Total number of sashes: 2, 3, 4, 6. In this case, it is possible to combine with fixed and hinged sashes on the sides of the balcony, but only through a connector.
To prevent blowing, the sliding sashes have a locking connection, which is complemented by velvety brushes to minimize the gap. To prevent the shutters from moving apart due to gusts of wind, the design has special stoppers that prevent the window from opening arbitrarily. At the same time, the shutters can be easily removed and put back on (like a mosquito net), which is very useful when washing windows. Windows made from the Provedal C640 metal profile are ideal for glazing, especially if the balcony is old and the weight of the structure is critical.
More details about the Provedal sliding system can be found here.
Varieties
If we consider aluminum structures for balconies and loggias from the point of view of heat conservation , then we can distinguish the following subtypes of glazing:
- cold;
- warm.
The main difference between these two types is that with warm glazing, a special thermal insulation gasket is used, which is installed in the aluminum profile structure for the frame. Such a window has a special structure, and if you pay attention to its section, you will notice that the thickness of the thermal insulation layer is quite large - its dimensions range from 18 to 44 mm.
Cold glazing is a traditional aluminum profile on which a single-chamber double-glazed window is installed. You shouldn’t expect any special thermal insulation from this option, because heat will be retained worse on the balcony.
For glazing balconies and loggias, the warm version of aluminum windows is most often used.
If we consider aluminum structures from the point of view of mechanisms , here we can distinguish the following types:
- Swing. The traditional option is ordinary windows that open swinging. The design has no distinctive features.
- Tilt-and-slide. The windows can either move along a special rail or open slightly - 15 cm for ventilation.
- Sliding. The most popular option - windows made of aluminum profiles work on independent rails. This design is similar to the principle of operation of a sliding wardrobe.
The choice of design type will depend on the preferences of the owners and the dimensions of the loggia.
Which ones should you choose?
For glazing a loggia or balcony, it is recommended to choose warm glazing . The design with thermal insulation pad will help retain heat inside the room. Thanks to this, a loggia or balcony can be used as additional space - as an office, room or play area for children. This option is especially acceptable if redevelopment is being done.
Of all the proposed mechanisms, it is recommended to choose the installation of a sliding version of aluminum windows. It does not take up much space, which is already lacking on the balcony, and also provides access to window cleaning.
Types of aluminum windows
At first glance, it may seem that the aluminum balcony frames on the market are no different from each other. But this is not so, the range of such glazing is quite wide:
- The window is blank. As a rule, such structures are installed on balconies, which are used as additional storage space.
- Hinged structures are in great demand, since the movement of the sashes from top to bottom allows you to open the window for micro-ventilation, which perfectly compensates for the lack of a separate window.
- Pivot designs mean that the window sashes open only in one direction.
- Combined windows combine the positive properties of both tilting and turning designs.
- Sliding balcony frames provide for opening the window along the opening.
Types of window designs
Installation
To install windows on the balcony, it is better to invite professionals, but you can do it yourself :
- a canopy is attached to the balcony slab;
- install an aluminum frame;
- attach a metal casting;
- install window sashes into the frame;
- seal the joints.
At the final stage, all window fittings are adjusted.
Learn more about installing the system here.
Preparatory work
When using lattice fencing, its external finishing is carried out before installation work begins. Also at this stage, insulation is carried out. Interior finishing is carried out after installing the window frames. The top of the fence must be horizontal. Otherwise, leveling the structure will cost more than the cost of the frames.
When installing a structure on a parapet made of concrete or brick, its top must be leveled with cement mortar. Interior finishing and insulation are carried out after installing the window sill.
Pipe stands are installed in the case of a hanging balcony that does not have an upper ceiling. They are able to take on the weight of the mounted structure, transferring the load to the canopy. If the length of the balcony is more than 4 m, an additional pipe stand is installed in the middle of the long side.
The outer corners should be filled with polyurethane foam, then the excess should be cut off and covered with galvanized strips. Weld seams are smoothed using a grinder. The supporting frames are made of steel corners. They can be painted only after cleaning and degreasing. The lower frames are made taking into account the skew of the balcony slab. It is necessary to ensure that the junction of the upper and lower frames is horizontal.
The canopy should be installed along the top line immediately after cleaning the room. This stage of work must be completed before installing the frames. The canopy is installed regardless of the type of glazing. It ensures water drainage from the structure.
How to insulate a structure?
If cold glazing was initially chosen by mistake, then you can always insulate aluminum window structures.
To do this, use a thermal insulating material - penoizol or penofol . Using such raw materials, aluminum frames are pasted over. Another way is to additionally install PVC double-glazed windows. This option makes it impossible to wash glass, so it is considered inappropriate.
In order not to be puzzled by the issue of insulation, it is better to initially install a “warm” aluminum profile, which will solve the problem of heat retention and will not require inventions.
Advantages of glazing a balcony with an aluminum profile
The popularity of cold glazing of loggias is explained by the obvious advantages of the technology. These include:
- the lowest possible price level. Installation of an aluminum profile is noticeably cheaper than the main alternative option for performing the work, which involves the use of PVC structures and warm glazing;
- stylish and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Don’t forget about the possibility of choosing almost any color for the profile used;
- ease of installation of structures. An extremely important advantage for apartment owners in old buildings - Khrushchev, Brezhnev and Stalin buildings;
- resistance of the surface of the aluminum profile to any external influences, which ensures the durability of the structure;
- environmental friendliness of materials used in the manufacture of cold glazing structures;
- practicality and minimum requirements for maintaining the window system.
Adjustment features
There are several situations when adjustment of window structures on an aluminum balcony is required:
- sagging of the valves;
- poor performance of latches and hinges;
- broken handles.
To solve the problem, you can use the services of specialists, but you can adjust the windows yourself. A hex wrench is required for this to work. To prevent the doors from sagging, move the decorative panel and tighten the bolts. If the latches and hinges do not work well, they are lubricated with technical oil. The broken handle is removed by unscrewing the screws under the plate and replaced with a new one.
Measurements and calculations.
A lot depends on the accuracy of measurements and accompanying glazing calculations, that’s a fact. Due to the fact that the installation of the balcony frame is carried out on the fencing of the facade of the building, the following should be provided:
- fastening method;
- railing width;
- permissible load on the fence;
- width of the profile frame.
Sometimes it happens that the planned installation of a balcony frame on the railing is not possible due to the calculation of the load that the railing can withstand - the weight of the frame with the installed glass unit turns out to be more than permissible. To get around this point, it is necessary to build a power structure consisting of either brick or foam concrete.
Important! Even before the construction of a new facade reinforcement, it is necessary to calculate the planned weight load, both on the reinforcement and on the balcony of the house itself. This is a mandatory condition, since it is on them that the balcony frame will be installed in the future.
Today the following types of glazing of balconies have gained the greatest popularity:
- According to the type of veranda - all enclosing structures are not subject to changes;
- To the floor (the so-called ""). Such glazing is made by reconstructing not only the balcony fencing, but also its other components.
Each balcony, depending on the design of the house, is capable of carrying its own weight load calculated by the designer. When carrying out work on the reconstruction of a balcony, it is necessary to carefully monitor that the total weight of the erected structures does not approach the maximum permissible value that the balcony structure can withstand.
With another option, you can consider installing a so-called “French balcony”, in which the glazing will be “to the floor”. The weight load of the frames and the structure of the “French balcony” will be significantly less than using a solution with the installation of double-glazed windows.
In this case, it is also necessary to calculate the total mass of all components in order to compare the result obtained after dismantling the fence. The resulting lower weight load values will confirm the correctness of the chosen balcony reconstruction option.
When choosing a veranda-type glazing method, that is, when installing a frame on a metal balcony railing, it is necessary to take a number of actions aimed at preparing the front part of the balcony: seal the joints and cracks that have formed, and check the thoroughness of the cladding. In some places, if necessary, consider the use of thermal insulation materials.
Performing such simple steps in the future will significantly facilitate the process of insulating the balcony.
If you have some experience in the field of independent renovation of premises, you can install balcony frames with your own hands, there are no special difficulties, but you won’t be able to do this alone - you need a partner.
It must be remembered that when carrying out work related to the improvement of the balcony structure, it is necessary to strictly observe safety measures when working at height. The simplest solution for those who do not want to do the finishing themselves is to invite professionals who will do all the work clearly and accurately. Their coordinates can be found out through the manager of a company that sells and installs window structures.
- Installation tool Preparing the opening
- Installing and securing the frame
- Perimeter insulation
- Adjusting the opening mechanisms
The functionality, durability and ease of use of the entire structure depend on how technologically correct the installation of balcony frames was.
Everyone decides for themselves which frame to install; the main thing is to strictly follow the sequence and installation technology.
First of all, you need to decide which ones to choose. Currently, there are three most common types for balconies (loggias): wood, polyvinyl chloride and aluminum. Often, many people prefer to install balcony frames made of plastic and polyvinyl chloride. This material has earned the trust of most Europeans. The main advantage of plastic is the ability to make frames of the required size and fit any opening to the structure. In addition, they are durable and strong, they are not susceptible to the negative effects of sunlight. Plastic is not afraid of wind and rain (even acidic). Wooden frames are considered environmentally friendly and allow for decorative finishing.
Installing balcony frames with your own hands is a process that requires absolute precision.
It doesn't matter what material the frame is made of, the installation processes are identical.
Problems, their causes and repair methods
Repair of the window structure on the balcony may be necessary if the swing-type sash stops opening.
Another common problem is that the sash does not move easily on the rails or the window latch does not work . The causes of such problems are infrequent maintenance during operation, as well as the lack of lubricant on the mechanisms at least once a year.
To fix the problem with tight movement along the guides, you need to adjust the rollers using a hexagon. To activate the latch, you need to move the strike plate so that it is flush with the tongue.
A common problem is condensation on the glass and freezing of the window. The reason why the windows sweat may be the access to the balcony through the kitchen. Streams of moist warm air enter the balcony from there. Condensation forms, ice builds up and the doors stop functioning normally. To prevent the frames from freezing, it is enough to keep the sash slightly open by 5-10 cm.
Possibilities
Cold glazing creates great opportunities for the most efficient use of the resulting space. After the repairs on the loggia are completed, you can place not only things here, but also some furniture. This will allow you to comfortably admire the surrounding view if there is panoramic glazing. This type of structure makes the loggia area lighter, opening up more of the street to view.
Photos of such a space can also be viewed in advance on the company’s website, and only after that decide for yourself about the need for this solution. But often owners are not aware of the existence of a panoramic option, since most people have glazing that primarily consists of opening frames.
Among other possibilities, it is worth noting the ability to use every centimeter of loggia space. And all thanks to the sliding windows that make up the cold glazing. Not a single door opens from the inside. All of them move smoothly along the parapet along the guides, which creates such a benefit. This is their main difference from plastic window systems.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantages of this choice:
- high light transmission due to the minimum profile width;
- low weight of the structure;
- easy removal of the sashes;
- high reliability;
- long service life;
- high fire safety.
Among the disadvantages, it is worth highlighting the cost of window structures, especially those designed for warm glazing.
Consumer Reviews
According to reviews of people who decided to glaze the loggia with aluminum windows, the following advantages can be highlighted :
- good heat retention;
- a large amount of light enters the room;
- reliable design.
Among the disadvantages, owners note the price and the impossibility of making the window panoramic without additional lintels, as this is required by product safety.
Reviews can be read here, here and here.
Average prices in the Russian Federation
The average cost of aluminum balcony window structures depends on the manufacturer, the number of chambers, and the presence of thermal pads. Another factor is the type of mechanism: sliding windows will be slightly more expensive than fixed and casement windows.
For example , for 1 square of aluminum window you will have to pay from 2,600 rubles if you use the Provedal C-640 profile.
Installation prices also vary. They differ by region and by the companies that do the installation. The average cost of installing an aluminum profile is from 16,000 rubles for the complete package: visor, ebb, adjustment.
How to glaze yourself
To save money on installation, you can do this procedure yourself. Before self-installation, the first thing you need to do is prepare tools such as:
- Hammer and drills for concrete;
- Hammer;
- Screwdriver;
- Pencil;
- Roulette;
- Level;
- Dowels;
- Sealant and gun;
- Polyurethane foam.
