4 ways to expand a balcony in an apartment building without breaking the law. Balcony with removal: technology, glazing, insulation, finishing

Early this morning you went out onto one of your two balconies, and the thought came to your bright mind: “Shouldn’t I make balconies with take-out.” After all, the apartment, although familiar, is very typical and does not differ in huge square meters. To use the phrase of a cartoon character: “It will be too small!” You can’t move the wall towards your neighbor. And extra space never hurts. Extending the balcony would be an excellent solution.

What is this extension? This is an increase in the area of an existing balcony in a multi-storey building.

Two ways to make a balcony with a take-out:

Expand along the windowsill.
Extension of the balcony along the base of the slab.

You can also use both methods at the same time.

Features and Benefits

When extending balcony glazing beyond the boundaries established by the house design, you need to remember that you can only increase the volume by 30 cm on each side without obtaining permission from the BTI. This is quite enough to organize a wide window sill for seedlings or install furniture that was just a little short to fit into the size of the balcony.

But if you decide to make a larger increase, then you will have to spend more than one day to obtain a permit. It's difficult, but still possible.

There are times when it is not possible to expand the balcony.

The building is too old for renovation. If the balcony is more than 20 years old, then it is unlikely to be expanded.
When the weight of the glazing exceeds 80 kg. This happens if plastic structures are used.
Inappropriate location. Cigarette butts and other rubbish will be thrown onto the canopy from the upper floors; it will only be possible to remove it from the neighbors.

About papers and without

When arranging the balcony, we will be able to carve out an additional 30-50 cm. The first number is the maximum allowable expansion, which does not need to be completed on paper. If the removal exceeds 30 cm (this action is already considered redevelopment), you will need to run through the authorities, obtain permission, order the development of a project, approve it, and upon completion of the work, put the structure into operation. You also need to take a written “okay” from your neighbors.

The pros note: nine out of ten apartment owners who completely renovate their balconies also specify their removal when ordering.

Please note: Cold glazing of a balcony: pros and cons, ideas and options

As for the advantages of such a solution, everything is more or less clear. On the contrary, there are not many disadvantages to such balconies. In addition to the above-mentioned paperwork (as we see, it can be avoided), there is only one serious drawback - a canopy protruding outside the building can amplify the sound of rain or snowfall. However, the problem can be solved by the correct choice of “roof” and additional sound insulation of the ceiling.

About the device technology

The building structures of balconies, especially in old house designs, are characterized by their small dimensions and small dimensions. Having glazed such a balcony you feel like you are in an aquarium, squeezed by walls with a narrow passage. Let's consider some methods of removal and subsequent insulation and glazing.

Firstly, if you need to remove the balcony to increase the space, then increasing the extension to 30cm does not require any permission for such work. But, perhaps, such a reconstruction will seem insufficient, and you will want to expand the balcony by half a meter or more, then you will need to obtain permits from the Urban Planning Department, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Department of Urban Architecture, SES, Gas Service, BTI, DUK, etc. It is required to submit a complete project for the removal of the balcony, which these services must agree on and sign.

Secondly , there are technological options for expanding the spatial area of the balcony:

Removing the balcony along the window sill;
Removing the balcony along the floor.

Types of balcony removal

First, you need to remember that you can remove the loggia in various ways. The first is the removal of the balcony, which starts from the window sill. Its essence lies in the fact that the installation of windows begins not in front of the window sill, but behind it. In order for such a design to be reliable, it is necessary to use special channels that are durable. This option is different in that it does not require large financial investments. You can increase the area of the balcony using a similar method by using space in front or on the sides. If you enlarge three sides of the balcony, there will be much more space. However, it is worth remembering that the floor area of the loggia will remain the same. What are the advantages of moving the balcony away from the window sill?

Increasing your balcony by moving it out will not require you to spend a lot of money

The area of the loggia increases not only visually, but also in reality. This entire space can be used to place beautiful flowers, make a table out of a wide window sill, and so on.
Such an expansion of the balcony allows you to strengthen the structure thanks to reliable channels. This is especially true for residents of old houses who need structural strengthening.

You can also move the balcony away from the stove. This restructuring requires more time and effort, but the balcony will become tens of centimeters larger. For such a removal of the loggia, reliable channels will also be required, because the load on the structure will be considerable.

The rarest way to expand a balcony is to extend it without a frame. Thanks to this, the balcony looks very light and spacious. I would also like to note the fact that such a structure weighs much less than a balcony with frames. This option is not inferior in terms of sound insulation and protection from dust and water to the removal of a loggia with frames. The disadvantage is the fact that a lot of light passes through the glass, and therefore it can be hot on the balcony. However, this can be solved by purchasing curtains or blinds along the entire height of the balcony.

What is a take-out loggia?

The parapets of the extended loggia are brought forward using special frames. Thanks to this, they increase the space inside.

The maximum offset is 50 cm. From the outside it may seem that the increase will not give any tangible gain, but in fact this is not the case. The freed up space can be taken up with shelves and cabinets, filling them with whatever takes up the free space.

In addition, the elongated window sill, half a meter long, is an almost finished bar counter. If you add large panoramic windows and good lighting, then on the extended balcony you can spend great evenings with a cup of coffee. The window sill can also be made into a work desk.

True, the appearance of such a structure from the street is puzzling. The building with an offset stands out very much against the background of the even rows of neighboring loggias.

Expanding the premises is a profitable undertaking. Official registration of an increase in the balcony will increase the cost of the apartment.

Balcony expansion options

There are only two ways in which it is possible to expand balconies yourself. This is the manufacture of an extension from the base and from the window sill.

Extension from the window sill

The entire outrigger structure rests on the existing concrete parapet (if it is a loggia) or on a metal frame. Assembling such an extension will not cause problems. You won’t have to make large financial outlays either. Both warm and cold glazing are suitable here. But for the first one, you may have to attach additional supports to the wall - it all depends on the condition of the slab.

You can build up a balcony in this way only forward (kerchief) and on three sides (large kerchief). Because of this, the extension is very popular. However, you will only get space along the window sill (it will increase by 20-30 cm), the floor will remain the same size.

Extension of balconies along the windowsill. Brackets are attached to the parapet

Extension from slab

Here the work is carried out from the base of the balcony, the entire outrigger structure is attached directly to the slab. This reconstruction is more labor-intensive than the previous type of expansion, and it will require more materials. However, the resulting increase in the area of the balcony will be quite noticeable - from 20 to 30 cm on each side. And if technical capabilities allow and it is possible to collect the necessary documents, then all 50 cm. But in this case, before expanding the balcony, you may have to do additional strengthening of the slab using steel trusses (from below).

Whatever expansion option you choose, you must remember the restrictions on the size of the extension, so as not to violate the law or safety regulations. As for legal restrictions, the main thing here is not to step over the 30 cm mark. If it is more, you will have to obtain permission before doing anything. And if we talk about safety, it is necessary to carefully assess the condition of the slab before starting removal work: find out how reliable it is.

Balcony with take-out with your own hands. Scheme of extension from the base

Removing the balcony using the “butterfly” type

The third method of remodeling a loggia has not yet become widespread, but such a reconstruction looks impressive and adds a lot of space. In addition, the “butterfly” extension refers to an extension along the window sill, and therefore does not require registration, regardless of its parameters.

The expansion is carried out only along the side surfaces of the loggia. Here, at the level of the window sill, metal trusses of triangular cross-section are welded. One side rests on the side parapet of the balcony, the other on the walls of the house.

We recommend: Foamed polyethylene (polyethylene foam)

You can expand the usable area by a maximum distance equal to the distance to the neighboring window of the house. And this is quite enough to equip cabinets, tables or an ottoman inside.

Advice! The cost of “butterfly” removal is low, so it makes sense to think about implementing this particular method.

We are preparing new railings

New railings are placed on the already prepared base. To do this, you can use either a 40-mm corner or a profile pipe, which has a number of advantages, such as rigidity and an almost perfectly even shape.

The 40*20 pipe is cut into pieces equal to the distance from the floor to the planned level of the window sill (taking into account that the floor will rise by 5 - 15 cm during finishing, depending on the chosen material and design), usually this is about a meter and welded vertically using a level along the edge of the frame corner. The outer casing is attached to these pipes, so they are placed in increments of 40-60 cm.

Next, we carry out the upper trim of the railings, using the same profile pipe, which lies on top of the installed racks.

Unwelding the stem under the window sill

Since the balcony is not large, you can increase its usable area by moving the window sill forward. The stem size is usually 300 mm. In this option, the windows will be installed not along the edge of the slab, but along the edge of the external frame, that is, 30 cm further, thereby increasing the size of the balcony in the upper part.

The extension of the balcony under the window sill is made from the same 40*20 pipe and represents the upper contour of the frame around the perimeter on which the windows are placed. The “removal” is supported by inclined posts that transfer the load from the frames to the edge of the slab.

The operating procedure is as follows:

We cut the pipe into 300 mm pieces.
We weld them horizontally along the already standing railing posts, using a stretched thread between the pre-released pipes along the edges.
We butt weld the front pipe. It is set according to level.
We install support bevels, checking the horizontality of the front pipe.

At the corners, inclined elements can be made of galvanized wall profiles. It is smoother, has a larger flange width and is easier to attach the corners of the outer skin to. The bottom of the frame with the extension under the window sill is ready.

How much can you expand the balcony?

The maximum value by which each of the three free walls of the balcony can be “pushed back” is 50 centimeters. This provides a significant increase in usable area and allows you to renovate a balcony or loggia for living space. The only problem you may encounter is that in some cases you will have to install supports under the balcony.

However, there is another limitation. It is connected with permits for the reconstruction of balconies. If the removal is planned to be more than 30 centimeters, you will have to contact various authorities and collect the necessary documents.

Without special permission, you can increase the area of the balcony by up to 30 centimeters!

In order to obtain the necessary permission, you must:

Collect written permission for the reconstruction of the balcony from those neighbors whose balconies are located directly next to yours;
Take care of coordination of construction with operating organizations;
Submit an application for reconstruction of the balcony to the city architectural authorities;
Develop a reconstruction project (or contact a specialized construction company);
Coordinate the project with the SES, architecture department, BTI, fire and gas services, etc.

The easiest way to obtain the necessary papers is to immediately contact a construction company that deals, among other things, with the reconstruction of balconies. Specialists will quickly and competently resolve issues in government agencies, and you will save time and nerves.

But it is worth paying attention to the fact that such work should only be trusted to qualified specialists who have permission to carry out projects for the reconstruction of balconies and loggias.

Facing

Balcony with siding

The finished metal frame is sheathed before installing double-glazed windows. Typically, when performing façade work today, consumers give preference to reliable and durable siding, corrugated sheeting or other lightweight materials, the construction of which can include layers of insulation, hydro- and vapor barriers.

In order to sheathe the balcony frame, sheathing is made with a minimum pitch of 500 mm.

Note!
All elements of the sheathing, which can be made of wooden beams or metal profiles, are tightly attached to the metal structure to increase the rigidity and strength of the structure.

The siding from the facade of the house is first attached to the finished base, then, after laying the insulating materials, the sheathing is closed from the inside.

Installation of metal structures

Before installing windows, to facilitate installation work, the double-glazed windows are removed from the supporting profile. Window frames are inserted into prepared openings and secured with special screws and fastening plastics. Next, all window elements are adjusted, and installation of the ebb and window sill begins. Having inserted the double-glazed windows into place, all installation seams and cracks are sealed with special foam.

Convector for heating a balcony

At the final stage, all internal elements of the balcony are finished, a lighting system is installed and the heating of the room is organized.

Do I need permission?

According to the Housing Code of the Russian Federation, expanding a balcony to 30 cm does not require special permission. If the increase exceeds these dimensions, then by law it is considered a redevelopment that requires documentary confirmation.

To obtain permission to increase the balcony area, you need to contact specialists in the housing and architectural department of the administration of the city district where the apartment is located. There they will issue a list of documents, which will then need to be submitted to the department along with the application. Typically the list includes:

written consent of neighbors whose balconies or loggias are located close to the redevelopment object;
reconstruction project with calculation of the increased load on the floors (it is better to do this in a specialized construction company);
coordination of the project with Rospotrebnadzor, BTI, fire supervision and the organization servicing the house.

Within 1 month from the date of submission of the application (together with all attached documents), a final conclusion is issued on the compliance of the redevelopment with current standards.

If the owner of the residential premises has permission to reconstruct the balcony, it means that the redevelopment was carried out legally, and in the future there will be no problems with the sale of the apartment.

Permission to glaze a balcony, fines and approval of illegal glazing of a loggia

Owners of apartments that have a balcony or loggia should know that by deciding to glaze them, they thereby change the appearance of the building's facade. Without obtaining permission from the appropriate authority, this action of the tenant will be considered illegal, and the owner of the property may be fined.

Such a seemingly harmless issue as glazing raises a lot of questions among homeowners and requires approval from administrative authorities.

Is glazing a balcony a redevelopment?

It is not, but it is equated to it. Glazing, like any other change in living or common area, must comply with the standards defined by law: sanitary, hygienic, fire, operational safety standards and others.

The glazing of a balcony or loggia must comply with established standards so that it can be legalized

It should be taken into account that glazing not only changes the architectural appearance of the building, but also increases the load on the floor slabs and façade finishing due to the weight of the glass and finishing materials. In addition, due to poor-quality glazing work, there is a possibility of glass or part of the design of the outside of the balcony or loggia falling out.

There are also examples of a categorical ban on certain types of glazing work.

For example, you cannot glaze a balcony or loggia while lining the inside with clapboard. This violates fire safety standards. They prohibit the finishing of these premises with any flammable materials.

Heating radiators, “warm floor” systems and other types of heaters connected to public utilities cannot be placed on them. There are many other prohibitions that the apartment owner will learn about when he applies for permission to glaze his balcony or loggia.

What are the consequences of illegal glazing of a balcony?

Unapproved balcony glazing may result in a fine and a requirement to return the property to its original condition at the owner’s expense.

In accordance with the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, art. 7.21 an apartment owner who has carried out unauthorized glazing or redevelopment will be fined in the amount of 2-2.5 thousand rubles.

Along with this, he will be given an order to dismantle the changes made. In the event that the property owner ignores these recommendations (even if the fine for glazing the balcony has been paid), according to Art.

29 of the Housing Code of the Russian Federation, sanctions may be applied to him, providing for liability up to the termination of the social tenancy agreement (if the owner is not the owner of the residential premises) or the sale of the apartment.

If the glazing was done without permission, there are two options left: try to legalize it or dismantle it

The procedure for obtaining permission to glaze a balcony or loggia

The procedure for obtaining permission for glazing or redevelopment is prescribed in Moscow Government Decree No. 73-PP dated February 8, 2005.

Approval procedure

First of all, you need to obtain a technical passport for the apartment from the BTI. The information contained in it informs about the original condition of the housing, and subsequently, on its basis, a glazing or remodeling project is developed.
Next, you need to obtain a technical opinion from the organization that developed the building project on the possibility of glazing.
Then you need to contact an organization that has a design permit (in the vast majority of cases, this is the same organization that issued the technical report) regarding the development of a glazing project.
The next stage: coordination with the DEZ (house management company).
Compliance with sanitary and hygienic standards must be approved by Rospotrebnadzor (SES).
The State Fire Inspectorate will issue a conclusion regarding the compliance of the glazing project with fire standards.
The Moscow Architecture Committee must sign an agreement on the compliance of the glazing project with the appearance of the building.
Those residents who own an apartment under a rental agreement will need to contact the Moscow Housing Policy Department (or another body in whose department the apartment is located).
If the building is an architectural monument, it will be necessary to coordinate the glazing project with the Moscow Heritage Committee.
This authority is one of the most difficult. Permits for glazing are often denied here.
If the building is located along a government highway, then approval from the FSO (Federal Security Service) is required.
After all approvals have been received, you need to submit the documents to the Moscow Housing Inspectorate of the district. It is she who will issue permission for glazing.

What do you need to do to remove the balcony yourself?

Before you start making a balcony with your own hands, you need to remember that its length should be limited. This means that you cannot expand the loggia as much as you want, because there are maximum permissible standards. Expansion of the balcony is allowed by 20 centimeters without permission from special services. If you want to make the loggia larger by about half a meter, you will have to collect all the necessary papers. It is also worth remembering that a balcony with a DIY extension, which will increase by 50 centimeters or more, must be reinforced from below with steel trusses.

It is also worth remembering that even if you increase the balcony by 20 or 30 centimeters, you must first make sure that the wall of the house can withstand the new load. Therefore, safety precautions must be paramount.

To extend the balcony more than 20 centimeters you will need special permits

Welding work

Welding of the external structure
The main purpose of this stage is to create and strengthen the frame. For the first floors, removing the balcony is much easier. At the same time, piles are installed to strengthen the reconstructed balcony. For the upper floors, with the help of welding and special additional metal structures, it is necessary to transfer the weight of the balcony slab to the supporting (load-bearing) wall of the house. This will be done with the help of additional reinforcement fixed to the load-bearing wall of the house.

Construction of an external structure

In the case of installation along a window sill, installation begins with the installation of metal brackets treated with an anti-corrosion compound. Welded fastening or anchor bolts are used depending on the material of which the parapet is made.

The metal pipe that reinforces the brackets adds rigidity to the assembly. If the room is unreliable, then you should additionally strengthen the structure with metal, or create an additional welded structure that will firmly attach the parapet to the wall of the building. A window sill is placed on the brackets, which performs a decorative function on the inside and a protective function on the outside.

Scheme of the design of the window sill extension

When carrying out the floor, the same heavy-duty metal channels are used. This assembly is reliable and lasts for many years.

Scheme of the design of the floor extension

Removing the balcony from the stove

The description of the offset below shows a method that allows you to simultaneously widen and strengthen the base. After all, it will bear additional weight in the form of an expanding structure and glazing. Prepare everything you need for work. Materials (we calculate the exact quantity according to the drawing) - channel, angle 40x40, anchors, cement mixture, primer for metal, binding wire. Tools - a hammer drill, an angle grinder, a level, a gun for tying wire or a hook if the tying will be done manually, a marker.

Extending and strengthening the slab

We cut the channel with a grinder: the reinforcement elements should protrude beyond the slab to a distance equal to the future offset. The side parts of the trim are made the same length, and the front part is made equal to the length of the slab itself.
The places where the reinforcing structure of the extension will be buried are marked on the wall, and holes are cut out with a hammer drill. Their depth should be at least 2/3 of the wall thickness.
The channel sections are inserted into the sockets and then welded around the perimeter of the slab. It is also attached to the reinforcement using a binding wire (it is better not to use welding for this). Only after this the reinforcement is concreted into the wall. Now you can tie the extension around the perimeter.
We close the gap between the edge of the expansion and the trim: a strip of metal is sewn underneath. If the base is severely damaged and requires additional concrete filling, new reinforcement is attached to the channel and then a layer of concrete is poured. It will take 2-3 days for the takeout to dry.

Enlargement of the balcony. The channels are recessed into the wall and concreted

Installation of fencing with removal

Repair and expansion of the slab has been completed. However, you can make the balcony even more spacious due to an additional extension - in the photo, which is located under the description of the work, you can see how the additional extension is arranged.

We assemble the fence with removal separately, immediately clean the seams from slag and prime them. We make holes for anchors in the right places.
We weld the finished structure onto the harness first with several points, and after checking the level - thoroughly.
We attach the side parts to the wall of the house using anchors.
We mark the outer perimeter of the expansion for further glazing, drill holes for fastening double-glazed windows - three per window.

We recommend: How to attach lining: step-by-step instructions for covering walls with your own hands + video

At this stage, you can install the exterior trim with siding or other material that was chosen for this purpose. Insulation on a balcony with an extension, the photo of which you see below, can only be installed after the glazing has been done.

Extension of the balcony along the base of the slab. Remote structure installed

Specifics of arranging corner balconies

The configuration, covering two walls of the house, resembles the letter “G”. In individually designed houses, linear structures can be replaced with non-standard triangular loggias with a sharp internal corner. Layout features are taken into account when preparing the design of a room project.

Turning disadvantages into advantages

Corner structures have advantages over traditional loggias, but also have disadvantages. Before starting the refurbishment of a space outside the apartment, you need to find out the strengths and weaknesses of this room.

The corner design has the following advantages:

large area compared to conventional balconies. Typically, corner loggias are almost twice the size of standard structures. It is unreasonable to use such a gift only as a space for storing seasonal or unnecessary items. On an elongated balcony it is easy to allocate space for a study, mini-gym, winter garden or recreation area. You can comfortably place shelves for flowers, a small bar counter or even a hammock on it. The large area stimulates a creative approach to the design of the corner balcony;
broken configuration, allowing you to highlight individual zones. The corner location calls for separation of zones within the space. In it you can combine a table for work, a place to relax and find space for a spacious closet on the balcony.

The disadvantages of corner structures include:

a narrow passage between the wall and the balcony railing. Unfortunately, many balconies and loggias are not wide enough to provide full-fledged recreation areas.

To correct this drawback and take into account the requests of apartment owners, designers and builders will have to try. The following are usually offered as ready-made solutions:

In the interior of the loggia, folding chairs and tabletops are mainly used. It is better to choose small ottomans or stools as mobile furniture;
Floral arrangements visually expand the narrow space of the loggia. Pots with plants are fixed to the end wall of the loggia so that the stems and leaves extend onto the adjacent walls or glazing, forming a green vertical carpet. Climbing plants are ideal for such a greenhouse;
You can “expand” the space if you choose the right finishing materials. Laying the flooring across the loggia will visually make it wider;
built-in furniture with sliding doors saves space for installing a soft set or a light couch for relaxation;
When organizing office space, it is better to place the table in the far corner. In this case, it will be convenient to use a triangular tabletop;
panoramic glazing will create the effect of a large, bright space.

In addition to visual techniques for expanding the balcony area, they can actually increase the width using the extension of the platform or glazing. This option must be agreed upon with the housing inspection.

Extension glazing

In principle, any double-glazed windows can be installed to expand the balcony. Restrictions can only be based on the condition of the slab. But if there is a need, you can also strengthen the extension from below - the load-carrying capacity of the extension will increase. Of course, warm PVC glazing is preferable: you can use the balcony all year round. In addition, you will be free from noise outside the window. This is ensured by layers of air between the glasses. The more such layers, the correspondingly quieter it is in your apartment.

However, the removal of the balcony with PVC glazing experiences heavy loads. Double-glazed windows are mounted on its outer edge, from which all the pressure goes to the parapet. Therefore, it is worth considering the load-carrying capacity of the fence. If it is small, then cold glazing will be the way out. It is made from a lightweight aluminum profile and single glass. This design is light in weight.

Glazing of balconies with removal. The photo shows the location of the frames along the stem

It is worth mentioning the frameless method, which came to Russia from Finland. A takeout designed using such glazing will have a light, airy appearance. This structure actually weighs less than a frame one. It is not inferior in terms of wind and moisture protection, and even wins in terms of aesthetic qualities. However, the lack of frames also has its drawbacks: high thermal conductivity and the inability to install mosquito nets on an external balcony. And the price for such an expansion design will not be at all budgetary.

In what cases can you not make remote balconies?

Please note: in some cases it is still not recommended to install a balcony with a take-out. There are few such exceptions:

Not all balconies can be remodeled

The base slab of certain buildings has weight restrictions. For example, the balconies of Khrushchev-era apartment buildings may simply not withstand the weight of modern metal-plastic double-glazed windows. Here, the first place comes to carrying out accurate calculations when constructing the outrigger structure.
If your balcony is more than two decades old, or is much “older”, it is a priori considered dangerous.
Certain difficulties will arise when installing a canopy over the balconies of the upper and lower floors - only the correct construction of the canopy will guarantee that when it rains it will not be flooded with water from above.

The legal side of the issue

Any work to expand the area is regulated by law and is formalized legally. Balcony glazing with extension is carried out without documentation only if the planned expansion of the slab is no more than 30 cm.

According to the law, it is mandatory to obtain written consent for redevelopment from neighbors and the organization that operates the facility. Next, you need to contact the regional department of architecture and fill out an application on this issue. The wait for a response will be about a month, in some cases it will take longer. After approval of the application, you need to contact the company that is developing such projects.

Coordination of a project for glazing a balcony with an overhang is carried out in several services, including:

architecture department;
gas service;
sanitary and epidemiological station;
Fire Department.

After installation work, a commission is assembled to conduct an examination. If the result of the extension corresponds to the previously provided project, then an act of acceptance of the building into operation is drawn up.

How to make a balcony removal yourself

In order to expand the loggia, you need to prepare. First, make sure you have all the tools. These include: angle, channel, anchor, mixture, knitting wire, primer for metal, marker and gun for knitting wire.

First of all, you need to cut the channel using a grinder. They should be located outside the tiles, where the balcony extension will be. The front part of the channels should be the same length as the slab itself, and the side channels should be shorter.

Installation of channels for moving the balcony along the floor

On the wall of the house it is necessary to mark the places where the structure will go deeper. Using a hammer drill, you need to cut holes. Their depth should be 2/3 of the wall thickness, but in no case less.

The channel pieces are inserted into the holes and then welded along the entire length. The fastenings to the reinforcement are secured with knitting wire. Welding is not recommended here. When this point is completed, you can concrete the reinforcement in the wall.

Installation of balcony railings

Now you need to tie the extension around the entire perimeter of the balcony. Strips of metal must be welded to the balcony floor so that they close the gap between the trim and the edge of the extension. If you need to expand a balcony whose base is destroyed, you must first fill it additionally. New reinforcement is attached to the channels and a new layer of concrete is poured. Remember that all this must be dried for at least two days.

External finishing of the balcony must be done before glazing

When the slab has been expanded and strengthened, installation of the fence can begin. It must be collected and all seams cleaned of slag. In the necessary places you can make holes for anchors. The structure must be welded in several places and checked if everything is normal. The side parts are attached to the anchors. It is worth making markings along the perimeter for future glazing of the balcony. After all, in any case, it is necessary to install double-glazed windows. You can read about glazing in detail in this article.

Installation of window frames on a balcony with removal

During these processes you can finish the exterior of the balcony. Nowadays, people most often prefer siding, which is practical, low cost and easy to maintain. It is too early to insulate the balcony at this stage, because you must first glaze it.

Scheme of expanding the balcony along the floor and onto the window sill

Double-glazed windows on the balcony can be different. Sliding window frames are very popular now. They differ in that they save a lot of space on the balcony. However, do not forget that they are not as airtight as plastic double-glazed windows. Therefore, if you want to protect your balcony from dust and noise as effectively as possible, then choose plastic double-glazed windows. However, remember that they are heavy, and therefore it is worth making sure that the structure can withstand the load.

Once you take out your balcony, it won't look great right away. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out finishing work inside. After all, after removing the loggia, all the metal channels will remain visible, which will spoil the appearance of the balcony. You can hide them using materials such as wood, plastic, etc. It is better to entrust such work to professionals who will do it quickly and efficiently. Also, the craftsmen always have the necessary tools at hand, so they can easily turn the balcony into a beautiful room.

Original design of a balcony with take-out

Thus, we can conclude that a remote balcony is an excellent solution that will allow you to make your apartment as spacious and comfortable as possible. After all, from a loggia you can make a room in which in the summer it will be pleasant to drink tea and admire the surrounding landscapes. Some people decide to turn their balcony into an office so that no one will distract them.

If your apartment has a small balcony, then don’t despair. You can always expand it with your own hands and surprise your neighbors! Thanks to the removal of the balcony, you can make it modern, beautiful and spacious!

We recommend: Operating principle of atmospheric gas boilers: advantages and disadvantages of heating equipment

Balcony insulation work

If you want your balcony to be warm at any time of the year, then you will need to insulate it. In addition to this, it is necessary to install heating and ventilation devices on such a balcony. Insulation is done using polystyrene foam, polystyrene foam or mineral wool. Since the frame structure is placed some distance beyond the level of a standard balcony, this space may well be filled with insulation. The surface is finished with any finishing materials. To insulate the floor, logs made of wooden blocks are laid on the slab, between which insulation is laid. The floor is laid on top of the joists. At the same time, it is possible to additionally provide an electric heated floor system for the finishing coating.

Finishing

With proper reconstruction, the balcony will be functional, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. The service life always depends on the quality of the materials used in the work and the competence of the craftsman.

Thermal insulation materials are glued to the walls. Next, you can choose the design and finishing materials to suit your taste, but you should pay attention to the recommendations of specialists. The most successful and inexpensive materials for balcony floors are marmoleum and linoleum. The walls can be covered with plastic panels: they are quite easy to maintain, resistant to moisture and their cost is low.

If necessary, electrical wiring, sockets and lamps are installed.

The light installation can be open or closed. Open wiring is easy to implement, but its appearance can spoil the design of the room. Therefore, this method is recommended when covering a balcony with panels. The closed method requires laying the cable in grooves.

If the balcony is used for relaxation, LED lighting may be an ideal lighting option. Such lamps will add dynamism and effectiveness to the interior.

When using a room for work, brighter lighting is required, so in this case, wall sconces or lamps are usually installed. Halogen lamps can be an excellent solution, as they are practical, long-lasting and provide an intense luminous flux.

Having familiarized yourself with all the features of glazing a balcony with an extension, you can begin to take action.

Roof installation

Next, you should install the roof in accordance with the design solutions. It is preferable to use quieter roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles. This will allow, taking into account the significant increase in roof area, to avoid excessive noise produced by raindrops. Otherwise, for example, when using metal tiles, in addition to insulating the roof, you will have to solve issues of its sound insulation.

Basic glazing methods

An external balcony can be glazed in completely different ways. Whether it will be cold or warm depends on what functions you assign to this design.

The warm balcony can be used all year round. Thanks to good thermal insulation, it will prevent cold air from entering the apartment. Usually this area is insulated if they are going to combine it with a room or arrange a winter garden there. This type, in addition to glazing it with plastic double-glazed windows, requires installation of insulation.

Foamed polyethylene is used as insulation; floors can be insulated with mineral wool.

Keep in mind that the insulated structure has considerable weight due to plastic double-glazed windows and insulation, so it cannot be used everywhere on an external structure. It is better to first consult with specialists.

There are fewer requirements for a design with cold glazing. It can be glazed with any material. You don't have to insulate it. It is enough to fill all the cracks in the joints with foam.

Plastic double-glazed window. Excellent heat retention, sealed, do not allow cold air to pass through, provide good sound insulation, and are durable. The downside is that they do not allow fresh air to pass through. Perfect for arranging an insulated balcony. Modern technologies make it possible to make these windows in the form of sliding structures, thereby reducing the space occupied when opening the window.
Aluminum windows. Glazing with these structures is beautiful and durable. Aluminum frames are lightweight. Excellent for remote balcony structures.
Wooden frames. Although plastic and aluminum structures are used everywhere, wood does not lose its relevance. This is due to the fact that this material is environmentally friendly, it allows the windows to “breathe” and let fresh air into the room.
Frameless design. This is a modern glazing method. Gives your outdoor structure an interesting look. It gives the impression that there is no glazing at all. The frameless design visually expands the space, increasing natural light. The disadvantage of such glazing is the high price and the inability to install a mosquito net. Also, such glazing leads to large heat losses, so it will not be possible to create a warm balcony with such structures. Many people don’t like this kind of glazing because you feel unprotected, like on stage, but this can be solved very simply. It is enough to hang blinds or curtains.

Whatever type of balcony removal you have in mind, you must initially make high-quality calculations and clearly carry out all the work in a certain order. The output will be a neat balcony with an increased volume of space. This design will be safe for both you and passers-by on the street.

Useful tips

If the loggia is turned into an office, wardrobe, or combined with a living room, then it must be reliably sealed and insulated.

It is necessary to use environmentally friendly and fireproof materials, including polystyrene foam, expanded clay and mineral wool.

You cannot skimp on materials. This can be costly. If you install a low-quality sealant, then in winter moisture will penetrate through the cracks, freeze, expand and spoil the concrete of the supporting slab. This can cause it to quickly crumble. We will have to repair it, that is, open up the floor, make a new screed, and fill it with mortar. It's expensive and inconvenient.

Balcony glazing options with extension:

Double-glazed windows. If it is decided to turn a room into a living room, then this glazing option will be the only correct and rational one. Double-glazed windows will provide good noise and heat insulation of the room. It is worth considering that they weigh quite a lot (additional load on the floors) and their cost is higher than that of the analogues given below.
Aluminum frame. A lighter and cheaper option compared to double-glazed windows. Aluminum frames have poor insulating properties. On the other hand, they are lightweight and do not affect the floors. Aluminum frames cannot be installed in residential premises.
Wooden frame. This glazing option is expensive, but it is lighter than double-glazed windows and has similar insulating properties. This is a universal option. Wooden frames can be installed in warm and cold rooms.
Frameless glazing. This is the most expensive type of glazing for a balcony/loggia. It looks great in modern buildings. Frameless glazing can be used if the balcony offers a very beautiful view.

Balcony with wooden frame

The choice of glazing option is limited by the finances and taste of the owners. Although you should not skimp on the arrangement. It’s better to pay more than to cheap out and not use the premises during the cold season.

It is worth paying attention to the location of the windows in the frame and choosing the most convenient one.

When expanding your balcony, you don’t need to think only about your own preferences. A loggia is part of the structure of one large residential building. This is not a private house with a plot where the owner can do as he pleases.

The loggia should not spoil the overall appearance. This is not stated anywhere in the legislation, of course, but conscientious citizens do not need to be reminded once again that if there is beauty and order around, then life will become much more pleasant.

How to organize a room

On the balcony you need to use every part of the allocated space.

In order for an apartment with a corner balcony to acquire the status of a successful purchase, you should pay attention to:

It is strictly forbidden to install massive furniture - it is better to immediately discard old items from the last century in favor of modern lightweight ones, but safe for children and durable.
Use the corner near the entrance for storage - in practice, it remains empty and is not used when relaxing.
Window sill - additional storage space can be made below.
Mirrors - if preference was given to a wardrobe, mirrors must be present, this will increase the space.
Photo printing is a good way to bring your family closer to nature; an unusual, high-quality photo in a large format will help with this.

A corner room with a balcony can become a workplace. In married life there is always not enough space for privacy; you can properly organize the space using the above recommendations.