Reviews about glazing loggias and balconies with aluminum profiles

Today there are quite a lot of options for glazing a balcony or loggia. You can choose one or another option depending on reviews of certain profiles for windows, as well as other criteria. Glazing can be done if desired to equip a previously unglazed balcony or loggia, or in order to replace old profiles with new ones.

Today we will talk about aluminum profiles and their features. You will learn the advantages of glazing the balcony space using aluminum profiles, what their cost depends on, and also read reviews from those who have already equipped their loggias with aluminum window structures.

Types of aluminum profile

The key advantage of glazing a balcony with aluminum profiles is that these profiles are cheaper than metal-plastic ones and much more reliable than wooden ones. Also, glazing using an aluminum profile will be the most compact, which is very important for small balcony spaces. In addition, user reviews are also very positive from the use of this type of structure.

Aluminum profiles differ from each other in such parameters as:

• price;
• number of cameras (the more, the warmer it will be on the loggia);
• opening system (folding, accordion or swing);
• possibility of installing double-glazed windows with different numbers of chambers;
• appearance of the profile surface.

If you do not have a huge loggia, but a small balcony, then it is better to save space and install sliding doors. In this case, windows can be both warm and cold.

Cold glazing is done using the cheapest profiles without insulation and using a single window. If your task is to simply glaze a balcony without further using it as a living space, this choice will be optimal.

But for warm glazing you will need:

• complex aluminum profile with thermal inserts;
• double-glazed window with 2 or 3 cameras;
• energy saving glass.

Reviews say that thanks to warm glazing, the loggia automatically turns into part of the room, due to which the living space is significantly increased.

There is also an option for remote glazing, thanks to which the balcony is enlarged by moving the frame to the street. This provides not only additional space, but also a wide window sill where you can easily set up a home greenhouse.

Rating of the best

If previously aluminum structures were purchased mainly for glazing offices, in recent years windows have increasingly been installed in apartments and private houses. The best solutions for various objects are presented below.

For apartment

Krauss aluminum windows, produced in Russia, rightfully occupy a leading position in the list of designs for apartments. All products are certified. Windows are manufactured using advanced technologies, thanks to which the product has a long shelf life.

A distinctive feature of the manufacturer is the arched shape of the internal walls , which prevents condensation from entering the chamber.

Products with a tilt-and-turn mechanism consist of only two permanent units, the rest are selected according to the dimensions of the structure. The average cost of a window is 6,500 rubles. per m2.

When choosing a window for your apartment, you should pay attention to the Ponsio brand. In particular, the Pe 68 N model is characterized by high energy efficiency. Three-chamber windows can be used in climates with unstable weather conditions. The seals are made of frost-resistant EPDM. A distinctive feature of the model is the ability for the customer to choose the type of filling . Such a window will cost an average of 9,000 rubles. per m2.

For a private home

For year-round housing, consumers most often choose products from the Belgian manufacturer Reynaers.
The products are distinguished by an elegant design and a wide range of sizes. Energy saving indicators are 1.2 W/m2∙K . The maximum window size can reach 2400x1700 mm, thickness - 72 mm. To improve thermal insulation performance, the chambers are filled with argon.

Water resistance is ensured by multi-circuit seals. The maximum noise insulation value is 44 dB.

Important : Reynaers sells aluminum windows in different styles, which allows you to choose the optimal solution for each consumer.

The manufacturer took care of the safety of users; some models are equipped with a locking system . Additionally, you can install a modification with bulletproof properties.

The average cost of a m2 window is 17,000 rubles.

If the consumer plans to intensively use the window, it is worth paying attention to the Greek brand Etem. The E75 model is distinguished by high heat transfer and noise absorption . An aluminum profile of this brand can be filled with a double-glazed window with a thickness of 41 mm. Thermobridge – 39 mm. Energy saving indicator – 1.3 W/m2. The seal is ethylene-propylene rubber.

At the request of the customer, models of a specific color and with the desired filling option are manufactured. The average cost of m2 of such a model is 14,000 rubles.

Warm

The rating of the warmest windows is opened by the German holding Schuco. Products of this brand have been in demand among customers for many years. The windows are characterized by a technically impeccable solution. Shuko profile windows can be selected to suit any design and can be used in different types of rooms. The products are resistant to aggressive environments, which is confirmed by positive customer reviews.

The main features of Shuko's designs are:

• development of models for different climatic conditions;
• reduction of the “edge effect” due to the glazing bead height of 2 cm;
• high thermal protection due to the installation width of 7 cm;
• improved anti-burglary performance.

Energy-saving products Schuco AWS 75.SI retain heat well, with a thermal efficiency rating of 0.92 W/m2. This value was achieved thanks to the construction of a thermal bridge with several chambers filled with a special polymer.

The glass connections are insulated, which helps further protect the room from drafts.

A special feature of the windows is that thanks to the installation depth (75 mm), the product can be mounted in any window opening .

The customer can independently choose the type of opening: inward or outward, as well as automatic or manual opening mode.

The German manufacturer cares about security, so the structures are equipped with a modern burglar-resistant locking system .

You will have to pay about 18,000 rubles per square meter of product.

Available

There are more affordable models of window systems, both Russian and foreign brands. One of these is the Belarusian holding Alutech. Alutech W62 can be installed in any office or residential premises. The positive qualities of the product include :

• The installation depth of the profile is 48 mm.
• Various product dimensions.
• Possibility to order windows according to individual sizes.
• Possibility to increase noise insulation and heat saving. This can be done using a thickened glass unit (however, its thickness cannot exceed 30 mm).
• Filling the system according to the client’s wishes: polycarbonate, rubber, and so on.
• Decoration of aluminum profiles is carried out with high quality powder paint. More than 150 shades of colors available.

The approximate cost per square meter of Alutech W62 is 14,000 rubles.
Domestic manufacturer Vidnal offers both single and multi-chamber designs . The most popular are three-chamber variations. With their help, increased strength of the product is ensured.

In addition, the system can withstand strong wind loads. Vidnal window systems are completely environmentally friendly, so their installation is possible in any institution.

The company rightfully occupies its niche in the domestic market, since the brand offers good quality at an affordable price . The average cost on the domestic market is 9,500 rubles per square meter.

Tatar manufacturer Tatprof offers budget options for good quality aluminum window systems. The products are adapted to regions with moderate climatic changes.

The advantages of the brand are:

• Low cost.
• Convenience. The windows are easy to install and easy to maintain. If necessary, you can repair them - it will be inexpensive and quick.
• Tightness.
• High levels of noise insulation.
• Good heat saving values.
• Functionality. The brand offers several types of aluminum windows, so the consumer can choose the product they need.

The average cost of Tatprof products is 5,000 rubles per square meter.

The highest quality

If we talk about brands offering products made from quality materials, then Sapa Building System occupies a leading position . The manufacturer is known all over the world and supplies products to 80 countries, including the Russian Federation.

Sapa Building System produces high quality products. In addition, the holding has its own research institute, which develops unique developments. Today this brand has no analogues or competitors.

Among the features of Sapa Building System products, it is worth highlighting solar energy elements integrated into window systems and the possibility of autonomous self-regulation. Such windows will fit perfectly into a “smart home”.

As for the cost, the models of this manufacturer are not budget ones; the cost of some can reach 35,000 rubles per square meter.

A more budget-friendly option for glazing with high-quality material is offered by the manufacturer Alumil.

In particular, model M11500 is a warm window system equipped with three-chamber inserts made of polyamide, the thickness of which is 3.8 cm in the frame.

The thermal efficiency value is 0.61 m2/W, that is, the system will be able to protect against cold even in severe frosts. This allows you to install windows in regions with sharp temperature changes and in the northern regions of the country.

The thermal bridge reinforced with fiberglass provides the necessary rigidity to the window. The level of sealing can be increased by using EPDM as a sealant .

An important indicator when choosing window systems, especially in large cities, is noise insulation. Alumil M11500 products have a noise insulation value of 52 dB. In addition, this figure can be further increased if the windows are equipped with thick double-glazed windows.

Alumil S77 profiles are available in several variations - with folding and turning sashes.

Interesting : Model S77PHOS is equipped with hidden doors, the width of which is reduced. Thanks to this, natural light penetrates into the room as much as possible.

The average cost of Alumil windows is 15,000 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages of aluminum glazing

The only drawback of aluminum profiles is that the cold type of glazing is not able to protect against the cold, like regular windows.

But this design has many more advantages. As already mentioned, positive user reviews indicate that what attracted them most about aluminum structures was their cost, since it is lower than wooden and plastic window structures.

Also, aluminum profiles have the following positive features, which are noted in the reviews:

• an aluminum profile is three times stronger than a plastic one and seven times stronger than a wooden profile;
• reliability and durability of use. Aluminum is not capable of corrosion, bacteria and fungi do not multiply on it at high humidity, and it does not deform during drought. If treated properly, an aluminum structure can last about 80 years;
• versatility in installation - glazing using aluminum profiles can be installed even in inconvenient places. These profiles are lightweight, they can be installed even on heavily worn balconies or loggias;
• environmental friendliness - when the structure is heated in strong sun, it does not emit harmful substances, unlike impregnated plastic or wood;
• ease of use and maintenance - such windows need to be periodically washed and cleaned of dirt in the usual way. Once a year, the fittings should be treated with machine oil;
• excellent reviews from users and specialists.

Another undoubted advantage of this profile is the possibility of glazing a balcony on the top floors, where the profile is the supporting structure. In addition, aluminum can be used to glaze facades and stained glass windows.

Difference between Provedal and Sliders

For a long time, Provedal and Slidors glazing has been increasingly popular in the construction market. In many respects, profile systems have similar characteristics. To choose the best glazing option, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the differences and carefully study the positive and negative aspects.

The configuration of the blanks makes it possible to complete the products with double-glazed windows of various thicknesses. In sliding windows, Provedal performs a protective function, preventing the ingress of dust and the formation of drafts. The aluminum profile used for cold glazing is lightweight, durable, and resistant to external factors.

Comparison of profiles by operational and technical characteristics

Options	Slidors	Provedal
Material of manufacture	Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)	Aluminum
Thickness, mm	58, 60, 70	60
Glazing type	Warm	Cold
Glazing	Single glass, 1-chamber package	Glass 4 mm
Heat insulation	High heat transfer resistance	Presence of “cold bridges”
Functionality	Possibility of opening in winter	Lockout at low temperatures
Heat transfer resistance coefficient, m2C/W	0,15	0,07
Reliability	No freezing of the sashes	Possible freezing of seals and sashes
Security	The fittings operate at any temperature	Locks can freeze
Possibilities	Combination with swing profiles, making arches	Using bay windows
Versatility	Possibility to select mosquito nets and fittings from other brands	Comes with original parts
Ease of use	Ergonomic sliding design

Provedal - a popular system developed in Spain taking into account the climate of the middle zone, combines fixed, sliding and rotating elements. The Sliders system has introduced new technological developments that make it possible to adapt windows to harsh climatic conditions.

The structures, which are equipped with internal reinforcement to increase strength, are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The system involves the installation of double-glazed windows, which provides excellent sound and heat insulation.

When installing Sliders Panorama, a 3-chamber profile is used, the strength of which is ensured by reinforcement. Frame corners allow the structure to be delivered disassembled. The rounding of the rail ensures smooth sliding, and specially configured locks prevent unauthorized removal of the sash.

The main differences between Provedal and Sliders are the type of systems. A cold metal profile is capable of deforming under sudden temperature changes. Polyvinyl chloride is resistant to cold and heat.

Aluminum structures are characterized by efficiency, and PVC by practicality and functionality, although many experts consider metal systems to be more durable.

What affects the cost of construction

In addition to excellent characteristics and good reviews, the cost of aluminum structures also looks quite attractive. As already mentioned, it depends on the number of chambers, thermal conductivity, type of opening of the valves, and much more.

Many companies that deal with glazing can calculate the cost in advance, or you can do it yourself, depending on the cost of glazing one square.

The final cost usually includes:

• costs for the manufacture of profile structures, double-glazed windows and fittings;
• delivery;
• installation work.

In general, the cost of glazing with aluminum profiles will be two times lower than glazing a balcony with plastic.

In addition to all of the above, the cost may be affected by:

• type of profile chosen - a cold profile will be cheaper than a warm one;
• the shape and size of the glazed area - it will cost the least to glaze an ordinary balcony of three meters, but to glaze a balcony or loggia with a bay window or a non-standard shape will be much more expensive;
• The option of opening the doors is hinged or sliding. Sliding windows will cost less, and the glass will be single, which will save the area of ​​the balcony space. If necessary, the windows simply move to the sides and do not interfere with the passage inside the balcony or loggia;
• remote glazing or work within the balcony frame. Naturally, installation work within a balcony or loggia will cost less than installation with external glazing and retractable frames. As a rule, remote structures extend beyond the balcony by 50 centimeters.

Description of German and other companies

The Russian market offers consumers products from both foreign and domestic manufacturers of aluminum windows. They differ in cost, technical characteristics, and the presence of additional elements. The most popular brands are presented in the table below.

Characteristics	Manufacturer
	Reynaers _	Sial	Provedal	Schuco	Alutech
Country of origin	Belgium	Russia	Spain	Germany	Belarus
Country of Origin	Russia	Russia	Russia	Russia	Russia
Profile types	CS 59Pa; SL 38; CS 68; CS 77; CS 77−BP; CS 86−HI.	KP40; KP50; KP50K; KPT60; KPT45GOS-S; KPT74.	S400; P640.	AWS 120 CC.SI; AWS0112 IC; AWS 90.	C48; F50; W62; W72.
Number of cameras	1,2,3	1,2,3	1,2,3,4,5	1,2,3	1,2,3
Glass options	Cold, warm. Solid, sliding. Swing.	Cold. Warm. Swing. Sliding, blind.	Cold. Sliding 2- and 3-slide.	Swing. Folding. Combi.	Deaf. Sliding. Folding. Swing.
Accessories	separately	separately	There is	There is	separately
Environmental friendliness	environmentally friendly	environmentally friendly	environmentally friendly	environmentally friendly	environmentally friendly
Thermal insulation	1.47 W/m2xS	1.3m2∙°С/W	0.07 m2∙°С/W	0.85 m2∙°С/W	0.61 m2∙°C/W
Noise insulation	Up to 43 dB	Up to 30 dB	23-27 dB	Up to 53 dB	Up to 43 dB
Average cost per m2	17000	10000	11000	18000	14000

The table shows that at approximately the same cost, manufacturers offer designs with different characteristics.

How to glaze a balcony with an aluminum profile with your own hands

If you have the appropriate skills and abilities and want to save on installation work, you can start installing aluminum profiles yourself. Let's find out how to do this in more detail.

Of course, the decision to install profiles with your own hands is most often made by those who choose the simplest type of profiles - cold at a low cost.

First, you will need to order aluminum profiles of the required size, while leaving a small gap of a few centimeters on all sides. This will be required for the reason that these places will then be sealed using polyurethane foam.

You will also need to subtract a couple more centimeters for the future window sill on the balcony.

When you order aluminum windows and structures from the manufacturer, remember that many of the companies put special marks on the profiles on the back of the horse for installers. The marker carefully marks where the right side is and where the left side is, where the bottom is and where the top is of the structure.

These may also be arrows, so when purchasing windows, remind the seller to put these marks on them, otherwise you will simply mix up the sides during the installation process, and you will have to disassemble everything and redo it all over again. And this is extra time and quite a lot.

If you are faced with independent glazing of a balcony for the first time, the work of installing windows will take you almost the whole day. If you are an experienced master in this matter, then you will finish it in a few hours. It will also take additional time to dismantle the old frames if you had them.

The installation process of aluminum window structures for a balcony looks like this:

• assemble an aluminum frame for windows;
• twist the profile with self-tapping screws and glue the seals in the corners;
• place the finished frame immediately on the windowsill, using a level;
• secure the top part, side profiles and bottom part with anchor bolts;
• seal the gaps;
• wash the frames and adjust the latches.

However, be aware that sometimes the latches on the frame and strike plate do not line up and will need to be adjusted. To begin with, adjust the level of the window block using a vertical hexagon.

Then, with its help, you should adjust the striker plate. To do this, use a hexagon to lower the bolt to the middle and set the bar to such a height until the latch takes the desired position.

We have completed the adjustment, now we need to attach the ebb from the outside and install the mosquito net.

In order to attach the ebb, you will need metal press washers. In places where the ebb comes into contact with the frame, sealant must be applied.

Pros and cons of sliding windows on the balcony

Before choosing and ordering a sliding PVC balcony glass model, it is important to know the advantages and disadvantages.

Pros:

1. You can use wood, plastic and aluminum.
2. Large selection - panoramic glazing, in parts or entirely.
3. By choosing wood or plastic, there is a wide preference for different textures and colors.
4. Space saving. Suitable for a small balcony.
5. Protection from precipitation, dirt, noise.
6. Acceptable price.
7. Easy care.
8. Possibility of ventilation thanks to the sash movement mechanism.
9. Reliability and density.
10. Functionality.

Sliding doors save space when opening.
There are also disadvantages:

• insufficient heat retention on the balcony;
• heavy weight (not every loggia can handle it; the surface may have to be strengthened);
• the aluminum is of poor quality, there is no sound insulation (sometimes it is impossible to install plastic windows);
• accumulation of excess moisture in the lower part of the profile;
• warping or displacement of some parts of the profile.

The profile itself is quite heavy, so you will have to strengthen the base of the balcony

Balcony glazing: reviews

In our country, many people already choose aluminum structures for glazing balconies and loggias. Almost all reviews are positive and recommendatory in nature. We invite you to take a look at some user reviews that we found on the Internet from open sources.

Aluminum profiles are very neat, easy to use and inexpensive. You have a cold profile, we installed it because of the fragile parapet, so the only drawback is that the balcony does not heat up in winter.

Natalia

I like that there is a lot of free space on the balcony thanks to the profile with sliding doors. The profile is also very easy to maintain.

Elena

After renovating the loggia, I decided to equip it with insulated aluminum windows. Now I have a bar there, where we always gather with friends. Wonderful atmosphere, just like in a restaurant, only at home.

Sergey

As you can see, positive reviews and characteristics speak only in favor of this type of profile for balconies and loggias. If you have not yet decided what to glaze your balcony with, then it’s time to make a choice in favor of aluminum structures.

All selection criteria: when is plastic definitely not suitable?

The choice between aluminum or plastic windows can be made by answering the following questions.

What kind of glazing is planned: cold or warm?

1. Cold – aluminum windows. They will protect from wind and precipitation and make the balcony (loggia) as illuminated as possible.
2. Warm - PVC or warm aluminum profile. They will retain heat and, with proper thermal insulation, will make the loggia a living room at any time of the year.

Is the house new or old? What load can the balcony slab withstand?

1. New. In such houses, you can install PVC windows on the balcony: the slab will support the weight of heavy plastic structures.
2. Old. It is impossible to install plastic in Stalin, Khrushchev and Brezhnev buildings in 80% of cases. The balconies of those times were designed with light loads in mind. The only option is a cold aluminum profile. Warm aluminum frames are potentially acceptable, but calculations will have to be made. Double-glazed windows, insulation for the parapet and floor will significantly add weight.

Note! If the house is over 40 years old, the permissible load specified in the documents can be safely divided by 2. Concrete is destroyed due to temperature changes, crumbles, and becomes covered with microcracks. Under no circumstances should you overload the balcony: it may collapse.

How much money is planned to be invested in the arrangement?

1. Less is better. The solution is cold aluminum frames.
2. Average amount. The optimal price-performance ratio is PVC windows.
3. A lot of. If finances are not limited, you should choose a warm aluminum profile. It will look better than plastic, will last longer, there will be more light on the loggia, and it will retain heat almost as well.

USEFUL INFORMATION: What is a stand profile and why is it needed: dimensions, insulation and installation

INTERESTING FACTS!

• Glazing of balconies is one of the most popular construction services, the demand for which does not fall even in times of crisis.
• Insulating a loggia or balcony using warm frames and double-glazed windows reduces heat loss by at least 15%.
• It has been proven that residents of apartments with glazed balconies suffer less from colds associated with hypothermia and drafts.
• A glazed loggia increases the value of real estate.