Open-type balconies, not equipped with a roof or canopy, are subject to all types of atmospheric influences, therefore, appropriate requirements are put forward for the finishing materials used here. One of the main problems that arise when arranging open terraces is the selection of a suitable finishing coating for the balcony floor. Indeed, in addition to durability and weather resistance, the aesthetic load placed on the material underfoot plays an important role. What kind of flooring is used to decorate the floors of open spaces will be discussed in the article.
Required characteristics of flooring material
One of the main problems that arise when arranging open terraces is the selection of a suitable finishing coating for the balcony floor.
Open spaces, including balconies without a roof, are subject to the following atmospheric influences:
- moisture (precipitation);
- ultra-violet rays;
- temperature fluctuations;
- chemicals (in large industrial cities).
The material chosen for finishing the floor must be resistant to all these factors. In addition, anti-slip properties, abrasion resistance and decent appearance are desirable. Which flooring materials meet these requirements to a greater or lesser extent? Among them:
- weather-resistant paints;
- ceramic tile;
- terrace board;
- porcelain stoneware;
- a natural stone;
- some types of carpet.
Using the listed coatings, you can arrange the floor on an open balcony area. However, the result in terms of durability and aesthetics will be different, depending on the material used. What can you expect from each of them when used on a balcony without a roof and other open spaces? What is better to put on the floor to make it beautiful and reliable? The characteristics of each material will be discussed further.
Tools for work
Before starting repairs, prepare the following:
- flooring material (linoleum, ceramic tiles);
Linoleum for balcony floor
- broom, shovel, mop with rag;
- hammer;
- construction foam.
Once everything necessary is ready, we proceed to the next stage of installation.
Pay attention to purchasing high-quality flooring to avoid premature cracks on the floor surface.
Painting
You can paint the floor in an open area with any paint intended for outdoor use.
The method is simple to implement, the most inexpensive, but the result is “so-so” in every sense. You can paint the floor in an open area with any paint intended for outdoor use. This can be a water-based composition or a dye based on organic solvents (enamel, oil paint).
They usually paint a cement screed of satisfactory quality, considering this method of finishing the balcony floor as a temporary measure or for the purpose of saving. Such a coating does not last long in the absence of a roof - after a year or two the surface has to be renewed, and choosing the same type of paint that was used before.
If you decide to paint the balcony floor for the first time, the surface must be cleared of debris and primed. If there are cracks in the screed, they must be sealed with freshly prepared cement-sand mortar, having previously expanded them. You need to paint in two layers, with the second coated only after the first has dried.
Arrangement of the floor on the open balcony of a cottage or house
Important! Often, as a budget option, linoleum is laid on the floor in open areas. However, you need to be prepared for the fact that such material will not last long in such conditions. Linoleum resists moisture well, but is quickly destroyed by temperature changes, and the pattern fades from direct UV rays.
Is it possible to install underfloor heating from central heating in an apartment?
A floor heating system using coolant is one of the best ways to distribute heat evenly throughout the entire room.
Using modern materials and following installation technology, you can achieve optimal temperature conditions.
But this only applies to systems with autonomous heating.
Owners of apartments with a centralized heating system have wondered more than once - is it possible to install a water-heated floor connected to heating pipes?
It should be immediately warned that according to current legislation, modernization and changes in the pipeline layout in apartments with central heating are prohibited. However, there are many craftsmen who can perform this procedure unnoticed even by inspection authorities.
However, during the operation of such systems, problems arise not only in a single apartment, but in the entire house as a whole. So this system is recommended for owners of their own houses with central heating, but this is the exception rather than the rule.
Possible problems and their causes
The first thing encountered when designing this type of underfloor heating connection is the difference in water temperature in the system.
For radiator heating, the coolant temperature ranges from 70°C to 90°C. Heated floor pipelines are designed for 45-50°C. Consequently, with a direct connection, failure of the entire system is inevitable.
If this system is detected by the inspection bodies of the housing office, penalties and dismantling of all heated floor equipment will necessarily follow.
But, if, nevertheless, the desire to increase the efficiency of central heating is great, then there are theoretical schemes for implementing such a connection.
Theoretical connection diagram
To connect underfloor heating to central heating, it is necessary to install a heating point with a circular pump. This point will connect the water from the heating system with the tap water to achieve the optimal temperature.
If the apartment has only one entrance and exit of the heating main, then connecting the heated floor can be done according to the principle of connecting radiators. For a larger number of risers, a separate calculation is required.
PVC plastic pipes can be used as the pipeline material. However, it is quite problematic to arrange them in a snake for uniform heating of the floor. For this, corner connectors are used, which affects the reliability of the system.
Since the technology requires filling the entire floor area, in the event of a leak, prompt dismantling work will be problematic.
There is an option for parallel connection from the radiator return pipe. In this case, it is necessary to provide for the installation of shut-off valves (tap) both at the inlet and outlet.
The safest, but most labor-intensive way is to install an autonomous underfloor heating system with closed water circulation. The coolant can be heated through a heat exchanger, which is installed on the central heating pipe.
But the efficiency of this system will be low due to large heat losses.
Flaws
- It is illegal to install such a system.
- High probability of breakdown.
- Inability to adjust the floor heating temperature.
- The emergence of areas of uneven distribution of coolant throughout the entire heating system of the house.
- The complexity of the process.
As an alternative, you can consider installing an electrical underfloor heating system. It's easy to install and completely legal. In addition, electric heated floors do not need to be filled with cement screed.
Of course, this will result in additional energy costs. But they will be much less than fines for illegal connection to central heating.
Source: dearhouse.ru/sistemy-otopleniya/teplyj-pol-ot-centralnogo-otopleniya/
Tile
Ceramic tiles are great for balcony floors
Ceramic tiles are great for the stated purposes. However, you need to remember that tiles come in different varieties. For floors in open areas, you only need tiles that are intended for installation outside. Conventional interior tiles may not withstand temperature and mechanical stress. In addition, tiles that can be used to decorate the floor outside are usually equipped with an anti-slip surface.
Before laying the tiles, it is necessary to prepare the surface, that is, make a screed. With an average thickness of the leveling layer (4-5 cm), it is better to use a cement-sand mortar; with a small thickness, it is better to use ready-made polymer-cement mixtures (levelers). The permissible curvature of the base for the tiles should not exceed 2 mm per linear meter. To prevent moisture from collecting on the floor after precipitation, it is advisable to slope it towards the outside of the balcony. The height difference is within 1-1.5 cm per meter of surface.
In addition to tiles, you should make the right choice of related materials, such as:
- primer;
- tile adhesive;
- joint grout.
The listed materials are also needed from those intended for outdoor use, capable of withstanding sudden temperature fluctuations.
How to install a heating structure
The process of installing a water floor is more complicated than others, since it will require checking the pipes before laying them and covering them with screed. The other options are simpler in this regard, but they heat up less than a water floor.
Installation of a water system
Purely technically, installation is carried out according to the same scheme as for electric floors. Installation is carried out on a concrete screed or between wooden joists. Concrete is considered stronger, plus it serves as an excellent heat conductor and retains it for a long time.
Water heated floor
The floor on which work will be carried out must be perfectly level. It is important to take this nuance into account, since during construction, external structures are made at a slight slope so that water does not linger on the roof, but flows calmly down. For a water structure, an additional layer of waterproofing is required.
The material that provides protection from water should extend beyond the floor and be slightly higher than the final coating.
For the flooring itself, a flexible metal-plastic pipe is used. It is fixed to the thermal insulation with small clamps. A rubber corrugation is installed at the place where the clamp covers the pipe. This protects the folds from sudden refraction.
Important: before installing the final screed, the pipe must be tested. To do this, water is run through it under strong pressure and observed for 2 days.
The pipe is laid in coils or snails. The distance between the pipes is 10-15 cm. They should be no closer than 5 cm to the wall. Intersections are not allowed.
A polyethylene tape is laid along the perimeter of the wall so that there is a damping gap when the screed shrinks. The screed is made from a self-leveling material or from a mixture of cement and sand using beacons. Afterwards, wait for the composition to dry completely (7 days) and lay the final cladding (after 1 month).
Dry installation is done on wooden logs. It is not necessary to level the surface for them; just insert the wedges. Logs are placed every 30 cm. The height of the structure is about 7 cm (the width of the insulation and pipe is taken into account).
Polyethylene is placed on the thermal insulation, and lathing is placed on it. The insulation is laid between the joists, securing the free space with polyurethane foam. In order for the pipe to pass through all the joists, grooves must be made at the joints. A layer of plywood is laid before the facing covering.
Cable system installation
The method of laying the cable is the same as for the water pipe. For convenience and ease of installation, you can use special electric mats. This is a thin cable that is supported by fiberglass film. They are easier to attach to thermal insulation.
Connection diagram for cable heated floor
A layer of metal reinforcing mesh is laid in front of the mats. There is no need to secure the mats. The tile covering can be laid directly on them using special glue.
The cable is installed similarly to a water pipe. At the bend points it is intercepted with clamps, which are fixed into thermal protection. A screed is poured on top and tiles are laid.
Terrace board
This type of floor covering looks good on large balconies of private houses.
This type of floor covering looks good on large balconies of private houses. The material is made from natural wood that has undergone special heat treatment or has a composite (two-component) structure that combines wood and polymers. The hardest wood species that are most resistant to external influences (oak, ash, teak, sequoia, merbau) are used as wood raw materials. The decking board is created specifically for open spaces, therefore it is resistant to atmospheric influences. The decorative side of the flooring material in most cases is made by brushing, which creates a relief surface. Thanks to this, the decking board is not slippery even after getting very wet. The service life of flooring material in such conditions is stated by manufacturers to be up to 50 years.
To install a floor in a room without a decking roof, special attention should be paid to preparing the base. To do this, you need to make a screed with a very high-quality surface, or create a base with moisture-resistant OSB boards, which are attached to a frame made of wooden blocks (logs). Wooden elements of the base structure are necessarily treated with impregnations, which makes the material resistant to moisture and pests. After all, the service life of an expensive floor covering directly depends on the durability of the base.
Insulating the balcony floor from the outside
Since the structure of the balcony slab is porous, it tends to accumulate flags and, accordingly, will penetrate the internal thermal insulation and disrupt its properties. Therefore, it is necessary to install external insulation. Only for this you need to purchase a special adhesive base.
A destroyed balcony slab in need of repair and thermal insulation from the outside Source remontnik.ru
Porcelain tiles
Thanks to the rich texture of porcelain stoneware, a surface is created that imitates natural stone, wood and even leather.
This finishing material is increasingly becoming the choice of consumers when they want to uniquely design their interior. Thanks to the rich texture of porcelain stoneware, a surface is created that imitates natural stone, wood and even leather. In addition, the material is ideal for making a reliable, durable floor surface on open balconies or other similar premises. Porcelain tiles easily withstand the effects of moisture and temperature changes and do not fade in the sun. The disadvantage is the relative complexity of installation, which in most cases is trusted to professional craftsmen.
Arranging the floor on a cold loggia or balcony
Important! Specialized adhesive mixtures are used for laying porcelain stoneware. Glue intended for laying tiles will not work for this material.
Adviсe
On a small balcony that you want to make visually larger, you can use rough and processed natural materials. Ornamental plants will also help highlight the beauty of such a space. If you want to make the floor more pleasant and beautiful, put a carpet on it.
It would also be a good idea to use the art deco style, which is characterized by bright and catchy, even acidic tones. In a setting with metal furniture and exposed concrete floors, hanging lanterns and candles can help improve the look.
If there is a large carpet on the balcony, you can add textiles with a distinctly bohemian look to the decor. When used skillfully, the most ordinary paint can create a look no less pleasant than brickwork, decorative plaster or “wild” stone. In addition, painting eliminates the need for tedious preparatory work and the cost of creating a frame.
If it is very difficult to know what decision to make, it is worth considering using the concept of a winter garden. It is popular, comfortable, and beautiful.
In any case, the sequence of work will be as follows:
- strengthening external walls;
- glazing;
- floor arrangement;
- insulation and decoration of walls;
- other necessary manipulations.
A natural stone
This type of balcony floor covering belongs to the elite category
. This type of balcony floor covering belongs to the elite category, since floor finishing elements made of granite or marble cost a lot, and also require high skill when installing. In addition to the rich appearance, the plus is that such material has no restrictions on its service life, constantly maintaining its original appearance. There is also a drawback, which is the large mass of finishing material, so it is advisable to use it if you are confident in the strength of the balcony structure.
What not to use
Materials intended for interior finishing work are strictly not suitable for decorating the floor of an open balcony:
When choosing the material for the future flooring of an open balcony, you should not engage in false economy. Cheap material will certainly save on repairs right now, but will require earlier and more frequent updating. At the same time, many expensive materials will pay for themselves due to their long service life.
Carpet on an open balcony
In recent years, this material has significantly expanded its areas of application.
In recent years, this material has significantly expanded its areas of application. If recently carpet was perceived exclusively as a floor covering inside residential premises, today varieties of such finishing are used to cover floor surfaces in public places and even in open areas.
A popular type of outdoor carpeting is a material that imitates a green lawn. This carpet is made of synthetic polypropylene or polyethylene, which are impervious to the influence of atmospheric factors and are equipped with a system of drainage holes that allow moisture to pass through and prevent it from accumulating on the surface.
These types of carpets are quite suitable for balconies without a roof. This coating can also be installed in other open spaces. The service life of external carpet without loss of quality and color is up to 5-7 years (depending on the production method and the polymer used in the manufacture).
Operational benefits
In cold weather, the flooring evenly heats the air and prevents the apartment residents from freezing. The air temperature in the lower part of the room will always be warmer than in the upper part. The heated surface conducts and releases heated air well. This ability is determined by the correct operation of the structure.
Another advantage is the surface area, which is much wider than the radiator area. The system itself was invented in ancient Rome. Since then, it has undergone major changes and been modified to suit modern realities.
The heating design does an excellent job of heating loggias and balconies. The area of these premises is small, and so is the consumption of materials. And the comfort from having a heated floor is immediately noticeable.
Main advantages:
- A modified heating system does its job much better than a standard one. More heat is released into the atmosphere, making living in an apartment more comfortable.
- Considering the amount of heat that is released into the room, the temperature of the heating element is low.
- The design looks stylish and invisible to the eye, saving valuable square meters of living space. It also does not require special care; all elements are hidden under the cladding.
- The heat is regulated by the apartment residents independently. This happens using an automated control panel. It allows you to keep the air in the apartment in optimal condition for a person, regardless of weather changes.
- The flooring has a long service life; immediate replacement is not required; the structure can serve for decades.
- You can install a heating system yourself, even if you have never done this before. No special equipment is required for installation.
- One of the most pleasant feelings is coming home from the cold and standing on a warm floor with cold feet.
But the heating design also has its unpleasant sides.
