Interior finishing of a balcony with siding - we do it beautifully and correctly

Even if you have already glazed your balcony, then in order for it to finally take on an attractive appearance, it needs to be finished inside. Siding can be used for these purposes. Although this material is mainly used for exterior decoration of balconies.

Siding is ideal for finishing a balcony; it is not afraid of humidity and precipitation, it is durable and easy to install.

Siding has a huge number of advantages that make it an ideal option for interior decoration. Next we will talk about what the balcony should be covered with siding on the inside.

Why cover a balcony with siding?

The windows and balcony are open to public view, and this is a good reason to improve their appearance. If the interior of the apartment can be hidden from the views of passers-by, then by the exterior of the balcony one can easily determine the social status of the family and its design tastes.

There are four reasons to line the outside of the balcony with siding:

1. Creating a continuous covering that will protect the interior of the balcony from prying eyes;
2. Protect the balcony from rain, snow, wind and cold;
3. Insulate the balcony;
4. Create decorative cladding, improving the appearance of the outer part of the balcony.

Siding cladding is usually carried out in conjunction with glazing a balcony or loggia. First, siding panels are installed, after which wooden and metal-plastic frames with double-glazed windows are installed. You can make the cladding without subsequent glazing. In this case, there is only one goal - to update the outside of the balcony and make it more attractive.

No. 5. Wooden lining

Natural wood is not the most popular material for cladding balconies, which is due to its low resistance to numerous negative natural factors. This fact is the main disadvantage of wood, but modern technologies make it possible to use special impregnations in the production of wooden lining that protect the wood from moisture, rotting, pest damage and make it more resistant to fire. However, owners of balconies with such cladding will have to regularly care for the material so that it remains in its original form for as long as possible.

Among the main advantages of wooden lining:

• beautiful appearance that can enhance any balcony;
• environmental friendliness;
• heat and sound insulation properties.

Such cladding is unlikely to be appropriate when arranging a balcony in a typical apartment building, but for a small private house it is very suitable.

Which siding to choose for cladding

All finishing materials for outdoor use have special requirements: they must be resistant to temperature changes, ultraviolet radiation and moisture-proof. Vinyl and metal siding panels meet these requirements. Vinyl siding is often chosen for cladding a balcony . There are several reasons for this:

Of course, vinyl siding also has some disadvantages. For example, unlike metal, it cannot be painted. When melted under the influence of fire (vinyl does not burn), toxic fumes are released that are harmful to humans. In this regard, metal panels are more profitable, since they do not burn or melt.

If the balcony is located on the sunny side, it is better to choose light-colored material, because a slight change in color due to exposure to sunlight is less noticeable. When purchasing material, you should pay attention to the uniform thickness of the vinyl. This can be determined by looking at the end of the panel. It is also recommended to slightly bend the panel, testing it for plasticity.

We consider the features of corrugated sheets

Corrugated sheeting, which is made from galvanized corrugated steel, is the next good material for finishing. It should be noted that sheathing a balcony with corrugated sheets is quite cheap and simple. The rigidity of the sheets, price and various color options create a beautiful and durable design.

External finishing of the balcony with corrugated sheets

Let's find out how many advantages a profiled sheet has:

• The installation manual allows you to carry out the installation yourself. With experience, even one person can do the job.
• Protected from rotting and corrosion.
• A beautifully decorated balcony will retain its original appearance for many years.

The installation option for corrugated sheets is no different from the previous material. The step-by-step analysis says that first of all, if the balcony is glazed, the sheathing is prepared, then the sheets are attached to self-tapping screws with rubber gaskets. The balcony perimeter makes it possible to attach sheets both horizontally and vertically. However, in the second case, you will have to cut it with metal scissors. Wooden sheathing is treated with antiseptics.

Important! The technology for finishing a balcony outside with your own hands with step-by-step instructions is described in video and photo materials. In addition, when ordering work from specialized companies, you can view a gallery with ready-made options.

Installation of sheathing

The frame for fastening the siding is made of wooden blocks with a cross-section of 40 by 60 cm , pre-treated with an antiseptic against mold and woodworms. If insulation is installed under the siding, the width of the bars should correspond to the thickness of the insulation material.

Insulation for siding:

• Mineral wool (semi-rigid in slabs);
• Fiberglass;
• Extruded polystyrene foam;
• Basalt fiber.

First, vertical posts are installed at the corners of the balcony and attached to the fence with brackets. If the side panels on the balcony are made of concrete or brick, the bars are secured with anchor bolts.

Next, horizontal bars are installed between the posts along the slab and along the upper border of the fence. They are connected to the vertical posts with metal corners and are attached to the fence with brackets for reliability. When the load-bearing part of the frame is ready, additional vertical jumpers are installed at intervals of 50 cm. The gap remaining between the slab and the lower beam is foamed with mounting foam.

Advice. If you have a wood lathe, a system of tenons and grooves is cut out on the beams. This connection will give the wooden frame greater reliability.

At this stage of work, insulation is installed. It is laid between vertical beams so that there are no gaps. The insulation is nailed to the studs, screwed with self-tapping screws or secured with a construction stapler. Waterproofing (thick polyethylene film) is stretched on top.

Preparing walls and ceilings

If you are planning to decorate the balcony room with just such a material, then you will need to prepare the walls and ceiling a little, but the amount of work performed will be 2-3 times less than when finishing with any other material. Let's take a closer look at the process of attaching siding inside the balcony.

STEP 1: remove old finishing materials and sheathing. If you had plaster, plastic panels, wallpaper, wood - it must be carefully removed and removed from the room, leaving only bare walls.

STEP 2: dry. There is often high humidity on the balcony, and finishing the balcony with siding in such conditions is not recommended. We install the heating element for 1 day (heat gun, fan heater, or even a hair dryer) and wait until all the materials dry. Choose dry weather.

STEP 3: install a heat insulator. The foil element must be lubricated with mastic, which is sold as a kit, and glued to the walls (with foil in the room). Such material will not allow heat to leave the room, the balcony will be much warmer during the period of heating the room.

STEP 4: level the floor on the balcony. This can be done with a regular screed, pouring it along the marks and measuring the evenness of the floor with a level. If you are ready to spend 2000-3000 rubles, then you can fill in a “liquid floor” from a well-known manufacturer - there is practically no need to level it, it takes the level itself and has increased elasticity. Be sure to pour it onto the film that is placed under the vapor barrier layer - additional protection in case the first layer is damaged.

Tip: before pouring the screed, check the integrity of the base, if necessary, seal cracks and crevices, and also mark the level of the desired screed using a measuring tool (hydraulic or laser level), and place markers. This will help level the floor.

Interior finishing of the balcony with siding can begin 20-30 days after the floor has dried and “walled up” the lower part of the insulator. If you start earlier, the worker may damage the integrity of the screed with his weight.

Installation

The main stage of covering a balcony with siding is the installation of vinyl panels. It is carried out in the following sequence:

• At the corners, corner parts are fixed into which the ends of the panels will be inserted;
• A starting bar is installed on the lower beam located near the balcony slab. They are attached to the block with self-tapping screws;
• The first panel is inserted into the lock of the plank until it snaps into place, then it is pulled up a little and secured with self-tapping screws to each vertical bar. Self-tapping screws are inserted into the mounting holes without disturbing the integrity of the panel. Having screwed the fastener all the way, loosen it by turning it back about ¼ turn;
• The panels are installed to the very top, and the last of them is adjusted to size and covered with a finishing strip or corner.

Work begins with dismantling

Before covering the balcony with siding from the outside, you need to remove all interfering elements. Any materials located on the parapet, as well as objects that could interfere with work, must be dismantled. As a result, there should be nothing left on the balcony except a metal frame, which is a fence.

Next, you should carefully inspect the concrete slab and parapet. If cracks, shedding or rust are noticed, they must be eliminated so as not to weaken the future structure in the future. The old metal parapet needs to be strengthened. A galvanized strip is perfect for this; it can be used to strengthen the connection between the concrete slab and the old fence.

Afterwards you will need to coat the metal with a primer, having previously cleared it of any existing paint. Concrete should also be covered with an anti-corrosion compound to prevent any destructive processes. Once these steps are completed, you can move on to the next stage of work.

Basic installation mistakes

When siding is done for the first time, common mistakes are often made, which subsequently lead to deformation of the material, failure of fastenings, tearing off of panels by the wind and other defects. Experienced craftsmen are familiar with the nuances of siding installation and can give practical recommendations.

Main mistakes during installation:

• The fastener is not located in the center of the mounting hole, or in the hole at all, but in the body of the panel. It is correct when it is located in the central part of the groove;
• Siding panels are installed without gaps, leaving no space for thermal expansion of the material. That is why, after snapping the lock, the panel should be pulled up and only then secured with self-tapping screws;
• The screws press the panel too tightly. It is correct when there is a space of at least 2 mm between the panel and the fastener;
• There is not enough clearance between the end of the panel and the inside of the corner piece. It should be less than 7 mm;

Building materials for interior decoration

When choosing building materials, you should consider the functionality of the loggia, for what purposes the room will most often be used: for drying clothes, storing things, conservation, arranging a winter garden, etc. It is necessary to take a responsible approach to the selection of building materials for cladding. The following materials can be used:

• Wooden lining. Alder, ash, oak, pine, linden are used;
• Drywall. Installing it is a rather labor-intensive process that requires further processing - putty, painting, wallpapering;
• Siding. The most common and practical material that is used more often than others.

Safety precautions

Covering a balcony on the ground floor does not present any particular difficulties - depending on the height of the base, the work can be carried out from the ground or from a construction scaffold. On the second floor you can also use scaffolding, but on the floors above you will have to be careful. All work is carried out from inside the balcony , and you have to lean over the edge of the fence to install the lower panels. It is not recommended to perform such work alone - you need a partner who will provide backup during complex manipulations.

Advice. The most reliable way to protect yourself from falling is to fasten your safety belt to a railing or other stationary part on the balcony, such as a fire escape.

There is also a chance that a tool, piece of siding or timber falling from a height will injure people passing below. Even if the balcony is not located above the pedestrian area, it is better to fence off the space underneath it with red tape during the work. It’s even better to put a person downstairs who will warn people about the danger.

Useful tips

If you are one of those who are used to doing everything in the house yourself, then before covering your balcony with siding, you need to know some of the features of this process. To ensure that the material does not deform after installation, the plates must be taken outside before starting work. This will allow them to take their size directly in the environment where it will be installed.

Your balcony is on the third floor or higher, then it is still better to entrust this difficult task to professionals. If you want to take a risk, then be sure to stock up on a climbing belt and other fastening elements. It is also necessary to remember the safety of passers-by, so place fencing flags under the balcony in advance. This way you can be sure that no material or tools caused harm.

Prepare the plates of the required height in advance and try to take measurements very accurately. For those who are doing this for the first time, it is better to start sheathing the balcony from the sides. This way you can practice installing low plates. And most importantly, there is no need to tighten the panels when fixing the plank, otherwise it will become deformed. If your balcony is subject to the influence of strong winds, then the platins should be fastened in increments of no more than 5 cm - this will make the structure more reliable.

Rice. 14. When working at height, insurance is required.

Color

Color plays a huge role when choosing finishing material for a balcony. It must completely fit the overall interior design. Each manufacturer has different siding coloring and structure. At the same time, when covering the walls of the balcony, it is necessary to select a color that would harmoniously combine with the roof and windows. Most often they prefer natural contrasting shades, dark and pastel colors.

If the design contains wooden decorative elements, it is recommended to purchase material of terracotta or eggplant color. The shades of spring foliage, in brown, olive and chestnut, also look no less beautiful.

Most designers recommend taking into account the climate zone when choosing a siding palette. For areas where rainy weather prevails, bright and warm colors are perfect. For hot areas, gray shades are the best option.

What to finish with?

Today, there are a large number of different materials intended for the external decoration of balcony blocks. Each specimen has its own distinctive characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.

Plastic panels

Most often on city streets you can see balconies decorated with plastic panels. Otherwise, they are also called plastic or vinyl lining. Such materials are durable and wear-resistant. Plastic is used for both external and internal decoration.

Another significant advantage of plastic balcony design is its affordable cost. This economical option is the best in terms of price and quality.

The plastic panels look very neat. They refresh the balcony block, and it looks much more attractive.

Installation of such facing materials is very simple and easy. To cover the balcony, you don’t have to hire specialists, but do it yourself.

Siding

​Another common material is siding. They decorate not only houses, but also balcony rooms. It is also suitable for internal and external cladding.

Siding can be metal, wood (made of wood-polymer composite) or vinyl. The last option is in greatest demand. This material is not subject to corrosion. It does not deform over time and does not lose its attractive appearance.

It is worth noting that siding is very difficult to stain, so it will not require special and frequent maintenance. It is also environmentally friendly and absolutely safe. Siding is fireproof and comes in a variety of colors.

To install such material, you still need to have some skills and knowledge.

An equally promising material is metal siding. It has an affordable price and beautiful appearance.

Metal siding is very wear-resistant. Its top layer is not paint, but a special polymer coating that does not need to be constantly updated or repainted. He is not afraid of temperature changes.

Corrugated sheet

Many apartment owners are turning to external finishing with corrugated sheets. This material consists of thin corrugated sheets of steel. They can have a variety of sizes and colors.

People are often skeptical about this design option because of its subtlety and lightness. And in vain. In fact, the corrugated sheet is reliable and very durable. Such characteristics are provided by the relief surface, which gives the sheets increased rigidity.

Mineral and silicone plaster

Less often, apartment owners turn to finishing with mineral and silicone plaster. Such solutions not only look very beautiful, but also have soundproofing properties.

High-quality plaster is vapor-permeable. It does not absorb large amounts of water, so a favorable microclimate will always be maintained on the balcony. This finishing material is not afraid of mechanical damage. Also, it will not require special care from its owners.

Wooden lining

Wood-based materials are less practical. For example, ordinary lining looks attractive on a balcony block, but does not tolerate dampness and moisture well.

From time to time it will have to be treated with special impregnations that add life to the lining, so it is recommended to choose plastic panels.

Results

As a conclusion, let’s talk about some important things that were not discussed in this article - and completely in vain. First of all, you must understand that you can only finish the balcony façade yourself on the second or third floor without appropriate insurance. If you live higher up, it’s better to think about your own safety once again and make every effort to minimize the likelihood of an accident. In general, the higher you have to work, the more skill is required from the master.

Only qualified craftsmen with insurance and permission can carry out high-altitude work

Thus, if your floor is not the second or third, it is better to think again about involving real professionals in such responsible and risky work. Such people have the necessary equipment for insurance and appropriate permission to work at height. However, you will have to pay for high-altitude work - and we are talking about decent sums of money.

However, who will finish the outside of your balcony is up to you to decide. Draw your own conclusions, we have analyzed all the work that will have to be done here in detail, so any owner can make a decision - whether he can handle it personally, or whether it is better to attract outside help.

Turnkey balcony finishing: decoration in different styles

Each balcony is a blank canvas that can be designed to suit the personal desires and needs of the property owner. Like any interior space in your home, the decor of your balcony will determine its purpose. One of the main differences between a terrace and a balcony is size. The terrace has a large area for entertaining guests, while the balcony allows for more private time.

Eclectic Design

If your home has a more eclectic style, Moroccan themed balconies are popular. Create a space filled with bright colors such as pink, yellow and green. Deep tones are also popular for this design style. Use large cushions as seating and gold accents in the form of baskets and lamps to create an exotic feel on your balcony. Natural wood tones are the perfect backdrop to support rich colors.

Urban charm

If your balcony is somewhere between quaint charm and industrial style, then decorating the room in a bistro style is the perfect choice. This is a great solution for a home that has a brick exterior and wrought iron railings. The table and chairs can be wrought iron or imitate steel products. This creates a space that is a beautiful place to spend time with friends while enjoying the good weather.

Modern design

If you want a modern balcony, choose simplicity. Color schemes are usually black and white, with one or two pops of bright color. The furniture is defined by uncomplicated forms and tends to the minimum. A characteristic of modern design and minimalism is open space.