Panoramic glazing of a balcony: types and features of technology

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In glazing loggias, the difficult point is how the entire room will be perceived. Therefore, before you start finishing, it is better to familiarize yourself with all the options in detail. And only after that start updating the interior. Panoramic? Aluminum? Or frameless? More details later in our article.

Disadvantages of panoramic glazing

Panoramic glazing of a balcony with a plastic, aluminum profile not only has undoubted advantages, it also has disadvantages.
Disadvantages of such a window on the loggia:

• the need for regular careful care;
• inability to get to the outside of the entire structure;
• strong influence of climatic conditions, due to which the apartment may be too hot or, on the contrary, cold;
• the project of such glazing can be expensive;
• visibility of the room from the street increases.

Systematic care of loggia windows

Panoramic glazing of a balcony in a multi-storey building will take up the entire wall, which is quite detrimental, practically negating independent care for the cleanliness of its surface from the outside. However, atmospheric phenomena in the form of wind carrying sand, rain, snow will leave their marks on the glass, impairing visibility and disturbing the aesthetic balance.

Important! If there is industrial production near the house, then traces of its emissions, as well as chemical compounds and soot, may be left on the glass. It is sometimes impossible to clean the surface on your own, which requires hiring specially trained people with equipment, which is fraught with additional financial costs

It is sometimes impossible to clean the surface on your own, which requires hiring specially trained people with equipment, which is fraught with additional financial costs.

Lack of access to the outer surface

When there is a panoramic window on the loggia, this impairs access to its outer surface. This creates not only problems with timely cleaning of glass, but also with ensuring the safety of the owners of the premises.

If accidentally hit by a sharp object, the glass may be broken, which will lead to a violation of its integrity, as well as shedding of fragments not only inside the room, but also outside it. The fragments can fly down, creating a danger for passers-by.

Important! If a single panorama is installed, the ability to carry out the ventilation procedure will be lost.

Summer heat

Panoramic glazing of balconies and loggias often causes their owners problems with a constant excess of sunlight. If in winter it is only beneficial, then in summer, on the contrary, it contributes to the rapid heating of the room (especially if the windows face south).

The constant summer heat makes it impossible for a person to stay in this room. Special sun-protection curtains will help improve the situation a little, however, they can visually reduce the space of the room.

Important! To maintain the effect of a large space, experts recommend using translucent curtains, as well as air curtains equipped with a lifting mechanism

Winter cold

Glazing a balcony with the installation of panoramic windows creates certain problems in winter. Of course, modern manufacturers of window structures offer their clients the installation of energy-saving kits, but the problem of cold floors does not disappear.

During seasonal cooling, the balcony freezes and the window openings fog up. To prevent the development of such a problem, there is a need to install heat converters and heated floors, which requires considerable financial investment.

High cost of design and construction

Panoramic glazing of the loggia is quite expensive. This is due to a number of factors:

• the need to prepare special calculations and diagrams, develop a project;
• design complexity;
• use of complex technologies;
• the need to use a special tool.

If we add the need to equip the balcony with insulating equipment, the amount turns out to be quite impressive, which must be taken into account when deciding to implement such a project.

View of the premises from the street

Panoramic windows on the balcony open up a view of everything in the room, not only for the neighbors living opposite, but also for all the people walking along the street. Of course, you can get rid of this drawback by placing special curtains, but they can steal daylight, for which the entire structure was installed. Therefore, after installing such a window, you will have to forget about privacy.

In addition, mandatory installation of ventilation is required, which also entails considerable financial costs.

Features of a balcony with take-out

Often, when glazing a balcony, they want to expand its area, especially if before glazing it was very small (if it is a balcony in a panel house). One of the most successful solutions in this situation would be remote glazing. This will expand the space due to an additional window sill up to half a meter wide. This is achieved due to the special shape of the frame with brackets.

To make everything look aesthetically pleasing and the brackets not to be visible, everything from the inside is covered with panels - wooden or PVC. From the outside, the brackets are hidden by ordinary plastic lining. It's very simple, budget-friendly, functional. And it’s beautiful, because the lining can be chosen in a variety of shades. Although most often they prefer the standard white version.

Typically, the brackets are attached only from the front side, but if desired, they can be installed on the sides - this will provide additional expansion of the space. As for the construction material, aluminum profiles, wood, and metal-plastic double-glazed windows are suitable here. But the frameless version with a stem cannot be performed.

Only one thing is important - the floor slab must be in good condition, durable and capable of withstanding fairly intense loads, because a structure with an extension weighs a lot. Therefore, before choosing glazing, you need to assess its condition and strengthen it if necessary. Often the fence is also strengthened by welding and laying foam blocks. Another important point is the installation of a thermal insulation and vapor barrier layer. Errors at this stage can lead to condensation.

Carrying out work on the glazing of a balcony block with removal is a rather labor-intensive and difficult process, therefore it is almost impossible to complete it without special knowledge. Therefore, it is better to entrust this work to a specialist with extensive experience in this field.

It is also worth finding out in advance whether you need permission from the housing and communal services to carry out the work, especially if you live in a house of architectural value. If this is neglected, serious conflicts may arise, including complete dismantling of the structure.

How to insulate

Panoramic glazing of a loggia or balcony will give your home a certain status and at the same time allow you to increase the illumination of the apartment due to sunlight. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the increase in heat loss in the room and the increase in costs when heating a balcony or loggia. The right choice of materials will help reduce heating costs.

The simplest glazing option involves the use of single-chamber double-glazed windows installed in aluminum frames. When using multi-chamber double-glazed windows in an insulated profile, it will reduce heat loss by approximately 3 times compared to a simple design. The main thing to remember is that insulating panoramic glazing does not in any way affect the light transmittance of the structure, but it will make your room warmer and allow you to significantly reduce the noise coming from the street.

What is the peculiarity of “warm” glazing?

To install warm panoramic glazing, it is necessary to use windows based on PVC profiles with a thickness of 70 mm or more. These designs have at least five chambers. The main manufacturers of such profiles are KBE, REHAU, VEKA, TROCAL, SALAMANDER. When choosing fittings, you should give preference to manufacturers of high-quality fittings, such as MACO, ROTO, SIEGENIA-AUBI, WINKHAUS.

Warm PVC windows on the panoramic loggia

It is necessary to very carefully insulate large panoramic loggias with multi-chamber double-glazed windows, since the mass of double-glazed windows will be very large and there is a danger of the loggia slab collapsing

When using panoramic glazing of such loggias, you should pay attention to single-chamber double-glazed windows coated with energy-saving film, while the frame should be made on the basis of a “warm” profile, and the internal space of the double-glazed window should be filled with an inert gas such as argon

Unfortunately, insulating a balcony with panoramic glazing is not limited only to the use of the “warmest” glazing. An important factor will be the insulation of the balcony floor. A popular option is to install cable heated floors. Before laying the cable, the floor is insulated with a layer of penoplex, and a screed of about 4-5 cm is installed on top of the cable.

Foiled penofol can be used as floor insulation, but its thermal insulation characteristics are worse than those of penoplex. The main advantage of penofol is its small thickness. When using it, the floor will rise to a slight height.

An example of installing floor-to-ceiling glazing with subsequent insulation is demonstrated in the video.

Maximus windows - balcony glazing from floor to ceiling

Watch this video on YouTube

Another option for insulating a balcony with panoramic glazing is to organize additional heating by installing an electric convector or radiator. By installing a heating device, you can solve the problem of condensation on the surface of the glass.

Specifications

Balcony structures, just like any other plastic windows, can be made to order. In this case, the dimensions of the finished product do not correspond to the standard ones.

Important aspects when choosing a window:

1. Frame. The element is attached to the opening, so their dimensions must match.
2. Sash. The design may include a different number of sashes.
3. Double-glazed window. The third important component. It traps dust, dirt, and moisture from the street, but allows light into the room.

The overall quality of plastic balcony windows depends on the characteristics of each element. It includes the ability to isolate noise up to 42 dB and stop heat loss of 0.64.

Standard models from all manufacturers have approximately the same dimensions and depend on the type of residential building.

Average dimensions of loggias:

• length from 2 m to 6 m;
• width from 1 m to 1.5 m.

The exact dimensions can only be determined by measuring the window opening.

Advantages and disadvantages

Having decided whether this type of glazing is suitable, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the advantages and disadvantages of this design. This will help you make a final conclusion and make a decision.

pros

• View. Here we have already decided. The main point of panoramic glazing is a beautiful view from the window. Undoubtedly, panoramic glazing goes far ahead compared to conventional windows.
• Light. Panoramic windows let in more light, making the room brighter and more beautiful. This can be attributed to, albeit small, but still electricity savings, due to a longer and greater supply of light from the outside.
• Style. Undoubtedly, even if it is deep night outside, your friends and acquaintances will appreciate the presence of panoramic windows. This type of loggia glazing automatically increases the prestige of the room. It is possible that friends will want to visit you already during the day, appreciating the view from such windows.
• Visual increase in area. Transparent glass looks light compared to conventional balcony decoration. Made along the entire height and width of the outer wall, they undoubtedly visually expand the space.

Minuses

• Price. Let's start with the obvious. The cost of such a design is much more expensive compared to conventional balcony decoration. Delivery and installation work is more complicated. All this results in a considerable cost for the entire structure as a whole. It is quite difficult to determine exactly how much more expensive panoramic glazing will be. The type of windows and additional improvements, such as automatically opening windows for ventilation, play a role here.
• Maintaining cleanliness. A significant drawback of panoramic glazing. Windows are quite susceptible to contamination and are not easy to clean. Tall ceiling-to-floor windows make this task even more challenging. At a minimum, you will have to stock up on special tools that will allow you to reach the most inaccessible areas. In some cases, the services of special companies that clean windows at height may be required. And of course, time. Washing such windows takes a lot of time. Often for this reason, people refuse panoramic glazing.
• Excessive transparency. As was written earlier, the panorama outside the window gives an open view to those who are outside the window. It’s hard to find pros in this, but there are definitely cons. Anyone can see your personal life.
• Mosquitoes. A possible disadvantage of panoramic windows is the impossibility of installing a mosquito net. This question is not relevant for all apartment owners. For example, starting from the fifth floor, mosquitoes and flies, if they fly in, are rare.
• Noise. As a rule, you can forget about good sound insulation. Panoramic glazing is inherently very thin and does not cope well with this task. If you use special glass and technology, you can spend an unreasonably large amount of money.

Of course, the list of advantages and disadvantages of panoramic glazing can be continued endlessly. Everyone looks at it from a different angle. For this reason, reviews of panoramic glazing fluctuate.

We have examined only the main points in order to have an idea of ​​what panoramic glazing can bring to its owners.

Along with the pros and cons, there are important nuances of this design. There are quite a lot of options for making panoramic glazing.

Nuances

The first thing worth mentioning is security. Few people think that the balcony slab has a weight limit, which many do not comply with. Some will say that this is nonsense and have never heard of balconies falling. But there were still cases. The permissible weight on a balcony slab is specified in building codes and regulations, in the “loads and impacts” column.

When ordering the installation of panoramic glazing, it is worth knowing the final weight of the structure in advance. Here you should also add the weight of people, floor finishing, and possible furniture that will be located directly on the balcony slab itself. Beauty is beauty, but your own safety is more important than any view outside the window.

Subtleties of legislation

In general, the balcony slab and external load-bearing wall are the common property of the house. Therefore, in order to protect yourself from problems in the future, you need to visit the local administration and find out exactly whether approval of the glazing of the balcony space is required. Each city or town has its own policy regarding glazing balconies.

In some cities, approval is only required if the façade faces an avenue. If the windows overlook the courtyard, local government representatives may directly say that approval is not necessary.

But first you will have to get an official response from a government representative so that there are no problems in the future. If approval is required, you will have to prepare the following documents:

1. Technical passport from BTI.
2. A redevelopment project prepared by an organization licensed for design work.
3. Conclusion of the fire inspection on the safety of such redevelopment.
4. Conclusion of the Sanitary and Epidemiological Station.

With these documents you need to contact the local administration, which will decide whether glazing can be done or not. If the decision is positive, the owner has the right to begin work. If you have to carry out all the above steps, it will take several months. Of course, there are a lot of formalities, but they are quite reasonable.

For example, when glazing using wooden structures, the balcony is covered with clapboard, and heavy frames are supported on timber. First, it is important to make sure that the balcony slab can withstand the weight of such a tower. That is why the reconstruction project needs to be approved.

Minimize heat loss

Here are some tips on how to insulate a panoramic balcony.

Since the lower part of the parapet is an extension of the window, heat conservation must be taken seriously. At the installation stage, it is necessary to carefully seal all the cracks between the frame and the double-glazed windows; sealant or polyurethane foam are suitable for these purposes. Thermal and waterproofing work is being carried out on the inside. Penofol is used to cover the insulation layer, extending the life of the insulating material. The seams are treated with aluminum tape. There should be no uneven joints or gaps on the outside, otherwise this will cause great difficulties when using the balcony in cold weather.

A panoramic balcony dictates its own requirements for heating. Batteries and radiators cannot be installed here, so heated floors are the most optimal solution. Infrared film, which is used for floor insulation, is also suitable for wall and ceiling insulation.

These simple tricks will ultimately provide warmth on the panoramic balcony.

Where to begin?

Heat leaks out of your apartment due to a poor-quality profile - this is the so-called “cold bridge”.

When carrying out external glazing, we recommend that you prepare in advance for the fact that the room will have to be additionally insulated. When ordering double-glazed windows, it is important to take into account that a “cold bridge,” as mentioned above, is formed due to a low-quality profile. There are general standards for the thickness of plastic frames. For example, in the middle latitudes of the country this figure should be at least 8 cm. If we are talking about aluminum structures, then they require the presence of a polymer insert around the perimeter. It will not let the heat out of your home!

When talking about double-glazed windows, there are several points to note. For a panoramic balcony, it is best to use glass that is spacious and wide between them. This space is filled with inert gases. The heat loss coefficient must be at the level with current requirements, that is, at least 0.8 m2*C/W. The indicators of the external wall, based on the requirements that were approved by GOST, are equal to 3.33 units. Thus, we can say without hesitation that a stained glass loggia will not become a reliable protector from the cold unless it is additionally insulated and another heat source is installed.

Expert opinion

Konstantin Alexandrovich

If your task is to create a beautiful glazed balcony in a house with an old layout, you must know: provided that the old fence is brick, concrete or reinforced concrete, you most likely will not receive permission to dismantle it.

First you need to get:

• “go-ahead” for adjusting the design of the façade of the house;
• a document that will confirm the redevelopment by various supervisory services in accordance with SNiP, as well as by the Ministry of Emergency Situations and SES.

In order for a panoramic balcony to become a place where heat is concentrated, it will be necessary to install a heating source there and make the ceiling warm using special materials. Everything needs to be done in exactly this order, because after installing large windows, you will in no way and with all your desire be able to influence their parameters.

Positive and negative sides

Frameless glazing using the Finnish method has many positive aspects. Among the main advantages it should be noted:

• Illumination of the room.
  The absence of a frame will allow daylight to easily enter the room. If the balcony is combined with a living space, Finnish glazing looks especially attractive. The main advantage of Finnish glazing is maximum room illumination
• Safety and ease of glass care. Hinged and pendulum sashes allow you to wash windows from inside the room, saving owners from dangerous forays outside the balcony.
• Increased strength of glass. The partitions of the structure cope perfectly with loads such as strong gusts of wind and other external factors, since only tempered glass is used. Due to the high strength of the material for balcony glazing, the installation can be safely used for an average of 20 years.
• Versatility. The design is easily applicable to all types of balconies, regardless of the architecture and age of construction.
• Frameless glazing of balconies and loggias perfectly protects the room from dust and precipitation.
• Protects against cuts. The properties of tempered glass practically eliminate the danger of wounds, since the broken material breaks up into small cube-shaped pieces and does not pose a danger.
• Movable casters allow you to fully open the balcony.

Modern developments have made it possible to ensure absolute safety in the use of glass and even protect the room from burglary, since the strength of the tempered material is a serious obstacle to its breaking. However, it is worth noting the disadvantages of frameless glazing. These include:

• Cold type.
  Frameless glazing of the loggia does not provide thermal insulation functions, and therefore in the cold season the temperature on the balcony will be close to the street temperature. Warm glazing of balconies must be carried out according to standard methods. The frameless method is similar. There is a need to lay insulation materials. For frameless glazing of balconies, thermal insulation is not provided
• Low sound insulation. Only a classic double-glazed window can save you here.
• Technically, the design does not provide for the installation of mosquito nets, so protection from insects can only be done with the help of a special repeller.
• Insufficient sealing due to large amounts of snow or rain can cause wear on the rollers and lead to instability of the mounts.

Requirements for plastic windows

The basic requirements are set out in the new GOST R 56926-2016. The document is called GOST for balcony glazing. Contains a description of all conditions and recommendations when working with translucent structures. The limits of the main parameters are also indicated. Translucent elements should easily transmit UV rays from 200 to 380 nm, as well as the visible spectrum of solar radiation.

Additional sizes and conditions are indicated in:

1. GOST 23166 - contains data on the parameters of a balcony window in an assembly.
2. GOST 30777-2001 - describes the requirements for the technical characteristics of window fittings.
3. GOST 31462 with additions - general technical conditions of protective blocks.

The documents contain a description of the classification of balcony glazing windows, requirements for translucent structures, which ensure compliance with federal laws and are important during the design work.

Options for opening balcony windows

1. sliding;
2. swing;
3. with no frames.

Balcony glazing options with a sliding transom system are used when installing frames made of aluminum profiles with single glass or double-glazed windows. With this option, sliding frames save usable space on balconies when opening the window, but do not provide sufficient tightness. Accordingly, heat and sound insulation will not be at the highest level.

When open, they take up little space. Thanks to this, they are excellent for glazing small balconies and loggias.

Advantages

• In strong winds, you don’t have to worry about the window slamming shut. Accordingly, there is no need to secure it.
• An open door will not accidentally damage furniture.
• Convenience and ease of care.
• Sliding glazing systems are practically not subject to atmospheric influences.
• High tightness. Sliding balconies do not allow moisture, dust, or dirt to pass through. Durable service life.

Flaws:

• Insufficient thermal insulation compared to PVC windows.
• When using single glazing, there is poor thermal insulation.
• Low noise insulation due to the lack of a multi-chamber profile and multi-layer double-glazed windows.

Hinged opening is more common: metal-plastic windows open with several ventilation modes. When glazing a balcony space, it is worth considering the load created by the structure. Due to the weight of the fittings, metal-plastic windows with a hinged sash opening system are heavier than aluminum or wooden structures with a similar opening system.

Advantages of swing glazing systems:

• High level of sound insulation.
• Ensuring comfortable temperature conditions throughout the year.
• Easy to use and maintain thanks to the tilt-and-turn opening.
• Reliability and durability with proper installation and operation.
• Ensuring high tightness of the balcony and good heat retention.
• Stylish appearance, which provides a harmonious addition to the interior of the building and significantly improves the facade of the building.

Flaws:

• High price. Glazing balconies with plastic windows is a rather expensive method. It is advisable to use it if you need to make a warm room. If the temperature on the balcony is cooler, you can opt for a cheaper type of glazing.
• High weight of the structure. Plastic windows have a significant mass and require a solid base for their installation. In older houses, for example in Khrushchev-era buildings, it is necessary to strengthen the balcony structures.

Frameless glazing of the balcony offers a panoramic view, which is suitable for houses located in picturesque areas. Despite the high cost, this type of glazing overshadows the traditional use of window frames - more and more people prefer this option.

Frameless glazing has many advantages:

• originality of appearance
• high light transmittance
• using thick 6-8 mm tempered glass
• ease of movement of the structure

But there are also disadvantages:

• this is cold glazing that will not protect it from the cold;
• with this option it is impossible to insulate the loggia;
• transparency;
• installation of mosquito nets is not provided;
• poor sound insulation and tightness.

Reviews about the application

Real users highlight these advantages:

• high quality products;
• saving space on the loggia and balcony when installing sliding structures;
• smooth sliding;
• attractive appearance.

Minuses:

• low sound insulation (possibly due to thin glass, so as not to increase weight);
• price.

You can read more reviews here and here.

Disadvantages of panoramic glazing

This type of glazing, despite the abundance of advantages, has some disadvantages.

Design disadvantages:

• the need for a fairly long period of time to restore order, which should be organized on a regular basis;
• difficulties with the ability to reach every outer corner of the structure;
• the influence of climatic conditions, when, under the influence of outside temperature, the room becomes too hot or cold;
• the high cost of creating a design project;
• increased visibility of the interior space from the street.

Systematic care of loggia windows

The panorama fills the entire space from floor to ceiling. This creates difficulties for cleaning the glass surface from contaminants that invariably arise under the influence of dust, precipitation, and wind.

If cleaning is not carried out regularly, there is a high probability that the visibility from such a window, as well as its aesthetic qualities, will deteriorate. This is especially obvious when the house is located close to industrial enterprises, which often produce harmful emissions.

It will be difficult to cope with cleaning the surface on your own. It is much more efficient and safer (especially for residents of the upper floors) to hire special cleaning companies for these purposes. Unfortunately, this will entail additional financial expenses.

Lack of access to the outer surface

The loggia is fenced with panoramic glazing, practically denying access to its external surfaces. This interferes with the safety of the owners, and also creates difficulties in caring for the glass.

An accidental hit by a sharp object can break the glass or damage its integrity, reducing the safety of the entire structure. Falling debris can be quite dangerous, both for the interior and the area around the house.

Important! Installing a single panorama completely eliminates the possibility of ventilating rooms

Summer heat

Panoramic glazing of a loggia, in addition to the advantage of the constant presence of daylight, can also create problems of the same nature. In winter, additional light is beneficial, but in summer, it is accompanied by strong heating of the room. This problem especially often occurs in rooms whose windows face south or east, when the sun shines directly on the loggia in the morning.

In extreme heat it becomes simply impossible to stay there. Thick curtains, blinds, and special blackout designs will help improve the situation a little. They will protect the space from sun penetration, but will visually narrow the space.

Important! To protect the room from heating by the sun, but at the same time not clutter up the space, experts recommend using translucent fabrics and curtains with lifting mechanisms

Winter cold

The winter period can also create some problems. Despite the fact that the problem of cold penetration can be solved by installing energy-saving double-glazed windows, the cold floor will not go away.

When the cold season begins, window openings will fog up due to the temperature difference between inside and outside. To prevent the situation, warm converters are installed and electrically heated floors are installed. For these purposes, you will have to spend a lot of financial resources, but the expenses will be paid off by the comfort of being on such a balcony.

High cost of design and construction

When assessing the pros and cons of a panoramic window mounted on a balcony, we must not forget about the price factor.

The cost of such devices consists of:

• design complexity;
• use of complex technologies;
• use of a special tool;
• the need to equip this room with insulating equipment.

View of the premises from the street

One of the disadvantages of such equipment is that the panorama creates a complete opening of the internal space to prying eyes. That is, all people passing by the house, or neighbors living in the building located opposite, will know what is happening inside the apartment.

To get rid of this problem, curtains are suitable, but they will also prevent daylight from penetrating inside. As you can see, this device will negate all the efforts of the owners who installed such a structure to save energy.

Important! It is mandatory to install ventilation devices that require financial investments.

Types of window sashes

Depending on the existing system and the purpose of the glazing, you can choose a specific type of window mechanism.

According to the method of opening, the doors are of the following types:

1. Rotary or hinged - the most common in systems of any design. The sash swings open, moving vertically inward or outward to save space.
2. Blind - unable to open. When installing wooden or metal-plastic frames, some of the windows are left not opening.
3. Folding - in this way the windows are usually opened for ventilation. They open horizontally by about 20 degrees.
4. The most complex mechanism of the ones described above is the tilt-and-turn mechanism. It can both swing open and recline. Usually built into double-glazed windows.
5. Sliding - move in one plane without changing the angle of inclination.

Wooden frames are usually hinged. They weigh a lot, and the complex mechanism will fail under their weight. With panoramic glazing, several inconspicuous folding windows are often installed. The sliding design is ideal for small spaces. Its only drawback is its susceptibility to breakdowns.

Types of panoramic glazing of a balcony

There are two ways to glaze a balcony with floor-to-ceiling windows. They differ in appearance, design and are suitable for different cases of using a balcony room.

Frameless glazing

As you can guess from the name, this type of glazing does not require frames. This design looks like a completely glass box - it gives the impression of a weightless balcony.

Special tempered glass is mounted on roller guides at the top and bottom, then secured to each other and to the sides. The doors open towards the inside of the balcony or are moved like an accordion.

Advantages of frameless glazing:

• interesting design;
• ease of maintenance and operation;
• maximum room illumination;
• maximum visibility.

It also has its downsides. For example:

• poor insulation of such a balcony - it will not be possible to insulate and seal it;
• inability to install mosquito nets;
• danger of structural deformation due to strong gusts of wind, hail, falling branches, etc.

Basically, this type of glazing is chosen for the spectacular appearance of the balcony. With it you can organize a recreation area, a small observation deck or an apartment garden.

Frame glazing

Glazing with a frame is a more reliable option. It is suitable for cases where the balcony is on a high floor and the house is in an open area. Insulation in this case is better, and there are technologies in which a panoramic balcony with such glazing can be used as a winter garden or even a living room.

There are several frame options:

1. Plastic ones are perfect for warm glazing of a balcony. It is possible to install mosquito nets and choose different mechanisms for opening the doors. Due to the large weight of the structure, before glazing it is necessary to strengthen the supporting slab of the balcony.
2. Aluminum. This frame can be used for both warm and cold glazing. Thanks to the excellent quality and lightness of the material, aluminum frames last a long time, and their installation and operation are safer. The only negative is that they cost more.
3. Made from glass composite. This newest material for creating window frames combines excellent thermal insulation properties and resistance to mechanical damage. Naturally, the cost of fiberglass frames is quite high.

Which one to choose depends on what purposes the balcony will be used and what visual effect the owner wants to achieve.

Frame glazing has many advantages:

• operational safety;
• more robust design;
• the possibility of warm glazing and soundproofing of the balcony;
• the ability to install insect nets, hang any blinds and curtains.

In terms of safety, this type of glazing has a great advantage. You can safely lean on the window and not be afraid of strong gusts of wind.

There are also disadvantages:

• the design does not look as elegant as a frameless one;
• it is necessary to strengthen the floor slab.

In addition, there are several problematic nuances that apply to both glazing options. For example, when placing furniture on the balcony, you will have to choose materials that will not fade in the sun or provide curtains.

How to glaze a balcony: methods of reliable insulation

Warm glazing of a balcony or loggia not only protects the interior from street dust, precipitation and noise, but also creates thermal insulation that helps create additional comfort and coziness.

Warm glazing systems for balconies are more expensive than cold glazing systems.

Warm glazing of a balcony (the photos clearly show real examples of structures) involves the installation of multi-chamber plastic or aluminum windows. The latter option provides for the presence of thermal inserts in the design. Such windows are completely sealed. Metal-plastic systems provide reliable protection of the interior space of a loggia or balcony from drafts and precipitation. The windows have a pleasant appearance, so they can be used in any interior.

Warm glazing systems are expensive. However, it is justified by a long period of operation, which reaches 25-30 years. The systems do not require painstaking maintenance, which cannot be said about wooden frames.

This glazing option is used to transform the interior space of a loggia or balcony into a full-fledged warm room. It can be a continuation of the living room, and can also be used for a winter garden. You can set up an office on the balcony. Photos of interior design clearly display the original design options for the room. However, it should be understood that in order to create the necessary temperature conditions, it is necessary to organize glazing and insulation of the balcony, as well as think over a heating system.

Important! Removing a central heating radiator onto a balcony or loggia is strictly prohibited.

To insulate a balcony you need to create good heat and moisture insulation of the walls, floor and parapet

Before you begin installing a warm glazing system, you should calculate the dew point. It should not move towards the room, as this will lead to the formation of condensation on the windows. And also it cannot be located between the glasses. It is necessary to create good heat and moisture insulation of walls, floors and parapets. You should consider the option of opening the frame flaps, which will ensure proper ventilation of the room.

pros

Panoramic glazing has its advantages and disadvantages, like any other type of interior and exterior decoration.

• These spectacular designs provide a remarkable level of natural light that many apartments lack.
• Many owners are turning to another interesting redevelopment. They are dismantling the wall adjacent to the balcony. This creates a large transparent wall.
• With such glazing you can significantly save on electricity. During the day you will always have enough light, so turning on chandeliers and light bulbs will only be necessary at later times of the day.
• It should also be noted that panoramic windows allow you to save money on interior decoration, as they take up a lot of space.
• A variety of doors with different opening/closing mechanisms are suitable for this glazing. These can be either classic swing or sliding versions.
• The design of a room with such details looks presentable and expensive.
• Such systems can be equipped with durable tempered glass. They increase the level of reliability of the entire structure as a whole.

Types of plastic windows

A wide range of products from dozens of well-known companies that produce double-glazed windows allows you to satisfy even the most picky taste.

As you can see in the photo of plastic windows on balconies, the products differ in the number of glasses, internal structure, profile geometry, design, opening method, and decor.

Glass with variable light transmittance aroused considerable interest among the audience. When outdoor lighting is too bright, such glasses automatically adjust the luminous flux to a set level.

Cold and warm glazing

When installing cold-type structures, a lightweight profile (usually aluminum) with a small number of insulated chambers and without any additional insulation is used. As a translucent filling, either a single-chamber double-glazed window consisting of two sheets of 4 mm each, or single glass is used.

Cold glazing has the following advantages:

Relatively low weight of the structure

A lightweight aluminum profile in combination with single glass minimally loads the load-bearing balcony slabs, which is especially important when glazing in old buildings.

Good transparency. The structure is assembled from a narrow profile, which takes up noticeably less space on the total area of ​​the balcony

Thin glass, especially one-strand glass, better transmits natural daylight from the street.

They're cheap. Fewer expensive materials are used for production, assembly and installation of frames is simpler. Cold balconies themselves are cheaper, since there is no need to insulate the floor and perimeter.

The main disadvantage is low thermal insulation. In the cold season, the temperature inside the balcony will be 3-5°C higher than outside. Some types of cold structures are not designed to install a mosquito net or protective screen for pets (anti-cat system).

Warm glazing

If the balcony is intended to be used as an additional living space, you will have to use a massive warm profile and an appropriate double-glazed window to glaze it. Warm profile systems have up to 7 insulated chambers; the energy efficiency of some models is further increased by special polymer inserts with low thermal conductivity.

Warm 7 chamber PVC profile 85 mm

Advantages of warm glazing:

• The microclimate of the balcony is practically no different from the general climate in the apartment.
• The wide frame profile and double-glazed windows allow you to achieve a high level of sound insulation, which is impossible with cold glazing;
• The massive and durable design of a warm balcony provides better protection against burglary than its cold counterparts.

Flaws:

• The weight of the profile system and the glass unit makes the structure massive, which is why such glazing cannot be installed on every building. Balcony slabs of Khrushchev's houses built in the last century simply cannot withstand the weight load. Actually, they are designed for the weight of the glazing, but it is unlikely that it will be possible to place any furniture on the balcony.
• Multilayer double-glazed windows and a bulky frame profile allow much less light to pass through, compared to cold options.

The features of the components and the complexity of installation make warm balconies quite expensive.

Installation instructions

Before installation work begins, it is necessary to carry out preliminary preparations. It includes not only the choice of manufacturer, material, tool, but also layout. You need to decide which glazing will be installed - panoramic or window. Also decide whether the fencing will be removed or whether it will remain as a support for the frames.

Plastic windows create additional load on the slabs.

The base for fixing the plastic structures will need to be prepared. If new structures are installed to replace old ones, then you should :

1. Remove the double glazed windows from the old frames. Then detach the frames.
2. Remove existing ceiling and floor coverings.
3. Remove any loose parts from the bottom and top concrete slabs. If necessary, use a hammer, only carefully.
4. Install a frame made of steel profile pipe around the perimeter. U-shaped, pipe 40 mm x 20 mm.
5. The fence should also be reinforced with a 20 mm x 20 mm profile pipe. All steel parts are secured using metal angles or welding.

1. Make formwork on load-bearing slabs, taking into account deformation, curvature and collapse of elements.
2. Pour cement mortar from a mixture of M500 or M600 into the molds.
3. Make the external cladding of the parapet. Plastic siding is recommended from inexpensive and lightweight materials. The panels must be fastened directly to the fence using self-tapping screws, plastic ties or wire.

If it is not practical to restore the old fence, it should be cut down. In its place, build a new parapet from foam concrete blocks. Be sure to check the verticality of the top and bottom plates. When raising the parapet, you need to immediately finish it.

It is best to use vinyl siding, plastic panels, and facade plaster. At this point the preparatory stage can be considered complete. It is safer and more practical to carry out insulation, floor screed and finishing work after the glazing is installed.

It is recommended to do the installation of windows yourself with a partner. This is due to the considerable weight of the structure and work at height.

The next stage is the installation of plastic structures. You will need to prepare tools and consumables :

• perforator;
• plumb line;
• hammer;
• construction level;
• mallet;
• screwdriver;
• wood hacksaw;
• mount;
• metal scissors;
• thin chisel;
• flathead and Phillips screwdrivers;
• mounting foam;
• devices for belaying at heights;
• respirator;
• gloves;
• protective glasses;
• rags;
• brush.

To work, you will also need basic skills in handling the listed tools.

Before starting glazing, you should think over and sketch the layout of the window frames. It is usually recommended to place 2 side blind structures and 1-2 opening ones in the central part on a standard balcony 3-4 m long. If you decide to glaze the side parts of the balcony, you need to plan access for cleaning them in advance.

Installation process:

1. 
   Using a thin chisel or screwdriver, remove the glazing beads, making sure to number them according to their location.

2. Remove the double-glazed windows from the frames and put them in a safe place.
3. Remove the swing doors from their hinges.
4. Make gaskets to form technological gaps. Pine slats are best suited.
5. Insert the frame into the frame, align horizontally and vertically. To do this, use a plumb line, level and wooden spacers.
6. Drill 2 through holes on each side in the frame. deepen them into the base by 5 cm.
7. Fix the frame firmly with anchor bolts or metal screws.
8. Remove gaskets.
9. Install the removed sashes and double-glazed windows in their original places.
10. Check the functionality of all opening mechanisms. Make adjustments or adjustments if necessary.
11. Fill the technological openings with polyurethane foam. The windows should be tightly closed at this time.
12. Install canopies, ebbs, window sills.

Before installing double-glazed windows, they must be washed thoroughly, otherwise it will be much more difficult to do this after installation.

Full installation information is here.

Non-standard projects

This category includes semicircular, round, polygonal structures and balconies with extensions. The arrangement of excessively long or narrow rooms can also be called non-standard, but their glazing is not much different from the usual.

Round and semicircular balconies are glazed in one of three ways: chord, bay or radius.

• Chordata. The perimeter semicircle is filled in sectors with straight frames, resulting in a somewhat angular structure. This option is the easiest to implement and the cheapest, but it does not look the best and is characterized by low energy-saving qualities.
• Bay window. The glass in this case is also flat, but a special semicircular profile is used, thanks to which the angles between the sectors are smoothed and the structure is more rigid. Bay balconies are more expensive than chord balconies, but they are warmer and more reliable.
• Radial. The most expensive and high-quality option. The profile goes around the contour of the fence, completely repeating its shape. The designs use special glass with good sound and heat insulation; panoramic implementation is possible without vertical profiles.

Glazing of polygonal individual projects or balconies in buildings of the p-44 series technically differs little from the arrangement of conventional straight or U-shaped structures.

Glazing of a balcony with aluminum windows

If the size of the balcony or loggia exceeds the length of 5-6 m, it is recommended to glaze it with aluminum windows. Such designs are presented in cold and warm versions. The first option is made using frames made of aluminum profiles. One or two glasses are used for glazing. The system is equipped with sliding or folding doors.

In the first case, moving elements move along special guides. Folding frames (transformers) are assembled in the form of an accordion on the side of the structure, ensuring full opening of the balcony opening.

Warm glazing made of aluminum profile is similar to the design of a metal-plastic structure. The difference is that the first version of the frame additionally contains a polymer insert called a thermal break. It is necessary to prevent the occurrence of cold bridges, since aluminum conducts heat well. However, the presence of an additional element does not increase the efficiency of heat saving. It should not be used when organizing a warm nursery on the balcony.

If the length of the balcony exceeds 5-6 m, it is recommended to glaze it with aluminum windows

Despite this, the aluminum profile is characterized by high strength properties, which are 3 times higher than the similar properties of plastic products and 10 times higher than those of wood.

Helpful advice! Aluminum glazing should be used for objects that experience significant wind loads.

Glazing a balcony with an aluminum profile is the most budget option, which is explained by the low cost of the material. The design is characterized by low weight, which allows for remote glazing. The service life of the product is 80 years. The material is not prone to corrosion, does not dry out, and does not become moldy at high humidity.

This is a practical and reliable option, resistant to spontaneous destruction as a result of negative environmental influences, heat resistance, and environmental friendliness. The profile is presented in a variety of colors, allowing you to create an original and presentable look for a balcony or loggia. The price of glazing a balcony with aluminum windows is 8-12 thousand rubles. for cold glazing and 12-20 thousand rubles. - for warm.

The service life of aluminum windows is 80 years

Features of the structure of balcony roofs

Balcony roof structures can be dependent or independent. The first type of upper ceiling of the balcony is erected at the same time as its glazing. The roof is attached to the frame block and the vertical enclosing part of the house. The result is an insulated balcony. The canopy is mounted to the wall thanks to the cantilever support part. It is possible to install it separately from the glazing of the protruding part of the building. Roofs of this type are covered only with building materials with low weight.

An independent roof cannot be installed on the extreme floors of buildings due to the fact that it is not able to withstand large amounts of snow.

Furniture in balcony design

When choosing furniture for decorating a balcony, several criteria are taken into account. The comfort of the area directly depends on these items. The main factor is the purpose of the area. If it serves as a place to relax, you need cozy chairs. You will need a table that can be served for tea drinking and used to place the necessary items. If the balcony is small, a folding table top is installed and folding furniture is installed. A universal design with a computer desk and shelves is suitable for equipping a workplace.

Upholstered furniture for a comfortable relaxation area

Glass surfaces occupying the entire space of the fence are the main advantage of panoramic systems. Do not block them with furniture. Items are placed near the walls or in the center, if space allows. For a small balcony you need to choose compact models that provide the opportunity to rationally use the space. Wall and corner shelves are used to place the necessary things.

For small balconies, use compact furniture