Finishing a balcony with sandwich panels: Step-by-step instructions

Proper insulation of a balcony or loggia expands the interior space of the apartment, adding several square meters. Creating comfortable conditions on the balcony depends on the thickness of the insulation layer and the quality of the finishing material.

Traditionally, balconies and loggias are insulated with mineral wool roll materials, followed by cladding with clapboard or plastic boards. This option is quite convenient, but requires a lot of time. It’s easier and faster to install a ready-made slab, which serves both as insulation and as a facing panel.

A balcony made of sandwich panels does not require additional insulation. It does not need to be additionally lined with clapboard or other finishing material. You can always choose the right shade from a variety of colors. The time spent on insulation, repairs and finishing of the premises is half as much as with the traditional approach.

To get a warm, cozy balcony, you need to understand the types of sandwich panels, as well as how to install them.

Types of materials for sandwich panels

Interior decoration and insulation of balconies and loggias is traditionally done with wall sandwich panels. They are mainly distinguished by the insulating filler used. The following materials can be used as a thermal insulation layer:

• Mineral basalt wool is one of the most common insulation options. Thanks to its fibrous structure and various fillers, this thermal insulation material has several undeniable advantages, the main one of which is that it perfectly withstands temperatures over a wide range and long-term exposure to aggressive chemicals. The material also provides good sound insulation.
• Polyurethane foam. Sandwich panels on a loggia or balcony with such a filler are distinguished by their low weight combined with high strength. PUF tolerates high humidity well without the formation of mold and rot colonies. Allows you to create excellent thermal and sound insulation. Polyurethane foam is not classified as a flammable material.
• Expanded polystyrene. Thanks to its cellular structure, it has excellent noise and heat insulation parameters. It is not saturated with moisture, even in conditions of high humidity, and as a result does not create prerequisites for the development of rot. Environmentally friendly material.
• Fiberglass. Its structure is filled with thin glass threads, so the material is distinguished by its ability to perfectly absorb a variety of sounds. Excellent resistance to combustion and does not release toxic substances into the environment.

To equip the outer protective layer of a balcony or loggia, sandwich panels with a frame made of the following materials are used:

• Galvanized steel. They resist corrosion well on the surface. Their performance characteristics largely depend on the thickness of the applied zinc layer.
• Aluzinc. Thanks to its unique composition, the material effectively reflects ultraviolet rays and has excellent resistance to prolonged exposure to high humidity without changing the surface layer.
• Polyester. Made from polyester using a unique technology, the material well retains the integrity of the structure and original parameters under prolonged exposure to high temperatures and high humidity.

Installation on balconies

The tools that are required in such a situation are:

Scheme of a wall sandwich panel.

• screwdriver;
• level;
• plumb line;
• lacing;
• presence of a pencil or marker;
• hammer;
• polyurethane foam and gun.

To insulate a balcony, it is necessary to use sandwich panels containing foam or expanded polystyrene filling. The latter material is the most environmentally friendly, and since it contains 96% air, it is light in weight. Despite the lightness of polystyrene foam, it is characterized by a high degree of thermal insulation and strength.

Finishing the surface with PVC sandwich panels can provide the wall with reliable protection from freezing during the cold season; they are quickly and easily installed and do not fade under the influence of the sun.

Sandwich panels are fastened using polyurethane foam. In order for the adhesion to the wall to be as strong as possible, the surface of its rear wall must be prepared, for which it is treated with sandpaper.

If this is not done, then the sandwich panel will not stick. Larger panels are mounted using liquid nails.

Do-it-yourself insulation installation does not require haste; during work, you need to ensure that the panels are attached smoothly, preventing them from warping. There should be no gaps between them; adjacent elements are mounted quite tightly. To finish the balcony at a high level and with maximum precision, use a laser or water level.

Insulating a balcony with sandwich panels does not require special professionalism, so all work can be done with your own hands, without the involvement of specialists. If you do everything in accordance with the recommendations of professionals and with special care, then the balcony will turn out not only warm, but also beautiful.

It is important to remember that before insulating a balcony with sandwich panels, you need to consult with specialists who will determine the degree of weight of the structure after covering it with the material and answer the question whether this can be done.

Varieties

Plastic panels are divided into several groups depending on size, thickness, appearance, texture, the presence of various additives and other characteristics.

PVC panels externally look like three-dimensional planks with internal stiffeners. They can be seamless (then the finished canvas looks solid and even) and suture (the coating has small gaps). The latter option is often used for vertical cladding of small rooms. Longitudinal seams visually “stretch” the room.

Size range

Standard panels are available in a wide range of standard sizes and have several thickness options. Narrow lining is used to decorate the ceiling, and plastic panels of different widths are used for the walls.

By type of coverage

With thermal printing, the design is transferred to the panel using a special thermal film. The advantages of this method include the possibility of applying patterns and colors of varying degrees of complexity and intensity. The protective layer of varnish that covers the film gives the finished panel a glossy shine.

The offset printing method is applied using printing plates. The drawing can be very different, including photographic. The most popular is the imitation of natural stones: marble, granite, malachite and other minerals.

Another option for applying an ornament is laminated film. Various patterns are applied to it, including a pattern that replicates the texture of natural stone, textiles, and bamboo. This film is then glued to the panel.

Preparation method

The first manufacturing option consists of pressing and stamping polyvinyl chloride. The second option is sandwich panels. This is a fairly new design option, but has already become very popular. This material consists of two layers of polyvinyl chloride and a layer of insulation. Typically, mineral wool or polystyrene foam is used as a layer.

Such a panel can be one-sided (usually used to decorate walls or slopes) or double-sided (to decorate partitions). The materials contained in sandwich panels make it possible not to use additional layers of vapor or waterproofing when decorating the surfaces. The material is available in several thicknesses.

Appearance

Plastic panels today are presented in a very wide range, so choosing an option for finishing a balcony that is suitable in style, size and cost will not be difficult. Panels can be plain or patterned, smooth or textured.

Transparent panels are an original way to decorate your balcony in an unusual way, making it more open and bright. Transparent plastic perfectly transmits sunlight and has all the operational and physical-mechanical characteristics of ordinary material. A balcony trimmed with transparent panels can be used as a home greenhouse, for example.

Frequently asked questions |

What is PVC?

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a material belonging to the group of thermoplastics. Thermoplastics are plastics that, once molded into a product, remain recyclable. Pure PVC consists of 43% of a petrochemical product - ethylene and 57% of chlorine, which in turn is obtained from table salt. PVC is obtained in the form of a powder mass. To create a window profile, stabilizers, modifiers, pigments that color the profile in a given color, and auxiliary additives are added to powdered PVC. Thanks to these components, such properties of PVC windows as light resistance, resistance to harmful atmospheric influences, the color and shade required by the customer, the specified surface quality, weldability, etc. are obtained.

Which profile to choose for windows?

The choice of profile depends on the size and configuration of the windows you want to order. For example, if the window is blind or has a small sash, then you can make a window from any lightweight window profile with a wall thickness of 2.5 mm or 3-chamber or 5-chamber PVC profile. And even if you insert any double-glazed window into it, the plastic window will successfully fulfill its duties for a very long time! But if the window is large, with a sash width greater than 750mm and a height, for example, greater than 1500mm, and even somewhere on a floor exposed to wind loads, then you should be wary of ordering and buying a plastic window made of a lightweight profile! The likelihood that a thin-walled PVC profile in such a plastic window will turn with a “screw” or bend in an arc over time increases sharply. This primarily applies to balcony and terrace doors! The gradations of window prices are as follows: economy class, mid-price category and premium class. The cost of PVC windows also depends on their configuration: sills and window sills, type of double-glazed window, number of double-glazed windows and window profiles, type and brand of fittings, frame lamination, glass tinting, availability of energy-saving glass. We can choose the option that suits you both in price and quality.

What are windows made of?

1. Frame - a structure that is located along the entire contour of the window system; it is fixed motionless in the window opening using anchor plates or dowels. The frame supports the entire window structure. 2. Impost - serves to divide the window frame into contours in which a sash, etc. can be made. 3. A sash is an opening element of a window that is equipped with fittings to perform its functions - opening, different ventilation modes. 4. Beading - a longitudinal element used to hold a double-glazed window or sandwich panel in the frame. 5. Sash impost (binding) - serves to divide the sash into separate closed contours.

6. Double-glazed window - the transparent part of the window, an airtight glass structure assembled into one package. 7. Sandwich plate is an opaque part of the window, which is superior in thermal insulation to double-glazed windows and is installed in the lower part of the doors.

Are PVC windows hazardous to health?

Very important are the issues of safety of PVC windows for the health and well-being of people and the issue of environmental friendliness of windows in the global sense of environmental protection. The main substance for the manufacture of PVC is sodium chloride (table salt). In the production of PVC, oil and gas are used - also natural raw materials, from which ethylene gas is obtained by cracking, distillation and separation of different phases. As a result, as a result of several chemical reactions, PVC is formed - a stable chemical polymer compound that is not toxic to human health. The production of PVC is a closed process and proceeds in accordance with all standards and in compliance with the necessary safety and labor protection measures. One of the uses of PVC is the manufacture of vessels for storing donor blood and blood plasma.

5.How many glasses are there in single-chamber and double-glazed windows?

A single-chamber double-glazed window structurally consists of two glasses fastened together by a spacer frame, and therefore there is one chamber between them. In a two-chamber double-glazed window there are three glasses separated by spacer frames, between which there are, respectively, two chambers.

What is better to put at the bottom of the door to the balcony: sandwich or glass?

Basically, a plastic sandwich panel is placed in the lower part of the metal-plastic balcony door. This is done for practical and safety reasons, so as not to break the glass, especially if there are small children in the house. Of course, glass looks more beautiful, but in terms of thermal insulation, a 24 mm sandwich panel is slightly warmer than a single-chamber double-glazed window (4-16-4). Another advantage of the sandwich panel is that the weight of the door is less than with a double-glazed window, so the load on the bottom hinge will be less.

How to avoid fogging of PVC windows?

Even a single-chamber double-glazed window with 4-16-4i energy-saving glass retains 25% more heat compared to a double-glazed window 4-10-4-10-4 with conventional glass. You also need to remember that a double-chamber double-glazed window is one and a half times heavier, and this will create a greater load on the double-glazed window fittings, which means that over time, a sash with a double-chamber double-glazed window, all other things being equal, will sag faster and will not close tightly. A window that closes poorly and is not tightly closed means a lot of heat loss. But also a double-glazed window with different distances between the glasses is the best sound insulation, so by installing a double-glazed window with energy-saving glass you can achieve the best sound insulation and thermal insulation.

Polyurethane foam

Sprayed polyurethane foam has long been successfully used for thermal insulation in the USA and European countries.

Sprayed polyurethane foam has long been successfully used for thermal insulation in the USA and European countries. Several years ago it appeared in Russia. This is a lightweight porous material that has virtually no restrictions in use. With its help, you can not only efficiently insulate the balcony, but also seal the window blocks.

Advantages of polyurethane foam:

• seamlessness. The coating is monolithic, without joints;
• good adhesion to the surface. The foam is securely fixed to reinforced concrete, wood, brickwork, foam blocks without additional fasteners and frames;
• rigidity. The material retains its shape even after 50 years of use;
• mechanical strength. The foam is resilient enough to withstand impact loads. If you do not deliberately pick at the thermal insulation, then cracks and holes will not form in it;
• resistance to temperature changes. Polyurethane foam can withstand repeated frosts and thaws, maintaining its original structure;
• light weight. For effective thermal insulation, a layer of polymer 50 mm thick is applied. This will not create a load on the supporting structures.

Disadvantages of polyurethane foam:

• the material is sensitive to ultraviolet radiation. When insulating externally, it is recommended to cover it with siding;
• Applying thermal insulation requires special equipment and certain skills. To make the investment worthwhile, it is better to use the services of specialists.

What is better for insulation: mineral wool or polyurethane foam from Ecothermix? We recommend watching the video below so as not to torment yourself with reasoning:

Many years of experience in using polyurethane foam in Western countries and in Russia proves its high efficiency. In many respects this insulation is still unique.

Installation of PVC slopes

Attaching the profile to window slopes Installing plastic panels for window slopes is quite simple, following the rules for performing the work:

• Initially, you need to make guides, securing them around the perimeter of the window. For this, a starting profile is used, which is mounted on the slope wall. Fastening is carried out with self-tapping screws; they should go quite deep into the wall.
• If the walls are made of brick, then use a drill to drill holes, and then attach the profile with dowels. To make the panel slope level, a level is constantly used during the work.
• Next, the size of the window is taken and transferred to the finishing material. Measurements must be taken accurately so that everything falls into place and the opening is reliable. It is necessary to saw or cut the panel according to the transferred dimensions.

Measuring the window slope

• The cut out elements are tried on in depth. If the opening is deep and the sandwich panel does not fit, then it is trimmed.
• The cracks need to be sealed with polyurethane foam or sealant applied if the internal slope has minimal holes.
• After the material has dried, you can complete the window with special decorative elements. A corner is mounted on the joints, due to which each corner of the window will be of the correct shape. Manufacturers make them from plastic and are used simply to mask seams.
• All dirt and dust are removed, foam or sealant is cut off. If the joints are not perfectly smooth, then white sealant is used to seal the imperfections.
• Next, the panel is mounted into the starting profile at the required length, and the space can be filled with insulation. There is no need to finish the window additionally, except to install corners.

Installation of PVC slopes A slope on a balcony made of plastic panels is carried out by analogy, the facade slope of windows, attic, interior, if we are talking about the front door, is also made. You can put a platband on the door, choosing it by color or finishing it with other materials.

Photos on the Internet will allow you to get acquainted with the finishing and composite. Each stove has different technical characteristics, depending on the country of manufacture. It has a good reputation, which produces panels, the reviews about it are only positive, and there is a large selection, you can even buy matte material. Finally, you can watch a video tutorial on how to assemble a plastic window assembly:

Rules for performing work on exterior cladding of loggias

Before starting work in old houses, you should definitely get professional advice on the technical condition of the structure. Depending on the expert’s opinion, a decision is made on the type of material that can be safely used for the exterior decoration of the loggia.

Particular attention is paid to the condition of the balcony slab, the integrity of the concrete, and the condition of the reinforcing layer. The more severe the damage, the less weight the foundation can support.

Balcony in disrepair

After the preliminary inspection, you can begin planning and preparing materials. Basic rules for carrying out work:

• Do not overload the base of old balconies: install brick walls, use heavy finishing materials.
• If work is carried out on a pedestrian path, it is necessary to fence the area under the balcony with a special tape.
• Be sure to notify your neighbors about the renovation. Coordinate the work with your upstairs neighbors if you plan to mount the upper part of the frame for glazing on the ceiling of their balcony.

Coordinate the work with your neighbors

• If you decide to work on your own, choose a finish that can be installed from the inside of the loggia.
• When using cladding that is mounted with glue from the outside, it is necessary to use equipment: a machine with a cradle, scaffolding. Working at heights without preparation is unacceptable.
• Do not take on finishing the balcony from the outside without the help of a specialist if there is a significant change in the geometry of the floor slab or railing: it is difficult to correct the distortions yourself.

Fastening a wooden frame from bars

The bars (rail) can be of different lengths and widths, but of the same thickness. We determine the thickness of the timber ourselves. If you need to lower the ceiling, take a thicker one, if not, take a thinner one. We determine the mounting option - to the ceiling or walls. We take into account the features of the ceiling - what it is made of and how smooth it is. Our walls are made of tiles, which can crack when drilled, so we will attach them to the ceiling.

We prepare frame blanks according to the size of the room. We drill holes in the bars and fasten them around the perimeter using dowel nails and a screwdriver (screwdriver) along the perimeter of the ceiling, controlling the overall horizontal level. Perpendicular to the direction of fastening the sandwich panels, we additionally install transverse strips in the same horizontal plane in increments of 1-1.5 meters.

Wooden frame on the loggia ceiling under a sandwich panel.

Source

Types of sandwich panels

Sandwich panels for balconies are distinguished by the type of insulation and facing material. To insulate the balcony, panels with mineral and porous fillers are used. Metal sheets or plywood are installed as the finishing surface.

Let's take a closer look at the insulation options:

1. Mineral basalt wool. This material is often used to form sandwiches. The fibrous structure of mineral wool retains heat without allowing cold air to enter the room. Mineral wool does not change its characteristics with sudden changes in temperature and is not subject to rotting. In addition to its ability to retain heat, a mineral wool sandwich provides good sound insulation.
2. Polyurethane foam. Panels made from polyurethane foam are lighter than sandwiches with mineral filler. At the same time, they have high strength, are resistant to aggressive substances, and are not susceptible to rotting or the spread of fungus. Polyurethane foam provides reliable protection from cold air and street noise. The disadvantages of this material include its easy flammability.
3. Expanded polystyrene. It is highly resistant to high humidity and does not change its properties even with heavy rainfall. Expanded polystyrene is nothing more than polystyrene foam with a slightly modified cellular structure. It does not rot, retains heat well and does not allow extraneous noise to enter the room.
4. Fiberglass. The material is non-flammable, absorbs street noise well, and does not emit toxic substances. It consists of many thin glass threads pressed into a thick sheet.

To ensure that the sandwich insulation is reliably protected from the effects of precipitation, it is framed with protective panels. The following materials are used as protection:

1. Cink Steel. The service life of the panel depends on the quality of zinc applied to the surface of the steel sheet and the thickness of the layer. Well-treated sheets are not subject to corrosion and retain their original appearance for a long time.
2. Aluzinc. Sheets made of this material are not subject to corrosion and are intended for use in conditions of high humidity. Aluzinc protects the interior from exposure to ultraviolet waves, which allows you to keep cool even on hot, sunny days.
3. Polyester. The material is not afraid of high humidity and is not susceptible to temperature fluctuations. Polyester is durable and does not change its characteristics with environmental changes.

When choosing sandwich panels for a balcony, the climatic conditions in the area of ​​residence and the wishes of the owners regarding the color and cladding material are taken into account. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlR6Zl0vfTQ

General recommendations

When choosing panels and before installation, you must consider:

• study the instructions, because it may indicate the nuances specifically for this type of panel;
• the material must not have signs of corrosion, scratches or damage;
• wooden sheathing must be treated with a special solution (protection from rotting and small insects);
• all additional elements must have an identical production mark;
• when working, use an electric jigsaw or saw for working with metal (not a flame cutter);
• when treating the surface, avoid substances containing acetone, acid, alkali;
• Remove the protective film after a week after installation; it is advisable not to do this at too high or low temperatures.

Sandwich panels with increased fire resistance: features of installation of elements

Panels with increased fire resistance, according to experts, should be installed only by specially trained specialists. The fact is that such building material will help protect a certain compartment or room in the event of a fire in the building. And if the work is carried out with violations, there will be no talk of any protection.

This is how panels of increased fire resistance are connected PHOTO: ufa.stroysistema.rf

One of the features of installing such material is the need to select additional compounds for it, such as polyurethane foam, that will meet the same fire resistance characteristics. The same point applies to doors, as well as windows, if any are planned.

It makes sense to install sandwich panels with increased fire resistance only in brick and concrete buildings and structures. When installing them in a wooden house, all the work and increased costs for the material can be called useless.

The increased fire resistance of the material must be confirmed by a certificate of the established type PHOTO: stroi.com

Balcony design options

It’s worth noting right away that sandwich panels themselves are a decorative element. They can be any color: from black to royal purple or bright yellow.

As a matter of fact, this makes it possible to use the panels in any design option: from the classic style to the already boring hi-tech style. Therefore, the decor options depend only on the color of the material itself; moreover, it can have different designs - this is purely a matter of taste, as they say.

If there is a children's room on the balcony, then it is imperative to use warm glazing with a glass unit thickness of at least 70 mm.

By the way, the loggia can be converted into the following premises:

• cabinet;
• children's room;
• bar;
• winter (or not winter, but ordinary) garden.

As for the office, it is important to note this: there must be high-quality waterproofing, especially in the part where the workplace itself will be located. Why? The same computer will very quickly fail if moisture gets inside the system unit. This is just an example: there can be many of them.

We carry out installation. Step-by-step instruction

Installation of panels using an adhesive base is carried out in case of saving useful space in the room. This method has the disadvantages of not being able to install a heat-insulating layer. Wall leveling is required before installation. Sealing the lamellas with glue eliminates the possibility of repairing a separate fragment of the fabric.

During installation, a wooden frame is often made, which, with high-quality insulation installed, is not subject to deformation.

Preparing the walls and ceiling

Before installing the casing, it is necessary to first inspect the surface and eliminate defects. To do this, it is recommended to use equipment that can be used to widen the crack and seal it with a special composition that is resistant to moisture.

After this, the surface is coated with a primer using antiseptic and sealing components. Such mixtures are available in an assortment on the construction market. At this stage it is recommended to carry out glazing.

We install the sheathing from a wooden beam or a metal profile

The material for the frame is selected taking into account the level of humidity in the room. Wooden beams are often used for lathing, but if the balcony or loggia is damp, then metal elements can be used.

Installing a metal balcony sheathing under plastic panels requires skill, but such a frame is durable and practical. The presence of the lathing allows you to replace the facing material at any time.

Before installation, the ceiling and walls are marked, fasteners are cut to size. Wooden slats are treated with an antiseptic composition. For this purpose, PVA putty and motor oil are used.

According to building codes, the distance between the base elements should be 40-50 cm. The frame should be filled at knee and shoulder level. This subtlety of installation is determined by operating conditions. At this level, the plastic sheet can often be subject to mechanical stress.

About insulation

Installation of a layer of insulating materials is carried out subject to the installation of metal-plastic window structures. It is advisable to carry out insulation in the case of connecting a loggia to a living space, equipping a recreation room, or a winter garden.

If you are finishing the balcony with plastic, then it is better to lay a layer of foam insulation. This material does not weigh down the structure, is characterized by low cost, and is resistant to high humidity.

Extruded polystyrene foam can be used as insulation. The material has different technical characteristics, but has a high price. It is not recommended to use mineral wool, the installation of which requires additional waterproofing. When exposed to moisture, this material loses its insulating properties.

Installation of foam boards is simple. The material is placed tightly between the guides, and the cracks are sealed with polyurethane foam. It is not recommended to use glue for installation, because the plastic sheet will tightly press the foam. In regions with warm climates, penofol can be used for insulation.

We mount the panels

Installing the slats requires securing the guide strips. According to configuration and purpose, they are distinguished:

• initial profile;
• fastening elements for extending a short strip;
• details hiding the cavity between the plank and the surface;
• skirting boards for finishing seams.

It is better to fasten the guide parts using nails and self-tapping screws. It is recommended to start installation from a remote corner. To do this, the lamella is installed in the profile and the vertical position is adjusted using a level. Finishing the loggia with panels involves sequential installation of the cladding with control of the location of the lamellas in the grooves.

To cut crosswise, it is better to use a hacksaw, and along the length this can be done using a knife. When installing lamellas diagonally, greater consumption of materials is provided. To ensure air convection, holes are drilled at the bottom of the doorway.

Separately about the covering of openings

Installation of plastic panels requires registration of joints. To seal the seams in the corners after installing the cladding, it is recommended to use a sealant. The shade of the material should be in harmony with the color of the lamellas.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=4CQEkS-S0Pg

Some important tips

The panels must be installed strictly level; the aesthetic appearance of the finish depends on this.

When making a frame for panels made of wooden beams or metal profiles, before installation, they are pre-treated with protective compounds against the effects of precipitation, insects, and corrosion. For details on the intricacies of installing sandwich panels, watch this video:

The protective film must be removed from the panel immediately after installation, otherwise, under the influence of sunlight, it will stick to the surface so much that removing it will be very problematic.

If you need to hang a shelf or cabinet on top of a sandwich panel, you need to fasten them with long self-tapping screws that go deep into the wall so that the weight of the element being installed is supported by the wall and not the panel.

Before installing sandwich panels, it would be a good idea to learn some of the nuances from neighbors who previously finished similar balconies, as well as watch videos on the Internet.

Penoplex or extruded polystyrene foam

Produced from polystyrene by extrusion. The insulation is resistant to mechanical loads, heat-intensive, and does not accumulate moisture. Penoplex is environmentally friendly and has a long service life. To insulate a home, sheets 4-6 centimeters thick are used. In terms of insulation efficiency, they are superior to mineral wool and polystyrene foam.

Main advantages:

• Due to the structure of many closed cells with air, this insulation has low thermal conductivity (mineral wool and polystyrene foam are less stable);
• The level of efficiency and optimal dimensions of the tiles allow you to economically use the balcony area while creating a reliable structure. This effect is of particular importance in small apartments;
• Eco-friendly composition (safer than alternative insulation options);
• The structural features ensure maximum moisture resistance - about 100%. This condition explains the absence of rotting and long service life (50 years or more). The material is successfully used in areas with high humidity;
• Low weight with high strength. The slabs are able to withstand significant compressive loads without deforming;
• Possibility of self-installation. The slabs are easy to work with during preparation (cutting) and installation;

Fire safety is one of the important indicators that you need to pay attention to when purchasing. The marking must contain the letter C

This designation indicates the presence of fire retardants that resist fire.

Flaws:

• The material is not resistant to sunlight, so penoplex is not used to insulate the outer part of the balcony;
• When interacting with petroleum products and solvents, the slabs are destroyed. Carefully study the components of construction foam and installation adhesive before purchasing;
• The cost of penoplex is higher than traditional insulation. You can save money by installing it yourself.

Important points:

• The slabs are installed along the entire perimeter of the room, including the walls, ceiling and floor surfaces. If you lay the material only on the walls, then the costs will be ineffective - the room will remain cold. This circumstance plays a big role when combining the balcony part with the apartment;
• To install penoplex, you do not need to build a sheathing frame. This design promotes heat loss through cold bridges in the structure.

What should you consider when choosing?

A high-quality material for cladding a balcony or loggia must have the following properties:

• be durable, which means have a sufficient thickness of the outer side (1.5-2.5 mm, the second value is better, especially for balcony walls);
• have the largest possible number of stiffeners, none of which should be damaged;
• do not contain a large amount of chalk in the plastic, which makes the material unreliable: unable to bend, easily cracking.

The gray tint of the panels indicates poor recyclable materials. When purchasing, you must follow the rule - purchase plates from the same batch, as color discrepancies are possible.

DIY installation

Installation of sandwich panels is easy to do yourself, for which you need to calculate the amount of material and prepare the tools. Watch the video for details:

To complete the work you will need:

• building level, tape measure;
• drill, hammer drill, screwdriver, grinder;
• sandwich panels;
• screws, anchors;
• polyurethane foam;
• silicone or polystyrene based sealant;
• self-adhesive tape for sealing joints;
• metal profiles, corners or wooden beams.

Sandwich material is used for insulation and finishing of walls and for roof installation. They can be installed vertically and horizontally. For a balcony, the best option is considered to be a material with polystyrene foam as insulation.

Installation of panels is carried out in several stages.

1. We prepare the surface, remove dust from it with a vacuum cleaner, seal all cracks and crevices, and treat the surface with a primer.
2. If you decide not to mount the sheathing on a fairly flat wall surface, the panels should be secured with mounting foam, which will create another insulating layer, or with liquid nails. To ensure that the foam adheres well to the surface of the wall or ceiling, it is sanded with sandpaper. Before applying foam, the surface must be wetted.
3. At the corners you can use a plastic corner joint. The junction of the ceiling and the wall is decorated with a decorative plinth.
4. The last stage is finishing the window and door slopes with sandwich panels. Wooden slats are fastened with screws on the top and sides of the slope so that their edge does not protrude beyond the level of the wall.
5. Along the outer edge of the window, we attach the starting U-shaped strip with self-tapping screws. The U-shaped profile has a groove into which the plastic slope will be inserted.
6. In the starting profile we install sandwich panels cut to size, the opposite edge of which is attached with self-tapping screws to wooden slats diagonally.
7. An F-shaped profile is installed and the joints are covered with sealant.

The final stage of finishing

Finishing the balcony with sandwich panels is completed by designing the joints and corner joints. Typically, the joining of individual panels occurs horizontally, and the vertical end ends simply touch each other.

When installing panels, unevenness and small gaps are formed at the vertical joints. To eliminate this drawback, a plastic plug is attached to the connection points. This protection prevents precipitation from penetrating into the gaps between the sandwiches and serves as a decorative detail.

For finishing sandwich panels, plastic plugs are selected to match the main shade; contrasting solutions are also possible.

The profile is cut along the length of the seam from a single piece of tape. To fix the plugs, use sealant or liquid nails.

Corner joints are closed in the same way. Corner plugs can be adjusted to a given angle, which is not always 90 degrees.

Preparatory work required before installation

The amount of preliminary preparation work will depend on the type of sandwich panels planned for installation. The fact is that they can be self-supporting or ordinary. In the first option, the construction of a solid foundation is sufficient as preparatory work, but in the second, you will have to additionally assemble a metal frame. But in any case, the construction of such structures will not take too much time.

The foundation for a building made of sandwich panels must be solid. PHOTO: stroi.com

Quite stringent requirements are imposed on the foundation, especially if the structure is tall. Therefore, the nuances of its arrangement should be examined in more detail.

Base and frame for installation of sandwich panels and requirements for them

If the master has experience working with a level, then the work on arranging the foundation will go much faster and more productively. The requirements for the foundation are as follows:

1. It should be as even as possible. Small differences are allowed, but they should not be more than 3 mm.
2. If it is necessary to install a frame, you should remember that if the distance between the posts (vertical and horizontal) does not correspond to the width and height of the panel (plus a margin of 5 mm for joining), nothing good can be expected from such construction.
3. If you plan to use wood as guides, you need to stock up on fireproof and antifungal impregnations in sufficient quantities.

These rules are basic in the installation of sandwich panels and must be followed.

Project of a hangar made of sandwich panels with a metal frame PHOTO: galion-stroy.ru

How to cut sandwich panels, how to drill fastening points

Cutting such material has one very important feature. It is not allowed to use open fire for such purposes, and an angle grinder (angle grinder) with a cutting disc is completely unsuitable for this. The high temperatures that arise when working with such tools will damage the protective layer, as a result of which the metal will quickly begin to rust, which is completely unacceptable. In addition, during such work the insulation may ignite. It is best to use a circular saw or jigsaw.

This is the most convenient saw to use to unravel the panels PHOTO: vseinstrumenti.ru

Drilling is done with a conventional drill, and after it is finished, it is necessary to remove the chips. The same applies to the cutting area.

To properly install sandwich panels, you need to know their purpose. They can be wall or roof. Each type has its own characteristics that must be taken into account when fastening.

Advantages and disadvantages

Let us immediately note that they have much more advantages than disadvantages. The main ones are convenience and ease of installation, as well as the ability to dismantle if necessary. The use of panels provides you with significant savings in time and effort, and significantly reduces the amount of construction waste. The use of materials with different properties allows us to obtain a very successful combination of the latter. Among them are light weight and good thermal insulation, which were mentioned above, as well as sound and waterproofing, resistance to various environmental influences.

The disadvantages include the fact that they, like many other lightweight materials, are not designed for additional load. It is not recommended to mount any objects, especially large structures, on the panel. In addition, the joints require special attention from the master. If the panels are not fitted tightly, freezing may occur in these areas.

Small plus

Typically, when constructing balconies, these cantilever structures are waterproofed. Otherwise, the cantilever floor will simply rot. And after a couple of cold-wet seasons. But if you want to admire the landscape even in snowfall or enjoy the streams of rain while on the balcony, and at the same time remain dry, then you will have to close the open area. Moreover, there are various options for “shelter” from rain and snow. Therefore, carefully consider each type of glazing for a frame balcony:

• cold (without insulation, the windows will fog up and become covered with a pattern in winter);
• warm (all of the above will not happen, but you will have to install heating devices);
• plastic (retains heat well, but has large jumpers, which significantly spoils the aesthetics);
• wooden (if the manufacturer is good, then such structures are in no way inferior in functionality to metal-plastic ones, but the same thick jumpers are retained, and the price is much higher);
• aluminum profile, or maybe even panoramic (without lower balcony railings) - they look much more elegant than the above, but it makes no sense to place them in a warm balcony - they store heat very poorly);
• frameless (the “rich” option) - such beauty is expensive, practically does not retain heat, but it looks as much as 100.

Now that the question of “to glaze or not to glaze” has been sorted out, all you have to do is understand what you want? If you decide to turn your balcony into another closed room in a frame house, that’s your right. If you want to leave everything as it is, you will also not be far from the truth.

To summarize, we note that there is no urgent need to glass the balcony in frame housing. But if you wish, why not turn it into a closed observation deck? Contact us, and we will build you an excellent house, even with a mezzanine, even with a bay window, or even with a balcony. And then it’s up to you to decide whether to glaze or not to glaze...

Installing a new unit

When replacing an old double-glazed window with a new one, the manipulations are performed in the reverse order

When dismantling, it is important to remember the location of the plastic spacers that create a deformation gap for the tight fit of the glass and frame

Having installed and adjusted the gaskets, you can immediately begin installing the glazing beads. The tool that helps the process is a rubber hammer with a rounded head. The rubber glides gently over the glass, maintaining its integrity. Hammer blows should be of medium strength.

Uniform advancement around the perimeter ensures the correct positioning of the glass block in the door frame slot. Having finished installing the double-glazed window into the balcony door, you need to check how well the block “fits” into the seat, ensuring sufficient tightness. The inspection will help prevent moisture penetration and condensation collection.

Method for arranging passive vapor barrier for walls

General information

Note that the installation of a vapor barrier system for a balcony is much more complicated than conventional cladding with polyethylene film. With the classic version of the vapor barrier system, everything should be done in the likeness and image of the roof threshold insulation system with an insulated attic.

The film covering, which is placed on the balcony insulation from the inside, should allow water vapor to pass through well, but only in one direction, to the street. The second layer should stop these vapors, and the free space between the layers should ensure the unhindered removal of water vapor.

For this reason, in a passive vapor barrier, there must be a gap between the two layers to allow air to circulate freely. Air intake between the two layers will occur along the lower edge through a system of holes. In the same place there is a condensate collection system. The warm air that has passed through the vent will partially evaporate the condensation, and then move along the channel to the ceiling and leave through the ventilation window. If the temperature outside is above zero, there will be almost no condensation under the film.

If the temperature drops to -5..-10 degrees, then the condensate will accumulate more intensively in the vapor barrier system and flow into the receiver. If your apartment is located in a high-rise building, no lower than 3-4 floors, then most of the water will be carried away through draft into the ventilation

But it is important that the air flow does not mix with the balcony atmosphere and cannot flow around the coldest parts of the balcony fittings. If everything is the other way around, condensation will remain inside and begin to accumulate in the subfloor and on the ceiling

In a similar way, a vapor barrier is carried out on the balcony floor during insulation. In this case, a sheathing of slats is laid on the insulation layer, and then a vapor barrier strip and the floor surface are plywood or boards, which will be covered with linoleum. Complete the underground space with vents that will be connected to ventilation ducts. Also try to make a vapor barrier and insulate the floor at the same time using Izospan. To do this, cut the solid canvas into separate pieces, and then start laying them with an overlap of 10 cm and sealing them with construction tape.

Vapor barrier with polystyrene foam

Although at first everything looks complicated and intricate, this is the only way to protect the insulation from watering due to the accumulation of water vapor. There is an opinion among home craftsmen that when lining a balcony with penoplex or expanded polystyrene, a vapor barrier is not needed. But how are things really?

Much depends on the method and technology of laying extruded polystyrene foam, i.e. penoplex. Sheets of material have an L-shaped groove along the perimeter of the edge, which makes it possible to lay slabs with a small, 2-3 cm, lock or overlap. If you lay the material on the walls and secure everything with waterproof glue, you will get a solid surface that will not allow water vapor and moisture to pass onto the balcony and beyond.

But the main difficulty is that after laying the material, the room will essentially turn into an aquarium, i.e. it will be stuffy due to high humidity levels. To avoid this effect, forced ventilation must be built at the top of the balcony. At the same time, most of the heat that will penetrate through the doors and windows from the apartment will be thrown out into the street, i.e. beyond the balcony. Thus, even with insulation, such a balcony will be cold and damp in autumn and winter.

Balcony doors

Types of balcony doors:

• classic option. In the upper part, a double-glazed window is inserted into the frame, at the bottom the door is opaque, the filling is made of a sandwich panel. This is a warm, reliable traditional solution;
• with transparent bottom. A variation on the theme of the classic model, but instead of a sandwich panel a double-glazed window is also installed, the room becomes better illuminated with natural light;
• all-transparent (solid) glazing without partitions. This type of door uses a full-length double-glazed window without partitions. The opening visually expands, allowing maximum daylight to enter the room;
• “French balcony” option. The window and door are made to the floor. This is a very interesting, stylish, ultra-modern option; even more light enters the room, making the room visually larger.

Design Features

PVC profile is a convenient, universal material for a door to a loggia or balcony. Such doors and windows are not afraid of moisture and temperature differences.

At the same time, the structures are very light, which is one of the main advantages. There is no significant load on the frame and hinges, so over time the door will not sag or warp.

PVC doors are made from window profiles. A 60 or 70 mm profile can be used.

The design is also identical to PVC windows, and the advantages are the same:

• excellent heat conservation due to the use of a multi-chamber metal-plastic profile, double-glazed windows and double-circuit seals. High sound insulation of the room;
• resistance to external influences, changing weather conditions, preservation of the original appearance throughout the entire period of operation;
• environmental friendliness;
• durability, trouble-free use can last for decades;
• ease of care and maintenance.

In the classic version, the balcony door is glazed in the upper part, and the lower part consists of a sandwich panel. But at the request of the customer, other options are possible, with glazing at the bottom. Double-glazed windows are single- or double-chamber.

Accessories

Of course, a balcony door weighs more than a window, so it is very important to use high-quality fittings. Our company installs only the most reliable handles and other elements on its products

The use of an additional middle pressure along the height of the entire door makes it possible to increase the tightness and prevent the penetration of cold air or moisture inside.

To avoid heat loss when opening the door to exit to the balcony, there is a balcony latch and a special porch.

If you decide to install a metal-plastic balcony door, you will rejoice at the step you have taken many times over. The design is very easy to maintain and lasts a very long time. It provides reliable protection of your home from cold, dust and external noise. The color of the profile does not change even in direct sunlight.

Don’t think that a PVC balcony door can only be white.

Modern designs can be laminated using a film of almost any shade or with imitation of natural materials. You can also buy a door painted in the paste - such models are very resistant to mechanical damage (scratches) and do not require lamination.

You can install balcony doors made from reliable profiles from well-known brands: Rehau, KBE, Brusbox. Choose high quality!

Algorithm for installing a balcony block in the video:

Vapor barrier functions

For high-quality thermal insulation, there must be air between the fibers of the insulation material. If it is partially or completely replaced by moisture, the insulation loses the characteristics declared by the manufacturer. Material that has accumulated moisture often becomes deformed or completely loses its shape. The vapor barrier becomes a life-saving barrier between the insulation used and the moisture that saturates the balcony or loggia (the average humidity of an insulated residential area ranges from 30% to 60%).

The concentration of vapors and the appearance of condensation can increase sharply due to temperature changes on the outer surface of the balcony, which is exposed to direct sunlight (especially at low outside temperatures). Temperature jumps also occur inside the fenced structure, because through the glazing the sun's rays heat the inner walls of the balcony.

On an insulated balcony, the air is warmer than outside and the vapor concentration is higher. Moisture tends to come out. At this moment, the “work” of the vapor barrier begins. If you remove this barrier, then:

• steam will enter the heat-insulating material, cool, and become water;
• the insulation will lose its properties;
• steam will condense on metal structural elements, which will lead to corrosion;
• moisture will settle on the wooden sheathing and finishing elements, the consequences of constant humidity are fungus, mold, damage to wooden and other finishing materials, deterioration of the microclimate of the insulated balcony.

When asked whether a vapor barrier is needed when insulating a loggia or balcony, the answer is unequivocal - it is necessary. An attempt to save on this material will result in much greater expenses when remodeling or completely repairing damaged finishing and thermal insulation of the balcony.

The better way to insulate a balcony inside, the nuances of insulation in different seasons

Sometimes it happens that it is necessary to insulate a balcony in winter. Many people are wondering whether it is worth doing this and what the risks are. It all depends on the materials used for insulation. Some of them change their properties at subzero temperatures, and they become more difficult to process and install.

Insulating a balcony with polystyrene foam with your own hands in winter is quite problematic, and cement freezes very quickly in the cold and does not have time to properly set. This leads to weakening of the masonry and rapid destruction of the parapet. But there are a number of special winter adhesives and mixtures that are designed for use at low temperatures. Videos of insulating a balcony with your own hands in winter can also be found on the Internet.

After installing the insulation, they begin finishing the balcony

Polyurethane foam also depends on temperature. If you choose the “summer” option for insulation in winter, then this will not lead to anything good - the foam will quickly collapse and become unusable.

Another important point that needs to be taken into account when insulating is dampness. You can often encounter it if you insulate a balcony in the fall or spring. Most types of glue or mastic do not stick to a damp surface, and humidity also has a very bad effect on the performance properties of insulation, if it is not foam plastic. That is why you need to start insulating and waterproofing a balcony from the ceiling. In this case, sudden rain will not prevent you from continuing to insulate the walls and floor.

Plastic panels can be used for ceiling cladding

From all of the above, it is clear that you can insulate a balcony not only in summer. The only exception is if the temperature drops below 20 degrees. Then even the most frost-resistant materials begin to behave very poorly, and normal insulation will not work, even if you know for sure how to properly insulate a balcony from the inside.

Big cons

The question in the title is by no means rhetorical. It, like a litmus test, reflects the doubts and desires of developers. After all, not all people whose financial capabilities allow it rush to glaze their balcony. Especially in a private house.

If in a high-rise building external glazing can be justified at least by the fact that the glass will prevent a fire from a cigarette butt thrown from the upper floors, then in a private building this simply cannot happen. Therefore, we will discard the issue of fire safety as an argument in favor of glazing the balcony of a country frame house (or a decent mansion).

Glass fencing is often advocated primarily by those who prefer to make a mini-storage room out of a balcony. Agree, having a private house, such a question should not even arise! After all, you can store trash (or, excuse me, very necessary things that may never be useful) in the attic, in a shed or some kind of storage room. And decent owners save canned pickles in cellars, and not on glazed balconies.

What is relevant for small-sized apartments in high-rise buildings (using the balcony as a storage room), in a private house is a complete disgrace!

So what happens, in a Canadian building the balcony does not need to be glazed? Again, neither yes nor no! Judge for yourself - this remote platform does not protect the balcony door from unauthorized penetration of cold. Therefore, from the point of view of energy efficiency, it seems that God himself ordered to “close” the balcony.

On the other hand, cold bridges arise only if cold air currents penetrate into the cracks. And in order to block their “road” it is not at all necessary to glass the balcony - just install a metal-plastic door and adjust the screws correctly. In this case, the seal on the door will be tightly pressed against the frame and you can simply forget about “blowing from the door”.

In the end, if you glaze a balcony just to make a “dressing room” out of it, then maybe install a “mini balcony” under each window so that you can glaze it afterwards? Agree, the balcony-window analogy is more convincing than anything else: glazing of the remote area should least of all be used as an argument in the matter of energy saving.