Dismantling a window sill block: how and why this is done, as well as a list of important nuances and tips

• Is it possible to dismantle the window sill block?
• Dismantling a window sill block in monolithic houses
• Dismantling a window sill in brick and block houses
• Dismantling the window sill block in panel houses
• Dismantling the window sill block depending on the territorial location of the house
• Dismantling the window sill block of the winter garden
• Glazing of balconies - standards for 2022
• What kind of partition and how to install it in the opening near the loggia and balcony
• Coordination of dismantling the window sill block
• Conclusion

Combining a balcony, loggia and winter garden with the interior of an apartment is one of the most common redevelopments. To add a cold room to the living room, bedroom or kitchen, owners often demolish a window sill block.

In Moscow, combining a balcony or loggia with a room is possible only visually, since a double-glazed window must be installed in the opening between them.

In this article we will tell you:

• what is the difference between dismantling a window sill block in a panel house from a monolithic or brick one?
• when a winter garden can be attached to the entire room without double glazing;
• what nuances should not be forgotten during repairs;
• what permits will be required for redevelopment.

Is it possible to dismantle the window sill block?

A balcony or loggia is considered the “cold” room of the apartment. According to Moscow Government Decree No. 508-PP, from 2022 their direct combination with internal heated rooms is prohibited.

By “direct” we mean the complete connection of balconies and loggias with constant free access to them from the room - without a glass partition. In the opening between them, it is mandatory to install double-glazed windows. Without it, it will not be possible to legitimize the repair.

An example of an apartment in a new building, the owners of which decided to combine a loggia with a kitchen. Such repairs will not be approved in Moscow until double-glazed windows are installed to separate the cold room from the warm one.

The exception is winter gardens, which can be heated and can be included in the total area of ​​the apartment, unlike balconies and loggias. In some cases they can be attached to rooms.

Loggias and balconies are almost always only auxiliary unheated rooms. In the BTI apartment plan, they can also be marked as “summer” premises, that is, unsuitable for living. Their addition to the kitchen or bedroom is strictly prohibited.

In 90% of cases, it is possible to dismantle the window sill block. Moreover, even if it is a supporting structure.

Replacing a balcony block - stages of installation work

When measurements have been taken, materials have been purchased, and work begins. Replacing a balcony is a task of medium complexity, which can be done independently if you follow the technology of stage-by-stage work.

Stage 1 - dismantling the old box

Before assembling the loggia box, you need to get rid of the old box. Removal of the old structure begins with the dismantling of fittings, brackets, and screws.

Dismantling is carried out according to the described scheme:

1. The window sashes and door are removed.
2. The wooden door frame is cleared with a hacksaw, starting from the bottom, then pryed with a crowbar and removed from the door frame.
3. The layer of putty is removed from the slopes.
4. Use a brush to remove the insulation, waterproofing layer, and the remains of the polyurethane foam.

When dismantling an old plastic loggia, first remove the fastenings, window trim, internal window and door fastenings. Read more in the article “How to remove a plastic door from its hinges on a balcony.”

Stage 2 – preparing a new block

The window, door leaf and load-bearing profiles of the new loggia frame are secured in branded packaging. The door is closed in the opening, the window sashes are in their frames, the locking mechanism is latched.

Before installing the frame, the doors are pulled out of the packaging box. The window sashes are removed one by one:

• the upper hinge rod is removed;
• the mechanism opens;
• The window sashes are opened and then removed from their hinges.

If there are non-opening parts built into the window frame, first remove four beads around the perimeter of the window frames, then remove the double-glazed window. Brackets, a protective mesh frame, and fittings are attached to the open window frame. To protect the window from damage, PSUL tape is glued around the perimeter of the window frame.

Stage 3 – box assembly

The box door of the new loggia must be inserted together with the window frame. To assemble the window frame and door leaf, install it on the top side, then join the sections on the sides. The parts of the window and door frame on top are located in one straight line.

A connection strip is inserted between the frames, then a window strip, and the door is mounted with anchor bolts. Holes for fastening are made in advance. The block is twisted from the inside.

Stage 4 – installation of the loggia box

Assembling the block of the new loggia is carried out according to the following steps:

1. The box is fixed with mounting wedges, taking into account each element vertically.
2. The accuracy of the location is checked by a level, all errors in the calculations are corrected with additional wedges.
3. The box is secured with metal plates, which are unbent, pulled towards the wall, and then attached with anchors to the wall hole.
4. Proceed with the installation of the block ebb. To do this, use scissors to cut off a measured part along the length of the window frame, install the drain pattern, starting from the inside, then install decorative corners from the outside.

Stage 5 – filling gaps

After installing the loggia box, gaps remain between the box and the walls. They are sealed with sealed cement mortar and construction foam on the inside and outside. According to building codes, the top seam is 20 mm, the side seams are 55 mm.

Inside the balcony, the gaps are filled with construction foam, leaving a third free to provide technological clearance. After treating the gaps, the loggia is left for 24 hours to dry completely. The remaining foam is removed with a knife.

Stage 6 - fastening the window sill

When the loggia box is mounted and attached, they proceed to installing the window sill on the balcony. Before installation, it is prepared around the perimeter of the window frame. The width of the window sill exceeds the length of the window opening by 2 cm for the latch of the structure behind the frame. Bars are made from wood to serve as stands under the window sill during its installation. The bars are placed at an angle of 2 degrees.

During installation, the window sill is fixed with a weight, which will prevent the construction foam from deforming and bevelling the base.

The window sill joints are filled with mortar:

• starting with window connections;
• then slopes on the sides;
• bottom of the window sill frame;
• connections between the wall.

The structure is left for a day until the polyurethane foam has completely hardened, then the load is removed, and excess foam is cut off with a knife.

Stage 7 - sealing internal slopes

Slopes on the balcony are removed in two ways: sealed with plaster or covered with the installation of decorative panels.

Then the internal slopes are sealed:

1. Profile pieces are prepared in accordance with the length of the upper and side frames.
2. The pieces are attached along the perimeter of the box with screws.
3. The length of the frame is measured from above.
4. The panels are cut from the starting profile, inserted, then screwed.
5. A layer of polyurethane foam is applied under the lower part of the panel on the balcony side to seal the gaps.
6. Before the foam hardens, the panels are attached to the wall with masking tape.
7. The panels are left for a day until the foam has completely hardened, then the tape is carefully removed, and the excess polyurethane foam is cut off with a knife.

Stage 8 - installation of additional parts

The final stage of replacing the balcony frame is the installation of fittings and decorative trims for the frame. The platbands are prepared in advance according to the dimensions of the block, decorative parts are put on the ends of the platbands, and they are connected at the corners with an inclination of five degrees.

The joints of the top and side panels are sealed with a layer of polyurethane foam or silicone sealant.

Dismantling a window sill block in monolithic houses

The easiest way to combine rooms is in monolithic frame houses, where the window sill separating the loggia and the room is assembled from foam blocks or similar slabs. In this case, there are no restrictions on its demolition.

Also, in “monoliths” you can expand the opening to the sides and height, and completely remove the threshold.

If the wall is load-bearing, before starting repairs you need to obtain permission from the authors of the house project or from the State Budgetary Institution “Expert Center”.

An example of a technical report for combining a loggia with a room with the demolition of a non-load-bearing window sill block, prepared by us. In addition, the apartment had a number of other redevelopment works, which were also specified in the document. The same permission is obtained before dismantling the load-bearing wall of the window sill, only it should no longer be given by us or a similar design company, but by the authors of the house or the State Budgetary Institution “Expert Center”.

Characteristics of structures

Balcony boxes are distinguished by technical solutions that are suitable for standard and non-standard apartments. Each type of balcony box has advantages that determine its choice.

Wood

A wooden balcony is a classic option. It is characterized by simple installation, attractive style, and the ability to retain heat. Frame doors are made from different types of wood. This is an environmentally friendly, reliable, durable material. The main disadvantage of the design is the cost.

The range of wooden boxes for loggias offers affordable options, but when installing economical materials, there is a high risk of low quality products and the presence of defects.

Plastic

A plastic PVC balcony is a common type of construction in apartments. It is characterized by ease of installation, durability, low throughput, high noise insulation, protection from leakage, dampness, and low weight. This material is affordable and does not require special care.

When choosing a plastic balcony box, it is important to take into account the quality of the material, fittings, and completeness of the set.

Aluminum

Aluminum balcony door is an advantageous choice for a long-term balcony. It features a thoughtful style and high protection against moisture. Non-standard shapes refresh the look of a balcony room and expand its space.

The main disadvantages of aluminum construction are low levels of noise suppression, heat retention, and susceptibility to mechanical damage. If dents, scratches, or abrasions appear on the door, it is impossible to remove the defects.

Glass

A glass balcony is a rare design consisting of double-glazed windows and fittings. It is distinguished by the absence of a load-bearing door frame, which adds originality, attractiveness, and lightness to the design.

The glass covering visually increases the space on the loggia, illuminates the room, and opens up a full view from the windows. Ultra-strong, thickened glass does not break, does not deform, does not crack, so there is no risk of breaking.

The main disadvantages of glass construction are the risk of sash distortion due to the increased weight on the base and low level of insulation.

Dismantling a window sill in brick and block houses

In old brick houses (in Moscow these are usually Khrushchev buildings), dismantling the window sill block is possible. It is important to remember that the window sill can be a weight on the balcony slab, that is, a load-bearing structure. If this is exactly what it is, then you need permission from the authors of the house project.

In block houses there are almost always no restrictions on the demolition of the window sill block.

The only prohibition for brick and block houses is the expansion of the opening to the side and height. This cannot be done.

Categorical prohibitions

According to the Law, dismantling the window sill in panel houses built after 2006 is unacceptable, since it can lead to unforeseen and even tragic consequences. The reason for this is the use of special technology that prevents progressive collapse, which also involves the window sill block.

You will have to forget about dismantling the door sill. This taboo applies to all types of houses (whether it is a monolithic, brick or panel house). There are no exceptions here, and there cannot be .

This ban is due to the following reasons:

• firstly, in brick houses the threshold serves as a kind of counterweight and is designed to hold the balcony slab;
• secondly, the threshold can act as an integral element of the supporting structure, so its dismantling is unacceptable;
• thirdly, removing the threshold in panel houses leads to a violation of the rigidity of the external hinged panel, and also entails freezing of the slab floor.

Designers also pay attention to another function of the threshold: it helps to reduce the concentration of opposite temperatures, since it serves as a kind of barrier at the point of convergence of warm and cold air.

Also, in some cases, you may be faced with a ban on dismantling a window sill block in a brick house, since it can hold the balcony slab, pinching it. Therefore, before carrying out any work, it is important to consult with specialists! As for dismantling a window sill block in a monolithic house, it is possible provided that the threshold is preserved and all rules are followed.

The cost of coordinating the dismantling of a window sill block is calculated individually for each case. The price may vary depending on the type of building where the apartment is located, the thickness of the walls, the area in which the property is located and other conditions.

Conclusion:

Demolition of a window sill and combining a balcony with a living room or kitchen (as well as any other cold room with a warm one) is PROHIBITED. The optimal solution is a “visual” unification: demolition of the window sill block with the subsequent installation of swing doors (French partition). There are NO other options for implementing such a redevelopment.

Dismantling the window sill block in panel houses

“Panels” have the most nuances when combining a loggia and a room with the removal of a window sill.

As in the above houses, the window sill block in them can be non-load-bearing and load-bearing. The non-load-bearing partition is easily dismantled, and the load-bearing window sill is demolished only after obtaining permission from the authors of the house project.

Most of the panel houses in Moscow were built according to MNIITEP designs, and this is where you need to apply for permission.

When dismantling the window sill block, it is prohibited to remove the threshold when exiting to the balcony. It is always part of the supporting structure, holds the balcony slab and performs a heat-insulating function.

The possibility of demolishing a window sill in “panels” directly depends on the year the house was built . In apartments of the P-3, P-44, II-49 and many others series, a balcony with a room is easily combined with the installation of double-glazed windows.

In houses that were built in 2007 and later according to the MNIITEP project (that is, most often these are panel buildings), it is impossible to dismantle window sill blocks and replace them with glass doors.

The fact is that houses are built using a new technology with enhanced protection of the building from progressive collapse, and a more complex mechanism of load-bearing structures is involved, which includes a window sill block. The author of the house project will never give permission for its demolition.

Also, in “panels” it is forbidden to expand the openings to the loggia to the sides and height, as this violates the integrity of the hinged panel.

Along with the window sill block, owners often want to dismantle the side walls on the loggia and balcony. Here's what they look like:

This can be done if the apartment is located up to 15 meters from the ground - this is approximately the 6-7th floor. In apartments above, fire-resistant glass must be installed in its place.

Loggia block design

Balcony box - a structure that includes windows, a doorway opening onto the loggia, and a connecting profile. The structure is assembled on the ground, then mounted on a prepared base. When replacing an old frame, doors and windows are removed from the base and dismantled into separate parts.

The balcony box kit includes:

• window sill design;
• threshold base;
• tides/slopes;
• slope profile;
• accessories.

The components can be purchased separately, but it is better to buy the entire set at once. This will simplify the assembly of the box and eliminate complications during installation.

Dismantling the window sill block depending on the territorial location of the house

In Moscow, removing a window sill at the entrance to a loggia or balcony is not difficult; the main thing is to adhere to the rules described above. But in the Moscow region it is necessary to clarify the possibility of dismantling in each specific city.

Today, dismantling of the window sill block is freely allowed only in two cities: Krasnogorsk and Khimki. If the apartment is, for example, in Kotelniki, then you need to sue the administration in order to approve such work.

You should always further clarify this issue with your city administration. Each municipality may have its own nuances.

If you doubt whether it is possible to demolish the window sill block in your apartment, write to us about the series at home. PEREPLAN engineers have prepared more than 5,000 redevelopment projects in all types of houses. We know exactly which walls can be dismantled and which cannot.

on WhatsApp

How much does it cost to coordinate a redevelopment?
Hello!