You may need to measure the size of your balcony door when replacing or repairing it. But few people know that these parameters are determined by GOSTs and regulations. When taking measurements yourself, it is convenient to use several techniques that allow you to perform the work no worse than a specialist from a window company. Nowadays it is possible to make a door according to individual measurements.
Apartment buildings are built according to standard designs; as a rule, standard door and window frames are installed. Manufacturers of window blocks offer products of standard sizes for sale. If a private house is being built, then the designer has much more freedom of choice. He gets the opportunity to order wooden or plastic frames according to individual sizes.
GOST standards on the size of a balcony door
The standard dimensions of a balcony block are determined by state standards. These are GOSTs 23166-99 and 11214-86. The standards were not developed by chance; the room must have natural lighting, that is, lighting. The area of the room must correspond to the incident light flux.
The width of the doorway is in the range of 70-90 cm, and together with a standard double-leaf window - 1.85 meters. The thickness should be 7.5 cm. Height - from 200 to 210 centimeters.
Standardization of the size of the entrance to the balcony is required not only to ensure that the room is sufficiently illuminated. The optimal size of the door leaf also guarantees structural rigidity.
This makes it possible to make long-term operation durable and safe. In the open position, the sash must provide the necessary ventilation so that air enters the home. But you can’t make it too big, as heat loss will increase in winter and autumn.
When you want to order door frames according to individual sizes, it is important to check time-tested samples.
Complete set of window and door unit
The balcony block consists of double-glazed windows, frame profiles, fittings with a locking mechanism, auxiliary parts - threshold, window sill. Attention to components is the reliability and durability of the structure assembled from them.
Frame profiles
Frame profiles are made of wood, aluminum or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Each material has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Moreover, all products meet the requirements to one degree or another.
One of the design options for access to the balcony
Frame profiles must be:
- durable;
- moisture resistant;
- resistant to household chemicals and temperature changes;
- non-flammable;
- resistant to mechanical damage.
Aluminum profiles have a laconic design, high strength with low weight, and small width. They easily take a given shape, so you can design an original design. Rigidity and strength indicators make it possible to produce large-sized balcony blocks.
Custom aluminum profile design
Disadvantages of aluminum structures:
- standard aluminum profiles are cold and lack a thermal insulating insert;
- “warm” profiles with a thermal break will cost more.
Wooden window and door units are rare. They are attractive in appearance, retain heat well, and are vapor permeable. But at the same time, wooden frames require constant care, are susceptible to moisture, and dry out over time. The price is above average.
Decorating the exit to the balcony with wooden profiles
PVC profiles are an almost universal solution. Suitable for installation in private houses, multi-storey new buildings, and old housing stock. Plastic frames are either “cold” or “warm”. It all depends on the number of air chambers, the thickness of the plastic, and the width of the frame. PVC profiles are durable, do not require painting, are easy to maintain, conserve heat, and are resistant to damage. Prices for PVC balcony blocks vary widely.
Plastic window and door structure
Double-glazed windows for glazed and open balconies
When choosing frame filling - glass - the quality of insulation of the balcony is assessed. If in winter it will be maintained at a temperature close to room temperature, then they are limited to inserting one glass into the window-door unit. If the temperature on the balcony is several degrees higher than outside, then it is recommended to install double-glazed windows. These are two glasses hermetically connected, the space between which is filled with a special gas.
There can be several double-glazed windows. The more there are, the warmer it will be in the adjacent room. At the same time, the real need for heat conservation is correlated with monetary costs.
Single and double glazing
Glass is a source of natural light, as well as an increased danger from mechanical damage. In addition to the standard material, there are improved options. For example:
- Strained glass. Manufacturing technology makes such glass 6-7 times stronger than regular glass.
- “Triplex” is laminated glass with a special layer as the middle layer. It improves noise absorption, increases heat conservation, and reliability of the material.
- Colored, mirror, tinted glass. They reduce the degree of insolation of the room (important for bedrooms), and partially protect from prying eyes on the first floors.
Installation of especially durable and decorative glass is advisable if there is no glazing on the balcony. Otherwise, landscaping the exit to it and the premises itself will not be cheap.
Door glazing options
Fittings for windows and doors
The fittings determine the degree of functionality and ease of use of the balcony block:
- the ability to open the doors and ventilate the room;
- features of the locking mechanism (rotary handle, latch lock, “smoker’s handle”, etc.);
- possibility of adjusting the pressure of window sashes.
Turning fittings are usually chosen for doors, and tilt-and-turn fittings for opening window sashes.
Fittings elements for PVC windows
In order for windows and doors to serve for a long time, reliably saving heat in the house, the fittings must be of high quality. They don't skimp on it.
Additional items
Details such as ebbs, window sills, thresholds are the final touches to the installed block. But they are installed not only “for beauty”.
The threshold provides comfortable access to the balcony, eliminates the difference in heights between floors, and smoothes the transition from one floor covering to another.
Window sill is:
- additional thermal insulation;
- compact tabletop;
- a place to place flowers and interior details.
The window sill also prevents condensation from forming on the window if there is a heating radiator underneath it. The presence of this structural element makes the transition from the inner surface of the wall to the window glass less abrupt.
The presence of a window sill on the side of the living space is mandatory!
The ebb sill is installed under the window frame if there is no glazing along the parapet. In this case, it removes moisture from the joints of the structure with the outer wall. The ebb is used like a regular window sill - as a stand for light objects.
Flashing fixed under the frame
Types of doors to the balcony
There are various variations that are selected by the architect not only for convenience, but in accordance with the appearance of the building.
The main types of doors are given below:
- Single-leaf - this design is time-tested and worked out to the smallest detail. The material can be metal-plastic, wood or a combination of both.
- Double-leaf - in multi-storey buildings it is made at the request of the owner before finishing or during redevelopment. The width of the doors is usually 140 centimeters.
- Sliding doors - operate similarly to sliding wardrobe doors. They save space because they do not require free space to open. Such modifications are installed in warm climates, or if the balcony space is well heated.
- Folding doors - when opened, this design resembles an accordion. This is also an option for a heated and insulated balcony.
Double door to bakon
When choosing a design solution, it is necessary to take into account, first of all, climatic conditions. A double door looks beautiful, but with a lot of cold and snowy winters, the room will be cold, or you will have to additionally heat the balcony.
Types of structures
The most common variations
The range of balcony blocks can hardly be called large. But you can also use it to create a modern, high-quality space for a loggia or balcony. Let's look at the main glazing options.
Standard
Standard balcony block with a blind window
A good option for equipping Soviet-era houses. Modern plastic structures fit almost perfectly into the opening after dismantling the old wooden counterpart. A distinctive feature is the presence of a special slot for ventilation. This allows you to ensure the supply of fresh air from the balcony (loggia). If you consider that a plastic door can be equipped with a folding mechanism, you get an almost ideal ventilation system.
The price for a standard balcony block is low. It does not have complex fittings, and the area of light transmitting elements is quite small. The increase in price is affected by the number of double-glazed windows.
For an insulated balcony
The block for an insulated balcony has a window that can be opened.
In this case, there is no need for significant insulation. A distinctive feature is the presence of a double-hung window. This makes it possible to open only part of the entire glazing. In other cases this is not possible.
Stalin's block
Balcony block for “Stalin” windows
Involves a stripped-down version of glazing due to a narrow door. The door structure can open in several positions to adjust the ventilation process. The window frame is identical. Powerful insulation is not expected due to the fact that glazing for old houses must be done carefully.
Solid
Balcony block with panoramic windows
A distinctive feature of the design is the presence of panoramic windows. They look impressive and go perfectly with the parapet on the loggia. There is a good view of the street and its landscapes. Even if it’s urban. The room will be much brighter.
How to take measurements correctly
Usually calling a surveyor is free, and most likely this operation will be performed by a professional. But you can also take measurements from the doorway yourself to order the product according to your own measurements. To perform a simple operation, you need to take a tape measure and chalk. You will also need a notepad and pen to record your measurements.
It is easier to take measurements when there is no glass in the frames.
We measure the height and width
First you need to measure the distances between the slopes. Next, measure the slopes directly. Add the second number to the first number and subtract 4 centimeters. This will be the width of the future balcony block. Height is calculated in the same way. With these dimensions, you can go to a company that produces metal-plastic or wooden balcony blocks.
Measuring a window with a door as an integral structure is performed a little differently. The width of the balcony door will be equal to the distance from the location of the window sill to the side edge of the slopes. And the height will be equal to the size of the gap from the window sill to the top of the slopes. If the glazing is not removed, the measurements will be approximate.
The most difficult case is if the width of the opening at the top and bottom does not match. Then you may have to remove the wall, remove the part that is too protruding. This problem usually appears if there is a misalignment due to the shrinkage of the building, or if it was originally built unevenly.
Thickness measurement
Since modern buildings are built using new, often frame technologies filled with porous materials, door thicknesses are usually less than the standard 7.5 centimeters. You need to measure the depth of the opening where the box will be mounted. The thickness of the box, of course, must match this parameter.
If the door turns out to be disproportionately thin, you can glue a layer of insulation onto liquid nails or attach platbands.
If, as a result of repairs, the opening has taken on an unclear shape, it is necessary to try to restore the original picture. In this case, you need to consider which opening will look harmonious. For approximate height calculations, you can take the distance from the top point of the window to the baseboard. And then subtract 5 centimeters from the resulting figure.
To get more accurate numbers, professional measurers dismantle some of the insulation and finishing. This allows you to see hidden parts of the structure and attachment points. When taking independent measurements, you can also remove some of the finishing materials under which the box is hidden. Sometimes it is enough to cut off some of the old wallpaper.
