Which double-glazed window is best for a loggia?
First you need to decide on the type of glazing. This will help with the right choice. It also depends on: what type of fencing will be, whether to insulate the balcony slab, and for what purposes the room will be used. In cases where you have a well-equipped and insulated balcony, you can arrange your own small garden in it. When we need a work office, but there is not enough space in the apartment, we can also move it here. Based on this, we will consider two types of balcony glazing:
If we need a warm balcony, then two-chamber or three-chamber double-glazed windows are suitable for this type. Inert gas or rarefied air is sometimes used to fill the chambers. It is also necessary to insulate the fence and concrete slab.
If the balcony is small, for decorative purposes only, then in this case you can choose cold glazing. Here it will be possible to use single-chamber double-glazed windows. This is an acceptable option when you only need protection from rain, dust, and wind. The big advantage is that this design is not very heavy. Can be used even on not very strong small balconies. At the same time, the cost will be low.
Glazing types
To glaze a balcony room, it is important to choose the right type of glazing. It can be warm or cold. What windows are best to install on the balcony? Conventionally, they can be warm or cold.
In the first case, it is possible to achieve the most comfortable conditions in the house. A balcony, which has reliable protection from the cold, can become an extension of the room and increase the area of the apartment.
The main requirement is considered to be low thermal conductivity. Otherwise, the heat will escape outside. As a result, heating will be ineffective.
Cold and warm glazing
When answering the question of which windows to choose for a loggia, you need to decide on the purpose of the space. If you do not plan to insulate the room, it is enough to install cold glazing from a budget aluminum profile. It will help protect the space from dust, wind and precipitation.
Single-glazed windows provide good sound insulation, but they do not protect against heat loss through the walls, floor and ceiling. It doesn’t make much sense to use more expensive two-chamber or three-chamber double-glazed windows on an uninsulated balcony.
If you plan to join the loggia to the common space of the apartment or use it as a separate living space, you need to provide warm windows. In this case, it is necessary to install at least double glazing on the balcony.
Light weight aluminum structures are considered the only option for residents of old panel houses.
Replacing cold glazing with warm glazing is a good solution
Cold glazing has many disadvantages. In most cases it is made from aluminum profile. Its main disadvantage is the installation of one glass. This provokes heat loss in the apartment.
To get rid of this problem, it is enough to perform a simple replacement of the overall system. In this case, you need to know which glazing to choose for the loggia. By replacing cold glazing with warm glazing, you can get the following benefits:
- protect the room from drafts and blowing;
- connect the loggia with the living room;
- get a panoramic façade and maintain sound insulation;
- avoid window fogging;
- provide micro-ventilation.
Sliding double-glazed windows have many advantages.
Which double-glazed window should you choose: single-chamber or double-chamber?
A double-glazed window is usually called a structure consisting of a certain number of layers of glass. The space between these layers is called chambers. The type of future device will depend on how many of these cameras are available.
A single-chamber double-glazed window consists of two glasses, between which a camera is placed. Despite their apparent simplicity, they have a number of advantages:
- It weighs little, due to which you can save on fittings;
- Suitable for people on a tight budget. Due to the low price, a large area can be glazed.
Minuses:
- it will not be possible to properly insulate the balcony;
- not very good sound insulation.
To achieve the best comfort, it is better to choose a two-chamber package. This type of design is more durable; there are already three glasses and two cameras. It is important to note that these chambers are of different sizes. But at the same time, the design still does not look too massive. The main difference from the previous type: the cost will be higher. But at the same time, they are reliable in terms of thermal insulation.
All that remains is to choose the right fittings, and such double-glazed windows can last a long time.
Care rules for long-term use
In order for a double-glazed window to serve for a long time and retain its functions, it is necessary to properly care for it, as well as for windows in general. Follow simple recommendations.
- Immediately after installing the window system (hardening of the mounting foam and completion of finishing), remove the protective films from the product and stickers from the glass, because hardened adhesive is almost impossible to remove without damaging the surface of the structure.
- Adjust the flaps for a tight fit and to avoid sagging.
- At least twice a year, adjust the position of the sashes - compensate for the sagging of the product by using a 6-sided wrench to rotate the screws on the hinge, retracting and pulling the sashes towards the frame.
- Periodically lubricate the fittings and PVC seal. Pour 3-5 drops of silicone grease into the openings of the valves.
- Seal joints - fill cracks and gaps in the window system with silicone sealant once a year.
Which double glazing is better, double or triple?
A three-chamber double-glazed window has four glasses and two chambers. They have a high profile thickness. The cost is higher than the previous two types. But the quality will be at the same level:
- provide high-quality thermal insulation even in areas with extremely low temperatures;
- suitable for loggias or balconies connected to living spaces;
- saving on energy resources;
- high level of sound insulation.
They also have their disadvantages:
- very high cost;
- heavy weight, as a result of which they are not suitable for dilapidated balconies;
- the fittings must be very strong, which means you will also have to spend a lot of money on them;
- four glasses reflect the sun's rays and reduce the level of illumination.
Therefore, it is most advisable to use a double-glazed window. It is optimal in terms of price and quality ratio. Promotes good thermal insulation, but is not very expensive.
The number of glasses also affects the characteristics of the entire structure. The most popular are double glazing, but sometimes single or triple glazing is ordered. “Triple” windows will be the warmest, but they require high-quality installation and structural stability. Single bags are more suitable for summer houses, as they do not retain heat very well. Double glazing will be the best option and will help retain heat throughout the year.
How to choose the right accessories
In order not to get confused before choosing and choose the best option for your balcony, you should follow some recommendations from experts:
- Panorama with aluminum is optimal for an unheated balcony.
- Made from plastic. The plastic profile is suitable for loggias at any time of the year.
- Remote glazing is ordered if there is a small balcony.
- A metal profile with standard glazing is chosen for an old house, where excess load on the floor surface is undesirable.
Based on the balcony dimensions and personal preferences, it is possible to choose the best option with maximum performance, durability and aesthetics.
The double-glazed window occupies 90% of the window area, so you should pay special attention to its choice
Which double-glazed window is better: multifunctional or energy-saving?
As additional options, you can choose energy-saving, multifunctional packages, as well as with noise and shock protection functions.
They are able to reflect heat waves that emanate from heating devices back into the room. This is achieved through an energy-saving glass coating that reflects infrared rays. Such glasses are of soft (i-glass) or hard (k-glass) type.
Therefore, if, despite working heating devices, you are still quite cool, it is better to choose just such double-glazed windows. Suitable both when you live in an apartment and when you have your own home.
Multifunctional double-glazed windows have appeared recently. Their peculiarity is that they are not only capable of reflecting rays into the room. They can also reflect heat waves coming from the sun outward during the summer. Choosing an energy-saving or multifunctional package does not play a significant role. But if your windows face the sunny side, and it’s unbearably hot for you in the summer, it’s still better to choose such a multifunctional option. This will help save not only on heating, but also on air conditioning, and provide long-awaited coolness in extreme heat.
If you live in a noisy area, special noise protection packages are suitable for you. As a rule, this is an ordinary two-chamber package with glasses of different thicknesses, or different distances between them, or its chamber is filled with inert gas. It is also possible to combine all these properties to achieve the best quality. Also suitable for houses located near busy highways and nightclubs.
Double-glazed windows with an impact protection function are characterized by: durable tempered glass or a special shockproof film. Such packages are suitable for the first floor or a country house.
Other selection criteria
- The interglass distance is up to 20 mm, which is sufficient for reliable thermal insulation.
- The dimensions of the glass bag are up to 3.2 m in width and up to 3 m in height. With large dimensions, depressurization of the structure occurs.
- Placement of tinted glass is on the outside.
- The air temperature for installation is above −15 degrees.
To increase the level of thermal insulation of the package, use special glasses - tinted or energy-saving, which reflect heat.
Options for opening double-glazed windows
There are two opening options: swing structures and sliding ones.
The advantages of swing structures are high tightness, noise and heat insulation. The inconvenience is that when open, they take up a lot of space. If the balcony is small, then this is not very convenient.
Sliding structures can only be installed with cold glazing. Distinctive features include:
- low sound and thermal insulation;
- low price;
- convenient use;
- light weight;
- easy installation.
Such sliding structures cause the greatest trouble during winter. During periods of severe cold, ice may freeze on the guides. The consequence of this is that the windows begin to open poorly. This is especially true for windows with aluminum profiles.
Turning
A special mechanism helps to open the sash, which makes cleaning easier. Packages often alternate between fixed and rotating types, reducing the cost of the window. If the opening is too large, a powerful stream of air rushes into the loggia, which can break the glass. The design is complemented by corner limiters and combs.
The windows cannot be placed for little ventilation, and when opened, the windows take up useful space. During active use, the sashes sag and the fittings quickly fail. Packages must be adjusted regularly, which reduces their service life. The models are dangerous for families with children and pets.
Opening options Source zabor.bz
Folding
The opening mechanism is made in the form of scissors. The lower horizontal is always fixed, and the upper sash is folded into the room. The movable canvas can be full-size or compact (transom, window). The design is safe for people, but inconvenient to wash.
Transom window Source smtop.ru
Tilt&Turn
The system combines the positive properties of a rotating and folding view. The scissor mechanism allows you to install the sash in any position. If necessary, the part opens the canvas. When opened into the room, it takes up a lot of useful space.
Universal opening option Source remontu.com.ua
Sliding
The sashes are mounted on rollers and guides. The structure moves in special grooves, so it does not go beyond the line of the glass block. Based on the type of opening, systems are divided into 3 groups:
- Classic (movable). The canvases move parallel to each other, like compartment doors.
- Harmonic. The doors fold in a turn, sliding to the side.
- With a slope. The structure moves forward 12 cm, then moves to the side.
All mechanisms are controlled using a handle. Sliding models are compatible with all types of materials and profiles. On the balcony the structure takes up virtually no free space. Drafts in open mode will not break the glass. The tightness of the structures is much worse than that of tilt-and-turn types.
Frame with sliding doors Source balkon-kazan.com
How to prevent condensation and which seal to choose
A fairly common problem is the formation of condensation on windows. Many have encountered this, especially when installing PVC bags. To avoid this, it will be important to consider the following points:
- Install membrane waterproofing and high-quality insulation of the loggia fence.
- It is better to choose double-chamber double-glazed windows with double frame insulation.
- It is desirable that the frames have special ventilation holes.
Armature
The quality of the fittings determines the tightness of the windows, their service life and the tightness of the closure, so there is no saving here. The heavier the window, the more demands are placed on it. It is advisable to use products from proven European brands - Germans and Italians are considered the best in this area.
If the apartment is on a low floor, it is better to install an anti-theft system on the windows, and if there are children in the apartment, special locks or removable handles.
Nuances of the seal
The black seal is made of rubber, which is based on artificial rubber (EPDM). Additionally, these tires are tinted with black soot. An exception is the REHAU seal, which is cast from PVC (plasticized).
The basis of the gray seal is plasticized PVC, because... welded to the profile, due to which the production process becomes cheaper. Cons: does not tolerate frost well and becomes tanned. However, replacing it in the future can be very difficult.
The white seal consists of the latest generation material – thermoplastic elastomer. But it can be difficult to guess its quality, since it depends on the specific manufacturer and can vary greatly.
Silicone seals are currently not used in production, as they are very expensive and short-lived. Therefore, the most rational solution would be to opt for black EPDM. It is the most traditional material that has long stood the test of time.
Thermal insulation properties of single-chamber plastic windows
Russia is a multifaceted country. Stretching from the shores of the Black Sea to the Arctic Circle, it demonstrates a whole collection of climatic zones, in each of which weather conditions vary significantly. Therefore, you cannot count on the fact that single-chamber plastic windows will equally protect rooms from the penetration of cold everywhere.
Yes, filled with air and hermetically sealed from contact with the surrounding atmosphere, the window chamber reliably separates the inner and outer glass. It, like a protective screen, does not allow the room glass to cool, which in turn prevents the formation of condensation on its surface.
But this rule applies only in those regions where winters are quite mild and short. But for extremely low temperatures in Moscow and other, more northern regions, a small air space between the glasses is not a hindrance.
Prolonged exposure to frosty air on single-chamber plastic windows significantly reduces the temperature of the internal glass, as a result, moisture condenses on them, gradually turning into ice.
Which profiles to choose for a window
REHAU. They are highly efficient. PVC window designs from REHAU are distinguished by their beauty, durability and ease of maintenance. They look quite stylish. Provide a variety of functionality that meets the expectations of even the most demanding homeowners.
The main advantages are:
- These profiles are specially designed to withstand high UV radiation.
- They do not discolor, do not deform or shrink.
- They can help prevent condensation.
- No rust or corrosion occurs.
- Noise and thermal insulation at a high level.
VEKA. These profiles are made from high quality PVC. They can last for a long time and are also made from environmentally friendly material. Sound and thermal insulation is at the level, excellent heat saving. These windows are also resistant to sudden temperature changes. Taking into account our changeable climatic conditions, this is especially important.
KBE. These profiles can provide safety, comfort and coziness. They have all the advantages that are usually expected from modern windows: waterproof, stable, durable. They also tolerate exposure to ultraviolet rays well.
SALAMANDER. Advanced technologies are used in the production of these profiles. There is a huge variety of shapes and colors to choose from. They are also highly functional and easy to use. Their sound and thermal insulation is excellent, which makes them an excellent option for glazing.
The choice of profile is yours.
Frame material
In the case of cold glazing, aluminum structures are the best option. With the warm type, the number of options increases noticeably. In this case, in addition to aluminum, wood and plastic are used.
The main advantages of wooden double-glazed windows include the following:
- good sound insulation;
- excellent hygienic characteristics;
- feeling of warmth and comfort.
However, wooden frames are used quite rarely. This is due to the following disadvantages:
- high price;
- the need for regular painting to prevent destruction;
- large mass.
Wooden frames are considered an eco-friendly option.
Aluminum frames have many advantages. These include the following:
- lightness - when using this material there is no need to strengthen slabs and parapets;
- fire resistance;
- resistance to the influence of negative environmental factors;
- thin frames - due to this, an increase in luminous flux is achieved.
Warm aluminum double-glazed windows include thermal inlays. This helps compensate for the high thermal conductivity of the metal.
Such windows are as close as possible in terms of performance to plastic ones. Therefore, they are perfect for residents of not very cold regions. At the same time, the main disadvantage of aluminum is its high price.
Metal-plastic windows are considered the most popular option. They are practically free of flaws. Plastic buildings are characterized by an optimal ratio of quality and price.
The main advantages of such structures include the following:
- high degree of strength;
- ease of installation;
- low maintenance requirements;
- variety of designs;
- wide selection of colors.
The main disadvantage of PVC double-glazed windows is the impossibility of installation in old houses with weak balcony slabs. They cannot be loaded with relatively heavy systems.
Metal-plastic structures are considered the most popular.
