Panoramic windows in a private house

11.01.2021

Panoramic windows allow you to fill the interior space of the house with natural light and add a certain aesthetics to the building structure. Floor-to-ceiling windows look spectacular both inside and outside the house. When choosing a house project with panoramic glazing, it is important to pay attention to the features of window structures in order to avoid difficulties and errors in installing windows and their operation in the future.

Panoramic glazing in timber houses

Houses made of timber with panoramic windows look beautiful and stylish. Installation of panoramic windows in a house made of timber has its own specifics. First, it is important to consider the shrinkage of the house. Although in a house made of laminated veneer lumber the shrinkage is very small, it is still necessary to calculate it correctly. To solve the problem of house shrinkage, expansion gaps are usually left for windows. Frames for windows in wooden houses can be made from lamellas of laminated veneer lumber or metal-plastic profiles can be installed, which can be covered with special wooden overlays.

Features of houses with floor-to-ceiling windows

Typically, panoramic glazing is installed only in certain rooms of the house - most often in the living room or on the terrace. This allows you to create a feeling of maximum unity between the premises of the house and the surrounding nature. In cottages with panoramic windows, it is necessary to consider the heating system, taking into account possible heat loss during the cold season. Moreover, it is no longer possible to install standard radiators under the panoramic windows of a country house. It is better to use “warm floor” or other types of heating. In order for the sun's rays to better warm the space of the house in the off-season, and more light from the street to enter the premises, it is better to orient panoramic windows to the south. It is necessary to take into account in advance that the cost of design, materials and installation of panoramic glazing in a house will be higher than the installation of conventional windows.

Installation of frame structures

Even at the stage of designing a future home, it is advisable to prepare the ground for the successful use of panoramic windows. To do this, it is important to consider the following points:

Selecting a profile and type of construction

If you have a sufficient budget, it is better to afford panoramic windows made of insulated aluminum or composite profiles. This is a durable option that has been proven in large structures such as shopping centers or office buildings. If you want a house in the style of New York lofts or Hollywood mansions, choose an expensive profile. It can also be wood, which fits especially harmoniously into the interior of popular wooden houses.

If the owners are not ready to pay for the panoramic window of their dreams, as for the other 3 walls, it is better to consider the option of a standard PVC profile, but reinforced and in the maximum configuration. Wood lamination or black film covering for Scandinavian style and loft is very popular now.

Ventilation

A house with modern double-glazed windows must have a competent ventilation system. The main thing is that there is an air flow and the ability to remove moisture. Otherwise, owners of a panoramic window in a private house may face the problem of “crying” windows and icing in sub-zero temperatures.

Heating

A very important step is calculating the heating power based on the area of the panoramic glazing. The ideal option is heated floors, a warm baseboard right under the window, a special heating system built into the double-glazed window, similar to car glass heating. Underfloor heating systems: low radiators and in-floor convectors are very common, but have significant disadvantages in use.

Protective functions

If the glazing is on the sunny side, then you need to consider a protective coating against the penetration of sunlight or a tinting film, which helps to avoid overheating of the room.

In areas with severe frosts, consider additional energy-saving spraying of metal oxides, which retains heat inside the room, preventing it from escaping outside, and consider additional heating of the glass.

If it is noisy outside or there are frequent strong winds, then you can install an additional sealing circuit and strengthen the frame. In any case, solutions to the problem exist, although they are expensive. Famous penthouses, country houses in the rocks above the raging abyss of the sea and mansions on the ocean are direct proof that there is 100% protection from noise and wind.

Layout of ventilation, opening, window cleaning capabilities

Owners need to decide in advance several important points: do they need the ability to ventilate, open windows, will they combine the functions of windows and doors, or will it be a solid monolithic structure. A huge irritating factor for owners of full-wall glazing, if this point is not thought out in advance, is the need to wash the windows. You need either competent and safe external access to the entire area of the panoramic window, or provision of opening of the sashes.

Safety

It is imperative to think through security issues in advance: the external protective functions of the window against penetration and the internal safety of use, if we are talking about a height of at least the 2nd floor. The main solution is armored glass. A special film strengthens the glass, which cannot be broken without extreme force. The fragments will not fly apart, but will remain on the film as a network of small fragments.

Particular attention should be paid to protective fittings if full-wall windows also serve as doors. There are special barriers for the safety of children. Not only collapsible or monolithic barrier fences, but also child-resistant fittings should help protect children from the danger of falling out.

Furniture arrangement

Many owners thoughtlessly order panoramic glazing for their home, and then complain that it is impossible to install anything in the room. A room where one wall turns into a window becomes specific for the arrangement of furniture. To design the interior and decorate your living space, you can use the services of an interior designer or select your favorite photos of similar rooms on the Internet.

Observation will help you choose your optimal furniture option. Much depends on the style of the house and the interior of the room. Minimalism, Scandinavian style, loft, hi-tech themselves require a minimum of furniture, but interesting decor and functionality of all details. A lot depends on this issue and on the living area in which the panoramic window is located: in the bedroom, living room, kitchen, hall, veranda, etc.

Advantages and disadvantages of panoramic glazing

The main advantage of panoramic windows in a house is good illumination. The abundance of light in the premises allows you to reduce electricity costs and visually makes the interior space of a private home larger. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide an opportunity to view the surrounding environment, especially if the house is located in a picturesque location outside the city. Panoramic windows look great, are durable and strong, and do not allow noise from the street to pass through. Despite the obvious advantages, the option of panoramic glazing of cottages has its disadvantages. Firstly, the premises of the house will be visible from the street. To close yourself off from prying eyes, you will have to hang curtains or install blinds on the windows. Secondly, the thermal conductivity of the window is higher than that of the wall of the house, and in cold climates it will be necessary to install thicker windows and additional heating in the room. Caring for a floor-to-ceiling window requires time and effort: such windows are more difficult to wash and remove ice in the winter.

Why install panoramic windows?

Large-format glazing (this includes both panoramic and French windows) helps to visually increase the area of rooms, fill them with light, and practically erase the boundary between the room and the surrounding area. This is especially true for houses in forest areas, because large windows allow you to let nature into the house as much as possible,

With regard to reliability, safety, heat and sound insulation, large-format windows from leading manufacturers meet all modern requirements in terms of these parameters.

Where are panoramic double-glazed windows used?

Panoramic windows look best in private country cottages located in nature: you can admire the surrounding area without leaving your home. Often in northern countries, panoramic windows are installed: they allow you to let in more light and extend the short daylight hours. Panoramic windows perfectly complement the buildings of office centers, hotels and shopping and entertainment complexes. Any public buildings in the Art Nouveau or high-tech style will look more impressive with floor-to-ceiling windows. Panoramic windows are also used for glazing balconies, winter gardens, verandas, greenhouses and swimming pools.

What else to keep in mind

The most important part is to find a designer who knows how to work with panoramic glazing and has solid experience; there are few of them, so his work will cost a lot.

An equally important point is the correct legal registration of the installation of such a structure: you can obtain permission from the HOA to combine a balcony and a room. But city architects may refuse panoramic glazing of the balcony.

Equipping a balcony with a floor convector will require significant expenses to prevent condensation. Maintaining glass sheets is difficult because most often they are located on the upper floors, and it is almost impossible to reach hard-to-reach places from the outside; in this case, the services of industrial climbers will be required, which is also not cheap.

It is necessary to consider the issue of safety, especially if the panoramic balcony is in a private house or on the lower floors. To prevent criminals from entering your home, the glass must be reinforced, laminated or covered with a special metallized film.

The bottom row of double-glazed windows should also be covered with tinting or reflective film in order to maintain the privacy of your life and not allow strangers to observe what is happening on the balcony and in the room.

It is worth choosing energy-saving glass - in the winter cold it will retain heat inside, tinting will protect you from annoyingly bright sunlight. Electrochromic glass allows you to adjust the level of transparency as needed.

Since the double-glazed windows themselves, the frames, and the entire installation as a whole have a lot of weight, it is necessary to first strengthen the balcony slab, especially if we are talking about “Stalinist” or Khrushchev-era houses.

Frameless glazing looks especially stunning, light and unobtrusive; the double-glazed windows are connected with a silicone layer, but in this case you need to provide for the possibility of ventilating the room in advance.

Climatic comfort and heating costs

In the warm season, panoramic windows with south-facing access can cause heat and stuffiness in the rooms. Therefore, sliding portal windows are preferable to blind panoramic windows. Heating costs in a private house with floor-to-ceiling windows will depend on many factors, but installing heating equipment may be more expensive than operating it. Most often, convectors are installed flush with the floor or a heated floor system is installed.

Choosing a PVC system

PVC profiles provide excellent thermal insulation, retain their mechanical properties over a wide temperature range, do not fade in the sun, and
do not need to be coated with protective compounds or tinted, like wooden structures. At the same time, they have great decorative capabilities: thanks to lamination technology, plastic can “imitate” a variety of materials.
PVC is suitable for the manufacture of large-format structures, however, during the calculation it is necessary to take into account many factors, including the coefficient of linear thermal expansion of the profiles. As a rule, the maximum dimensions of a plastic sash are 110 × 250 cm.

Plastic five-chamber system Schüco Corona CT 70
Swing systems.

The optimal price-quality ratio for panoramic glazing is the five-chamber Schüco Corona CT 70 system, which combines:

excellent thermal insulation characteristics (heat transfer resistance coefficient Ro = 0.75 m² °C/W);
structural rigidity. Unlike other plastic systems, which use a thin U-shaped reinforcing profile, the Schüco Corona complex cross- section reinforcement so the windows do not sag over time and do not require constant adjustment
;
flexible variable design (thanks to the different geometry of the external sashes and several options for glazing beads, you can diversify the design of the window structure and emphasize the individuality of both the interior and exterior);
high-quality Schüco VarioTec fittings. You can choose the color of the handles and hinges to match the interior, and also determine the type of safe handling of the window sash - with the possibility of locking with a key or handles with a button.

Schüco Corona CT 70 allows you to install double-glazed windows up to 40 mm thick. The use of special glasses with i-coating makes it possible to keep the house warm even in the harshest winter. Thanks to this, the windows will not fog up and freeze even at temperatures as low as -20°C. And multifunctional glass will also protect from the summer heat. Since they have the ability to reflect thermal radiation in both directions.

The Schüco VarioTec fittings system with polyamide crossbars will ensure soft locking and long service life of the panoramic window. At the same time, it has an impressive load capacity: the maximum weight of the sash is 150 kg

Schüco Living 82 MD 7-chamber profiles with an installation depth of 82 mm have even better thermal characteristics, providing maximum protection from the cold. Thanks to co-extruded rubber-based EPDM seals, windows made from these profiles are completely airtight and help create an ideal indoor microclimate, saving energy spent on heating and air conditioning (provided the home is equipped with a modern ventilation system with heat recovery).

Infrared images obtained with a thermal imager clearly show areas of uncontrolled heat loss (marked in red)

After installing new Schüco LivIng windows, thermographic images show that there is almost no heat loss

If you are afraid of heat loss and drafts, make one of the doors blind (non-opening)

Sliding systems.

Hinged doors are familiar and reliable, but they require space to open and are slammed shut by the wind.
Lifting and sliding systems, for example, the plastic Schüco Easy Slide, do not have these disadvantages. It is also called sliding walls, since it can close an opening 6 m wide and 2.5 m high. Easy Slide lets in a lot of light, opens and closes easily and silently, while meeting modern safety standards.
(heat transfer resistance is almost a record! R0 = 1.25 m²ˑC°/W), will help to minimize heating costs The door threshold with triple thermal break prevents freezing in the floor area, and the threshold itself is installed flush with the floor, which significantly extends its service life.

Schüco Easy Slide plastic system

Lift-and-slide system Schüco Thermo Slide

Folding systems.

If the opening is small or you need to open it completely, the best option would be a folding sliding system (“accordion”), created on the basis of Schüco profiles with an installation depth of 70 and 82 mm. The accordion doors can fold to the right, left, inward or outward. Thanks to the multi-point locking system, they are highly air- and water-tight.

Folding sliding PVC system Schüco

Types and options of panoramic glazing

The size and location of panoramic windows shape the appearance of the house. Based on technical properties, mechanism of use and method of glazing, several types are distinguished.

Bay window decoration

A bay window in a house is always a spectacular design element. Supplemented with panoramic windows, it can become the main decoration and favorite place to spend time in the house. The shape of the bay window makes it possible to expand the view from the window. The installation of double-glazed windows in a bay window structure can be sectional or semicircular, depending on the type of bay window.

Corner glazing

The corner panoramic design is considered the most difficult to install windows, but it looks natural and easy. The corner of the house is made completely glazed either using a frameless structure, or using a special profile (frame), or using a column or other delimiter.

"Fall" glazing

This is a classic version of panoramic glazing, in which the window occupies part of the facade from floor to ceiling. This design is called “blind” because the window in such a design cannot be opened. The design looks aesthetically pleasing, creating the impression of transparent walls, but is less convenient to use and maintain.

Panoramic glazing with hinged doors

This option for installing panoramic glazing is convenient for accessing the garden or balcony. Panoramic windows and doors are also called “French” and can be sliding or hinged. Swing doors are usually more durable due to less load on the fastening mechanism.

Sliding glazing

The sliding structure can have a lift-sliding or parallel-sliding mechanism. The second option, unlike the first, does not involve lifting up. Sliding windows are easy to use and are used in a wide variety of types of premises.

Folding glazing mechanism

The accordion folding mechanism for glass windows or doors allows you to save useful opening area and offers different opening variations. This method of installing windows provides effective protection from weather conditions and does not require the installation of a high threshold.

What are the window opening mechanisms?

Panoramic windows can be equipped with various types of sashes:

rotary;
tilt and turn;
tilt-sliding;
portal.

Tilt-and-turn aluminum transoms work in the same way as with the swing opening method. But they have special limiters that prevent complete opening. Sliding balcony doors open, moving parallel to each other, folding in the form of a book or accordion. The combination of fixed and opening aluminum sashes allows you to create glazing with an effective natural ventilation system and optimal load-bearing capacity. Additionally, you can use electronic systems to automatically open the doors or remotely control ventilation mechanisms.

Materials for panoramic windows

The profile for installing a panoramic window is selected taking into account the shape of the structure and its purpose. There are several types of window profiles.

Wooden structures. Wooden frames are used quite often in panoramic glazing: they look beautiful, go well with wooden walls, are durable and strong. The profile must be treated with an antiseptic and fire retardants to protect against fire, rot, mold and insects.

PVC structures. PVC windows are the most budget option. They easily fit into any exterior and interior of a building - by laminating the window frames, they can be given any shade. It is necessary to choose the most durable design, since the weight of the glass unit is quite large. Additional steel fittings and closed reinforcement will add rigidity to PVC windows.

Aluminum frames in the production of panoramic windows. Aluminum profile is the lightest and most durable. There are “warm” and “cold” versions of window profiles used for rooms of different functionality. “Warm” aluminum profile is widely used in residential buildings. Due to the high strength of the material, aluminum profiles are able to withstand the load of the largest windows.

Metal profiles. Metal frames are most often preferred when installing panoramic windows in luxury buildings. Metal is a super durable material that goes well with different architectural styles and types of structures.

What is the difference between a sunroof and a panoramic roof

Despite the fact that having a panoramic sunroof or roof increases the amount of light entering the car interior, they are completely different in structure. In order to decide on the choice of option, you need to carefully understand their design and functionality.

Designation

The structure of the hatch consists of a frame and a panel. The frame is made of metal materials. The hatch is a glass plate, which is equipped with a movable panel, also made of glass. If necessary, it can be moved to the open or closed position, which allows you to regulate the air flow.

Important! The panoramic roof differs from the sunroof only in that light enters the cabin regardless of what position it is in

Materials

Light and durable materials are used to make the sunroof and panoramic roof. They are mainly made of glass, but in some cases, when the overall design of the car requires it, they can be made of special fabric that does not allow moisture to pass through.

Peculiarities

The main disadvantage of a panoramic roof is its stationary nature, that is, it cannot move or change position. The hatch wins in this regard, because thanks to its design, it is possible to provide natural ventilation.

Installation

It is already difficult to surprise anyone with a sunroof on a car. If the purchased car is not equipped with such a function at the manufacturer, then this can be done at service stations that provide this service.

Cars with a panoramic roof type are much less common. This feature is more typical for cars operated in Europe.

Price

Of course, it became clear to many that installing a sunroof or panoramic roof would cost quite a bit of money. The cost of installing a sunroof will be much cheaper than a full glass roof

But it is also important to note that if repair work becomes necessary, you will also have to spend a lot of money

Window care

To ensure that panoramic windows do not lose their presentable appearance, they require careful care. Windows are washed twice a year: you need to purchase a special window squeegee and wash from top to bottom, dividing the window area into zones. It is preferable to contact a cleaning company whose employees will wash your windows using professional equipment and glass cleaning products. The window profile is cared for in the same way as a double-glazed window. To prevent the window from becoming covered with frost with the onset of cold weather, it is recommended to install in-floor convectors. Panoramic glazing increases the level and quality of life in the house: the abundance of natural light has a positive effect on the mood, and beautiful views outside the window are pleasing to the eye. Large floor-to-ceiling windows can be a completely safe and reliable glazing option if you seek help from specialists in design and installation. The durability of panoramic windows in a private home will depend on a professional approach and the choice of quality material.

Stage 5. Installation of a plastic window

Installation of a plastic window

Step 1. First, wooden wedges are placed around the entire perimeter, a window is installed on them (this will make it easier to level the structure), only after this is it fastened to the wall. You can leave the backings - they will serve as additional fasteners.

Installation diagram of a plastic window

An example of connecting a window from below to an opening

Step 2. The absence of a support profile can be considered a gross violation of GOST standards, since it is not only needed for stability, but also makes it possible to install a low sill with a window sill. In the absence of a profile, they are attached directly to the frame, which violates its tightness.

The correct location of the stand profile is shown in the diagram.

Window installation diagram

Step 3. Next, the evenness of the window is checked in three planes, for which a mounting level and plumb line are used. It is typical that traditional bubble levels are not suitable for this due to insufficient measurement accuracy, so it is better to use a laser one.

Seals

Level checkFrame fastening

Foaming

Step 4. If the window is level, then it is secured with anchors. To do this, a wall is drilled using a hammer drill through pre-prepared holes in the structure (approximately 6-10 cm). The lower anchors are fixed (not completely), the evenness of the package is checked again, after which the remaining points are attached.

Technical size restrictions for glazing

There are the following restrictions on the size of panoramic glazing:

The maximum area of the frame, made of plastic, wood or warm aluminum and divided by imposts to increase strength, does not exceed 6 m2. If the window opening exceeds the specified parameters, several frames are joined using a special connector. With facade glazing, there are only restrictions on the size of the glass units;
If the sash area with double-glazed windows does not exceed 2 m2, double-glazed windows are installed; if the parameters are within 2-2.5 m2, single-chamber double-glazed windows with tempered glass are installed. If it is necessary to install large double-glazed windows, a manipulator is used, and glazing is expensive.

We provide security

For the first floors, strong metal fences and a security system (video surveillance, alarm) can solve the problem. If you live on the upper floors of high-rise buildings, you are not afraid of thieves, but you are worried about your child, you can install metal barriers at the bottom of the window.

Before purchasing, make sure that the windows are made in accordance with the standards from high-strength glass with a thickness of at least 6 mm. Opt for anti-vandal, shock-proof, low-emissivity glass. There are also special films that are applied to glass and reduce the likelihood of damage to the glass and prevent it from crumbling if it does manage to break.

Hiding from prying eyes

Beautiful panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows provide you with beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes, but at the same time put your life on display. To avoid the prying glances of strangers, manufacturers recommend tinted window units or mirror designs that will hide your life from strangers.

Sources

https://balkon4life.ru/osteklenie/okna/okna-v-pol/.html
https://roomester.ru/dekor/okna/panoramnye-okna-v-chastnom-dome.html
https://m-strana.ru/design/bolshie-okna-v-chastnom-dome/
https://kak-sdelano.ru/okna/panoramnyie-okna-v-chastnom-dome
https://www.oknamedia.ru/novosti/panoramnye-okna-vse-za-i-protiv-49915
https://fasad-exp.ru/osteklenie-steklyannye-fasady/panoramnye-okna.html
https://oknagm.ru/helpfull/panoramnoe-osteklenie-vidy-i-osobennosti
https://stroy-podskazka.ru/okna/panoramnye/
https://ankorokna.ru/info/panoramnyie-okna-v-dizayne-kvartiryi-ili-doma.html

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Formula

Increased demands are placed on panoramic double-glazed windows, because they are obviously thinner than the wall, transmit solar radiation and give off heat. To avoid getting fried in the summer and freezing out in the winter, like dinosaurs, special glass is used for panoramic glazing.

Triplex (3.3.1 or 4.4.1) – laminated glass obtained by gluing glass 3 mm or 4 mm thick and a special polyvinyl buteral film (PVB, pvb). The properties of triplex depend on the type of glass in the layer; they can be either shockproof or multi-format.
N – thanks to sprayed silver oxide, glass has heat-shielding and energy-saving properties. It is also called low-emissivity or i-glass. Depending on the manufacturer, you can find markings: CLGuN, Top-N, Top-N+. It is used in both triplex and conventional double-glazed windows.
MF – multi-format, with energy saving and sun protection functions. This is what both manufacturers and craftsmen recommend for use in a panoramic triplex.
Z (zak) – tempered, shockproof glass, characterized by increased strength. The optimal option for external glass of stained glass puff.

As for the air layers that provide sound insulation and minimal thermal conductivity, SPD - double glazing is more effective. Especially if the air frames are of different sizes, although in a village remote from the highway in a warm climate zone, an SPO package with one air chamber will be sufficient. Many manufacturers offer double-glazed windows with an inert gas inside, most often argon (Ar). But if you’re going to overpay, then choose krypton (Kr), it has lower performance.

The specific formula depends on many factors, climate, wind load, and the presence of children are taken into account, but there are general recommendations.

The thickness of the glass - four-piece is not enough for a panorama, its area limit is two squares, experts advise 6 mm and higher, plus the outer layer is preferably shockproof, and the remaining layers are optional, but multi-format and low-emissivity are preferable.
Air gap – recommended frame width – from 12 mm.
Class – M1 is suitable for stained glass; it is the most transparent glass with virtually no optical distortion.

The weight of the structure is no less important; SPD is much heavier. If the second floor, SPO is preferable.