You can save space and achieve a higher level of comfort by installing sliding windows. In recent years, there has been a steady increase in demand for precisely such structures, since, in comparison with casement windows, with identical tightness, noise and heat insulation, they have greater light transmittance and are much more convenient to use. In addition, sliding systems allow you to effectively use the entire area of the window sills. Such designs look aesthetically pleasing and modern, which is why they are increasingly being chosen by connoisseurs of stylish interiors. In addition, sliding portals, even with a relatively small glazing area, provide a significantly better panoramic view than traditional swing structures. These convenient opening mechanisms are suitable for both window units and door structures.
Sliding systems have a wide range of applications - they are increasingly used for glazing balconies and loggias, terraces, windows, entrance and wall openings, as well as greenhouses and swimming pools. Unlike the first basic analogues, modern portals can be equipped with climate control systems and tilting doors, making them not inferior in terms of functionality to structures with hinged doors.
Advantages and disadvantages
Sliding windows are successfully installed on loggias, balconies, verandas and terraces. They retain all the advantages of the usual swing plastic windows, but at the same time they allow you to gain space and get a more interesting and visually attractive system.
Advantages of sliding windows:
- saving space. Hinged windows require some space to open the sashes. Plus, if there is something on the windowsill, then all the items will have to be removed. Fully open sliding windows will not take up a bit of space, and for a small balcony this is a significant advantage;
- fixing the sashes in a certain position will not allow them to open or slam shut under the influence of a draft;
- wide glazing possibilities, i.e. a hinged system can replace conventional windows of any size or be installed from floor to ceiling;
- sliding windows have a lighter and airier look, and some systems are completely devoid of lintels, opening up a gorgeous view of the city or natural landscape;
- high strength and reliability despite visual lightness;
- sliding systems allow you to organize warm and cold glazing;
- the mosquito net in such windows also moves, allowing the window opening to be completely cleared;
- ease of opening and closing the doors and their fixation;
- the ability to install a window of any size.
Among the shortcomings we note:
- moving parts of the system must be lubricated once a year;
- difficulties in care - one of the sashes will be difficult to wash;
- the system is not suitable for narrow areas of glazing, as there will be no room for the sashes to move;
- Lift-and-slide and tilt-and-slide glazing systems will not allow you to fully open the window opening, but this is not such a significant disadvantage;
- the system is inferior to traditional casement windows in terms of thermal insulation and moisture protection.
a plastic profile is used for sliding systems ; aluminum is used less frequently, and wood is even less often used. Among plastic profiles for sliding windows, Rehau profiles performed best. The company is constantly improving its products and offering energy-saving profiles with different characteristics (number of chambers, mounting width, etc.). To be guaranteed to get windows with a famous German profile (and not a fake with a big name), it is better to contact trusted manufacturers. Residents of Odessa and the south of Ukraine can recommend the NOVIKON company, which since 2004 has been producing windows based on the energy-efficient Rehau profile and provides a 15-year guarantee.
Installation
To install aluminum frames on the balcony, it is necessary to dismantle the old glazing. Then you should install the profile by inserting the frame into the grooves. Don't forget to secure the profiles with self-tapping screws and then with anchors. Be sure to seal all the cracks, otherwise it will blow in both winter and summer. Regular polyurethane foam will help with this. All that remains is to insert the double-glazed windows into the frames and check the functionality of the windows. This is where the glazing ends, you can be satisfied with the work done.
Lift and slide windows
This system is often used for glazing terraces and verandas. The movement mechanism of the doors resembles that implemented in sliding wardrobes. When the sash is opened, it is raised slightly, the frame moves to the width of the sash located next to it, and moves along its guide. When the sash is closed, the mechanism operates as a pressing mechanism. Lift-and-slide windows protect well from cold, moisture and drafts, since the design includes a rubber seal.
The structure consists of at least two frames, one of which will be load-bearing and the second will be movable. Often a mosquito net guide is installed in parallel.
The system is highly durable and stable, allowing the installation of fairly massive frames measuring 200*300 cm. The disadvantage of this type of window is that the entire opening cannot be completely freed from the frames, since one sash is hidden behind the other. However, this type of construction is often used in private homes for fencing terraces and verandas, and for glazing the living room. The system maintains excellent visibility and becomes a reliable barrier against the cold. The threshold, as a rule, is made low, almost invisible, so the boundary between the street and the house seems to be erased.
Remote structures
Separately, I would like to consider such a non-standard project as a balcony with a carry-out. This option is most often used not to increase visual appeal, but to increase the area of the balcony. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that it will be possible to increase the area of the bottom plate, and it is also extremely expensive. But increasing the upper part by 15-30 centimeters will be quite possible. Brackets are attached to the top of the fence, onto which a window sill with sliding aluminum structures is installed. Thus, the balcony, starting from the window sills, expands by 15-30 centimeters, which is very convenient.
Tilt and slide windows
This mechanism is reminiscent of the principle of opening doors on tourist buses. First, you pull the sash towards you, and then move it to the side, while the rollers of the moving sash move into a parallel guide. You can move the sash completely, or you can lock it in a certain position by turning the handle. In addition, like casement windows, tilt-and-slide windows can be opened to a ventilation position.
Like lift-and-slide windows, tilt-and-slide windows are provided with a rubber seal, which helps protect the apartment from cold and noise. The system is used for glazing balconies, loggias, as well as terraces and verandas. Unfortunately, you can’t do without a threshold here, so you’ll have to move a little more carefully, and manufacturers recommend installing special overlays on the threshold that help protect the profile from possible damage.
When thinking through the glazing system, keep in mind that the moving sash will move slightly forward, i.e. In front of the window, you need to provide a space 12-13 cm wide. Also take into account that it will be impossible to completely free the glazed area from glazing - some of the sashes will be motionless.
Types of sliding windows
Aluminum frames for balconies have several classifications, so they can be divided into 3 types according to the built-in mechanism: coupe mechanism, retractable mechanism or English mechanism. The aluminum frame in this case has completely different fittings, which is why the opening method is different. Therefore, let's look at the sliding windows for the loggia from this side too, so that you can choose the most suitable mechanism for opening the windows on your balcony.
With coupe mechanism
Sliding balcony frames with a compartment mechanism strongly resemble the principle of operation of a wardrobe (although why do they remind you, they are made according to the same principle). The point of the work is that the double-glazed windows are installed on a roller basis parallel to each other (that is, they never intersect). Thus, the frames with glass can be moved in any direction, you can even move two double-glazed windows to one side, or you can move them along different edges of the profile. It is very convenient and practical.
With retractable mechanism
Aluminum balcony windows with a retractable mechanism work on a completely different principle. To open a window, you first need to pull the system towards you and then slide it to the side. Of course, it's not as convenient as the coupe mechanism. But such aluminum balcony frames retain heat much better, which is a big advantage. But the prices for such a mechanism are several times higher than those of a coupe mechanism. But if you need a warm balcony, then such glazing is worth the money.
English
English windows stand out among a number of other varieties. Their main feature is that it is a solid frame, in which there is only one window and a binding is required (most often on top). Such windows also open in a way that is unusual for Russians - they rise up. That is, if other sliding structures move right and left, the English mechanism allows you to move the frame with the glass unit up and down. This is an unusual solution for an apartment in Russia, so if you want something unusual, then this option is for you.
Sliding folding system (“accordion”)
These windows open like the famous accordion doors. The doors slide to the side and fold like an accordion, allowing you to completely free the entire opening. If desired, you can open only one or several doors. Yes, the ability to completely free the entire window opening is a big plus, but the main disadvantage of this system remains its low tightness.
“Accordion” is not able to reliably protect an apartment from cold and noise - it will become a barrier to wind and precipitation, therefore it is only suitable for cold glazing of loggias and verandas. A sliding folding system should not have more than 7 sashes, and the maximum opening size is 650*230 cm. In addition, it is necessary to provide a place where all sashes will be folded.
Sealant
Finished aluminum windows already have one or several rows of sealing. This is usually a rubber or silicone material that is designed to seal windows more tightly. Accordingly, the more layers of sealant, the higher the thermal insulation properties will be, but the price will be noticeably higher. In addition, seals perform another function: they increase the service life of the product. Because, thanks to soft closing, the material wears out much slower, which means it can last many times longer.
Frameless glazing system
Frameless glazing allows you to preserve the view as much as possible - neither partitions nor profiles will interfere with you. The doors are made of impact-resistant glass and are attached to one or two guides. To open a window opening, you need to move the sashes to the side one by one. There are no “dead” zones - the opening can be completely cleared, and all the sashes will be neatly placed near the very edge.
Frameless glazing is suitable for both balconies and terraces. The thickness of the glass is at least 6 mm, so the design is completely safe. The sealing system makes such a window airtight, but still, in terms of heat and sound insulation, frameless glazing is inferior to its analogues. It is suitable only as cold glazing when the balcony or veranda is not intended to be used in the summer as a heated residential space.
The system is suitable for balconies of any shape, lets in a lot of light, protects well from rain and wind, and the sashes on both sides will be easy to wash.
Manufacturing materials
It was written above that sliding warm windows can be made of aluminum or plastic (PVC material). But they can also be made from other materials. One option is wood, but it is not suitable for a sliding structure. Therefore, sliding wooden windows to the balcony are almost never found.
But a really good option is fiberglass composite. This material began to be used in the production of profiles quite recently, but it has already been appreciated by a large number of people. Thus, glass composite can withstand large temperature changes (from -180 to +180 degrees Celsius). In addition, it does not fade in the sun, is lightweight, strong and reliable. In general, an excellent option for glazing a balcony, but expensive.
Requirements for the coupe
The necessary issues are covered and systematized in the text of GOST R 56926-2016:
The translucent filling must transmit the visible spectrum of solar radiation in the range of 770-380 nm, ultraviolet - 200-380 nm.- It is allowed to use glass with a self-cleaning coating.
- The light transmittance value is 0.7.
- The design must have limiters to prevent the sash from falling out of the window.
- The maximum sash size is 800 mm x 1800 mm, area no more than 1.5 square meters. m.
- For a French balcony, additional fencing is required, taking into account the requirements of GOST 23166.
Glazing must provide the possibility of emergency exit, environmental friendliness of components, compliance with fire safety standards and be resistant to natural factors.
What accessories will be needed?
This system uses parallel-sliding fittings. Parts can be divided into external and internal. External devices include handles and hinges.
Good options for the system are a handle with a lock and an anti-theft handle . It will reliably protect the balcony from burglary, and children from accidentally falling out. The hinges can be installed hidden. It is also necessary to pay attention to the quality of the seal.
Setup and adjustment
A typical failure of the fittings is the difficulty of moving the balcony frame and the failure of the latch to operate. In the first case, the cause is the incorrect position of the rollers. To make adjustments, you should visually inspect the structure.
There are holes at the ends, inside of which there is a 4 mm hexagon screw.
Roller settings :
- Frames. To raise the frame, you need to turn the screw counterclockwise with a wrench. Use a level to check that there is no diagonal distortion. The latch should close easily.
- Doors. You will need a key number 2.5 to adjust the counter part. The part must be screwed to the same level at the top and bottom.
If the latch does not work , then the reason is the location of the strike plate and the lock tongue at different levels. As a result, there is no clutch or the tongue has sunk into the frame. Solution to the problem:
- No hitch. It is necessary to move the parts to the same level. This is done with a 2.5 mm hex key. The movement of the bar should be freed. On the part located on the left, the key must be turned to the right. On the one on the right, turn left. After releasing the strip, you will need to mount the part until the top of the tongue coincides with the bottom of the part. Then screw the bar.
- The tongue has sunk. You need to pull the handle down and turn the locking screw in the opposite direction. The 3 mm hexagon should be rotated to the right for the left location, and to the left for the right location. Loosen the screw, take out the tongue, and pull it out to the desired level. Tighten the lock and check that the latch operates.
Before starting work, you should read the instructions for the window.
To summarize
Here we have fully reviewed sliding windows for the balcony. Now you know the main varieties, which option is better to choose, care features, and so on. In this article, we specifically only indirectly examined the installation of sliding windows on the balcony. The thing is that without special skills it is extremely difficult to carry out the installation, and even then a huge number of mistakes will be made. It is better to learn this business personally from a professional, so that next time you can install the windows yourself. Now it’s better to call friends with relevant skills or hire a specialized team. If you have any questions regarding sliding windows for balconies, write them in the comments below the article. We will respond promptly and thoroughly to them as soon as possible. See you soon!
Reviews
Olga Emelina
Moscow
Thanks to all the guys, the measurer Maxim, the installation team Vitaly It took a long time to choose, but I liked that half of the amount was paid after installation, otherwise there were problems with another company. Of course the delivery was a let down, it arrived after 9 o’clock, but that’s okay, it didn’t really bother me. Good luck
Daragan L.E.
Moscow
I express my gratitude to your company for the efficiency and high-quality work performed. Each employee takes a responsible approach to their work, and the work is done to a very high quality. I will recommend you to everyone I know!
Nikolay Bogachev
Moscow
Thanks to the guys for doing their job competently. Special respect for speed and quality. For those who need comfort in winter, this option is simply ideal. Keep it up!
Oksana
Moscow
A year ago the guys installed rehau windows for us. We overwintered well, no wind, warm. Now we have decided to put it in our daughter’s apartment. Just like last time, everything was done perfectly. Thank you!
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