Is it worth installing sliding and other types of aluminum windows for terraces and verandas?

When glazing terraces and verandas, wood becomes a common choice for home owners.
But, if you want to move away from tradition and bring more modernity into the interior, choose aluminum. Windows made from this material are lightweight in design, have a reasonable cost, are quickly installed and fit well with the style of the house and landscape design.

If the choice fell on aluminum windows for glazing the veranda and terrace, it is recommended that you learn more about how to choose and install them correctly.

What does the concept mean?

The term “aluminum windows for terraces and verandas” means the use of a special aluminum profile when installing window products in this part of the house. This is a lightweight and inexpensive material that is ideal for glazing country buildings . It protects against bad weather, wind, insects and the effects of precipitation.

Such products are made from profile aluminum - a durable and reliable material. Since the windows on the terrace and veranda are often large in size, the appearance of the house with such double-glazed windows is significantly transformed. Aluminum products can be of different sizes, have several glasses, be “summer” or “winter” - all these parameters are determined during the selection process.

Each aluminum window has an undeniable advantage - it has a high resistance to the external environment compared to wooden products.

Advantages of profile glazing

• The aluminum frame of the extension does not increase the pressure on the foundation
• Each project is carefully studied by specialists so that the operation of window sashes and doors is convenient for the owners
• Aluminum is an environmentally friendly material, therefore it does not emit harmful substances when heated in the sun
• The aluminum profile has excellent thermal insulation, retaining heat inside the building
• You can create structures of any configuration using armored or tinted glass
• The design allows you to retain natural light in the room
• The profile design does not require special care or maintenance

Is it possible to glaze verandas with an aluminum profile?

When the time comes to choose products for glazing the veranda, the question arises: is it possible to use an aluminum profile?
Many owners of country houses believe that the metal is susceptible to corrosion and over time the double-glazed window itself will become unusable.

This statement is considered erroneous, because the profile used in the manufacture of an aluminum window is not subject to corrosion, as it is protected.

It is allowed to glaze the veranda and terrace with an aluminum profile; in addition, the glazed veranda can act as a separate room . Glazing can be either full - panoramic windows from floor to ceiling, or partial.

Some owners order glazing only from the railings, if they are present. Other owners choose aluminum options to cover part of the terrace, while leaving two or one side free of windows.

This option is suitable if there is no need to completely glaze the extension.

When is this option not suitable?

Glazing a terrace or veranda using aluminum windows is not suitable in the following cases :

1. If the veranda or terrace is on the north side of the house. Aluminum is considered a material that has a low level of thermal insulation compared to plastic or wood. If the purpose of glazing is simply protection from the weather, then this is a good option. If you need to glaze the veranda because of the location of an additional room there, then aluminum will not work.
2. If the house is located in a village. Today, only large companies are engaged in glazing with aluminum profiles. This is due to the low prevalence and accessibility of this type of service. If the house is located in or near a large city, then there will be no problems. If the nearest installation and manufacturing company is at least 100 km away, then the price of the products will be high.

In general, the cost of aluminum windows always scares off buyers, since these products are much more expensive than their wooden or plastic counterparts. If you do not plan to restore the house or invest in it, and glazing is only necessary as a temporary measure, then it is worth reconsidering the selected material.

How to glaze a veranda with an aluminum profile with your own hands

The profile assembly technology requires the availability of appropriate equipment and a large number of components. Such equipment is not available to a home handyman, so there is no point in talking about assembling frames with your own hands. The most you can do yourself is to install and glaze a ready-made frame assembled to the required dimensions. And even for this, it is necessary to clarify when placing an order for the production of the system that the installation of glass will be carried out by the customer independently, otherwise the company will completely glaze all the frames.

It must be taken into account that installing aluminum frames is not an easy task, requiring skills, experience and knowledge of window design and installation technology. Therefore, a much better result will be ensured if all work is carried out by specialist installers from the company. This option will help to avoid mistakes or accidental breakdowns during installation, and will eliminate distortions or displacements of the structure relative to the plane of the opening.

You can ask your question to our author:

Requirements

a number of requirements for aluminum structures for glazing verandas and terraces :

• the presence of a heat-insulating insert if the window is located in a heated room;
• the weight of the sashes of one product should not be more than 100 kg;
• maximum deviations from dimensions no more than +-2 mm;
• maximum deviations from the profile thickness are no more than 0.4 mm;
• the area of ​​the doors of one product should not exceed 2.6 m;
• dimensions should not exceed 1200 mm in width and 2000 mm in length.

If the space that needs to be glazed exceeds the specified dimensions, then the manufacturer must offer to divide the sash into several parts. This is due to the large weight of the glass, which must be supported by the profile or inserts.

Each type of aluminum profile window product has its own marking. For example, OAK SPD 1660-1470-82 B2 GOST 21519-2003 means that this is a product with a double-glazed window, dimensions 1660x1470x82 mm, heat transfer resistance class B2, the window unit is manufactured in accordance with GOST 21519-2003.

Specifications

According to technical specifications, aluminum windows for terraces and verandas can be :

• 
  single-chamber or multi-chamber depending on the room;

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• with extruded aluminum alloy profile;
• with the number of leaves 2,3,4,6;
• with two or three-runner design option;
• when using single-chamber glazing, sound insulation must be at least 10-12 dB;
• with a heat transfer resistance of 0.075 (m2 x °C/W);
• if the products are figured, they are manufactured according to drawings and calculations in accordance with GOST;
• the sagging of the assembled frame elements should not exceed 2 mm per 1 sq.m.

A business that sells aluminum structures should have several samples of different colors and configurations for display. All products must be technically tested in a laboratory under the necessary loads. Only environmentally friendly materials should be used for production.

Care of plexiglass

Care of plexiglass windows

Despite all its undeniable advantages, organic glass has one annoying problem - it can become cloudy if not properly cared for. However, it is not difficult to care for plexiglass; it is enough to periodically wipe it with a very soft cloth soaked in clean warm water.

It is also permissible to use a non-aggressive detergent that does not contain any kind of solvents.

By using plexiglass (organic glass) for window glazing, you can end up with a very impressive and very reliable structure, which, with proper care, will retain its quality characteristics for a long time.

Varieties

For terraces, the following types of aluminum windows are usually chosen :

• With swing doors .
  Windows with pivoting casements are considered standard. They open only in the horizontal direction; they can open both to the right and to the left. The opening takes place inside the glazed veranda. These are the two sashes in a double-leaf window or the side sashes in a three-leaf window. The option is considered convenient and suitable for a terrace if the glazing is not very high. These windows are easy to clean from all sides.
• With tilt and turn doors . Products with tilt-and-turn sashes have a bonus - here you can not only open the window horizontally, but also tilt the sash for ventilation. They are equipped with high-quality fittings, and the position of the handle allows you to control tilting or opening. Such a window is suitable if the terrace or veranda will serve as an additional room that needs to be ventilated periodically.
• With hinged doors .
  Windows with casement sash have different functionality for each sash. For example, only one leaf is active - it can open and tilt, while the second one remains closed. The second sash is passive, it has a shutter installed in it, ensuring tightness when closing the window. Both doors can only be opened horizontally - this option is also good for easy window cleaning.
• Sliding . Sliding aluminum windows for the terrace are an excellent option in a modern country house. Their advantages are functionality, cost and weight. Such windows save space on the veranda, because the shutters do not open inward, but move using a special mechanism. One of the disadvantages is the low tightness compared to traditional tilt-and-turn models.
• Folding . Accordion-type windows are not used so often, because here the sash elements move to the side and fold, which also takes up additional space on the terrace.

Sliding windows for terraces and verandas: advantages, components and care

The modern exterior of country houses differs significantly from previous design styles due to the emergence of new materials and construction technologies. One of the innovations that is becoming increasingly popular is sliding windows for terraces, as well as for verandas and gazebos.

Sliding windows for terrace

Previously, terraces were most often left open, so their use was only possible in warm, dry weather. Today, with the advent of sliding transparent structures, it has become quite possible to turn this outdoor area into a full-fledged room in which you can comfortably spend time even if it is windy or raining outside.

A fairly large number of companies are engaged in the manufacture and installation of sliding glazing structures. And if you decide to equip your veranda or terrace with such a “mobile” transparent wall, then you should choose an organization that has extensive experience in this area and has gained a reputation as a conscientious fulfiller of orders.

Advantages of sliding window and door systems

Sliding systems are much more convenient than swing systems, and their comfort lies in the following advantages:

• Any of the sliding systems allows you to use the area of ​​the terrace or veranda rationally, since the open doors will not interfere with objects installed near the windows, and they will not need to be removed each time they are opened.
• Blinds and curtains will last much longer, since they will not be touched by opening shutters, so they will remain undamaged and not deformed.
• In sliding window systems, the sashes are securely fixed in any chosen position - they will not slam shut or swing open due to a draft or gust of wind.
• Sliding systems can be installed only as windows, or at the entire height - from floor to ceiling, thereby creating an observable transparent wall.

The presence of a movable transparent wall is often provided for at the building design stage

• There are frameless sliding window systems that do not block the view even with window lintels, leaving it completely open.
• Sliding structures add lightness to the façade architecture, as they can be installed on both the first and second floors.
• Despite the apparent lightness and fragility, the frames in the systems have fairly high strength and reliability, and most manufacturers use impact-resistant glass for glazing.

A veranda or terrace is both a home decoration and a functional space

How to build a veranda in a country house yourself - read in a separate publication on our portal. However, if you are planning a terrace without glazing the walls, then you can cover it from precipitation with a light polycarbonate canopy .

Types of sliding systems

Sliding systems are divided according to different criteria, and are selected in each specific case based on considerations of the feasibility of their use. So, systems can be “warm” and “cold” - naturally, they have quite significantly different costs.

For example, if heating is provided on the terrace or veranda to use the room not only in summer, but also in winter, then it is necessary to install a “warm” window system that will hermetically close the wall completely or part of it.

It is quite possible to provide a “warm” glazing system, which will allow you to use the terrace in winter

When choosing a design for a particular building, it is necessary to take into account the glazing area, since not every type of system can be installed in the planned location, and even more so if there is a desire to install large observation windows from ceiling to floor.

Despite the fact that the price of sliding systems is much higher than conventional glazing, they justify this cost with their functionality. Total installation costs will depend on the following factors:

• total glazing area;
• type of sliding system;
• frame material;
• glass thickness and profile type;
• quality of installed fittings;
• decoration of glass systems;
• the presence of a mosquito net;
• self-installation or with the assistance of professionals.

As mentioned above, the systems differ in their design and materials of manufacture. To choose the appropriate option, you need to have an idea of ​​what the main types of sliding systems are.

Lift and slide system

The lift-and-slide design works on the principle of a sliding wardrobe. When opening the window, it is slightly raised, loosening the pressure of the sash in its lower part. Thanks to this, the frame moves to the side without much effort, to the width of the frame located directly next to it.

Glazing based on the lift-and-slide system

When closing the window, the mechanism works like a clamp. The frame is pressed at the bottom, the seals are connected, and the window falls into place. The structure is equipped with a rubber profile seal, which makes it completely sealed, which allows you to retain heat inside the house, as well as prevent the penetration of moisture from the outside.

Lift-and-slide mechanism diagram

The structure must consist of at least two frames: one of them is load-bearing, and the second is movable. Guides are installed on the supporting part of the structure along which the frames will move - one or both. In addition, very often a guide is provided for a movable mosquito net.

This type of construction is highly stable and durable, capable of supporting massive frames with double-glazed windows having a maximum size of up to 2000 × 3000 mm. It is these systems that are most often used to create sliding partitions between rooms inside the house and to protect terraces and verandas from external influences from the street.

Prices for sliding systems for windows and doors

sliding systems

In country houses, glass walls help visually unify the premises of the house with nature if they are located on the side of the building facing the garden or forest. At the same time, the design is able to provide a reliable barrier to cold air, atmospheric moisture in all its forms and from annoying insects.

A lift-and-slide structure is made from aluminum or PVC profiles. If such a system is installed on an entire wall, the threshold is usually made low, barely noticeable.

One of the advantages of such a system is the almost complete absence of a protruding threshold

When open, the threshold does not separate the internal zone of the room from the street, therefore, when the doors are fully opened, the two spaces are completely united.

Tilt-and-slide system made of PVC profiles

This version of the sliding system is somewhat similar to the swing system in the usual PVC windows, but when the sash is opened, its movement occurs in two directions - towards itself and to the side (this is how doors work in many tourist buses).

To open this window, the sash is pulled towards itself (while its rollers move into adjacent runners), and then moved to the required distance. Typically, such a system has a locking device installed that can fix the sash in any position - for this, the handle of the clamping mechanism is rotated to a certain position. In addition, the tilt-and-slide system provides a mechanism that allows you to open and fix the sash for ventilation.

Various sash positions of the tilt-and-slide window system

A rubber seal is installed in the system, which, when the window is closed, provides heat, hydro and sound insulation of the room at a high level.

This window design is perfect for installing it when glazing terraces, verandas or balconies. On balconies or loggias, the sliding system is installed from the enclosing side to the ceiling. Due to the fact that when opening the sash does not take up additional space, you can save a certain amount of space in a small room.

When installing the system as a transparent partition on the terrace, you should remember that it will definitely have a threshold that you do not want to step on, since polyvinyl chloride, alas, is not designed for excessively large loads. Therefore, if this design is nevertheless installed in the mentioned quality, then it is recommended to purchase special threshold covers that will protect it from damage and extend the life of the system.

Find out how to make fabric window blinds, and also familiarize yourself with the varieties and the process of making them yourself, from our new article.

Sliding folding design

The sliding folding design of the partition is usually called an “accordion” in another way. It consists of several doors, which, when folded, open the opening to its entire width. The doors slide to one side and are compactly installed against the wall. If necessary, one or two doors open.

Sliding folding design, colloquially - “accordion”

This sliding option can be made of aluminum or PVC profile. Aluminum parts are more often used for such a structure, since they are much lighter than polyvinyl chloride, but at the same time are able to withstand fairly large loads without damage or deformation.

Prices for folding systems for windows and doors

folding system

Schematic diagram of the pairing of accordion flaps

However, when planning the installation of an accordion, some limitations should be taken into account:

• This system is used exclusively as a “cold” partition, so it is often installed inside the building - between rooms, and on the terrace only as protection from rain or wind. “Accordion” is simply unable to completely heat and sound insulate a room.

Folding window and door systems cannot become a reliable barrier to the street cold

• The design can only be used for an opening with a width of no more than 6500 mm and a height of 2300 mm.
• The number of sashes in this system should not be more than seven.

Frameless glazing system

For cold glazing of verandas and terraces, frameless glazing systems are increasingly being used. When the structure is completely closed, a solid glass wall is formed, without frames or dividing posts.

Frameless glazing of a terrace or veranda looks very impressive

This system uses thick impact-resistant glass, so it is quite reliable and safe to use, and is resistant to possible reasonable mechanical stress.

If opening is necessary, the glass blocks are alternately moved to one side of the opening along special guides that are installed in its upper and lower parts. Open doors are compactly placed against the wall, so they take up almost no usable space.

Glass frameless “accordion”, neatly assembled against the wall

This design is convenient as a transparent wall or window because both sides of the glass blocks are accessible for regular maintenance.

For cold glazing, designers quite often offer just such a design, especially in cases where it is necessary to achieve the effect of open space.

Accessories for sliding systems

Sliding systems are mounted from profiles made from various materials: it can be plastic - polyvinyl chloride (PVC), aluminum, glass composite, aluminum-wood or even just wooden parts. The most affordable and therefore the most popular and widespread systems are PVC and aluminum profiles, which are quite durable and aesthetically pleasing. The remaining profiles are not cheap and are used to create sliding systems in rich mansions or expensive hotels.

Frames for sliding structures are equipped with double-glazed windows and sometimes even triple glazing - this factor depends on the climatic conditions of the region in winter and the installation location of doors and windows.

How to heat a room with panoramic windows?

For these purposes, special heating devices have been developed that are installed below the windows or even built into the floor surface. We are talking about electric or water convectors , which create a kind of thermal curtain that prevents cold from entering the room. More details can be found in a special publication on the portal.

Frames made from the mentioned profiles in combination with double-glazed windows will reliably protect the room from external noise, dust, cold air, moisture and foreign odors. In addition, for various systems, if desired, mosquito nets can be purchased, which in some systems, like the doors, can be moved, and in others they are installed permanently.

PVC profiles

Systems made from PVC profiles, although the most affordable, have a number of undeniable advantages, so this material can be called the most popular of all those used for the manufacture of sliding structures:

• The created glazing has an aesthetic, neat appearance.
• The surface of the frames is easy to clean with wet cleaning, including using household detergents.
• The material has sufficiently high strength to withstand any reasonable mechanical stress.
• This polymer is resistant to low and high temperatures over a wide operating range.
• The PVC profile is durable, not susceptible to the destructive effects of moisture and ultraviolet rays, therefore it does not deform and retains its original appearance throughout the entire operational period.
• PVC profiles are produced in a variety of colors, including the ability to reliably imitate the texture of wood.
• When using this material, it is possible to expand the built-in functions, for example, installing anti-burglary protection or remote control.

A high-quality PVC profile must have reliable metal reinforcement inside.
There are practically no disadvantages to profiles made from PVC, with the exception of one thing - the fairly large weight of the resulting structure, which limits the width and height of the sashes.

All types of sliding structures mentioned above are made from PVC profiles, except, of course, the frameless one.

Aluminum profile

The aluminum profile design is lightweight and elegant. Most often, these systems are installed for “cold” glazing of terraces, verandas, gazebos or for the installation of internal dividing partitions.

Prices for aluminum profiles for sliding systems

aluminum profile

However, aluminum profiles are produced, from which “warm” sliding systems are made, capable of maintaining a comfortable temperature and silence in the room at any time of the year. Therefore, when ordering a design, it is necessary to focus on where the system will be installed and what functions it should perform.

Folding accordion doors made of aluminum profiles of complex configuration

If you install a sliding system made from a conventional aluminum profile designed for “cold” glazing, then in winter the temperature in the room will be close to the temperature outside the window. “Warm” structures made of aluminum profiles have a fairly high price, so they are not particularly popular with customers. Their positive qualities are identical to PVC profiles, but with the only advantage that the material is more durable.

The advantages of cold sliding structures made of aluminum include the following qualities:

• The strength and lightness of the sashes does not place any significant load on the base, so the structure can be used to glaze a terrace located on the second floor.
• The system will well protect the glazed room from wind, rain, dirt and dust.
• The profiles from which the structure is assembled are quite narrow, so they do not interfere with a wide view of the landscape outside the window.
• Aluminum is practically not susceptible to corrosive atmospheric influences, which makes such systems very durable.
• Many aluminum alloys used to make window systems have the ability to repel dirt and dust, so the frames are easy to care for—wet cleaning as needed is sufficient.
• The service life of these structures can be 50 years or more.
• Thanks to the lightness of the profiles, the sash can be made quite wide.
• Aluminum profiles often have a special spray coating, which can be given different color shades, including imitation of the texture of natural wood.

Leading manufacturers of profiles and fittings

It should be noted that all profiles and fittings for sliding structures, windows and doors are usually manufactured at the factories of the development companies, and then delivered to countries around the world, where they are already assembled into finished products to order.

The following manufacturers are the most famous and popular on the Russian market:

Maintenance of sliding structures

Sliding terrace door systems, just like windows made of aluminum profiles or PVC, require periodic maintenance and cleaning. Therefore, if such structures are installed in the house, you need to know certain nuances that will help extend the life of trouble-free operation.

• It is recommended to remove the sliding doors once every two to four years and clean all components of the structure from accumulated dust and dirt using a vacuum cleaner.
• If a “cold” structure made of aluminum profile is installed in the house, then its brush seals require annual cleaning, since more dust accumulates under them.
• In addition, it is recommended to lubricate all mechanical elements.

Modern window and door systems require regular maintenance

In order for the mechanisms to work flawlessly and the rubbing parts not to be subjected to rapid abrasive wear, they must be periodically cleaned and lubricated. about how to lubricate plastic window systems yourself in a special publication on our portal.

• If a lift-and-slide structure is installed in the opening of the terrace, then during severe frosts the doors may freeze and stop opening. In this case, you should not rely on brute force to open them, otherwise the mechanism may be damaged. To ensure that the door can be easily opened, you must always have a special tool on hand - a “defroster”. As a last resort, you can warm up the frozen part of the door with a regular hairdryer.

When ordering such a system for your home, you must make a list of questions of interest related to the design itself, its operation and preventive measures, as well as the terms of warranty service. Having received qualified explanations on each point, it will be easier to navigate your daily operations, maintenance and repair of sliding windows and doors.

And at the end of the publication, there is a video that clearly demonstrates the functionality of various systems of sliding windows and doors for the terrace:

Video: a variety of sliding systems for terrace glazing

Which ones should you choose?

The most suitable option for terraces and verandas would be a tilt-and-turn design or aluminum sliding windows. They will significantly save space during operation, and the traditional tilt-and-turn option will help to effectively care for double-glazed windows.

For clarity
when choosing, you can pay attention to products from several manufacturers with prices :

• Provedal Spain – from 4,600 rubles per square;
• Alutech Belarus – from 10,600 rubles;
• Vidnal Russia – from 8500 rubles;
• NewTec Italy – from 11,400 rubles;
• Alumark Russia-Germany – from 10,900 rubles.

When focusing on cost, there are several factors to consider:

1. profile type;
2. a company that sells and manufactures;
3. accessories;
4. window type.

For example, if a cold aluminum window profile is chosen, then the cost per square will be cheaper. If it is necessary to install a warm profile with a special insulating gasket, then the cost will be 30% higher.

Step-by-step installation instructions

When the windows are selected, you can use the services of a company that issues a guarantee on installation and products, or do the installation yourself. To do this, follow the instructions :

1. Preparation. If old frames were installed, they are dismantled. The area for installation of new products is prepared: the surface is leveled and cleaned of dust and debris.
2. Frame installation. The aluminum frame is installed without glass. The glass and sashes are first removed, and the glazing beads are marked with a marker. The frame is inserted into the opening and secured with screws.
3. Alignment. The frame is leveled and adjusted to a plane using special wooden wedges.
4. Fastening. The frame is fixed to the wall using a dowel-nail.
5. Using polyurethane foam. A foam seam is made around the perimeter; when it hardens after 2 hours, the excess is removed.

If necessary, install sills and window sills. This service will be required if the veranda or terrace already has a base for windows. If the windows are panoramic, then there is no need for a low tide or window sill.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantages of using aluminum terrace windows:

• the most affordable profile for glazing;
• light weight;
• Ease of use;
• ability to choose profile color;
• the ability to choose cold or warm glazing;
• more light enters the veranda due to the thin frame;
• easy care.

But there are also several minor disadvantages, including high thermal conductivity, not the lowest cost and a small selection of competing companies on the market.

Consumer Reviews

If you study the forums and reviews of real people about the use of aluminum windows on the terrace, you can draw several conclusions :

• most people prefer aluminum sliding structures;
• due to the small frame, a large amount of light enters the room;
• due to the large glazing area, you will have to shell out a good amount of money for the work and the products themselves.

In general, aluminum products are in demand among those who want to glaze a country house and are willing to pay for beauty and convenience.

You can read user reviews in detail here and here.

The optimal solution for glazing terraces

Sliding structures from VEKA allow you to manage the space of a country house. The room, dining room or living room is combined with the terrace into a single whole. By extending the outer fencing, the terrace can be turned into an area for outdoor recreation.

A wide selection of technical solutions allows you to choose the best option for each specific case. All VEKA systems are harmoniously combined with each other in appearance: you get beautiful, functional and durable glazing. And our consultants are always happy to provide you with additional information.

Contact our partners, their contacts can be found in the Where to buy

.