In recent years, many residents have been thinking about what their apartment looks like from the outside. If your rooms only have windows, then the only thing you can do is to glaze them well. But if you also have a balcony, then there are many more options for how to arrange its external design. And now we are not even talking about its finishing. For example, a stained glass balcony, in which the windows occupy the entire area from the stove to the canopy, is becoming increasingly popular. What is stained glass glazing of balconies and loggias and what are its features, you can now find out from our article.
Perfection and cons
Stained glass glazing of the balcony gives the house a beautiful appearance and plays the role of a stronghold.
Stained glass windows on the balcony allow light to pass through well, and if you glaze using a warm method, you will additionally get excellent thermal protection.
Residential premises where glazing is carried out using stained glass are more in demand and their prices are much higher.
There are quite a lot of positive aspects:
- During the cold season, there is no need for additional heating: stained glass windows retain heat well.
- no need for air conditioning during the hot season;
- you can arrange a flower garden;
- set up a library; there is plenty of light for this purpose.
Installation work is completed in a short time and the cost of the work is quite reasonable. The balcony will be transformed and a view of the immediate surroundings will open.
Of course, every owner of a stained glass balcony will feel proud. The specific individuality of the installation is that the work is performed from the inside of the balcony.
This method has many advantages:
- you can make a contour in any design;
- Wide openings of various configurations can be glazed;
- ability to use assistive devices;
- the ability to replace a section if it is damaged;
- installation of anti-burglary devices;
- good natural light.
IMPORTANT! The sound insulation of stained glass glazing depends on the properties and quality of the glass unit.
Like every material or process, there are also disadvantages:
- there are certain restrictions when using;
- if there are a large number of sections, it is difficult to seal the seams;
- Difficulties arise when you need to wash windows;
- After some time, condensation may form, so you may need to dry the balcony with additional heating;
- a good view will be available not only to the owners, but also to the neighbors, who will be able to see what is happening outside the windows of the stained glass balcony.
How to provide warmth
In order for the balcony area to be warm regardless of the time of year, it is necessary:
- Initially, give preference to the choice of warm glazing; 2- or 3-chamber double-glazed windows with a special profile that excludes cold bridges are suitable for this;
- Carry out work on thermal insulation of the floor and ceiling (a separate article is proposed on how to insulate a balcony, with a detailed description of the work). To insulate loggias, advanced materials such as penofol, isolon, and penoplex are used as insulation. To effectively provide heat, a “warm floor” system is installed.
Installation method
Stained glass glazing must be installed using an already proven method.
The operating technology is as follows:
- measurements are carried out using high-precision instruments. For this, it is best to use laser devices;
- weaving details are being prepared;
- the existing structure is improved and straightened;
- the structure is assembled. The most labor-intensive and scrupulous stage. Here it is necessary to maintain straight lines and a flat surface.
- fittings are hung.
What systems are used
Stained glass systems come in several types. Most often they use a post-transom system. It can be hinged, and glass can also be installed in openings. The load-bearing internal frame is racks and crossbars. The external pressure profile is decorated with decorative covers of various shapes and shades. The glass unit is clamped between the outer profile and the frame using rubber seals. These systems are effective, reliable and relatively inexpensive.
Post-transom system
The next system (structural) involves attaching glass to frames with strong sealants. This gives the buildings a modern look.
Spider glazing is considered elite : they are difficult to make, which is why their price is high.
Insulation
Insulating a balcony involves certain stages of work, so you need to know how to insulate a stained glass balcony.
Before installing double-glazed windows, you need to install a warm floor.
Stages of work:
- We seal cracks and cavities with foam around the entire perimeter;
- cover the floor with penofol or isolon, gluing it with polymer glue;
- We lay penoplex, fix it with dowels, and glue the joints with foil tape.
- apply penofol again;
- spread the heating elements evenly;
- we install thermostat sensors and lay electrical wires;
- We lay a damper tape around the perimeter one centimeter thick and 10 cm wide;
- pour a cement screed about 50 millimeters thick.
You can also insulate the ceiling after installing the windows. The insulation procedure is similar to the floor, with the exception of the installation of heating elements and screed. The walls are also insulated.
Glazing with aluminum profile
The design is based on a durable aluminum profile. Tempered glass up to 12 mm wide, triplex or double-glazed windows is inserted into the profile. With correct calculations, compliance with technical norms and standards, aluminum glazing provides a high load-bearing capacity, insulation of noise from the street, and waterproofing. Meets light transmission and energy saving standards. Glass sheets can withstand strong winds and hail. The gaps between the frames and the load-bearing wall are hermetically sealed using polymer insulation.
Finishing
Finishing a stained glass balcony is not an easy task. In addition to coziness and comfort, you also need to create functionality.
Balconies differ from each other in their design features, but the design of a stained glass balcony and the decoration are similar.
When finishing the following is used:
- lining;
- plastic panel;
- decorative stone or clinker tiles;
- moisture-resistant drywall;
- decorative plaster.
Modern solutions in finishing are a combination of finishing materials. Any “duet” looks original and gives the interior a certain piquancy.
Design styles in decoration
The choice of style for decorating a balcony largely depends on personal preferences. The size of the area and the purpose of the zone are also taken into account. Thanks to a wide range of finishes and furniture, you can create comfortable conditions for relaxation, work, and turn your balcony into a worthy decoration for your apartment or house.
When choosing a style, you need to take into account its character and features. The result should be a comfortable environment that matches the purpose of the room. If you need to give it sophistication, elegance, the classical styles of Empire, Baroque, and English style will help achieve the desired effect. In such an interior you can have tea parties and meetings with friends; it is well suited for a solid office.
Classic panoramic balcony design
Designs in fashionable modern styles are a good solution for a small balcony. Laconicism and the absence of unnecessary decorative elements allow for the most efficient use of space and avoid the feeling of overload. In the photo of panoramic balcony designs there are excellent options for styles:
- high tech;
- minimalism;
- loft;
- rustic.
Modern style is ideal for small balconies
These directions, despite a certain simplicity and rigor, are able to provide proper comfort due to functionality.
Romantic Provence creates excellent conditions for relaxation and recreation. Delicate pastel colors, light, airy textiles give the atmosphere a special charm, envelop it in bliss, stimulate dreaminess and peace.
Romantic design of a panoramic balcony in Provence style
Photos of design options for stained glass balconies
Read here! Balcony in Khrushchev - planning a convenient design for a small balcony (75 photos)
Purpose of the premises
The design will depend on the purpose of the room. Office, winter garden, recreation room. These functions can be performed by a balcony with panoramic glazing.
Depending on the purpose, furniture elements and accessories may be located here.
The partition separating the balcony from the room can be decorated with paintings or photos.
Video gallery
Photo gallery
Main disadvantages
But a stained glass balcony also has several disadvantages. You need to know about them before proceeding with the installation of a panoramic structure.
The most important disadvantages:
- Washing glass of such an area is not only difficult, it is generally impossible to do on your own. Especially if a significant part of the windows do not open. You will have to contact a cleaning company for cleaning.
- If the windows are not tinted and the apartment is located on the lower floors, the room will be clearly visible from the street. This is especially noticeable in the evening hours. There will also be discomfort if the neighboring building is located too close.
- When installed on the upper floors of modern high-rise buildings, glass vibrates a little in strong winds.
- If the balcony is located on the sunny side, then on summer days it will be unbearably hot.
If ventilation is not well organized, the glass will begin to become covered with condensation. If you install a good multi-layer package, equip a heating and ventilation system, then you will have to spend a significant amount on this.
Legal subtleties
The decision to install stained glass balconies is not always supported by supervisory authorities. An unapproved event may result in legal action from the housing authority. As a result, it will have to be dismantled and restored to its original appearance.
You must apply for permission from the authorities in the following cases:
- if the premises are located on the open front side of the building relative to the roadway;
- if glazing is carried out over a busy area;
- if the parapet is a monolithic concrete structure that may not be dismantled.
After the event, if the answer is yes, it is often necessary to make changes to the project documentation. This is necessary to legitimize the reconstruction. It may also be necessary for the smooth completion of a transaction for the sale of an apartment.
In the private sector, such issues do not need to be resolved. This is explained by the responsibility for the work done, which rests only with the owner of a particular house. There is a method for landlords that, as a rule, allows implementation without approval. It consists in the location of the stained glass glazing of the balcony on the inside of the room relative to the reinforced railings. There is less space, but permission for such actions is more often given.
