When the apartment has a balcony, you need to use this opportunity to organize additional usable space. It can be insulated and made part of the living space of the apartment, or it can be equipped for storing things, freeing up space in the rooms.
Regardless of how you want to use it, the balcony should be glazed first. And then the question arises - what kind of windows to choose for this? According to their performance characteristics, various options from metal-plastic and aluminum are best suited.
Which profiles are better
In order to decide which type of glazing is suitable for a balcony - plastic or aluminum, you need to know some subtleties. Warm glazing is slightly more expensive. This is due to the use of more expensive materials. You can even carry out the installation yourself. Everything is simple and easy. Aluminum profiles are much stronger, so the structure will last longer than plastic.
Plastic windows are cheaper: at the same time, they have many advantages and a minimum of disadvantages
Plastic structures are massive, so they cannot be installed on all balconies. They are used only if the balcony is of a standard or larger size, and the house is not older than 20 years.
In Khrushchev, warm glazing is not performed due to the heavy load on the base of the balcony, because after a while it may simply fall under the weight of the double-glazed windows.
Another prerequisite for the installation of plastic windows when installing on balconies is the presence of a parapet and a concrete roof. Experts do not recommend installing PVC on the balcony, which is located on the top floor. Thus, plastic warm glazing is used more often for loggias.
Unlike warm glazing, cold glazing makes it possible to glaze a balcony without roofs, a single balcony, or expand structures from the outside without much effort.
You can combine several types of windows: for example, combine sliding and revolving windows
Cold systems do not protect against frost. Windows protect balconies from negative manifestations of nature - rain, wind, snow. In addition, street noise will not be heard. But the temperature in the balcony will differ from the outside temperature by only a few degrees. Cold glazing allows you to make an excellent place from the balcony to preserve conservation in winter. In the summer heat, glazing will prevent high air temperatures not only on the territory of the balcony, but also on the apartment.
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Structures, both aluminum and plastic, can be:
- Sliding;
- Swivel;
- Swing-out;
- Deaf.
Outrigger plate strength
The cornerstone of the choice between aluminum and plastic is the strength of the outrigger plate. The fashion for glazing began in the 80s of the last century and the balconies of older houses are simply not designed for high weight loads. For example, in building codes from 1996, the load limit for new balconies is 200 kg per m2. Heavyweight plastic structures can only be installed if your house is new and the balcony slabs are strong enough!
In addition, it should be noted that the balcony slab collapses over time. And if the house is 40-60 years old, then the indicators can be divided by two. During the day, concrete heats up and expands from the heat, at night it shrinks under the influence of cold.From this, a lot of microcracks appear in the concrete. If water gets into these microcracks, which freezes overnight, the concrete simply breaks. As a result, the balcony slab crumbles and falls apart.
Of course, it is possible to carry out work to strengthen the balcony, but this is not always a panacea. For strengthening, you can make a metal frame and fix its supports to the load-bearing wall in several places. But it is better not to tempt fate and not overload the balcony unless absolutely necessary, otherwise the outrigger plate risks collapsing. And one fine morning you wake up, and the balcony is gone.
It should be noted that the glazing of balconies with aluminum or plastic reduces the rate of destruction of the slab.
What the process of installing plastic windows on the balcony looks like (video)
Sliding windows to balconies
This type has a design that allows the shutters to move apart, while they overlap each other. This saves additional usable space. Sliding systems do an excellent job with their main function - protection from seasonal rainfall, street debris and noise. Ideal for narrow balconies.
One of the disadvantages of sliding structures is that the mechanism can quickly break down.
The disadvantages include the fact that precipitation and moisture can fall on the lower guide along which the shutters move, which condenses when warm air disappears into the balcony from the room. This can lead to freezing and temporarily damage the aluminum structures. But this only happens with aluminum profiles, consumer reviews say that there is no freezing on plastic sliding windows.
Rotary plastic and aluminum windows for balconies
They are the simplest design. In this case, the sashes open when they are turned. It is enough just to look after such windows. It is necessary to carry out wet cleaning at least once a week, and they will serve a long service life.
The swivel mechanism is the most common among balcony owners.
Not suitable for narrow balcony rooms, because the sash will simply have nowhere to open. But if necessary, specialists can install such windows on a narrow balcony, the sashes of which will open outward. The pivot axis can move windows vertically or horizontally.
Tilt-and-turn plastic windows
One of the most popular systems. Allows you to open the shutters or set them in position for ventilation. Such a mechanism is typical for plastic profiles; they are installed in aluminum systems only on request.
Folding plastic and aluminum windows
In these windows, the sashes are folded back into the inner part of the balcony for ventilation. Almost always, such windows resemble vents. I can have different sizes.
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Deaf aluminum and plastic window blocks for balconies
Such windows are strong and reliable, but their distinguishing feature is that they do not have the ability to open. The disadvantage is that the structures cannot be washed from the outside, for this you need to call special equipment, and this, again, is an extra cost. Deaf plastic and aluminum systems are widespread in private houses and industrial buildings.
Experts do not recommend using blind windows on high floors.
It is recommended to install 2-3 deaf double-glazed windows on the balcony, no more, so that you can take care of them from the outside.
Fittings
The quality of the fittings determines the tightness of the closure, tightness, burglary protection, the functionality of the sash and, in many respects, the duration of the double-glazed window. Therefore, it is better to give preference to proven brands.The traditional leaders in the window fittings market are German and Italian manufacturers: Rehau, Siegenia, Maco, Roto, GU, Aubi, Winkhaus and etc.
For balconies on low floors, it is recommended to provide anti-burglar fittings, which will prevent entry into the apartment from the street. If there are children in the house, it is necessary to install removable handles, locks and bollards. For a balcony door, it is better to provide a double handle that can be opened from the inside and outside - this will significantly increase the ease of use.
What is better aluminum or plastic balcony
This question torments many people, since it is very difficult for an unknowing person to understand that aluminum or plastic windows are really better. First of all, you need to decide for what purpose the balcony is glazed. If it is envisaged to make a warm room in which it will be possible to drink coffee in the morning even in winter, or to make a gym in this space, then of course it is better to give preference to aluminum profiles.
The choice of windows for a balcony depends on the climate and financial situation.
If you just need to protect the balconies from street dirt, and gusts of strong wind, rain, then a plastic profile is quite suitable.
Cameras in double-glazed windows: features of the main types
There are 4 main types of double-glazed windows: single-chamber, two-chamber, three-chamber, five-chamber. They differ in the number of glasses in the profile. The choice of a double-glazed window with a certain number of chambers depends on how much heat needs to be stored in the room, what the degree of sound insulation should be. The more chambers in a glass unit, the higher these indicators, and the more expensive the design. This is achieved due to the air that is contained between the glasses - it works like a thermos.
The thickness of the glass also affects the quality of the glass unit. Designs from leading manufacturers provide a choice of 4 to 6 mm. This is necessary for glazing in different climatic zones. The thicker the glass, the better it retains heat.
Aluminum profiles
Aluminum windows to balconies have advantages.
Aluminum windows are more durable: their service life is noticeably longer than that of plastic windows
The main ones are:
- The aluminum profile makes the appearance of the balcony, loggia stylish;
- The strength and strength of the structure;
- Excellent technical characteristics;
- Long service life;
- Compared to plastic, the cost of aluminum windows is cheaper;
- With proper installation, they do not allow moisture to pass through, that is, precipitation is not terrible for the structure;
- Windows can be of different shades, thanks to this you can choose them for any interior;
- Installed on concrete, brick, metal parapets.
The disadvantages include the possibility of glaciation. Even without passing moisture from the outside, the condensation vapor deposited on the glass turns into ice. If you do not take care of the structures, then the guides are covered with a layer of dirt and dust, which can damage the system.
With and without removal
The design without removal implies a minimum of interference in the original layout of the loggia. The straight parapet is insulated, double-glazed windows are mounted on it. Such work can be carried out independently without involving authorized bodies.
The removal of the balcony structure implies the removal of the frames outside the balcony slab by 20 cm.This option will increase the total area, but it is included in the redevelopment category according to the Housing Code, which means that it is better to obtain permission for repairs before starting construction work. Such expansion carries additional costs in the form of inspection of the slab and calculation of additional load, strengthening of the frame.
In the absence of a permit to perform work, the structure may be declared illegal, which entails a fine and dismantling.
Plastic profiles
Plastic windows are quite common today, and you can see them in almost all apartments and on balconies. The advantages include a long service life, durability of the system, the ability to wash and clean glass without problems. Windows can imitate wood.
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Plastic windows in winter are able to insulate a balcony, and in summer they can maintain an optimal, not hot temperature
Many experts say that there is no difference between plastic and aluminum profiles. Both do not make balconies hot and warm without additional heating.
Only when installing heaters, radiators, the room will be warm.
This type of windows also has its drawbacks - it is not possible to install plastic windows on all parapets. And in the event that a measurer arrives who says that he can install two-chamber glazing with a size of 7 cm on a rusty metal parapet, you can safely refuse his services.
Glazing options
Today's market offers a lot of options for glazing balconies and loggias with frames made of plastic, aluminum, wood, and so on. But how do you find the most suitable option for your requirements?
Not so long ago, it became fashionable to glaze balconies and loggias, today it is a necessity to preserve warmth and comfort in an apartment. Therefore, in modern high-rise buildings, glazing is provided for by the project in advance.
Glazing options may vary. Frames made of plastic, metal or wood are often installed, for example, and glass can be ordinary, tinted and stained glass. This method involves raising the temperature in the room by 7-8 degrees from normal, as well as reducing the noise coming from the streets. So what is the best way to glaze a balcony with plastic or aluminum?
Conventional glazing assumes a method that meets European standards. But it is somewhat costly, nevertheless of higher quality, as a result of which the glazed structure acquires a unique and beautiful appearance. This option involves the installation of an imported profile - double-glazed windows, so that everything is hermetically sealed.
When installing double-glazed windows, it is necessary to use mounting foam, which repels moisture and retains heat inside the room.
Also, for a comfortable temperature in winter, it is necessary to install additional insulation, for example, a "warm floor" system.
We also recommend that you familiarize yourself with the material - which is better: wooden or plastic windows.
Are the windows similar
Aluminum or plastic profiles are similar to each other in their variety. Manufacturing factories make them of various shapes - rectangular, square, trapezoidal, round, arched.
Plastic profiles look more stylish and modern
When choosing a shade, there will also be no difficulties - there are quite a lot of them. The most common manufacturers of aluminum and plastic profiles are Russia, Germany, Italy and Belgium.
Which PVC profile for a balcony is better (video)
Any windows are installed depending on the wishes, tastes and preferences of the owner of the apartment. If a person cannot make a choice, it is necessary to contact a specialist who will tell you which windows are better to install - plastic or aluminum.
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