How to measure a balcony for glazing correctly: glaze the loggia yourself with an aluminum profile

Glazing of balconies for the convenience of living and insulation is a popular type of repair in apartment buildings. At the same time, most of the homeowners turn to window firms specializing in the installation of windows and balcony glazing, the lowest cost of which is about $ 50. per square meter. The overwhelming majority of companies, before installing windows or balcony frames, practice a free visit of a specialist to the customer's home, who measures the balcony for glazing, draws up a design diagram and calculates the costs of materials and work.

Fig. 1 How a professional window measurer measures a balcony for glazing

If you wish, you can save a significant amount by glazing the balcony with your own hands. Many window installation companies sell standard size balcony frames at a discount without installation, but before purchasing them, you need to independently measure the installation dimensions of the future glazing.

How to measure a balcony for glazing

Such an event as the correct measurement of the window opening for the installation of a metal-plastic window is extremely important and responsible. It is the correctness of the measurements of the window that determines the successful and high-quality installation and reliable operation of the window. Remember that even in a typical apartment building, it is imperative to take measurements, since they can differ from each other by several centimeters, which can negatively affect installation and further use. They can blow through the joints or even simply not enter the window opening. In addition, there are openings of irregular shape or with uneven thickness.
In order to quickly navigate the price of windows, you can see the standard sizes of windows in the house of your layout. As a rule, the actual dimensions of the windows when the measurer leaves will differ slightly, which allows you to find out about the price immediately by phone.

How to measure a bay window balcony. Features of measurements of structures with a bay window connection

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The bay window is measured in the same way as for a standard opening, but the angle of the bay window is additionally determined, which is measured using a protractor. The main measurement area for the bay window is the upper quarter of the window opening. The measurer determines the main dimensions, which are fundamental for the development of the product and the configuration of the connector by the designer.

Basic measurements of the bay window opening

The W value is determined by calculation method. The known values are Z - the width of the profile system - and the angle α. When determining the dimensions of structures with bay windows (as an example, the Start-78 program - from 90 ° and more), one should take into account the size B, which varies depending on the angle of the bay window and the geometric dimensions of the elements connections and features of a specific profile system. Figure A shows the appearance of the bay window angle α for the profile system. The structure of the bay window connection of a wooden translucent structure

When determining the dimensions of the corner connector in the bay window structures of other types of profile systems (Fig. B), which do not include such corner connectors or the corners of the bay window connections are non-standard, calculations are made for the manufacture of this corner connector according to Fig. Basic measurements of the bay window opening

It is necessary to measure the elements of bay window window blocks A1A2 and the corner of the bay window a along the upper part of the window opening, with the obligatory use of safety equipment.

If measurements are incorrect

But entrusting such an event as measuring PVC windows should be specialists who have extensive experience in this area. Everything should be accurate down to the millimeter. If it is measured incorrectly, then the consequences may be as follows:

The window may turn out to be smaller than necessary. However, in this case, do not despair. After all, the gaps formed between the profile and the window opening with the help of polyurethane foam. On the other hand, this will require additional costs for materials, as well as time;
If the window is much smaller than necessary, then there are two ways to solve the problem. As a humane option, you can close the resulting openings with additional profiles. Or the principled way is a complete redesign of the structure from scratch;
If the window is larger than the required opening, you are unlikely to break the wall to increase the opening. It is easier to redo the structure of a metal-plastic window.

Rules for measuring PVC windows

If you measure the window yourself, then it is important to understand some points. So, the window frame should not be close to the opening, but be slightly smaller. Such a gap is referred to as a mounting gap. It is necessary for high-quality window installation and the possibility of expanding the structure. This gap must be maintained within 2-5 cm.

Such work must be performed not only from the inside of the house, but also from the outside. To determine the width of the window, you need to take three measurements. To do this, measure the width along the top edge, along the bottom and in the middle of the window. we measure the length in the same way: along the right edge, along the left, and also in the center.

When you measure windows, it is worth considering the fact that some houses have a quarter and some do not. this is important to consider. In houses with a quarter, the windows should go 2-3 cm to the upper and side outer slopes.

If the house is without a quarter, then the smallest indicator should be taken into account when measuring the width and height. In this case, 2-4 cm on each side should be subtracted from the resulting width. This space will be given over to polyurethane foam. In addition, about 3 cm must also be subtracted from the height for the height of the stand profile. Of course, if necessary.

How the area of the balcony is calculated using an example

Here is an example of calculating S for a standard rectangular balcony. Its floor and walls are rectangles (see drawing with measurements) with sides A = D 5 m, B = C = 1.5 m and height h = 2.5 m.

The calculation formula is very simple. The floor area of the balcony will be 5 * 1.5 = 7.5 sq. M.
To calculate this parameter along the walls, you can multiply the perimeter (A + B + C + D) by the height. Thus, we get (5 + 1.5) * 2 * 2.5 = 32.5 sq.m.
Of course, this is not all. The balcony has a door, a window, a parapet, the dimensions of which must be subtracted to get a "clean" result.
For example, if the dimensions of the window are 1.7 m by 1.5 m, and the door is 0.8 m by 2 m, then we get 32.5 - 1.7 * 1.5 - 0.8 * 2 = 28.45 sq. m.
The parapet has a standard height of 0.7 m, so the size of the opening to the street is 1.8 by 5 m, that is, another 1.8 * 5 must be subtracted from 28.45. Total, we get 28.45 - 9 = 19.45 sq. m.
If ceiling sheathing is planned, then its calculation is also performed.

How to measure a balcony (measuring a loggia)

For balcony glazing, measurements are the most important step. It is they who will help to create a metal-plastic structure that is exactly suitable for a specific project.

To measure a loggia or balcony, you need a tape measure at least 10 meters long. To determine the length of the balcony structure, it is necessary to measure it from edge to edge and subtract 5 cm. To measure the height, you need to measure the distance from the upper floor to the balcony parapet and also subtract 5-6 cm. foam.

Measuring a balcony or loggia yourself-pitfalls

First of all, you need to balance the risks, since reworking expensive plastic windows or aluminum glazing, which, however, is also not much cheaper, will cost you a pretty penny.It only seems that measuring a balcony is easy, especially if it is straight, like a window, and is not glazed with anything. In fact, it is necessary to take into account further plans for finishing the loggia, and the curvature of the opening, and some other subtleties.

Some subtleties of measuring the balcony.

With the seeming ease of measuring a straight balcony, there are some nuances here. For example,curvature is present in almost all homes. Even in panel houses, where the slabs are cast according to the same pattern, the difference can reach 10 cm, so there is no "standard" size here. And the larger your loggia, the greater the difference can be. Therefore, it is worth measuring the opening in several places: at least three in height, and three in width. If your balcony or loggia is very large in width, you need to measure the opening every meter, and take the smallest size in width and height as a basis. From the result obtained, it is necessary to subtract 2-3 cm from each side under the polyurethane foam.

Many customers of window designs for loggias insist that the distance under the polyurethane foam did not exceed one centimeter, however, this is a truly philistine approach. If your curve opening is at least 5 mm, then the layer of polyurethane foam will be the same, that is, there is no need to talk about warm glazing with such a thin assembly seam. Not a single self-respecting window company will do this. You should not pay attention to wonderful expressions such as “I have a smooth opening”, “I cut myself and my builders from Uzbekistan with diplomas”. One familiar measurer, with 6 years of work experience, frankly said that he had seen during his work experience one (!) geometrically flat loggia.

As for the balconies complex shapes, with corners, bay windows and more, taking measurements yourself is a great way to just ditch your money. Such a measurement should only be carried out by a professional measurer, since bay windows and corner structures are expensive, and they must actually be drawn on the parapet.

If you have on your balcony old glazingDon't be surprised if the window company asks you to remove it at its own expense. This is a sign of a truly professional company that takes all your and its risks into account. If your balcony is glazed with wood and upholstered with clapboard so that the opening itself is not visible, and the measurer, at least without partial analysis of the loggia, offers to conclude a contract, put it out, this is a sign of unprofessionalism. Excuses that all houses are typical and standard are also not accepted.

Consider also what you may need. additional profiles... An article about why they are needed and what they are here. This significantly reduces the window structure itself, but due to additional profiles it can increase its cost by twenty percent. It is this feature that sometimes leads to an unpleasant situation when one amount was called to you on the phone, and when measuring another, an article about it is here.

The window sill also reduces the size of the window structure, since it requires a support profile, its height ranges from 2 to 4 cm, depending on the choice of profile. About what a support profile is.

And one more thing - consider what your parapet is made of (what the glazing is on). With some types of parapet, it is impossible to install plastic windows, but only aluminum glazing is possible. Read more in this article.

The safest way to measure a balcony is a wooden house, since if the structure is large, the opening can be corrected on the spot. Correcting brick, and even more so concrete, is much less enjoyable, so don't risk it - contact trusted window companies.

Order window measurements from professionals

It is important to understand that window measurements are the first step in its installation and, most importantly, the key. Depending on how correctly you did the work, the success of the installation, as well as the operation of the window, will depend.It is for this reason that it is better not to rely on your own strength, but still trust professionals who can do all the work efficiently and quickly at a time convenient for you. Choose a company on the website that has been operating in Chelyabinsk for many years. All specialists and firms have the necessary experience and skills.

After saving a little on window measurements, you have a chance to get significant troubles in the future. Is it worth the risk? I don’t think so.

When ordering the services of a measurer, you should also understand that the specialist knows many subtleties that help him to do his job with high quality. Among them are the features of the window opening after dismantling the old structure, irregularities and distortions, etc. are taken into account.

How to measure a balcony for a miscalculation?

To make their home more comfortable, as well as to increase the usable area, apartment owners resort to glazing balconies. Balcony glazing can be warm or cold.

Warm balcony glazing used in the case when they want to make the balcony residential, that is, use its space for a study, library, recreation area, combine it with an adjacent room, etc. (in more detail here ) In this case, warm glazing is only one of the stages, together with which it is necessary to carry out comprehensive work on waterproofing, insulation, outer cladding, and solving the issue of heating on the balcony.

Cold glazed balcony means that the balcony will be used as an area for storing things, preserving, etc., as well as drying clothes. That is, the cold glazing of the balcony, first of all, performs a fencing function, protecting the balcony space from precipitation and wind.

Balcony measurement is the first critical step.

Measuring a balcony only at first glance seems like a simple job. Glazing a balcony is a rather complicated process that requires knowledge and experience at all stages. Only a professional can correctly measure, taking into account all the nuances of your balcony.

First of all, there are no perfect balconies, that is, there is a certain curvature in each specific balcony. For example, in panel houses, the error in the height or width of the balcony can reach 10 cm.Without certain knowledge, you will not be able to choose the optimal size yourself. Also, a professional measurer, when determining dimensions, takes into account the future interior decoration of the balcony.

Incorrect measurements of the balcony will lead to serious problems: visually noticeable distortions, difficulties in the installation process, additional costs for fixing, the balcony fittings will fail very quickly.

You can avoid such problems by following simple rules:

It is possible to make glazing for a balcony only according to the dimensions that have been determined by a professional measurer.
Self-measurement of the balcony can be performed in order to obtain the approximate cost of glazing.

Instruments

To calculate the area of the balcony, use ordinary tools - a ruler, tape measure, but in order to get the most accurate results, it is recommended to use a laser rangefinder.

A tape measure is a well-known flexible steel tape that is wound into a box-case using a simple mechanism. The tool has a special nut. It is necessary so that you can hook the instrument to the object that is going to be measured. To measure, use a tape measure of 200-500 cm.Since you need to calculate the area of the balcony as accurately as possible and you do not need extra centimeters, the tape of the tape should not be bent during measurement, it should lie flat on the surface.

The rangefinder is a higher class instrument. It is more reliable and provides less measurement error. In the work of an electro-optical instrument, the properties of a laser beam are used.In particular, the laser rangefinder allows you to take measurements in hard-to-reach places in height, depth and even impassable. In addition, measurements can be taken without a partner.

Measurement of a glazed balcony

Measuring a balcony with old glazing is a more difficult job. Self-measurement of the structure will be very relative. You can perform it when you just need to "estimate" the cost of glazing, whether you can order work now, or if you need time to accumulate funds. In this case, simply measure the height and width of the balcony with a tape measure.

You should know that a professional measurer, having made a measurement of your balcony with old glazing, usually partially disassembles the decoration of the walls and ceiling in the places where the structure adjoins. This is necessary in order to determine the true size of the balcony.

Typical measurement errors

To determine the parameters of the opening, it is necessary to remove the previous glazing from the balcony. Do not take measurements without dismantling the structure. The presence of the old window block will increase the calculation errors. With the correct measurement procedure, this is unacceptable. If, however, the "master" attracted from the outside tries to determine the parameters of the opening without removing the old frame, this should be proof for you that you are not a professional. We do not recommend signing a contract with such a specialist. To carry out the correct measurements, you will need at least partial removal of the old glazing and even the finish that blocks access to the opening.
When determining the parameters of future glazing, it is necessary to take into account the properties of the new structure. Will a window sill be installed? How is the balcony planned to be insulated? Do I need to use a stand profile? The design features will affect the glazing parameters and the cost of work.

Important: When determining the type of glazing, consider the material of the parapet. In some cases, it is impossible to install plastic windows due to the condition of the parapet. In this case, either the parapet is replaced / reinforced, or glazing is carried out using the "cold" technology. Specialists involved in the manufacture and installation of frames will tell you about the features of the technique.

Advice: Before taking your own measurements, think carefully. If you are not sure about the ideal result of the event, seek professional help to minimize the risk of deformation of the structure and alteration of the glazing.

Summarize:

For measuring the balcony structure need a professional, which will determine the exact dimensions, the need for components and additional profiles, taking into account further insulation and finishing of walls and ceilings, will prompt the optimal location of the opening and blind doors.

Also, in old houses not all balcony parapets are able to withstand glazing. The specialist will be able to determine options for strengthening the parapet or recommend lighter designs.

Recommendations for measuring glazing on a balcony

Before making accurate measurements, it is necessary to independently remove the old glazing, which often covers the decoration of the walls and ceiling with decorative materials.

Although measuring a balcony opening with your own hands for installing glazing seems quite simple, the task is complicated by the curvature of the balcony, which can reach 50 mm. in large and long designs. Therefore, measurements must be taken in several places using the building level.

The easiest way to correctly and accurately measure the height is to put a straight board or beam on the parapet along its entire length, and level them horizontally using a building level. Then, using a tape measure, measure the distance from the bottom of the timber to the ceiling along the entire length of several places in increments of 1 m. The smallest size should be taken as a basis, which will be the height of the glazing frame without a window sill.If it is supposed to install a window sill, then a similar measurement operation can be carried out by applying a tape measure already to the upper side of the bar set at the level.

To determine the length of the frame of the balcony frame, you should also use the building level. For measurements, apply it to one of the lateral sides and set it exactly vertically, on the balcony parapet they make a mark of the standing level at the point closest to the wall. Then they transfer the level to another wall, set it exactly vertically, put a similar mark on the parapet.The distance measured with a tape measure between the two marks will be the length of the new balcony frame. The length of the frame is measured in the above way without taking into account the thickness of the side seams; when installing on foam or sealing tape, the measured distance is reduced by the thickness of the seams.

In some cases, the condition of the balcony parapet should also be taken into account. If the balcony is old or too weak, the installation of heavy, warm multi-chamber frames can cause the parapet to collapse or the independent glazing to deform. In this case, it is necessary to prepare the parapet of the loggia or balcony for glazing with your own hands, or you can glaze the balcony with a lighter, cold aluminum profile with single sheet glass.

When choosing a glazing of a complex shape, its measurements and installation are quite difficult for a layman - in this case, it is better to use the services of professionals from window firms.

To install the balcony glazing with your own hands, you need to accurately measure all the dimensions of the window frame. Its dimensions depend on optional accessories, installation method and materials used. When choosing the type of balcony glazing (the material of the frame, the manufacturer of the profile and the number of chambers in the double-glazed windows), one should take into account the state of the balcony and, in particular, its parapet.

How to correctly measure a balcony block

Before proceeding with any calculations to determine how much of this or that building material is needed to decorate a room such as a balcony, you need to get the dimensions. This means that you need to know how to correctly measure the balcony block. Installing a plastic window element on such a structure is always a meticulous job.

In the case of a wide balcony or loggia, measurements should be taken every meter. From the resulting smaller result, 2-3 cm are subtracted from each side, which will move away during glazing under the polyurethane foam.

Basic principles of internal measurements

A room does not always have equal geometric proportions, that is, in practice, quite often parallel lengths can have a difference of several centimeters or more. Therefore, it is recommended to always use a larger length in the calculations.

Along the plane of each surface, 1–2 cm should be added to the length and width, since the probability of rejection in building materials is quite high, and in any case it is easier to cut off the excess than to fill up the cracks.

And one more thing - we must not forget about the identity of the calculations, that is, with the unit of measurement of length and width in a meter, and the area should be in square meters.

Where to start such work

So, in order to correctly measure the system, you will need:

A blank sheet of paper.
Ball pen.
Roulette.
Screwdriver.
Metal ruler.

All measurements taken must be recorded on paper.

In order to correctly calculate the balcony passage, you need to do the following:

The glazing process will not begin to develop until you have developed the minimum required sketch of the future structure.

find out the width of the space between the inner slopes, next to the element that is already there. In addition to the general value of the width, the width between the inner sides of the slopes is needed;
it is necessary to carefully calculate the width of the door present. This value is the distance between the inner slopes;
it is also necessary to know the height of the door opening between the upper and lower slopes of the structure. In addition to the value of the door height, you also need to know the height of the window space adjacent to this door. Such a measurement must be carried out both from the inside of the apartment and from the outside of this system;
after that, it is necessary to measure the total width of the entire opening of the balcony element along the outer slopes. This value is measured both at the top of the structure and at the bottom. Then both values are compared. They should coincide, and if not, then you can try to eliminate the difference with the help of polyurethane foam during installation, or pre-lay in the data specified before production;
it is also necessary to measure the width of the door along the outer slopes. It is carried out, like all measurements, with a tape measure;
outside the balcony opening, you need to carefully dismantle the window ebb of this element with a screwdriver.

The influence of installation technology on the size of the balcony glazing

When determining how to correctly measure the balcony, first of all, it is necessary to decide whether a window sill will be installed, which has become a popular attribute in modern balcony frames. The fact is that the window sill usually starts up under the bottom of the balcony frame - in this case, it will have to be raised to a height from the parapet equal to or greater than the thickness of the window sill. The height of the frame in this case will be less than that of a structure without a window sill, where it is easier to lower the lower side of the frame onto the parapet.

In addition, when installing the balcony frame, the upper and lower ebb tide must be installed. The upper ebb is usually attached to the ceiling using self-tapping screws on the dowels separately from the frame, or they are mounted during the installation of the glazing, screwed to the ceiling together with the frame (in this case, perforated plates are attached to the frame frame before installation).

Depending on the qualifications of the installers and the technology by which they perform the work, the lower ebb tide is also mounted in different ways. Often, a balcony frame is first installed, and then an ebb is screwed to its lower vertical part. Other specialists first attach a horizontal bar or board to the upper part of the parapet, attach the lower ebb to it with self-tapping screws, and then put the balcony frame on the top. This method is convenient when installing a window sill, if the board or block is of sufficient height for its installation.

From the foregoing it follows that the height of the balcony frame depends on the method of its fastening, the availability of additional accessories and the method of their installation; when installing the window sill, a block with a thickness of 50 mm is usually placed. - accordingly, the height of the balcony glazing frame, which will be measured before installation, must be higher than the parapet by this distance.

Fastening the balcony frame to vertical walls and insulating the side slots can also be carried out using various methods that affect the length of the frame when measuring. In the overwhelming majority of cases, the side slots are closed with polyurethane foam, which, when hardened from the outside and inside, looks unaesthetic, needs to be trimmed and finished with decorating materials. Better and aesthetic sealing of the side gaps can be achieved by using a pre-compressed PSUL sealing tape. It is made of polyurethane foam impregnated with modified acrylic, has different sizes and is mounted by gluing to the insulated surface with its glued side.When installing the frame, PSUL is glued to the sides of the frame and the frame is inserted into the opening, fixing it to the anchor or mounting plates, after which the tape expands 5 times, reliably and tightly isolating the side slots.

When installing glazing with aluminum or plastic on mounting foam, a distance to the walls of about 30 mm is usually left. for the convenience of work and obtaining a high-quality seam. When using a sealing strip, this distance can be reduced to 10 mm. - this will affect the choice of the length of the balcony glazing frame.

What is required for greater accuracy

The width of the balcony door is measured along the outer slopes. It is carried out, like all measurements, with a tape measure.

an external measurement of the height of the space of the existing door from the lower to the upper slope is required. It is carried out from the side of the structure, and not from the interior of the apartment;
here, the window opening is measured between its upper and lower slopes. This calculation is carried out in two parts of the structure: next to the existing door and closer to the wall. It is necessary to monitor the position of the tape - it must be exactly vertical. Otherwise, the numbers will be inaccurate, which will lead to incorrect production of the product on the balcony;
with a special building level, you need to check the verticality of the walls at the door and window opening. If there is a deviation from the vertical by more than 10-15 mm, it is necessary to accurately reflect this on paper;
using a metal ruler, calculations of the slopes of the openings, both door and window, are carried out. Such calculations are made from all sides: right, left, top and bottom - in each place twice, at different ends;
the last nuance is the size of the future window sill. It is necessary to measure the existing one by the internal ebb.

Thus, the balcony block is measured. You can proceed to the next stage - determining the main dimensions of the window and door of the balcony block.

Measurement of the French balcony. Pros and cons of a French balcony

Initially, the name French balcony was used for a small space where only one person could fit - without its own balcony area. Today, such balconies are often referred to as panoramic because they are windows that extend from floor to ceiling and may have a ledge. The fence is made lattice - for a romantic touch, so to speak.

Design features

Our glazing technique is rightfully considered one of the most sophisticated in terms of balcony improvement. The transparent construction, which does not have a parapet, is fenced around the perimeter by window systems from floor to leaf. Thanks to the high windows, the balcony or loggia takes on an elegant, stylish look. "Glass" from floor to ceiling is beautiful and practical, because more light enters the room, a wonderful panoramic view opens from the window.

However, practicality is low: in good weather, you cannot install a chair on it to enjoy reading; you will not leave things rarely used in everyday life. The design also resembles some kind of bent basket, which does not satisfy the aesthetic taste of not everyone.

Learn more about the pros and cons

The design is extremely popular in big cities, although it is not without a number of disadvantages, which, of course, you need to familiarize yourself with before you decide to transform your living space.

The advantages of a French balcony are:

Visual expansion of space.

Increase the degree of lighting in the room.
Possibility of placing large flowerpots with plants that do not fit in the living space.
Energy savings due to the penetration of a large amount of daylight.
The ability to use both transparent and frosted glass for glazing.
No need for cladding and heating from the inside.
Variety of design options.
No need for welding during installation.
Good noise insulation.

As you can see, the arguments “For” are weighty. Now let's list the disadvantages:

High price. A lot more money is spent on equipping a balcony than when equipping a traditional square. Especially a lot of money is spent if a laminated profile and energy-saving double-glazed windows are ordered.

Large areas of glass can cause the room to overheat on hot summer days.
The complexity and durability of glass cleaning.
Without reinforcing the structure, the French balcony can only be installed on the concrete slabs of new houses.
In hot weather, you need to ventilate the premises, and in frosty weather, insulation is required.
Lack of a window sill.
The lower part of the balcony panes needs to be protected from prying eyes. This is achieved by using opaque plastic thermal inserts, mirror or tinted films or glasses.

Comparison of a regular and a French balcony

Imagine an ordinary site in "Khrushchev": fences, sometimes slate on the outside. You can complain about the following:

Unaesthetic view from the street.
Fences prevent the passage of the amount of light that could enter the room.
Often there are cracks through which cold air passes.
Lack of soundproofing.

That is why the inhabitants of "Khrushchev" and think about the device of the French version, considering this solution elegant and noting that modern materials will significantly improve the view of their home from the street.

Facts from history

A French balcony appeared due to the peculiarities of traditional French architecture. In large cities of this country, in houses on narrow streets, balconies were so small that there was only enough room for flowers. Climbing plants rose up to the ceiling of the upper floor, and thus a "closed" space was formed. Also, the French made the windows and exits to the balcony as large as possible in order to allow maximum light into the dwelling.

Balconies of this type are not uncommon in Spain and Italy. Occasionally this architectural technique was resorted to in the USSR. In our modern new buildings, it can be found if they belong to the "comfort" class or higher.

When it comes to the exterior decoration of a house, every detail matters: the shape of the windows, the color of the walls, and other elements of the exterior. What can we say about such a noticeable design as ours. This is one of the best ways to give your home an elegant look and increase the amount of natural light that enters the interior. In France, this architectural solution has been familiar since the 7th century, and today it finds many admirers among our citizens.

The French balcony will regularly serve for decades, and you will only need to spend money on it once. If you divide the cost of a structure by the number of years it will last without repair, you will see that the price is quite low.

The main thing is done, the calculations remain

To determine the total width of the block, add the dimensions of the side slopes to the previously obtained value of the opening width and subtract 4 cm from them.

The width of the door in this system is calculated in the same way. However, care must be taken that the width of the calculated window and door accessories does not exceed the immediate width of the door and the window openings themselves.

The width of the window is calculated using the difference between the total width and the width of the door. If the resulting value requires some reduction in the connecting strip between the door and the window, then it can be tolerated.

The height of the window in the existing structure should be 2-4 cm higher than the height of the passage itself, so that this product can be accurately and correctly fixed in the opening. When calculating the height of the window, it is necessary to take into account the space on top required for filling with mounting foam, as well as drowning in the lower part of the hole - there must still be space for mounting the window sill.

To determine the height of the door of the future balcony block, you need to add the values of the upper and lower slopes to the height of the doorway and subtract 4 cm from the obtained value. However, the height of the door should not exceed the height of the passage itself by more than 6 cm. Otherwise, it is necessary to reduce the height of the door until the required size is reached.

In the final calculations of such a system, it is necessary to rely on the "double" calculations made on different sides of different aisles - a common device (balcony), window and door.

At first glance, it may seem that taking measurements is not a difficult task, especially if the balcony or loggia does not contain elements with any complex configuration. Nevertheless, any error in measurements in the future can affect the quality of the glazing, and saving on the services of a measurer can result in the cost of reworking translucent structures. Therefore, knowledge of the nuances typical of most balconies can be useful for home craftsmen.

Features of taking measurements of a balcony or loggia

First of all, a home craftsman should take into account the opinion of experts: a flat balcony is an exceptional rarity. Curvature - and considerable - is present even in panel structures. Despite the fact that the panels are made according to the same pattern, the difference in measurements in different places of the balcony can reach 10 centimeters. Therefore, it is recommended to take horizontal measurements from the opening in at least three places. It is necessary to measure the opening vertically every meter, but even in a small loggia, at least three measurements should be taken.

Of all the measurements obtained, the minimum values of the width and height should be selected - they will be taken as a basis in further calculations. On each side of these values, you need to subtract 2-3 centimeters for the mounting seams. This must be taken for granted: typical non-professional attempts to reduce the space for polyurethane foam are fraught with too thin assembly seams, which do not allow talking about high quality insulation. This is especially important when installing "warm" glazing of a balcony or loggia.

The above applies to facade structures with the simplest geometry. If there is a need to create more complex structures, corner or bay window glazing, you cannot do without a specialist. Measurements here should be carried out without exaggeration with jewelry accuracy, because alteration of such glazing due to errors in calculations is a very expensive pleasure.

Don't make common mistakes!

It is worth starting to independently measure the opening for the glazing of a loggia or balcony only when it is devoid of any glazing. So if an old translucent structure is installed on your balcony, dismantle it on your own or with the assistance of a specialist, and only then take measurements from the opening. The presence of old glazing will increase the errors in measurements and calculations, this is unacceptable. Moreover: if a master measurer you invited starts measuring openings occupied by old structures, this should make you suspicious, since this behavior is unprofessional. In no case do not sign any contracts with a would-be specialist who insists that all designs are standard. To carry out measurements, at least a partial dismantling of the existing glazing, and possibly part of the decoration covering the opening, is required.

When carrying out measurements and calculations, one should clearly imagine the future glazing of the balcony: will the structure be equipped with a window sill, will it be necessary to use an additional and support profile for glazing, what will be the insulation and finishing of the balcony. This will affect not only the parameters of the glazing elements, but also affect its overall cost.

One more nuance: the material from which the parapet is made must be compatible with the type of desired glazing.In some cases, existing parapets do not allow the installation of glazing in plastic frames. Then you have to either glaze the balcony using the "cold" type, or replace the parapet. In the latter case, the cost of the work increases.

A few words about risks

If you plan to glaze a wooden balcony, you risk less than in any other case - it is quite easy to correct a wooden structure in the presence of small errors during the installation process. If you install the glazing of a loggia or balcony on a brick or concrete base, the measurement accuracy should be at a height, because it is difficult to correct these materials, and alteration of the glazing elements may be the only way out of the situation.

So, before you start taking measurements on your own from the balcony opening, weigh the pros and cons. If you are not confident in yourself - take the opportunity to order this service from professionals, if you are ready to take a risk - we wish you success, may you succeed!

About the availability of products and the services offered, described in the article, check with the managers of our company by phone 8 (495) 940-73-92 .

Nuances of taking measurements

It is necessary to know and take into account that a flat front area is a rarity in construction. Be prepared for a lot of curvature in the structure. The difference in some places sometimes reaches 10 cm. We advise you to take measurements of the opening along the horizontal plane in at least 3 places. Determining the parameters of the balcony vertically, examine the structure every meter. In the smallest loggia, at least 3 measurements must be taken.

Examine all the resulting parameters and choose from them the minimum height and width of the structure. The indicators will serve as the basis for further calculations. On each side, subtract 2-3 cm from the resulting values, leaving them for laying the assembly seams. This must be done without fail. An attempt to reduce the space for the seam, the desire to make it thinner, does not make it possible to qualitatively insulate the glazing.

The above applies only to the simplest balcony platforms. If the structure has a complex configuration (bay window, angular arrangement, etc.), do not try to take measurements without a specialist. In such places, it is necessary to determine the parameters with high accuracy. Remember that reworking the glazing due to illiterate calculations will not be cheap.