Aluminum or plastic balcony: which is better?

If the landlord decided to go in for the glazing of the balcony, first of all, he decides what material to use. The most popular are aluminum and plastic. Consider in our article each of the options, their advantages and disadvantages, and try to decide which one is better.

It should be noted that the fashion for glazing balconies appeared relatively recently. However, more and more often residents of apartment buildings stop at this option. It not only performs a decorative function, but also allows you to keep the apartment warm and comfortable, to protect it from adverse weather conditions. Therefore, in most modern apartments, this procedure is carried out in advance, even before putting the house into operation.

Glazing options may be a lot. Frames are metal, plastic or wooden. They put ordinary or stained glass, which, if necessary, can be tinted to your liking.

Most often, plastic glazing is still used for glazing balconies. They are almost completely tight, which eliminates the ingress of moisture and dust, as well as the release of heat. In the case when plastic windows are installed, moisture remains outside, since the design involves waterproofing. Wet steam will also not build up on the inside.

In order for the thermal insulation of plastic windows to work, the double-glazed window must be installed “at a quarter”. In such a situation, both a conventional frame and a movable one can be used. Warm glazing involves the use of a plastic profile, when the structure is thoroughly insulated, and as a result the tenants of the apartment get another full-fledged living space. On the balcony it becomes warm and cozy, like at home.

Today, the cost of plastic windows is the most affordable for various segments of the population. However, it must be understood that in the cold season the balcony will still not be as warm as in the apartment itself, because there is simply no heating. Installing batteries will not only cost a round sum, but also fraught with huge difficulties, as it is prohibited by law. An alternative may be warm floor.

In order to get a warm and comfortable balcony even in winter, you need to purchase exclusively high-quality materials that cannot be too cheap.

Today, on the market you can find traditional profiles having 2 or 3 frames with the same number of wings. However, to order windows, it is necessary to take measurements of a specific room. Shtulp systems are also quite popular.

Among the advantages can be noted excellent tightness. The rubber gasket between the window and the frame allows you to not release heat from the inside, and the cold, therefore, cannot penetrate from the outside. If two-chamber or three-chamber variants are used, their sound insulation will help to protect as much as possible from street noise. Besides, if during the decoration of the balcony to carry out warming, there will remain a comfortable microclimate for a long time.

Plastic constructions are not afraid of weather anomalies. Sudden changes in temperature and the scorching sun do not spoil them, the color of the frames is always white. For those who wish there the possibility of decorating the surface with an adhesive film of different colors - this will help to “revive” the room.

Installing plastic windows on the balcony is not a complicated procedure. In addition, the price for it is currently very budget.

However, when installing plastic windows, you need to consider their disadvantages. One of them is the ability to store static electricity, which in turn attracts dirt and dust. Therefore, you should prepare for frequent washing and wiping of double-glazed windows. Also, the plastic is pretty delicate, so it will remain scratches and dents that can seriously spoil its appearance.

Cold glazing is not as capital as warm. Respectively, The materials used in the procedure should be lighter. Most often we are talking about aluminum construction. Despite the lower price, it should be noted its strength, as well as a long service life. Repairing the product is straightforward, as is caring for it.

Such products are often laminated. Various patterns can be applied to their surface, among which one of the most popular is imitation wood. Consumers often choose sliding options, as they save space without cluttering up the space. Do not forget that tightness is absent here, in comparison with the previous version. However, the temperature on the balcony will still be slightly warmer than on the street.

Among the advantages should be noted the possibility of glazing custom designs. The base is made of aluminum, which means it can last for many years. Such designs are very strong and reliable. Since the frames are most often sliding, this makes it possible to use them even on narrow balconies.

Fireproof aluminum. It has an affordable cost.

First of all, among the advantages of such structures, it should be noted low cost. Compared to plastic windows, the difference can be very significant. They help to prevent the ingress of dust and dirt, serve as a good way for sound insulation.

Since the models are lightweight, experts recommend using them for glazing small balconies. In addition, sliding windows are perfect for narrow loggias.

The appearance of such structures remains unchanged for a long time. Replacing components is absolutely not difficult. Also, users note the convenience of washing the wings, which are very easy to remove and just as easily put in place.

Now for the flaws. The main one can be called very poor thermal insulation. This will lead to the fact that in spite of any warming, in the cold season there will be low air temperature on the balcony.

This figure is very different between aluminum and plastic structures. There are a lot of manufacturers in the modern market, and they all offer similar products at different prices. However, in any situation, glazing the balcony with plastic will come out almost 2 times more expensive.

When choosing a glazing option, a consumer should first of all focus on his own needs. According to numerous reviews, the installation of plastic frames becomes the most universal option. Despite the higher cost, warm glazing allows you to make a balcony almost an extra room. However, in the case when the structure is light enough and heat storage is not a fundamental factor, the installation of an aluminum loggia can be considered.

About what is better - aluminum or plastic, see below.