Glazing a balcony is a rather responsible type of repair work. The enclosed space will allow not only to store things there, but also to equip a cozy place to relax. If you decide to install aluminum sliding windows, you need to know what type to choose, and how to properly care for them. This article will highlight these issues, as well as consider all the pros and cons of aluminum structures for windows.
Features
Aluminum windows are a frame made of aluminum and its alloys with installed double-glazed windows. These metal structures have a small width, which means they can even be mounted on thin metal corners of the loggia.
Most manufacturers equip their products with reliable hardware, which is almost impossible to crack outside. Warranty period for windows with aluminum profile is about 50 years. A wide selection of configuration and dimensions allows you to choose the right number of windows for any balcony size.
The neutral design of most models allows you to combine them with any interior, ranging from classics to bright, modern styles.
Aluminum windows are not afraid of moisture, snow, temperature changes. If desired, they can be coated with a special sun-protection film, and then they will not allow heat and UV rays to pass through.
All manufactured aluminum windows have special GOST 215119-2003 "Window blocks of aluminum alloys"That provides high quality products. These standards are international and are valid in Russia, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.This document was developed in close collaboration with the Eurasian Standardization Council.
Advantages and disadvantages
Like many high-quality products, aluminum sliding windows for installation on a balcony have a number of advantages.
- Lightweight window unit. Such products do not create a large load on the building, which means that they can be installed in multi-storey buildings, as well as in old buildings, which, due to long-term operation, will not be able to withstand heavy weight.
- Long service life. The average life of aluminum windows is 50 years. Some manufacturers claim that their products will last at least 80 years. However, such long-term operation is possible only with careful handling of window mechanisms.
- Not susceptible to mold and mildew unlike plastic and wooden models. In addition, aluminum does not corrode.
- Environmental Safety. When exposed to high temperatures, the profile does not emit toxic products. Finishing powder coating is absolutely safe for humans.
- High strength. Aluminum can withstand loads that are 6-8 times higher than wood and 3 times higher than PVC.
- Ease of care. For the smooth operation of all window mechanisms, it is enough to lubricate them with machine oil once a year. Frame cleaning from contamination can be carried out by most industrial as well as household products.
- Versatility. Depending on the needs, one of three design options for sliding aluminum windows can be selected.
- Wide color gamut. Modern manufacturers offer not only classic white frames, but also brighter colors.
- Low cost, especially in comparison with wood and PVC.
However, in addition to the undoubted advantages, aluminum glazing systems have disadvantages, such as:
- the product does not protect from the cold;
- frequent icing of frames in the winter can make it difficult to open the wings;
- increased heat loss from the apartment through the “cold glazing” of the balcony;
- low noise insulation indicators associated with the features of the sliding structure.
Despite the shortcomings, aluminum frames for balconies and loggias do not lose their relevance, as this is an inexpensive and high-quality version of glazing.
Kinds
Aluminum sliding window constructions are available in three configurations.
Rotary sliding
The operation of this mechanism is as follows: to open the window, first you need to pull the handle towards you and to the side. This type of aluminum window is reminiscent of the type of door opening on Ikarus buses. Sashes often have a multi-level design that allows you to ventilate the balcony without opening all the sashes. If the area of the windows on the loggia is planned to be quite large, it is necessary to worry in advance about the sufficient insulation of the frames, otherwise high heat losses cannot be avoided.
Parallel sliding
The principle of operation of this type of windows is similar to compartment doors, that is, the doors move in one direction along the guide runners. Mobility is ensured by small durable rollers made of material that not afraid of temperature changes, as well as resistant to mechanical stress.
Vertically sliding
Such windows are often installed by Americans, so you can see them in almost every foreign film.
The principle of operation is as follows: the frame rises to the counterweight, is fixed, and due to this, the sash opens.
Such products are pretty massive and not recommended for installation in small apartments and private houses.
How to choose?
In order to correctly select the necessary aluminum balcony frames for the loggia, A number of factors need to be assessed.
- The technical condition of the house and the permissible load on the balcony block. There is a universal rule - the older the house, the more lightweight the design of the balcony glazing should be.
- Cold or warm. If it is not planned to use the balcony daily as an additional room, for example, for relaxation, then it hardly makes sense to install warm PVC options. It is expensive and impractical. It will be much more economical and more logical to give preference to aluminum sliding or swinging structures.
- Budget. Recently, on the market you can find aluminum profiles for balconies with insulation. However, they do not compete with PVC windows in cost. Therefore, if you need savings, then you should give preference to cold aluminum glazing.
- Suitable opening system. Please note that it is most convenient to take care of the flaps that open, so there should not be too many deaf blocks. Sliding systems can save usable space even on narrow balconies, unlike swing options.
- Quality fittings. Since the mechanisms will be operated daily and more than once - they must be of high quality and be durable. Optimal in terms of price and reliability, German hardware.
Whatever type of glazing is chosen, the durability of the structure will depend on the correct installation, as well as on timely maintenance of the mechanisms, their adjustment and periodic maintenance of frames and glass units.
How to care?
Windows and frames of aluminum sliding structures for balcony glazing can be washed by any non-aggressive means with low abrasiveness.
The cleaner the windows, the more sunlight enters the room, which means they should be wiped with a special microfiber cloth with a tool at least once a month.
In order to wash the deaf window blocks, You can use glass, as well as a regular floor mop with a rubber nozzle. If there is no way to reach hard-to-reach places outside the balcony, then it will be easier and safer to contact a cleaning company.
Aluminum glazing of balconies is an excellent modern option, which allows not only to save money on the purchase and installation of the structure, but also to make your loggia convenient and functional.
About glazing technology with aluminum windows, see below.
