Panoramic balcony glazing: advantages and disadvantages, options, choice, examples

The balcony is often used for relaxation, and sometimes even combined with the living area. In this regard, glazing becomes an important point in the arrangement of this zone. The most spectacular option are panoramic windows. They have many advantages, although they cannot be used in old-type houses for structural reasons. If you live in a relatively new building, and its features allow you to use this solution, it is worth considering this option.

Floor-to-ceiling glazing is called panoramic. It is also called French. Glasses use high-strength, which guarantees the safety of operation of the room. From an aesthetic point of view, many people like this design option. However, there are certain nuances. Not in all buildings, bearing plates and ceilings are capable of supporting a significant weight of a glass structure.

The advantages of "French" glazing are numerous.

• This design gives the balcony an original look. When combined with a room, the windows also look very impressive.
• The visual room is becoming more spacious.
• Enlarging the transparent portion allows more natural light to enter.
• Since panoramic windows give housing a certain status, when selling or renting a room, its cost increases.
• If the window offers a beautiful view (park area, forest, city panorama), admiring it becomes easier and more enjoyable.

However, it is worth noting the disadvantages of this solution.

• If from the window you see not a beautiful landscape, but a neighboring house, the meaning of large windows disappears. Moreover, you will be in front of other people, which will not bring pleasure to you or them. If the balcony overlooks the courtyard, it is worth considering its height. If the floor is lower than the fourth, you will be seen not only from the house opposite, but also passers-by.
• Even if you are not going to combine a balcony with a living room, you will have to spend money on a ventilation system and a heater. Otherwise, the glass will fog up or freeze.
• Washing the balcony will be much more complicated. Even if you can wash the glass from the inside, having spent a little more time than cleaning ordinary windows, from the outside it will remain dirty. We will have to call specialists, which again will entail additional costs.
• Before starting work, you need to draw up a detailed project. The plan should take into account the materials used, insulation (if any). Based on this, the weight of the structure is calculated and the possibility of its placement in a particular building is evaluated.
• If the load on the ceiling of the balcony is permissible, it is necessary to obtain permission, since such work is considered a redevelopment. It also takes a lot of time.

Panoramic glazing of the balcony block can be done in different ways. For instance, can make glass the entire front surface. Another variant - make all three protruding parts transparent. At the same time, two more types of glazing are distinguished: with and without frames.

This type of glazing is performed without dividing walls. As a result, the structure becomes a weightless transparent rectangle. The glass sheet is mounted on aluminum profiles. The latter, in turn, are attached to the balcony slabs. Then the glass is fixed to each other. Open the doors allow special guides. With such glazing, a railing or grate must be installed in the lower part. They can be located both outside and indoors.

Advantages of frameless glazing:

• spectacular appearance;
• high light transmission;
• organization of an absolute review.

Disadvantages:

• the impossibility of warming and installing mosquito nets;
• risk of damage due to hail or very strong wind;
• low noise absorption;
• high price.

Glazing with frames is considered more reliable. Such windows are resistant to strong winds, precipitation, mechanical stress. Structural nuances make it possible to insulate such balconies, equipping them under a comfortable sitting corner or even combining rooms with living space (subject to special permission).

The advantages of frame glazing:

• increased security level;
• design reliability;
• the possibility of warming and soundproofing the room;
• the ability to install mosquito nets.

There is only one minus - the need for preliminary strengthening of the supporting plate of the balcony. And also some believe that frame glazing looks less elegant than the first option. However, a huge selection of design options and frame colors allows you to find a solution that is not inferior to the frameless option in aesthetic characteristics.

Manufacturers use several types of materials for the manufacture of frames.

• Plastic. Only suitable for "warm" glazing. The choice of the mechanism for opening the valves is possible.

• Aluminum. Such frames are more durable and reliable.They are suitable for any type of glazing. Of course, their cost is higher.

• Glass composite. This is new material on the market. It successfully combines heat-insulating qualities and high wear resistance. The price of the material is quite high.

And also distinguish several types of glass. Transparent material is considered traditional. If the windows overlook a deserted territory, you can choose this option for the design of the balcony. If you want to hide what is happening inside from prying eyes, you can use frosted, mirror or tinted glass. The effect of privacy can be achieved in different ways. Sometimes a special film is applied to a transparent material.

First you need to make sure that the installation of "French" glazing is safe. In new buildings and brick houses, usually there are no problems. If you live in a not too new panel house, it is better to clarify this question.

If permission is obtained, several important points should be considered.

• Type of glazing. Decide whether you want to combine the balcony with the living area, or use it to relax year-round. In this case, you need to choose a "warm" frame glazing. If the space remains a separate territory and will be used to enjoy the view only in the summer, you can do without frames and insulation.
• Type of frame material. It is worth starting from the price and type of glazing. For "cold" only aluminum is suitable. For the "warm" - the choice is wider. And also you can choose the thickness of the frame and its color. The dark profile looks no less spectacular than the light. Focus on the interior of the apartment (when remodeling) or on the design of the balcony itself (if it remains a separate room).
• Type of glass. Regardless of other conditions, for safety reasons, glass with a minimum thickness of 8 mm should be selected. If frames are not used, or they are few, it is necessary to take tempered or reinforced glass. It is more durable. For an insulated balcony, the best option is energy-saving glass. In the cold season, it protects against frost. In the summer, it allows you to keep cool. Multi-pane windows with a plastic or warm aluminum profile are also suitable.

If all the permissions are in your hands, you have chosen the type of glazing and a suitable design, you can start work. Of course, it is recommended to entrust this responsible business to professionals, because it requires the necessary knowledge and experience. However, it will be useful for everyone to get acquainted with the main stages.

• The balcony is freed from things, old windows and frames are removed, the area is cleaned of debris and dust.
• Steel corners strengthen the perimeter of the upper floor. This eliminates the risk of destruction under the weight of the glass. The parapet is reinforced with the help of welded metal construction.
• Make markup. Attach a profile to it to verify the calculations.
• The upper profile is fixed to the ceiling with anchor bolts.
• Mount the bottom profile. Installation is made on the parapet or floor of the room.
• The frame is fixed (to profiles and side walls).
• Glass is inserted into profiles or frames (depending on the type of construction). Check performance.
• By means of polyurethane foam and sealant joints and seams are closed.
• After installing the windows, you can proceed to the insulation of the balcony. They carry out insulation work for the floor, ceiling and closed wall. Install the "warm floor" system, convectors.

The interior design of a balcony with large windows depends on many points.. First of all, you should decide if you are not confused by a completely transparent wall. As mentioned earlier, you can choose a mirror or tinted glass. You can tint only the bottom of the windows. Besides, even with frame glazing you can make an imitation of the railing. To do this, the lower part is performed in the form of a vertical fence.

As for the frameless option, the railing can only perform a safety function, and can be an independent decorative element. To do this, they should be installed indoors. In any case, the railing does not interfere with light penetration or vision, but reduces the feeling of vulnerability in open space.

If the balcony is combined with the room, it becomes necessary to periodically close the large windows. The solution is simple - you can install blinds or roller blinds. Will look just as good tulle and blackout curtains to the floor. This also applies to a private balcony. Curtains will help to hide from the scorching sun on a hot day and create additional comfort.

Wall and floor decoration can be any: wood, plastic, decorative plaster, stone, tile - it all depends on the design idea. You can equip the balcony as a cozy resting place with soft sofas, armchairs or large pillows. You can design a room in a simple style, creating the illusion of a mini-cafe with city views. Here chairs with a round table or an elegant bar counter will be appropriate.

Consider several options for panoramic glazing of balconies.

• Snow-white frames refresh the dark balcony. The armchair and fluffy carpet harmoniously complement the color of the frames and create a cozy atmosphere with the fireplace.

• Here, the dark finish effectively shades the light interior, made in the French style. Elegant wrought iron furniture, a vintage lamp and flowers - all contribute to a romantic mood.

• You can withstand the whole atmosphere in bright colors. Elegant classics are always in fashion.

• A hanging chair and a rich mint color reflect contemporary aesthetics. Glazing is not to the very end, but on most of the wall - a good option.

• Railing can be a spectacular decorative touch, if you show imagination. Fencing in the color of the flooring is a good idea.

About what is important to know before ordering a French balcony, see the next video.