Plastic glazing of balconies

The most effective, simple and affordable way to increase the living space in an apartment is glazing and warming the balcony. Thanks to this, it turns into a warm and comfortable room, which can become both a continuation of the bedroom, kitchen, and a separate room where you can equip the office. Most often, plastic windows are chosen for glazing balconies, they are characterized by excellent performance and simple installation.

Plastic windows are installed on the balcony, not only to give the design a modern and beautiful look. These designs have many advantages.

• The perfect combination of price and quality. Thanks to modern technologies that are used in the manufacture of plastic windows, it is possible to obtain a warm balcony at an affordable price.
• Huge selection of design. Balcony designs are available in various designs, which allows them to be installed both on balconies in the "Khrushchev" and in elite new buildings. In addition, glass and window units can have a variety of color options. Thanks to this, they are easy to select for any style.
• High thermal insulation properties. Products are able to reduce external noise by 10-15 dB, and also act as reliable protection against vibration, noise, moisture and dust. Plastic double-glazed windows contribute to the creation of an optimal microclimate, this is especially important in the cold season and when combining a balcony with a living room.
• Long service life. Plastic windows with regular maintenance can reliably serve more than a dozen years.The only thing is to extend their service life as much as possible, it is necessary to change the fittings and lubricate the fasteners at least once every 10 years as they wear out.
• A variety of opening systems. Designs can be sliding, tilt-and-turn, tilt and swivel. In addition, each model has a system for automatically maintaining climate and remote ventilation.
• Possibility of additional installation of a protection system in the form of nets "anti-cat" and mosquito nets. This allows you to conveniently ventilate the room, protecting it from the external penetration of insects and animals.

As for the shortcomings, they are also available.

• Compared to an aluminum block, plastic structures have more weight, so it is important to consider the bearing capacity of the base before installing them. Often in old buildings, floor slabs do not meet the requirements and it is not possible to install plastic windows in them.
• Due to the good tightness, the room may be poorly ventilated. This problem can be easily dealt with by installing a micro-ventilation system in the window unit. In addition, it is recommended to additionally use air conditioning to maintain an optimal microclimate in the room.
• Low light transmission due to wide frames. Condensation may occur during sudden changes in temperature.
• High accuracy requirements. Any failure to comply with the installation technology may result in quick wear and tear of the window system.
• Plastic has the ability to attract dirt and dust to its surface (due to the accumulation of static electricity). Therefore, plastic double-glazed windows require frequent washing.

Today, plastic windows are available in a wide assortment and differ among themselves not only in design, but also in the profile features, the type of double-glazed windows, the shape, number of sashes, dimensions and the way of opening. In addition, decorated PVC frames are also on sale.

Depending on the number of casements, windows are divided into the following types:

• single leaf;
• bivalve;
• tricuspid.

The best option is a double-leaf design. If the balcony overlooks the main streets and historical places, then the number of wings is regulated by the relevant authorities, it is impossible to make changes without their permission.

Plastic windows also differ in the way the sashes are opened.

• Dull window. This is the simplest design option, here the glass unit is fixed in the frame motionless. If we consider this type of window in terms of functionality, it is not very convenient to use, although it is able to retain more heat in the room and pass maximum light. Washing such structures outside is problematic.

• With swing doors. In such models, the doors open only along the vertical axis inside the apartment. They are convenient both when airing and when washing.

• With flaps. Partially open, the upper part of the valves is shifted inward, and the lower is fixed on the horizontal axis. The opening angle in such models is set using the built-in stops. The main advantages of the design include the presence of a simple mechanism that makes the metal-plastic block affordable.

• With combination sashes. They are characterized by complex fittings, thanks to which it is possible to both tilt the upper part of the sash and open it along the vertical axis inside the room. Some window models are additionally equipped with a slot ventilation mechanism. This is the most expensive type of window.

After the powder raw material is pressed into the mass, the walls of future profiles are obtained from it, which will become the main part of the structure. Lightweight and heavy frames are distinguished depending on the composition of this powder. The reinforced metal profile has plasticity, which makes it possible to obtain trapezoidal, rectangular, oval, round and arched window structures.

In addition, plastic windows can differ in double-glazed windows, which are single-chamber, two-chamber and three-chamber. For glazing balconies, it is best to choose models with a double frame and one glass. They retain heat well, cope with sound insulation and are affordable.

Despite the fact that today PVC windows are represented by a wide range of models and are characterized by high quality, it is still necessary to give preference to products of trusted brands. The following manufacturers received good reviews.

• Veka. The products of this brand are well known all over the world due to their low price and excellent quality. Plastic windows from this manufacturer are available in various designs, which allows them to be used in any stylistic design of the balcony.

• Rehau. The windows of this German company have an excellent reputation in the market. The manufacturer offers customers not only several types of profiles, the choice of which depends on operating conditions, but also a chic assortment of coloring blocks.

• Proplex. The windows of this company are of high quality, durability and reliably serve a long period even in severe climatic conditions. Depending on the design of the balcony, you can purchase designs of different sizes, shapes and colors.

• KBE. Designs from this brand combine high quality and reasonable cost, which makes them affordable for everyone, regardless of the family budget.

Manufacturers of fittings (gaskets, latches, combs, rods, hinges, locks and handles) also deserve special attention. The following firms have positively recommended themselves in the market: Maco, Winkhaus, Roto and Siegenia-Aubi.

One of the most important issues when planning a repair on a balcony is the choice of plastic windows. It is not easy to answer it, since the window is not a monolithic object, but is a structure consisting of accessories, a double-glazed window and a profile. It is from all these components that the final quality of the product depends. Before giving preference to a particular model, you should also pay attention on the climatic features of the region and the type of balcony, since windows should not only perfectly complement its interior, but also protect the balcony from street noise and temperature extremes in the cold season.

According to the established SNiP standards, in a brick / panel house, which is in normal condition, the maximum load on the supporting panel of the balcony is 200 kg / m2. If everything is calculated, it turns out that an average concrete slab can withstand up to 0.72 t. This is important to consider when choosing the type of plastic window.

Special attention also deserves the choice of profile. For a balcony, it is recommended to purchase a profile with a width of 58 to 70 mm. If the building is located in a region with severe climatic conditions, then a profile with a width of 90 mm is suitable. As for the characteristics of a double-glazed window, double-glazed windows are an excellent choice for loggias and balconies. We must not forget about the quality of fittings, which can not be saved. It is the fittings that have a constant load, therefore it must be made of high quality materials and fit snugly against the sashes.

You need to pay attention to the price, which is interconnected with product quality. If the window is too cheap, then it is usually made of profiles and accessories of the second class. If such a product does not have certificates, then it is best to refuse to purchase. Such windows will not last long and will require constant repair, replacement of accessories.

Before you start glazing the balcony, you should decide whether it will be panoramic or windowed. In the first case, the fence made of cement or reinforcement is completely removed, in the second it remains, performing the function of supporting the frames. In addition, it is important to consider that if the balcony is glazed, then an additional load will be created on the supporting plate. She must stand it. To properly glaze the balcony, you must perform the following steps in stages.

The first step is to dismantle the old frames and remove the glass, all components and the frame itself. Then you need to install a beam on the fence, which in the future will serve as a support for the lower part of the frame. In the case when the fence is not moved forward, then such a design can not be mounted, and the frame can simply be mounted on the ends. After that, a thorough cleaning is carried out, the room is washed and dried. It is also important not to forget to prepare tools and materials (rubber mallet, drill with drills, hammer drill, tape measure, plumb line, rack or hydraulic level, gun with mounting foam and stepladder).

In apartments of panel and brick houses, it is recommended to choose the second method using a profile thickness of at least 70 mm. It is characterized by high quality and provides the balcony with reliable protection against external noise and cold.

Purchased structures must be carefully unpacked and removed from them additional fittings, sashes. Installation should begin from any corner of the balcony. Initially, the entire structure is placed on supporting decks, which can be both plastic and wooden. Then the frame needs to be aligned strictly vertically and horizontally. In those areas where the wall is adjacent to the ceiling and structure, it is necessary to drill holes for fasteners, the distance between them should not exceed 700 mm.

They are clogged with a hammer, then easily screwed in with a screwdriver. Do not screw the dowel too deep, otherwise the evenness of the structure will be violated and this will affect the subsequent installation. An anchor or square profile must be attached to the free sides of the structure, the second structure will be fixed to it. All voids and joints are carefully sealed with foam, the remains of which should be cut off immediately after hardening.

On the frame you need to install double-glazed windows. Outside, the ebb is fixed, and inside - the window sill.

Despite the fact that glazing the balcony with plastic windows is not an easy task, everyone can handle it. To do this, it is important to be patient, have some skills and follow the installation instructions above. If it is planned to install plastic windows in the "Brezhnevka" or "Khrushchev", where the balcony has a remote view, it has its own characteristics.

At the first stage of work, it is necessary to verify the strength of the base.If it is bad, then plastic windows cannot be mounted. If the carrier plate has large cracks and chips, then you need to carry out its repair and strengthening:

• internal jointing;
• cement screed;
• laying reinforcing mesh.

The last option of strengthening, as a rule, is used when the plate has serious damage and its load-bearing functions during installation can be weakened. To make a reinforcing mesh, you should take a steel wire with a cross section of 5 mm and assemble the frame. When assembling the mesh, it is important to pay attention to the gaps that have turned out. They will be needed for the receipt of cement mortar under the rod.

Then you should perform the internal sealing of cracks, seams with mounting foam or sealant. Also, the laying of a heat-insulating material, which foam foam is perfect for, will also help. A further glazing procedure occurs as standard.

Installation of plastic windows on the balcony of the last floor is also considered difficult. It is associated with many difficulties, the main of which is the lack of a roof. Therefore, the balcony should be equipped with a roof and decide on its design in advance. In addition, in order for the glazing to turn out to be of high quality, the sound and heat-insulating qualities of the balcony should first be strengthened. To do this, foam sheets are placed between the crate, all joints are sealed with heat-insulating material.

Then the glazing itself is carried out. To make it easier to perform, first attach the frames. Sashes are necessarily removed from them, and a special stand profile is fixed on the lower part. Next, proceed to fixing the frame to the walls. When they are assembled into one structure and securely fixed to concrete walls, ceiling and parapet, it is necessary to foam all the cracks and install a visor. Installation is being completed by the installation of double-glazed windows. For this, the sashes are hung on the hinges, the folding mechanism is fixed and the drain is fixed outside.

On how to make plastic glazing of the balcony, see further.