Glazing of balconies is increasingly chosen by the owners of residential premises. Today it is possible to install not only hinged windows, but also choose more modern sliding structures. What are their features, pros and cons, and also what to look for when choosing, we will talk in our article.
Features
Glazing of balconies and loggias can be of two types: cold and warm. Depending on which one is used, different materials may be used. Each of the species is designed to protect the room from adverse weather conditions, wind and dust. With cold glazing, window frames are lighter and more durable. When warm, special attention is paid to tightness and sound insulation. In addition, the temperature on the balcony in winter will be higher than on the street.
Very often glazing of balconies is carried out using plastic or metal-plastic constructions. The former have a more budgetary cost, while the latter are stronger and more durable, but visually it is impossible to notice the differences. Despite a lot of materials, the data are considered one of the most popular. And there are reasons for this.
Advantages and disadvantages
Consumers highly value plastic sliding windows for their excellent features. For example, in this case, it becomes possible to effectively use the windowsill. Since the flaps do not swing open, it is possible to place flowers or any useful gizmos on it. The design allows you to free up space as much as possible, which is especially relevant in the case of a small room.
The mosquito net installed in the windows is easily pushed back; accordingly, there is no need to constantly remove it or put it back. It moves in the same way as the sash, in different directions. The products are universal, they are suitable for balcony frames having various shapes and sizes. In addition, a sliding plastic window has a lower cost than a standard design.
Such windows are tight. With their installation you can not worry about bad weather conditions. Street dust and dirt do not penetrate the house. In addition, they perfectly protect against external noise.
Even if there is a strong wind, it will be possible to avoid the slamming of the flaps, as they are easily and reliably fixed, and it is also absolutely easy to set them in motion.
Consumers note the ease of use and long life of such products. They are produced in a wide variety of modifications. There are no restrictions not only in size, but also in color. This allows you to choose the design of the desired appearance for any room design. And also there is the opportunity to pick up interesting accessories.
However, it is worth noting the disadvantages. Among them can be called insufficient thermal insulation of the room and not too reliable protection against precipitation, if we are talking about the lower guide. Sashes may not close too tightly. If vertical opening is assumed, the space of the free light opening is very small. Such designs should not be installed independently. Installation is best entrusted to professionals, since the mechanism cannot be called simple, and special tools are required to install it. If parallel opening is provided, a multi-chamber double-glazed window cannot be delivered, since its permissible thickness will be limited.
Windows will require specific care. For example, fittings and moving parts will need to be lubricated at least once every 5-6 months. This procedure is quite tedious and takes time.
And also you need to consider that it will be problematic to wash the flaps, because one of their sides will always be inaccessible, which makes it impossible to wash the plastic structure from all sides at once.
Diversity
Plastic sliding windows are presented in several forms. They are divided according to the mechanism of movement.
- To begin, consider parallel-moving flaps. This design resembles a wardrobe and is very popular with consumers. The transom moves along the guides that are on the same level with the profile. Both the closed and the open sash are located in one place.
- Vertical Sliding Structures less used than the previous view. The mechanism of their work is that the sash rises along a plumb line, and is fixed at the desired point. This is precisely what leads to the opening of the transom. These windows first appeared in England, so today they are often called English. In this situation, the closed sash fits very tightly to the profile, which eliminates drafts, since there are almost no gaps. In addition, it should be noted that the products look very original.
- In third place in popularity is swing-leaf system. It can be called the most complex, although the principle of operation is quite simple. In this case, you need to adapt to open the window. The transom is first pulled forward, and only then moves. This view is appreciated for the ability to open the window vertically to ventilate the room.
- You can’t ignore the final view - portals. They can be called door-windows. The material of manufacture is laminated glass having a higher strength than ordinary. The result of the installation is a visual increase in space. In addition, the apartment becomes much brighter. The mechanism of work is rotary-sliding.
How to choose?
The design with sliding and sliding plastic windows is best chosen after consultation with a specialist. He is able to give practical advice that can be followed during the purchase process. In addition, it will be useful to get acquainted with information about manufacturing companies in order to choose products that are well-established in the market and have positive feedback from consumers. We must not forget about the ratio of price and quality. Products having too low a cost are very likely to turn out to be of poor quality, which threatens problems during operation, all kinds of breakdowns and the purchase of failed elements. therefore it is better to bet on reliability in this matter.
In addition, do not be shy to ask the consultant to present a quality certificate for the products. Before buying, it is recommended to choose the type of glazing, so as not to waste extra time on it.
In addition, you should think about the installation time in advance. It is better to entrust this business to professionals who will carry out their work efficiently.
Care
Sliding plastic windows on the balcony look very appropriate, in addition, their installation has several advantages. However, experts recommend that you do not keep them open too often. After the installation is completed, it is necessary to properly clean the structure, as well as lubricate the fittings. Maintenance of the structure has the following nuances:
- you will need to abandon the use of harsh materials and aggressive detergents; their use in combination with plastic can lead to unpleasant consequences;
- Soap solution, as well as degreasing agents are excellent for washing windows;
- sponges should be extremely soft to prevent scratches on the surface;
- double-glazed windows themselves are no different from ordinary glass, respectively, do not require special care;
- rubber sealant must not be treated with alcohol-containing agents;
- hardware lubrication is carried out at least 2 times a year; You can use ordinary engine oil for this procedure.
See how to choose sliding plastic windows on the balcony in the next video.
