Aluminum or plastic balcony: which is better?

If the landlord decides to start glazing the balcony, first of all he decides what material to use. The most popular are aluminum and plastic. Let's consider in our article each of the options, their advantages and disadvantages, and we will 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 warm and cozy in the apartment, to protect it from adverse weather conditions. Therefore, in most modern apartments, this procedure is carried out in advance, even before the house is put into operation.

There can be a lot of glazing options. Frames are available in metal, plastic or wood. They are equipped with ordinary or stained glass panes, which, if necessary, can be tinted to your liking.

Most often, plastic double-glazed windows are still used for glazing balconies. They are almost completely sealed to prevent moisture and dust from entering, as well as the release of heat. In the case when plastic windows are installed, moisture remains outside, since the design requires waterproofing. Wet steam will also not accumulate on the inner surface.

For the thermal insulation of plastic windows to work, the glass unit must be installed "in a quarter". In such a situation, both a conventional frame and a movable frame can be used. Warm glazing involves the use of a plastic profile, when the structure is carefully insulated, and as a result, the residents of the apartment receive another full-fledged living space. It becomes warm and cozy on the balcony, just like at home.

Today, the cost of plastic windows is the most affordable for various segments of the population. However, you need to understand that in the cold season it will not be as warm on the balcony as in the apartment itself, because there is simply no heating here. Installing batteries will not only cost a lot, but it is also fraught with enormous difficulties, since it is prohibited by law. An alternative could be warm floor.

In order to get a warm and cozy 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 with 2 or 3 frames with the same number of leaves. However, to order windows, it is necessary to make measurements of a specific room. Shtulp systems are also quite popular.

Among the advantages are excellent tightness. The rubber gasket between the window and the frame prevents heat from escaping from the inside, and, accordingly, cold cannot penetrate from the outside. If two-chamber or three-chamber options are used, their sound insulation will help protect as much as possible from street noise. Besides, if, when finishing the balcony, we carry out insulation work, a comfortable microclimate will remain there for a long time.

Plastic structures are not afraid of weather anomalies. They are not spoiled by sudden temperature changes and the scorching sun, the color of the frames is always white. For those who wish there is the ability to decorate the surface with adhesive tape of different colors - this will help "revitalize" the room.

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

However, when installing plastic windows, you need to take into account their disadvantages. One of them is the ability to build up 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 quite delicate, so scratches and dents will remain on it, which can seriously ruin its appearance.

Cold glazing is not as permanent as warm glazing. 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 durability, as well as a long service life. Repairing the product is not difficult, as well as caring for it.

Such products are very often laminated. Various patterns can be applied to their surface, among which one of the most popular is wood imitation. Sliding options are often chosen by consumers as they save space without cluttering up space. We must not forget that there is no tightness here, in comparison with the previous version. However, the temperature on the balcony will still be slightly warmer than outside.

Also among the advantages should be noted the possibility of glazing of non-standard designs. The base is made of aluminum, which means it can last for many years. Such structures are very durable 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, one should note the low cost. In comparison with plastic windows, the difference can be very significant. They help prevent dust and dirt from entering, and serve as a good way to isolate noise.

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

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

Now for the disadvantages. The main one is very weak thermal insulation. This will lead to the fact that, despite any insulation, in the cold season there will be a low air temperature on the balcony.

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

Choosing a glazing option, the consumer should first of all be guided by his own needs. According to numerous reviews, the most versatile option is the installation of plastic frames. Despite the higher cost, warm glazing allows you to make the balcony almost an additional room. However, in the case when a lightweight structure is enough, and heat preservation is not a fundamental factor, installation of an aluminum loggia can also be considered.

Which is better - aluminum or plastic, see below.