Panoramic glazing of a balcony: advantages and disadvantages, options, choices, 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 effective option is panoramic windows. They have many advantages, although they cannot be used in old-style houses for constructive reasons. If you live in a relatively new building, and its features allow you to take advantage of such a solution, it is worth considering this option.

Panoramic glazing is called floor-to-ceiling glazing. It is also called French. High-strength glasses are used, which guarantees the safe operation of the premises. From an aesthetic point of view, many people like this design option. However, there are certain nuances here. Not all buildings have load-bearing slabs and floors capable of supporting the 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, windows also look very impressive.
• The visual room becomes more spacious.
• Increasing the transparent part allows more natural light to penetrate inside.
• Since panoramic windows give housing a certain status, when the premises are sold or leased, its value increases.
• If a beautiful view opens up from the window (park area, forest, city panorama), it becomes easier and more pleasant to admire it.

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. Not only that, you will be in front of other people, which will not bring pleasure to you or them. If the balcony faces the courtyard, its height should also be taken into account. If the floor is lower than the fourth, you will be seen not only from the house opposite, but also by passers-by.
• Even if you are not going to combine a balcony with a living space, you will have to spend money on a ventilation system and a heater. Otherwise, the glass will fog up or freeze.
• Balcony cleaning will be much more difficult. Even if you can clean the glass from the inside, spending a little more time than cleaning ordinary windows, the outside will remain dirty. You will have to call specialists, which will again 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 placing it in a particular building is assessed.
• If the load on the balcony slab is acceptable, a permit must be obtained, since such work is considered a redevelopment. It also takes a lot of time.

Panoramic glazing of a balcony block can be done in different ways. For example, the entire front surface can be made of glass. 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 made without dividing walls. As a result, the structure looks like a weightless transparent rectangle. The glass sheet is mounted on aluminum profiles. The latter, in turn, are attached to the balcony slabs. Then the glasses are fixed to each other. Special guides allow opening the sash. With such glazing, it is imperative to install railings or gratings in the lower part. They can be located both outside and inside the premises.

Advantages of frameless glazing:

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

Disadvantages:

• impossibility of insulation and installation of mosquito nets;
• risk of damage from hail or very strong winds;
• low level of noise absorption;
• high price.

Glazing with frames is considered to be more reliable. Such windows are resistant to strong wind, precipitation, mechanical stress. Structural nuances allow such balconies to be insulated, equipping them for a comfortable resting corner or even combining premises with living space (with a special permit).

The advantages of frame glazing:

• increased level of security;
• structural reliability;
• the possibility of warming and soundproofing the room;
• the possibility of installing a mosquito net.

There is only one drawback - the need to pre-strengthen the supporting plate of the balcony. And also some people think 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 terms of aesthetic characteristics.

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

• Plastic. Suitable only for "warm" glazing. The choice of the leaf opening mechanism 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 a new material on the market. It successfully combines thermal insulation qualities and high wear resistance. The price of the material is quite high.

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

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

Once permission has been obtained, there are several important points to consider.

• Glazing type. Decide if you want to combine the balcony with living space, or use it for year round relaxation. In this case, it is necessary to choose "warm" frame glazing. If the space remains a separate territory and will be used to enjoy the view only in summer, frames and insulation can be dispensed with.
• Frame material type. Here it is worth starting from the price and type of glazing. For "cold" only aluminum is suitable. For "warm" - the choice is wider. And also you can choose the thickness of the frame and its color. A dark profile looks no less impressive than a light one. Focus on the interior of the apartment (in case of redevelopment) or on the design of the balcony itself (if it remains a separate room).
• Glass type. Regardless of other conditions, for safety reasons, glass with a thickness of at least 8 mm should be chosen. If frames are not used, or there are few of them, it is necessary to take tempered or reinforced glass. It is more durable. For an insulated balcony, energy-saving glass is the best option. In the cold season, it protects against frost. In summer, it keeps you cool. Multi-chamber double-glazed windows with plastic or warm aluminum profiles are also suitable.

If you have all the permissions in your hands, you have chosen the type of glazing and the appropriate design, you can start working. Of course, it is recommended to entrust this responsible business to professionals, because it requires the necessary knowledge and experience. However, everyone will find it useful to familiarize themselves with the basic steps.

• The balcony is freed from things, old glass and frames are removed, the area is cleared of debris and dust.
• Steel corners reinforce the perimeter of the upper floor. This will eliminate the risk of breaking under the weight of the glass. The parapet is reinforced with a welded metal structure.
• Make a markup. Attach a profile to it to check the calculations.
• The upper profile is attached to the ceiling with anchor bolts.
• Mount the bottom profile. Installation is carried out on the parapet or the floor of the room.
• The frame is fixed (to the profiles and side walls).
• Glass is inserted into profiles or frames (depending on the type of construction). Check the performance.
• With the help of polyurethane foam and sealant, joints and seams are sealed.
• After installing the glass, you can proceed to the insulation of the balcony. Insulation work is carried out for the floor, ceiling and closed wall. Install a "warm floor" system, convectors.

The interior design of a balcony with large windows depends on many factors... The first step is to decide if a completely transparent wall does not bother you. As mentioned earlier, you can choose between mirrored or tinted glass. Only the bottom of the windows can be covered with tinting. Besides, even with frame glazing, an imitation of a railing can be made... For this, the lower part is made in the form of a vertical fence.

As for the frameless option, handrails can only perform a safety function, but can be an independent decorative element... To do this, they should be installed indoors. In any case, the railing does not obstruct light or vision, but it does reduce the feeling of vulnerability in open spaces.

If the balcony is combined with a room, it becomes necessary to periodically close 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 the private balcony. Curtains will help you 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 decorate the room in a simple style, creating the illusion of a mini-cafe overlooking the city. 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 finish of the balcony. The armchair and fluffy carpet harmoniously complement the color of the frames and create a cozy atmosphere together with the fireplace.

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

• You can withstand the whole environment in light colors. Elegant classics are always in fashion.

• The hanging chair and luscious mint color reflect a modern aesthetic. Glazing not to the very end, but on most of the wall is a good option.

• Railings can be a spectacular decorative touch if you get creative. Making a fence in the color of the flooring is a good idea.

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