Plastic glazing of balconies

The most effective, simple and affordable way to increase the living space in an apartment is glazing and insulation of the balcony. Thanks to this, it turns into a warm and comfortable room, which can become both an extension of the bedroom, kitchen, and a separate room where you can equip an office. Most often, plastic windows are chosen for glazing balconies; they are characterized by excellent performance and easy 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 production of plastic windows, it is possible to obtain a warm balcony at an affordable price.
• Huge selection of designs. Balcony structures are available in various designs, which allows them to be installed both on balconies in "Khrushchev" buildings, and in elite new buildings. In addition, glass and window blocks can have a variety of color options. Thanks to this, it is easy to select them 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. With regular maintenance, plastic windows can reliably serve for more than a dozen years.The only thing to maximize their service life is to change the fittings and lubricate the fasteners at least once every 10 years as they wear out.
• Variety of opening systems. Structures can be sliding, swing-out, swing-out and swing-out. In addition, each model has an automatic climate control and remote ventilation system.
• Possibility of additional installation of a protection system in the form of anti-cat nets and mosquito nets. This allows you to conveniently ventilate the room, protecting it from external penetration of insects and animals.

As for the shortcomings, they also exist.

• Compared to an aluminum block, plastic structures are heavier, therefore, before installing them, it is important to take into account the bearing capacity of the base. 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 can 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 an air conditioner to maintain an optimal microclimate in the room.
• Low light transmission due to wide frames. Condensation may occur due to sudden temperature changes.
• High requirements for installation accuracy. Any non-observance of installation technologies can lead to rapid 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 cleaning.

Today, plastic windows are produced in a wide range and differ among themselves not only in design, but also in the features of the profiles, the type of double-glazed windows, the shape, the number of sashes, the size and method of opening. In addition, decorated PVC frames are also on sale.

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

• single leaf;
• bivalve;
• tricuspid.

The most optimal option is a design with two leaves. If the balcony overlooks the central streets and historical sites, then the number of doors is regulated by the relevant authorities, without their permission, changes cannot be made.

Plastic windows are also distinguished by the method of opening the sashes.

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

• With swing-out doors... In such models, the doors open only along the vertical axis towards the interior of the apartment. They are convenient both for airing and for washing.

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

• With combined sashes. They are characterized by sophisticated fittings, thanks to which the upper part of the sash can be folded back and it can be opened along the vertical axis towards the interior of the room. Some window models are additionally equipped with a slot ventilation mechanism. This is the most expensive type of windows.

After the powdery raw material is pressed into a mass, the walls of future profiles are obtained from it, which will become the main part of the structure.... Depending on the composition of this powder, lightweight and heavy frames are differentiated. 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 noise 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 proven brands. The following manufacturers received good reviews.

• Veka. The products of this brand are well known all over the world for 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 the operating conditions, but also a chic assortment of block colors.

• Proplex. The windows of this company are of high quality, strength and reliably serve for a long time, even in difficult climatic conditions. Depending on the design of the balcony, designs of different sizes, shapes and colors can be purchased.

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

Manufacturers of accessories (seals, latches, combs, rods, hinges, locks and handles) also deserve special attention. The following companies have proven themselves positively on the market: Maco, Winkhaus, Roto and Siegenia-Aubi.

One of the most important issues when planning a renovation on a balcony is the choice of plastic windows. It is not at all easy to answer it, since the window is not a monolithic object, but is a structure consisting of fittings, a double-glazed window and a profile. The final quality of the product depends on all these components. 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 the windows should not only perfectly complement its interior, but also protect the balcony from street noise and temperature changes during the cold season.

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

The choice of a profile also deserves special attention. 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 harsh climatic conditions, then a 90 mm wide profile will do. As for the characteristics of a double-glazed unit, double-glazed windows are an excellent choice for loggias and balconies. We must not forget about the quality of the fittings, which cannot be saved on. It is the hardware that has a constant load, therefore it must be made of high quality materials and fit snugly against the sashes.

It is necessary to pay attention to the price, which is interconnected with the quality of the product. If the window is too cheap, then it is usually made of second-class profiles and fittings. 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 repairs and replacement of fittings.

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 removed completely, in the second it remains, serving as a support for the frames. In addition, it is important to take into account that if the balcony is glazed, then an additional load will be created on the supporting plate. She has to withstand 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 the components and the frame itself. Then you need to install a bar on the fence, which will later serve as a support for the lower part of the frame. In the event that the fence is not brought forward, then such a structure can not be mounted, and the frame can simply be installed on the ends. After that, a thorough cleaning is performed, the room is washed and dried. It is also important not to forget to prepare tools and materials. (rubber hammer, drill with drills, hammer drill, tape measure, plumb line, rack or hydraulic level, foam gun and step ladder).

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 from external noise and cold.

The purchased structures must be carefully unpacked and additional accessories and sashes removed from them. Installation should be started from any corner of the balcony. Initially, the entire structure is placed on support decks, which can be either plastic or wooden. Then the frame must 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 hammered in with a hammer, then screwed on easily with a screwdriver. Do not screw in the dowels too deep, otherwise the evenness of the structure will be disturbed 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 polyurethane foam, the remnants of which should be cut off immediately after hardening.

Double-glazed windows must be installed on the frame. An ebb tide is attached outside, and a window sill inside.

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

At the first stage of work, you need to make sure the strength of the base.If it is bad, then plastic windows cannot be installed. If the base plate has large cracks and chips, then it needs to be repaired and strengthened:

• internal sealing of seams;
• cement screed;
• laying of reinforcing mesh.

The latter option of strengthening, as a rule, is used when the slab is seriously damaged and its load-bearing functions can be weakened during the installation of the structure. To make a reinforcing mesh, you should take a 5 mm steel wire and assemble the frame. When assembling the mesh, it is important to pay attention to the gaps that result. They will be needed for the flow of cement mortar under the rod.

Then you should perform the internal sealing of cracks, seams using polyurethane foam or sealant. Laying heat-insulating material will also not interfere, for which foam is perfect. The further glazing procedure is standard.

The installation of plastic windows on the balcony of the last floor is also considered difficult. It is associated with many difficulties, the main one of which is the lack of a roof. Therefore, the balcony should be additionally equipped with a roof and decided in advance on its design. In addition, in order for the glazing to be of high quality, you should first strengthen the sound and heat insulation qualities of the balcony. For this, foam sheets are laid between the crate, all joints are sealed with heat-insulating material.

Then the glazing itself is carried out. To make it easier to complete, the frames are first attached.... The sashes must be removed from them, and a special support profile is fixed on the lower part. Next, proceed to fastening the frame to the walls. When they are assembled into one structure and securely fixed to the concrete walls, ceiling and parapet, it is necessary to fill up all the cracks and install the visor. The installation is completed with the installation of double-glazed windows. To do this, the flaps are hung on the hinges, the folding mechanism is attached and the drain is fixed from the outside.

How to make plastic balcony glazing, see below.