Sliding plastic windows to the balcony: types of systems, recommendations for choosing

Glazing of balconies is increasingly being chosen by owners of residential premises. Today, you can install not only hinged windows, but also choose more modern sliding structures. What are their features, pros and cons, as well as what to look for when choosing, we will talk in our article.

Glazing of balconies and loggias can be of two types: cold and warm. Depending on which one is used, different materials can be used. Each of the types is designed to protect the premises from adverse weather conditions, wind and dust. With cold glazing, the window frames are lighter and stronger. With heat, special attention is paid to tightness and sound insulation. In addition, the temperature on the balcony in winter will be higher than outside.

Very often, glazing of balconies is carried out using plastic or metal-plastic structures. 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 the abundance of materials, the data is considered one of the most popular. And there are reasons for this.

Plastic sliding windows are highly regarded by consumers for their excellent performance. For example, in this case, it becomes possible to effectively use the window sill. Since the doors do not swing open, you can 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 can be easily moved away, so 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 of various shapes and sizes. In addition, the sliding plastic window has a lower cost than the standard design.

Such windows are airtight. With their installation, you don't have to worry about bad weather conditions. Street dust and dirt do not penetrate into the house. In addition, they provide excellent protection against external noise.

Consumers note the ease of use and long service 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 required appearance for any room design. And also there is an opportunity to pick up interesting accessories.

However, it is worth noting the disadvantages. Among them, one can name insufficient thermal insulation of the room and not too reliable protection from precipitation when it comes to the lower guide. The flaps may not close too tightly. If vertical opening is intended, the space of the free skylight is very small. Such structures should not be installed on your own. It is better to entrust the installation to professionals, since the mechanism cannot be called simple, and special tools are required to install it. If parallel opening is provided, the multi-chamber double-glazed unit cannot be delivered, since its permissible thickness will be limited.

Windows will require specific maintenance. For example, fittings and moving parts will need to be lubricated at least once every 5–6 months. This procedure is quite tedious and time-consuming.

Plastic sliding windows are available in several types. They are divided according to the mechanism of movement.

• To begin with, consider the parallel moving shutters. This design resembles a wardrobe and is very popular with consumers. The transom moves along the guides, which are at the same level with the profile. Both closed and open sash are located in one place.

• Vertically sliding structures used less often than the previous type. The mechanism of their work is that the sash rises along a plumb line, and is fixed at the desired point. This is 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 makes it possible to exclude 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 tilt and turn sash system. It can be called the most complex, although the principle of operation itself is quite simple. In this case, you need to adapt to open the window. The transom is first pushed towards itself, and only after that it moves. This type is appreciated for the possibility of vertical opening of the window to ventilate the room.

• It is impossible to ignore the final view - window portals. They can be called window doors. The material of manufacture is laminated glass, which has a higher strength than ordinary glass. The result of the installation is a visual increase in space. In addition, the apartment becomes much brighter. The mechanism of operation is swing-sliding.

It is better to choose a design with sliding and sliding plastic windows after consultation with a specialist. He is able to provide sound advice that can be followed during the buying process. In addition, it will be useful to familiarize yourself with information about manufacturing firms in order to choose products that have proven themselves in the market and have positive consumer reviews. We must not forget about the ratio of price and quality. Products that are too low cost are very likely to be of poor quality, which threatens with problems during operation, all kinds of breakdowns and the purchase of faulty elements. That's why it is better to rely on reliability in this matter.

In addition, there is no need to hesitate to ask the consultant to present a quality certificate for the product. Before buying, it is recommended to choose the type of glazing so as not to waste extra time on this..

Sliding plastic windows on the balcony look very appropriate, in addition, their installation has a number of advantages. However, experts recommend not keeping 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 is perfect for washing windows, as well as degreasing agents;
• sponges should be extremely soft to prevent scratching the surface;
• the double-glazed windows themselves are no different from ordinary glass, respectively, they do not require special care;
• the rubber seal must not be treated with alcohol-containing products;
• fittings are lubricated at least 2 times a year; you can use ordinary machine oil for this procedure.

For information on how to choose sliding plastic windows for the balcony, see the next video.