Features of warm and semi-warm balcony glazing

Most of the living space in our country is not very large. This is especially true of the old fund. To make life in a small apartment more comfortable, you have to look for different redevelopment options. The most common way to increase the size of a room is to connect it to a balcony or loggia. This part can be used as an office, a winter garden, a place for reading or rest - there are a lot of options. In our country, this means not only high-quality glazing, but also insulation of the balcony space.

There are three types of balcony glazing: cold, warm and semi-warm. The first option is fundamentally different from the other two in that warming measures are not carried out... Semi-insulated glazing includes the use of plastic window profiles with a sliding mechanism. This mechanism does not allow for maximum isolation. However, these types of profiles are much lighter and easier to install than aluminum ones. In addition, a good degree of sound insulation is provided.

The semi-warm version is suitable for small apartments of the old stock, since the balcony openings in them are often very small. Among the advantages of this option:

• ease of construction in comparison with that used in warm installation;
• the load on the slabs is significantly reduced due to the compactness;
• can be used for remote types of balcony structures, which will provide additional space;
• comfort and warmth on the balcony.

Warm glazing is somewhat different from semi-warm. This mounting variation is suitable for:

• to organize a comfortable space connected to the room in the living room;
• increasing the area of ​​\ u200b \ u200bthe kitchen or studio;
• warming the room due to the warm balcony.

This installation uses single or double-glazed windows with a low degree of emission, which are excellent at saving energy. The glass coating has the ability to reflect heat energy. Frames in double-glazed windows can be different. The choice of material is extremely important:

• wood, the original appearance is connected with the absence of a contour type seal;
• Pvc - the degree of heat transfer from them is rather low;
• aluminum - has special additional protection against cold, thermal locks, the most demanded material;
• fiberglass - high strength, long service life, excellent thermal insulation performance;
• combination from different materials provides a spectacular appearance and practicality, such as wood and aluminum.

Do not forget about the front panoramic type of glazing... This is a very spectacular type of balcony decoration, allowing for greater light penetration.

Before choosing the type of glazing, you should weigh the pros and cons. Among the advantages of semi-warm installation are the following:

• light weight - suitable for weak boards;
• does not fog up the surface - two glasses with a desiccant ensure there is no moisture on the glass;
• hard to hack - closes securely;
• protection against leakage and wind - provided with brush-type seals in all corners;
• increase in space - the size of the profile in depth does not take up much space;
• budget price - much lower than that of warm glazing.

Warm mounting advantages:

• the dimensions of the room are increasing, the main purpose of insulation is connection of the balcony space with the room, that is, it becomes a logical and warm continuation of the room;
• good noise isolation - thanks to modern double-glazed windows with various sound absorption properties;
• if the system is sealed, the room gets rid of drafts, moisture, dampness;
• great amount possibilities of arrangement connected space, beautiful textile decoration;
• duration of use - from 30 years old, subject to the use of quality materials and competent installation.

At the same time, it is necessary to take into account the disadvantages:

• quite a lot of weight, which can not be used on every balcony slab, sometimes reinforcement is required, in any case, a specialist consultation is necessary;
• these structures are quite large and "eat up" a large amount of balcony space, although due to the increase in the room, this minus can be considered relative;
• reducing the size of natural light, the light in the room will become slightly less;
• serious financial expenses that consist of rather complex installation and materials.

The difference between insulated and cold installations is even more obvious. In the cold one uses materials without thermal insulation properties, ordinary frames, double-glazed windows without thermal properties. There is no space insulation:

• walls;
• ceiling;
• floor.

The cracks are not closed, so nothing prevents the cold air. This type of installation will suit those who use the balcony space only in the warm season.The advantage of this option is that the balcony is protected from dust, dirt, drafts, rain, snow. It allows you to dry your laundry without any problems. In addition, this design is light enough, does not take up additional space. Cost-effective installation is another advantage. As for the disadvantages in comparison with the warm and semi-warm options, there are also a lot of them:

• lack of heat and sound insulation;
• the tightness is lower;
• in frost, glass can be covered with ice.

Self-glazing is a rather difficult task, you must have professional skills, have the appropriate tools and know everything about safety.

The toolkit largely depends on the choice of materials to be used. As a basic set, you should prepare:

• levels;
• tape measures for measurements;
• hammers;
• impact drill;
• screwdriver;
• metal cutting device;
• woodworking tool;
• rivet gun, if necessary;
• everything for plastering.

As for safety measures, work at height has its own characteristics. First, it must be an adult with certain skills. Secondly, you need protective equipment: a safety belt, glasses from fragments. Knowledge of the rules of first aid, how to behave in the event of a fire, will come in handy.

There are features of glazing work that must be taken into account:

• work is carried out in special clothing;
• you must first check the serviceability of the tool;
• protect the work area so that other people do not get there;
• all work with glass is carried out in gloves or other types of hand protection;
• you should always wear a belting belt;
• tools must be kept in special containers.

Before you start mounting the balcony, you should carefully prepare the room. First of all, the reliability of the slab, the base of the balcony structure is assessed. For this, it is better to consult a specialist. After that, a protective structure is installed, its reliability is checked. Check how thick the outer wall is... A brickwork structure may be required.

The outer wall must be insulated without fail. After all these measures have been taken, measurements of window openings are carried out, then double-glazed windows are ordered. When all structures are ready and delivered, their complete completeness is checked, you can carry out the installation itself.

Installation takes place according to the following algorithm:

• start of work - dismantling of windows, sashes, glazing beads and their removal;
• new double-glazed windows are unpacked, the film is removed;
• the perimeter of the frames is reinforced with anchor-type plates;
• frames are inserted into the openings and installed using a level and wedges;
• now comes the turn of fixing the anchor plates;
• the void is foamed with special polyurethane foam;
• double-glazed windows are installed in frames;
• the sashes are hung;
• after that you can start the insulation processes;
• finishing - the final stage of installation.

Decorating balcony openings is a matter of taste. Most importantly, regardless of the design chosen, this space will be warm and comfortable. NSenergy costs will decrease, the room will become larger. When choosing a semi-warm installation, you can use the balcony all year round. The quality and choice of modern materials allows you to arrange the space in any style.

For the main mistakes in glazing balconies, see the next video.