Glazing a balcony with plastic windows: advantages and disadvantages of PVC, materials and tools, preparatory work, frame installation. Glazing of balconies and loggias - types of glazing and installation technology Do-it-yourself glazing of a balcony with wooden frames

A balcony is a multifunctional space in an apartment. Over the past couple of decades, it has evolved from a storage room for winter clothes, grandma’s compotes and outdated items that you didn’t dare throw away, into a full-fledged part of the living space. Of course, this only applies to options closed type. If it is still blown by all the winds and is regularly covered in knee-deep snowdrifts in winter, glazing the balcony with your own hands will save the situation.

Kinds

A glazed balcony allows you to intelligently optimize additional square meters in the apartment, turning it into a study, mini-dining room, dressing room, sports ground, a workshop for creative family members. You can set up a winter garden in it or equip an area for your favorite pet.

It is quite possible to do the glazing yourself, but you need to take into account some of the nuances of the work.

Firstly, it is important to understand the difference between a balcony and a loggia. Many apartment owners confuse these concepts, and yet the types of glazing for a loggia differ from the types of glazing for a balcony. Glazing a loggia is simpler, since it is bounded on both sides by walls - it is located “inside” the living space. A balcony is a structure protruding from the wall of the facade of a building. It “hangs” over the ground and is placed outside the main area.

Secondly, you need to decide on the glazing method - cold or warm.

The cold one consists of a single layer of glass and a lightweight frame. This method provides relative sound insulation, protects the room from dust, wind and sunlight if the glass is covered with a UV filter, but does not retain heat. It is suitable for arranging a summer kitchen on the balcony, a temporary bedroom or office, and in winter for storing food in the cold.

Warm glazing requires a more complex, heavy and reliable design. And more expensive. It consists of double-sealed window frames and double-glazed windows, which make it possible to maintain room temperature on the balcony at any time of the year and use it comfortably.

Installation warm windows requires more time and strict adherence to conditions:

  • Good thermal insulation and waterproofing. Condensation between the glasses is unacceptable; they will fog up and retain heat less well.
  • Possibility to provide natural ventilation premises.
  • The presence of an air circulation system between the balcony and the room.

Thirdly, it is necessary to study the legal side of the issue when planning to make changes to the design of the premises. The balcony slab is designed for a specific load. Exceeding the permissible weight can lead to its collapse, and this is fraught with negative consequences.

Nowadays, it is quite easy to obtain specialist advice and permission to make improvements of a similar plan that were not provided for during the construction of the house. It is easier to spend a little time studying the Housing Code before starting work than to solve problems that arise after.

Popular types of glazing

The most common ways to protect a balcony from rain, wind, accumulation of street dust, frost and visits from feathered guests are: sliding glazing, panoramic, with extension, on a supporting frame.

Each type of glazing has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Simple (classical) glazing using a wooden frame and single glasses belongs to the cold method and is installed mainly in Soviet-type apartments. It protects from moisture, noise and street dirt, but is not particularly aesthetically pleasing or has great capabilities.

Sliding

The design is equipped with a special roller mechanism, which allows you to easily move the doors apart and takes up minimal space. The mechanism works on the principle of guide rails: the doors slide one after another.

This type is not suitable for every balcony; specialist advice is required, but for small balconies it is best option. It doesn’t take up even half an extra centimeter, saves space, protects from insects, dirt and precipitation.

The negative aspects include the fact that roller mechanisms may not withstand the harsh conditions of the Russian climate in winter time of the year. If they freeze, it will become impossible to open the windows. The design involves single glass, so at sub-zero temperatures the room will be cold.

Panorama

This type of glazing implies the absence of any frame. Guides with grooves are installed along the top and bottom into which glass is inserted (using special fastening units). The glass fence occupies the entire space from floor to ceiling, offering a beautiful view from the balcony at any time of the year. In this case, the sections are glazed different ways: sliding, hinged, folding.

For panoramic glazing, special strength glass is used, with a special coating to neutralize thermal radiation. It looks beautiful and can provide maximum sound insulation. Has a number of disadvantages:

  • At high temperatures the glass glows and heats the room. Blinds must be provided during installation. During the cold season, it does not retain heat well.
  • The surface requires frequent washing, since dust is clearly visible on it, and water streaks are visible after rain.
  • The structure as a whole is much heavier and more expensive than any other material.
  • Installation involves risk and requires high professionalism, so it should not be done by yourself.

With removal

The essence of the method is that steel profiles are welded to the balcony parapet, onto which a wide window sill is fixed. It is the basis that holds the aluminum or plastic structure for glazing the balcony. This glazing is suitable for narrow and small balconies with a strong parapet.

Modified balconies look beautiful (especially if a greenhouse is placed in them), expand the space practically and visually, and have a functional wide window sill.

The disadvantages are that the dead weight of plastic structures is quite large. It is necessary to correctly assess the current operational condition of the slab and parapet. Aluminum frames have less weight, but they hold heat less well. It will be cold on such a balcony in winter.

With supporting frame

Most the hard way which implies major changes in appearance outside balcony and requires a lot of time and several pairs of workers. At the same time, it is also the best, since it allows you to glaze a completely open balcony, which does not even have a canopy, and turn it into a warm living space for the next 15-20 years.

This Soviet-style glazing is popular - despite its labor intensity and heavy weight. Its advantages:

  • A welded steel frame is cheaper than other materials. At the same time, it is characterized by greater strength and wear resistance.
  • Regular bathroom enamel is suitable as a paint coating. It provides a beautiful, long-lasting color, shine, reliable protection against corrosion, and costs much less than PVC.
  • Possibility to install a visor. This will not only turn the balcony into a living space, but will also distribute the load across the upper floor and place less load on the balcony slab.
  • You can replace the parapet with a frame. Installing the frame is easier, it costs less, and appearance is not inferior to a panoramic balcony in an elite house.
  • The frame can be easily insulated with plasterboard and polystyrene foam.
  • Any type of window can be inserted, from traditional wood to solid glass.
  • Due to the strength of the frame, only the wind load falls on the glass, so they can be made to any width.
  • The problem of the old parapet does not matter. It can be eliminated, and the supporting frame can be made lower or higher than the previous level.

Materials

The balcony glazing system is represented by a set of window sashes, a window sill, thermal insulation material(most often this is foam), external ebbs and interior decoration.

The choice of material directly depends on the purpose of the balcony room and determines the final cost of the changes made. If the balcony is used as a place for drying clothes and storing preservatives, it makes sense to give preference budget materials: lightweight frames made of aluminum or duralumin and single glass. Such a balcony will not be insulated, and the difference with sub-zero temperature outside it will be no more than 6-7 degrees.

If you plan to set up an office on the balcony, game room for children or a place for receiving guests, it is worth choosing more reliable and expensive materials. This will be “full” or “insulating” glazing, which will allow you to use the balcony as a living space at any time of the year or combine it with a room by dismantling the wall between it and the balcony.

Plastic frames

They are convenient because they do not require additional efforts to insulate the balcony. In the case of low-budget renovations, simple lightweight PVC frames and single glass, massive windows with double-glazed windows are suitable. For better sealing, you can foam the cracks.

The choice of type of double-glazed windows determines final goal repair. For any technical characteristics that satisfy the requirements, the basis of windows of this type will be a frame-profile made of polyvinyl chloride. The kit includes all the necessary fittings, as well as a single-layer or multi-layer sealed glass unit.

The frame (static element) is mounted in the window opening, and the “filling” can be chosen at your discretion: in which direction the shutters will open, whether the window will have an impost (transverse slats along a horizontal or vertical line), what will be the slats on which the double-glazed window is attached what kind of glass the windows will be made of.

The most common material for the production of double-glazed windows is four-, five- or six-millimeter glass. A separate group should include “triplex” - double glass with a layer of transparent tape.

A double-glazed window can be single-chamber or double-chamber - depending on the number and parameters of cameras.

The PVC frame from the inside also consists of a number of jumper compartments (stiffening ribs). Their purpose is to create segments in the profile cavity that are filled with air. The more compartments, the higher the heat resistance.

The number, volumes and placement of air segments inside the profile are strictly defined, since some of them are necessary to ensure rigidity, some ensure the outflow of water, and some are needed for fastening fittings.

The level of thermal protection directly depends on the thickness of the glass unit and the distance between them. The warmest will be a balcony that is glazed with double-glazed windows. different thicknesses and on different widths from each other. Important role The seals that are laid along the edge of the glass unit play a role.

As for glass, its properties can be different:

  • reflex reflects the sun's rays;
  • reinforced – fire resistant;
  • hardened – impact resistant;
  • colored absorbs solar energy;
  • laminated provides excellent sound insulation (another feature of “triplex” is that when strong impact it does not break into fragments, but cracks and remains inside the film).

Wooden frames

Their appearance has undergone significant changes over the past few decades, but the trend towards installing wooden frames continues to grow. They have a small number of advantages if you compare them with the same PVC profile: beautiful, natural, environmentally friendly. However, there are not very many disadvantages either - they require high-quality installation and good care. Wood must be treated with special protective solutions and paints, otherwise it will quickly lose its appearance, begin to rot and crumble.

Any glass can be inserted into wooden frames. A cold single one without a seal will make the balcony beautiful, but unsuitable for use in the winter season. Expensive insulated double-glazed windows with a seal will solve two problems at once - both aesthetically and practically.

Stained or pseudo-stained glass looks beautiful in wooden frames. You can order it from a master or do it yourself. This can be done using a stencil printed on a printer and ordinary acrylic paints on glass. If you don’t have the time or desire to be creative, you can purchase a ready-made film stained glass window on any theme in the store.

Aluminum frames

Aluminum profile is the most current option for balcony glazing. This is due to the fact that in most old houses the condition balcony slab and the parapet leaves much to be desired. It is not very safe to install a heavy steel frame on them, but aluminum is quite light and does not put such a load on weak floors.

An aluminum profile is convenient for small balconies. It allows you to save or even expand space by several tens of centimeters (due to the frame with offset). Frames made of this material look aesthetically pleasing and are quite durable. If you paint them with protective enamel, their service life will increase significantly.

The most important advantage is that it allows much more light into the room than a profile made of wood or plastic. And this is especially important if the balcony is used as an additional living space, and not a second storage room.

Precautionary measures

When starting work, first of all you need to think about how to minimize the risk of injury to yourself and passers-by below. A miniature home coffee shop in the spirit of Montmartre is, of course, good, but safety comes first. First of all, it is provided by a safety belt. The industrial one is considered the most reliable, but for one-time work a high-quality sports one is quite suitable.

When choosing a belt, you need to pay attention to the length of the safety cord (cable). It should not be too short so as not to make work difficult, nor too long so that a traumatic jerk does not occur when falling. The optimal length is 2.5 meters.

It is also necessary to take into account the information on the product certificate. The safety belt and carabiner must withstand a load of up to 400 kg. You should not purchase a product without indicating this information and uncertified products.

During repair work, the safety halyard is secured with an anchor pin with a metal collet. The collet must be firmly mounted into the main wall (at least 15 centimeters deep), and the pin must be screwed into it until it stops - using a screwdriver or pry bar.

“With your own hands” does not mean alone. Glass is not only fragile, but also quite heavy, so it is recommended to glaze a balcony yourself with at least one partner.

Once your own safety is ensured, it's time to take care of others. It is unlikely that compensation for damage caused to health from a mount falling on a neighbor’s head is included in the cost estimate for repairing a balcony. The space below should be fenced off with bright construction tape. It is worth warning neighbors on the upper and lower floors about the planned work.

Preparation

Balcony glazing requires a careful approach. Preparing for repair work carried out in stages:

  • Cleaning. The first thing you need to do is remove things from the balcony, remove the blinds (if they were installed), and eliminate anything that might interfere with work.
  • Assessment of operational condition. When the balcony is not cluttered, it must be carefully examined inside and out - for damage, dilapidation, broken concrete, cracks, rot. If the condition of the slab and parapet is satisfactory, you can proceed to the next stage.
  • Elimination of defects. During an inspection of the balcony, problems may be discovered during the construction of the house. Before installing the profile and glazing, it is recommended to level out all irregularities and bevels that may complicate the work.
  • Security.

How to glaze a wooden structure: step-by-step instructions

Independent glazing of a balcony with a wooden structure involves the following steps:

  • Preparing the surface for work. Once the balcony has been cleaned, inspected and in order, it’s time to get rid of all the internal and external coverings. Then you need to remove accumulations of dust and other contaminants.
  • Measurements. Measurement accuracy window openings determines how well the frame will fit to the base, so it is important to be extremely careful and double-check the resulting values.
  • Installation of a wooden “box”. The “box” consists of wooden beams that form the base for the frame. It is fixed at the level of the existing balcony railings and the top beam. The side bars are mounted to the left and right surfaces of the wall. All beams are secured with metal brackets.
  • Installation of lathing for interior finishing of the balcony. If this step is included in the renovation, it is carried out right up to the glazing of the balcony. When the surface of the walls, floor and ceiling is covered with panels or lining, you can begin installing windows.
  • Installation of frames. Before glazing begins, the glass must be inserted into the frames and secured. They are made to order (according to individual sizes), purchased ready-made, or made independently - from profiled wooden beams with grooves.

The glass is inserted into these grooves, pressed with slats and fixed with nails on three sides.

  • Treatment of cracks insulating materials. Even with the most careful preparation, it is impossible to assemble frames without any gaps, like a good designer. There will definitely be gaps that need to be treated with tow or foam.
  • Installation of platbands. It is carried out after thermal insulation, in no case before.
  • Treating wooden frames with protective agents. The coating protecting against moisture is applied in 5-6 layers. The frame can then be patched, painted, or left clean.

Installation of metal-plastic

Most accessible view glazing without the help of a specialist. During the installation and installation process you will need: drill, screwdrivers, hammer, spatula, knife, self-tapping screws, polyurethane foam.

Algorithm of actions step by step:

  • Preparing the slats. 10-15 fragments with an area of ​​4 by 4 cm, which are needed to align the parapet line and correctly align the windows along the horizon.
  • Removing the glass unit from the frame. The manufacturer delivers a solid structure made of PVC and double-glazed windows, but before installing the frame, the glass must be removed, otherwise the frame will not be liftable.

You should remove the double-glazed windows carefully, placing them in a row against the wall. For reliability, you can cover it with soft cloth or thin foam rubber.

  • Removing sashes from window hinges.
  • Installation of the stand profile. This is a mandatory element of the kit, necessary for ease of installation of the window sill. Its height is only 20 mm and cannot be installed without a stand profile.

To install the profile, you need to rotate the frame 180 degrees, insert it into the groove, and secure it to the underside of the frame with a wooden (not steel) hammer.

  • Installation of frame fastenings. Stepping back 15 cm from each edge of the frame, fasten the plates to the top panel using a hammer and self-tapping screws 3 cm long.
  • Installation of windows. The most difficult moment at this stage is fixing the frames to the parapet. It is necessary to do this with assistants so that the frame does not “peek out” beyond the perimeter. It is important to note that the self-tapping screws are not driven into the dowel, but screwed.

After commit top level the frame will hold securely enough. Then you can fasten the remaining sides, connecting them using self-tapping screws at a distance of approximately 6 cm.

The connected frames are leveled using a level and plumb line.

  • Treatment of cracks and gaps from the outside.
  • Window sill installation.
  • Installation of slopes and ebbs. At the same stage, the window perimeter and joints are treated with silicone.
  • Installation of double-glazed windows according to the instructions.
  • Hanging the sashes.

How to glaze a balcony with sliding windows, see the following video:

Frameless method

Aesthetic frameless glazing is chosen when it is necessary to let in maximum sunlight into the room. It is a sliding system made of impact-resistant glass (transparent, tinted or stained glass). There are no frames or partitions, and the glass at the top and bottom is attached to metal rail profiles.

On the lower profile, under the outer sash, there is a fixing tape, which is needed so that the open sashes do not touch each other.

Such a balcony can hardly be warm, because it will not be possible to fit the glass to each other without gaps. The only way to reduce gaps is with acrylic inter-glass seals. They are included in the kit and are designed to be placed over the edges of the glass, like covers.

The system is equipped with rubber seals, which are laid outside - between the doors and the aluminum profile. They are necessary in case of wet snow and rain.

The system seems quite light, but at the same time it is very durable (due to the thick glass) and perfectly protects from precipitation, wind, and noise. The thickness of the glass is selected in accordance with the height of the balcony. For a height of over 200 cm, a thickness of at least 8 mm is required; for a height of less than 2 m, 6 cm is sufficient. The width of the sashes varies between 60-80 cm.

Full glazing of balconies and loggias has long become the norm in construction apartment buildings. This can be seen in the photos of new microdistricts, but in old houses you have to do all this work at your own expense. Moreover, not all buildings built in the last century are designed to support the weight of modern PVC frames, which have the maximum level of thermal insulation among all possible options. This problem becomes especially relevant if you need to glaze a balcony in a Khrushchev-era building. After all, the support slab in houses of this type has serious restrictions on the weight that it can withstand. Therefore, many owners have to make do with cold aluminum frames and partial insulation of the parapet.

Glazing with extension

Since the majority standard balconies in Khrushchev buildings they have a small area; the glazing option with the frames moving beyond the plane of the parapet allows you to slightly increase the useful volume of the finished room. In this case, the frames are moved beyond the parapet by 25–30 cm, resulting in a window sill that does not reduce the area of ​​the balcony. Frames can be removed either only in the front part, or from all three sides of the balcony.

The stem frame is usually made from metal corner and is attached to the parapet using welding or anchor bolts. After insulation, it is sheathed with the same material as the rest of the structure. But in the case where the outrigger window sill is attached to the railing, it is possible to use only lightweight aluminum frames with low level thermal insulation and protecting the room only from precipitation.

Most companies involved in glazing balconies have in their catalogs photos of several options for such glazing. Therefore, even if you want to do all the work yourself, you can choose ready-made option, which will suit a specific balcony or building facade.

It is also possible to extend along the entire height of the balcony, that is, from the floor level. This design requires careful calculation of its mass, since the supporting outrigger plate may collapse. This is especially risky in cases where the balcony on the floor below is not glazed, since this creates, albeit small, reinforcement.

Frame glazing

In order for a balcony in a Khrushchev building to withstand more weight than provided for by the technical parameters of the external slab, it is possible to create a metal structure that will be attached not to the balcony itself, but to the load-bearing wall of the Khrushchev building.

The result is a box whose weight falls on load-bearing wall, and onto the remote plate. Therefore, it becomes possible to fully insulate with the installation of PVC or warm aluminum frames. Photos of such a frame can be found on websites dedicated to insulating balconies.

The frame can be made with or without a stem - flush with vertical plane balcony railings. But in any case, this option requires additional costs for material and labor. This significantly increases the total cost of insulating the loggia, as well as careful calculations, in which the parameters of the external slab and the total weight of materials, including sheathing and insulation, must be taken into account.

Top floor

Finishing the balcony on the top floor

Since the balconies are on top floors Khrushchev buildings are located in the open air and do not have any canopies; when glazing them, a canopy must be created. It should have approximately the same operational parameters as the roof - that is, provide reliable thermal insulation and protection from precipitation.

In addition to the fact that the canopy increases the overall cost of glazing work, it also increases the load. Therefore, its design requires either the creation of a small frame or a reduction in the mass of other materials used in the work.

If you plan to fully insulate and create a warm room on the Khrushchev-era balcony, then it is best to use a full-fledged frame, even without removing the frames. After all, slabs of balconies on upper floors are usually more susceptible to destruction due to strong winds and precipitation. The canopy is insulated like any other roof, and it can be sheathed with slate, ondulin or profiled sheeting. Such balconies look quite nice, especially if they exterior decoration taken into account overall design Houses. You can verify this by looking at photos in thematic catalogs.

Cold and warm glazing

In addition to differences in design, standard frame options used for glazing balconies in Khrushchev-era buildings are divided into cold and warm.

Cold glazing

View from the inside

This type of glazing is used when there is no need to make a warm room out of the balcony or when there are some restrictions, for example, financial or technical.

Among the advantages of this option are the following points:

  • Small mass. Cold aluminum frames can be installed without additional reinforcement of the balcony extension slab. They also do not require the creation of a supporting frame.
  • Variety of design options. The use of an aluminum profile allows you to create sections of the most different shapes and sizes - both sliding and standard tilt-and-turn.
  • High level of protection. The presence of sealed gaskets prevents dust and precipitation from entering the balcony. In addition, condensation does not collect on such windows.
  • Wide range of spraying options. The profile of aluminum window frames can have any color and shade - you just need to select its photo in the catalog when placing an individual order.

But cold glazing also has disadvantages:

  • Firstly, there is a lack of thermal insulation. On balconies with aluminum glazing in winter, the temperature is not much higher than outside - only 5–8 degrees.
  • Secondly, freezing. In severe frosts, the mechanism responsible for opening the window may freeze. It is also possible for the sashes to freeze to the frame itself.

Warm glazing

Example finished balcony- roof installation

Full insulation of a balcony involves the use of frames with double-glazed windows or having special insulating gaskets inside the structure. These can be windows made of PVC profiles or aluminum with thermal insert.

This type of glazing has a number of advantages:

  • Warm. Modern frames for balconies are no different in terms of thermal insulation from those installed in apartments. Therefore, they allow you to create a full-fledged small room on the balcony, the temperature of which in winter is maintained at the same level as in the whole house.
  • Reliability. Warm frames, with proper care and compliance with operating conditions, can last for several decades, protecting the space of the balcony and apartment not only from the cold, but also from any other external influences including street noise.
  • Variability. PVC profile, like aluminum with a thermal insert, allows you to create sliding and folding type balcony frames, including the presence of vents and any other auxiliary windows in the sashes.

This type of balcony attracts attention from afar

Despite all the advantages, warm frames have two disadvantages, which often become an obstacle to their use:

  • Weight. All types of warm frames due to the design features and application in them double glazing They are quite heavy and not every balcony can support them. Therefore, warm glazing requires the creation of an additional reinforcing frame to reduce the load on the extension slab.
  • Price. Warm frames are much more expensive than cold frames. In addition, the total cost of the work increases due to the need to create a frame.

Conclusion

Modern technologies make it possible to glaze balconies with both light and heavy frames. Moreover, when it comes specifically to balconies, it is possible to use several design solutions that allow the installation of heavy frames. Such options provide a partial increase in the volume of internal space or the creation of a canopy, without which it is impossible to glaze the balcony on the top floor.

Photos of any design solutions for glazing can be found in online catalogs or even just when studying city landscapes.

It looks like it's open there to all the wind, but it looks like it's there. Because in summer, you can still sit there with a cup of tea or hang your suit to dry. But in the fall and even more in winter they will have the same rainwater and snow cover as in the yard. What kind of tea is this?

So sooner or later the idea is: “Close and isolate!” In addition, glazing a balcony with your own hands is a viable task.

Heating windows require a responsible approach and compliance with all requirements. You can read about it in this article.

A little theory

Before you decide to take such a crucial step, you must make sure that the status of the balcony panel allows you to create your plans.

Since the chips are deep and, in addition, cracks, they can warn with their ominous air that it is unlikely that the old plate will withstand the new, rather complex design.

Of course, it is possible to warm a balcony with a problematic base, but only with the use of specialized companies that will perform the necessary engineering calculations and strengthen them.

If everything is in order and you are confident in your abilities as a renovation builder, it is still up to you to decide which types of glazing are best for your family and its budget. All expenses should be calculated in advance, so there will be no problems in the future.

Let's consider all the possible options offered by the market.

The most common of Soviet times and the most in an economical way The glazing of a loggia or balcony is made of wooden frames with a single glass.

They are usually used with brackets and bolts.

Everything is easy and accessible. That's a plus. But even there flaws:

  • The tree requires special attention and regular circulation.
  • A balcony or loggia closed in this way cannot serve as full-fledged residential premises. Because in the cold season the temperature is almost zero. But you are protected from wind, precipitation, dust and ruins from the upper floors. And using wooden Euro windows, although it will provide peace and warmth, is the most expensive glazing option.

The next popular method is PVC frame with single glazing or double glazing with double glazing.

At the right approach depending on the purpose and materials used, you can get additional living space.

And this is rarely unnecessary. And if you not only want to iron, but also insulate the balcony, then choosing double glasses will be the best choice.

PVC frames are more durable than wood.

It's much easier for them to worry: they often get enough dust and grease to fit fittings and seals. It is important that these balconies look more aesthetically pleasing. Plastic or metal-plastic frames are optimal in terms of price-quality ratio. Choosing windows is not too difficult, but you will have to spend some time on it

The next way to improve the appearance of the apartment and make it more comfortable is glazing with aluminum frames.

This method is much more expensive than the previous one.

Glazing balconies - it's easy to do it yourself

Its advantage is the low weight of the structure, which in some cases makes it possible not to strengthen the load-bearing part.

Low thermal insulation values ​​do not allow it to become a full-fledged method of heating rooms.

In severe frosts, ice can also form on frames.

The slight airtightness makes glazing by hand using aluminum frames an absurd task to keep out street noise. This also applies to distant balconies.

Among city residents, who often have not only sunlight, but also daylight, non-glazed glazing is becoming popular.

It can be made on the basis of existing fences or parapets and is completely panoramic.

The last option is very attractive for organizing a winter garden. At the same time, this will not allow you to change the balcony to some place to store household items or just old things. Colorless glazing is the least suitable for self-realization.

When choosing one or the other glazing method and, in fact, the type of frame, it can move on to the next step

Preparatory work

As a rule, glazing a balcony with your own hands consistently includes the following work:

  • dismantling of old buildings,
  • sizing,
  • gain load-bearing structures(if necessary),
  • installation of a new frame and direct glazing,
  • thermal insulation,
  • external and internal finishing.

Regardless of the variety of future loggias or balconies, you should know what size before they are made or ordered.

For this purpose, the distance from the parapets to the ceiling is measured with a measuring tape.

Then for balconies - from one corner to another and behind the loggia - from wall to wall. In this case, if there is glazing, the entire structure must be removed before the measurement is removed, otherwise it may not be correct. If you place a new fence, this should be done to avoid distortion when installing the entire structure.

Installation of wooden frames

If you decide that it is best to clear a log or a balcony with a tree, then such frames cannot be ordered, but also independently.

Another economical option: Find or buy used products.

All wooden parts must be pre-treated with special protective equipment. First - wooden box with profile 50×50 mm. The rods are attached to the fence or parapets, to the ceiling, on the sides.

The lower part can be unscrewed immediately. The distance between the rays is frozen. The assembled frame is then attached to the box. This is done with simple screws.

After this you can start working. The outer envelope is most often made with plastic plates or sides.

They can be all colors. After this, insulation is carried out: the external fence is covered with foam, mineral wool or other insulation. Interior decoration that hides the insulation layer gives the room a beautiful appearance.

Installation of PVC profile frame

If you prefer modern plastic and then glaze your own loggia or balcony, you need to know some shades.

Depending on the heavy weight of the structure, the hinged door will need to be removed and the double glazed blind windows removed before installing the frame into the opening. Extension, glass frame, glazing can be unpacked.

Then you need to check that the subfolders are located at the bottom of the frame. If it's not done, it's in the grooves. Special mounting plates are attached at a distance of approximately 15 cm from each of the frame corners.

Then it is better if the assistants, frames without glasses and flaps, are open in the hole and attached with self-closing screws to each other in a uniform manner.

It is necessary to check the correct level of installation. Attached frames are attached to the ceiling, walls and parapets using an anchor. Then a guard needs to be hung to fill all the cracks. The double glazed windows can then be installed in the areas where they are installed and hung. The rear window frame is installed.

Since PVC-UVC self-service balconies are new, we suggest taking a look next video to better understand all the important points.

For glazing a loggia or balcony, the majority may be forced by everyone.

We tried to talk about the main points of choosing materials, the shades of assembly of the most common types of frames, insulation and interior decoration. We hope that our article will be useful.

Glazing of balconies

I decided to glaze the balcony with aluminum profile windows, since I was quite happy with the “cold” glazing of the balcony.

And the price compared to plastic windows twice as much.

We installed the aluminum windows ourselves. And the source of inspiration for installing an aluminum window with your own hands is the price of installation.

It was almost half the cost.

What happened, all the installation nuances, what we had to face when installing the aluminum profile, when glazing the balcony is shown below with photographs.

When ordering a window, indicate the size of the opening a couple of centimeters smaller on the left and right (under the mounting foam), and at the bottom minus 2-2.5 centimeters under the window sill.

One important point, to simplify installation during production on an aluminum profile with reverse side(for their installers) mark with a marker (left, right, top, bottom, or indicated by arrows).

Ask them to do the same for you, since in the absence of these, you can easily confuse the profiles and have to disassemble the entire structure and reassemble it again, since the frames will not fit into place.

It took about 4 hours to glaze the balcony with an aluminum profile (including smoke breaks).

The balcony had been glazed previously; dismantling the old, rotten wooden frame took a lot of time.

We begin installation by assembling the aluminum frame (photo 1,2,3,4), twisting the profile with self-tapping screws (included in the kit), do not forget to glue self-adhesive seals in the corners.

1Aluminum frame joint seal.

Photo. 2 Glue the seal.

3, 4. Assembling the aluminum frame.

We install the assembled aluminum frame directly on the window sill (aligned level), fasten the top, side profile and bottom to anchor bolts, fill with polyurethane foam (photo 5, 6, 7, 8).

Photo 5 Mounted frame.

Photo. 6, 7 We fasten the aluminum frame to the anchor bolts and pass through with foam.

Photo. 8 Installation of aluminum frame: 1- aluminum profile; 2-window sill.

The glazing of the balcony with aluminum profile frames is almost complete; all that remains is to insert the frames and adjust the latches.

When installing frames in an aluminum frame, 99% of the latches in the frames will not line up with the striker and will require adjustment.

First we adjust window unit, level using a hexagon (photo 9), it should be vertical.

9 Adjusting the window block of the aluminum frame.

Then we adjust the strike plate (photo 10), use a hexagon to release the bolt in the middle of the strike plate and move the bar to the required height; the latch lock is adjusted in the same way (photo 11). Installation and adjustment is completed.

10 Adjusting the strike plate of the aluminum frame latch in height.

Photo. 11 Adjusting the aluminum frame latch.

All that remains is to secure the ebb outside and install a mosquito net (if ordered).

The ebb is attached to metal press washers, and the place of contact with the frame is sealed with sealant.

12 Attaching a mosquito net to a window.

Mosquito net for glazing balconies aluminum windows, is attached from the inside; for fastening, a special guide profile is used, which is also secured with press washers (photo.

Modern balconies are a place of rest and storage, so they should be warm enough and insulated from the weather. But the services of designers and builders are quite expensive and not always of high quality, so you can glaze balconies yourself. The main thing is to understand the type of material.

Cold and warm: what's the difference?

In glazing, the terminology “cold” and “warm” is often used.

This indicates the temperature the frames must withstand. Wood is more environmentally friendly, but it does not retain heat well. Therefore, aluminum and plastic options are recommended for low temperatures.

Glazing a balcony is not only about installing the glass itself, but also about building a strong support for it, so try to do everything as efficiently and reliably as possible.

For cold glazing use conventional designs, and for warm ones - double frames and often an insulated floor.

The difference between the options is several degrees, but at the same time you will have to spend much more in price.

Aluminum profile

One of the most popular options. Using aluminum, you can make external frames (with the addition of additional space) and generally visually do without frames.
Even with the cold method, the balcony is warm and dry, and in terms of price it is one of the cheapest options.

Immediately decide on the number of frames and the opening method: swing open or move aside.

The purchased accessories depend on this. It is recommended to combine these options with stationary ones, then you can easily wash them and ventilate the room. Proper installation It will also provide insulation from noise and cold.


This design is quite durable, and the aluminum frames do not absorb much light.

Service life is about eighty years.
The glass itself can be mirrored, plexiglass, bulletproof and armored.

Step by step installation

Let's start with choosing a manufacturer and accessories: choose only high-quality options with certificates.

  • Measure the exact size of the balcony, draw a sketch and calculate the amount of material.
  • Make sure that the frame is strong and reliable, and that it does not need to be strengthened or rebuilt.
  • If you decide to dismantle old glass, make sure that no one will get hurt below.

    Put up barriers.

  • We seal the glass with tape. We remove the old visor.
  • We take measurements again and make sure that the calculations are correct.
  • We remove the railings or cover them with a steel apron.

  • We install the frame on a concrete barrier or beams, fixing it with anchors (we attach special plates to the walls, screw in bolts from the bottom and top).
  • Fill with polyurethane foam.
  • Low tide installation.

  • Installation of sashes (we check everything by level).
  • We adjust the fittings.
  • We seal the joints from moisture and unnecessary gaps.

The glazing is completed; in extreme cases, contact specialists to check and correct your work.

PVC frames

PVC is mainly suitable for warm option glazing.

They provide tightness and sound insulation. This option is suitable for you if you are planning to make the balcony a full-fledged living space.

No need for them special care, just regular cleansing. The smooth surface looks very aesthetically pleasing.





Wooden frames

This is the most eco-friendly option, but there is a stereotype about their fragility.

Glazing and finishing of balconies. Installation of the frame. Installation features

WITH wooden frames There really is a problem that they dry out and crack due to improper use.

But it is enough to cover them with the right varnish and periodically tint.

Wood looks really stylish and cozy in the interior, and retains heat well if you use sealed compounds during installation.

Wood can easily be painted in any color: make sure it looks aesthetically pleasing. Here, by the way, is a clear example of responsible and not so responsible owners.

DIY balcony glazing is easy

Glazing a balcony or loggia is not an easy task, which often requires the cooperation of craftsmen.

Before glazing a balcony or loggia, you need to prepare for this process.

Receipt

If you have an apartment that does not have a balcony, but a loggia, then your task is very simplified. After all, the balcony support panel protrudes from the building wall on three sides, so the structure simply cannot withstand the heating process.

But don't give up. Today there are a large number of materials on the market with which balcony glazing can be made with a sufficient degree of safety for you, as well as for the balcony itself and for the neighbors below.

So let's get started.

First check the design - the slab and balcony rails must be in good condition. This means that in structural elements there must be no damage or other defects. Otherwise the errors must be corrected.

It should be understood that glazing a balcony is not only protection from wind and precipitation.

This creates a complete space that can be used for different purposes. Therefore, this problem should be taken full responsibility.

Before choosing the material and type of construction, it is necessary to measure those parts of the balcony that need to be glazed.

The next step in preparing the balcony for its transformation is choosing suitable material and type of construction.

If winters in your area are severe enough and temperatures often drop below thirty degrees, consider insulating your balcony and window with double glazing, opting for a two- or three-dimensional chamber.

If you don't have such frosts, but you will still heat the balcony, you will need a two-tone design. You can choose a double glazed window.

When you take all the details into account, you can order windows that will use glass balcony or loggia.

Find out more about preparing your own balcony glazing work. You can find out from the video.

Implementation methods

There are several ways to unlock a balcony or loggia:

  1. Cold glazing.
  2. Panoramic view.
  3. Sliding.

Cold glazing

The first method is suitable for those whose plans do not include using the balcony as a home.

This glazing can protect from wind and various types precipitation, but not cold.

Popular version of double glazed windows

This method involves the use of wooden or aluminum frames with one glass.

Three types of valves:

  1. Rotary.
  2. Flip and fall.
  3. Sliding.

The cheapest wooden frames have hinged doors, but are prone to rust. In addition, they should be updated regularly with coloring pages.

At the same time, properly treated wood can take a long time.

And in this case, doing all the work yourself is quite simple.

Panoramic glazing

As for panoramic glazing, it includes the installation of a glass fence without frames at the height of the balcony. At the same time, the fence seems to be completely missing. Although in some cases the footage is still installed.

Panoramic glazing ensures the attractiveness of the balcony, as well as the penetration of more light into it.

Panoramic glazing uses glass treated with metal oxide. The thickness of this material is 6-8 millimeters. These two indicators determine the sufficiently high strength of the product.

In addition, glass has good thermal insulation properties, which retains heat on the balcony.

Scrolls panoramic design can be opened like a book, raised or moved using a roller mechanism. Performing this type of glazing with my own hands a little more complicated than in the previous case.

Sliding glazing

Solid glazing

Sliding glazing is used if the surface of the balcony is relatively small, and the other option is simply unsuitable.

Although this depends on the aesthetic tastes of the apartment owners. In this case, you can use panoramic glazing and aluminum frames.

The roller mechanism allows you to open the door indoors. But don't decide what to do to get started on your own without consulting with experts. This is due to the fact that the use of sliding balcony glass is sometimes impossible.

For more information on how to iron balconies and magazines, see the video.

Materials for work

Today we use different materials for glazing balconies.

Frames are wooden, plastic or aluminum structures. It is also possible to glaze with an exclusive glass plate without frames.

Most cheap material- plastic. Plastic frames retain heat well on the balcony.

In addition, they are equipped with sound insulation and excellent seals.

This material does not require regular care and looks attractive. However, such frameworks also have weak sides- from an environmental point of view, they are very complex and dangerous.

Operating procedure

The picture is aggravated by the fact that the popularity of plastic windows has caused the release huge amount fakes on the market, which together with the high price are of very low quality.

Therefore, be very careful when choosing this product.

Aluminum frames are much lighter in weight than those previously described, making it easier to do the glazing yourself. In addition, this design is completely safe from an environmental point of view, and also has high degree sound insulation and thermal insulation.

There are two types of glazing of balconies using aluminum profiles:

  1. Cold.
  2. We are warm.

The first involves the use of single glass, and the other involves the presence of double glazing with a thermal insulation insert.

If we talk about the advantages of aluminum frames, we should take into account their low weight. But the aluminum product has a rather high cost.

The most favorable view on the wallet is the glazing of the balcony with windows in wooden frames. However, such glazing will not protect against cold and noise.

Glazing of balconies

Comfort and toilet

Thus, we have come to the stage of the work itself.

After you have collected everything necessary elements, you can start.

  • First, double glazed windows must be rolled out of the frames and then removed from the frames. A special metal stand is attached to the bottom of the frame and fasteners.
  • The frame is then inserted into the desired hole.

    Glazing of balconies and loggias

    You can do it yourself without calling the owner if you have a couple of helpers. This is due to the fact that the frame is quite large and cannot be mastered on its own.

  • When a frame is set to a level, it must be defined. To do this, special screws are used that are screwed into the fasteners.
  • All available frames are collected into one structure.

    It is important to continually check for correct installation using the design level.

  • The frames secure anchors to the ceiling, walls and parapets. The slots are filled with special foam. Also, don't forget to install a visor.

Once the tops are complete, the double glazed windows and sleeves are installed. At the end, outside the balcony is neat, and inside there is a threshold.

conclusion

Balcony glazing will protect this design not only from wind, precipitation or autumn leaves, but also from sometimes leakage of garbage from the upper floors.

And this will give the balcony a certain aesthetics.

Fenster SPb collected 5 simple tips, which will help you order glazing for your balcony a little cheaper.

So, here are 5 great free tips that will allow you to save up to 10,000 rubles on balcony glazing:

1. Choose for glazing inexpensive window designs, for example aluminum sliding windows or inexpensive plastic windows of class “B”.

Inexpensive options glazing does not mean that low-quality components are used in their manufacture; on the contrary, all window systems are manufactured in compliance with GOST standards, have quality certificates and manufacturer warranties.

Glazing a balcony with your own hands: step-by-step instructions

Savings are achieved by simplifying the design and using inexpensive domestic raw materials in production.

2. Use fittings from domestic manufacturers in glazing.

Due to the rise in the dollar and euro exchange rates, the cost of imported fittings increased by 30-40%.

As a result, the difference from one opening window can reach up to 2000 rubles. Domestic fittings may be inferior imported analogue in design, ease of use, but the differences in guaranteed service life are minimal.

3. Maximum simplify the design, i.e.:
— minimize the number of imposts (achieved by increasing the width of the blind sashes), the number of opening sashes;
— if possible, use fewer frame connectors (use one large window frame instead of two small ones).

4.Order glazing out of season, for example in winter.


In winter, there is a decline in orders for glazing balconies and installing windows, therefore, in order not to lose customers at all, window companies lower prices or, with a general increase in prices for raw materials, do not raise prices for their products until the last minute.

5.Follow promotions and discounts.

For example, in our company, when ordering windows from three pieces, there is a 25% discount, and if you order more interior decoration balcony, then a 50% discount on installation will be added to the discount on windows!

When installing windows, we do not recommend saving on glazing components: drainage systems, trim, mounting foam.
We do not recommend ordering glazing from dubious window companies offering unrealistically low prices. These could be scammers or companies that use low-paid and low-skilled labor from workers from neighboring republics.

The consequences of not following balcony glazing technology, such as: leaks, jamming - rubbing of opening sashes, cracks in the glass, condensation, are difficult to eliminate and require significant financial costs.

Glazing and insulating a loggia is best solution for increase usable area. The question of how to glaze a balcony yourself can be solved in several of the most accessible ways: equipping the room with sliding wooden or metal-plastic doors, installing double-glazed windows, which will perfectly retain heat in the room.

The choice of double-glazed windows must be taken responsibly, because... Approximately 80% of the heat loss of the glazed loggia space occurs through them.

The most common methods of protecting a loggia from wind, dust and precipitation are:

Glazing a balcony with your own hands using a wooden structure will isolate the room from noise and increase the temperature in the glazed room.

If the choice fell on an environmentally friendly wooden structure, then you need to prepare tools and materials:

  • glass required quantity 3 mm thick;
  • small nails;
  • hammer;
  • brush:
  • platbands;
  • polished triangular profile slats with a side of 7 mm;
  • timber 50x50mm;
  • protective compounds for wooden structures (varnish, pinotex or others).

To make better and reliable design, then it is better to install an additional galvanized canopy on the loggia required sizes, which will protect the windows from moisture leakage and add attractive external aesthetics.

Stages of design and glazing of a wooden structure

Initially, it is recommended to remove all external coatings down to the concrete itself. The surface should be cleaned of dust and other contaminants. After the preparatory work, the first to further action the opening must be accurately measured, manufactured and installed with minimal clearance wooden box, which will serve as the basis for the frames. This structure is made of timber, which is fixed at the level of the balcony railing and the top beam, which is mounted to the ceiling and side beams using brackets. The side bars, in turn, are mounted with brackets to the side surface.

The next step is to install the sheathing of the entire room for cladding with the selected material. Only after the ceiling, walls and floor are covered with their structure (wooden panels or lining are suitable for wooden frames), should you begin installing frames with glass. In this case, the glazing method itself can be divided into several types:

  • euroglazing;
  • simple;
  • combined.

Each method has its own characteristics. The most common glazing is suitable for installing wooden frames. It is important to remember that before glazing the balcony, glass must already be installed in the frames. Balcony frames can be purchased ready-made in standard sizes, ordered in individual sizes, or made independently from profiled wooden beams, into the grooves of which glass is inserted and pressed by nailing with triangular slats.

The final step will be to carefully fill the cracks with tow or other insulating materials. Then the platbands are installed. To protect the wooden structures of the loggia from moisture, apply a protective layer 5-6 times.

Installation of metal-plastic structure

Metal-plastic frames resemble a layer cake in appearance: plastic, metal, air chambers. Water flows through drainage holes, therefore freezing of the structure itself and the room as a whole is excluded. Glazing a balcony using this method is very simple. You will need the following tools and materials:

  • hammer drill or drill (with a carbide drill, 8 mm in diameter);
  • construction gun (preferably);
  • hammer;
  • screwdriver;
  • putty knife;
  • foam gun;
  • polyurethane foam;
  • dowels or screws.

For self-installation and glazing profiles, must be based on the instructions. When measuring a balcony frame, you should not make large tolerances. The first step is to determine the accuracy of the proportions. In order to check the symmetry of the opening, both diagonals are measured, and the difference should not exceed 5 mm. If it was possible to achieve this ratio of diagonals, therefore, the angles should be exactly 90 degrees. Then the measurements take into account the technological gap (15 mm on both sides).

It should be remembered that it is not recommended to lift the frame to the upper floor already with installed double glazed windows to avoid distortions and damage. During installation, you cannot leave the embedded wedges protruding, since later you have to cut off the protruding ends, which is extremely inconvenient. When installing, spacer wedges are made to fit the width of the frame.

https://youtu.be/xuQrjJXqx_g

The metal-plastic frame is mounted on spacer wedges, screws with dowels, mounting foam, and additional fastening of windows with metal brackets is also provided. Additional fasteners will help you fix the frame with maximum precision until it is completely level. After the structure is blown in with foam, it must be left closed for 8 hours until completely dry to avoid deformation of the frame.

Frameless method of glazing loggias

This is a new method that has become widespread among consumers in a short period of time. Tempered glass is a very durable material that can withstand heavy loads. The thickness of the glass directly depends on the size. If the height exceeds 2 m, then 8 mm thick glass is used. The width of the sash varies from 60 to 80 cm. If desired, you can order tinted glass.

The opening process is very simple. First, the outermost sash is opened with the upper lock (it resembles a floor lamp switch); by pulling it, the sash moves out of the upper and lower frames. The doors are open, then the lower lock, or rather the plastic handle, comes into use.

What does frameless glazing consist of:

  • glass;
  • top and bottom profile;
  • upper and lower glass trim;
  • floor lamp lock;
  • handle-lock;
  • retainer;
  • rubber compressor;
  • fixing tape.

The fixing tape is necessary to secure the sashes so that they do not swing or hit each other. It is mounted on the outer sash of the lower aluminum profile. The structure is mounted (assembled) extremely simply. Aluminum linings are glued to the glass sashes at the top and bottom. Load-bearing wheels (hinges with rollers) are installed on them. These loops cling the glass to the guide profiles (upper and lower). This type The design is very similar to a wardrobe and consists of the following elements:

  • glass, 6-8 mm thick;
  • bearing wheels with a ball bearing device;
  • upper and lower aluminum profile;
  • clypeus;
  • sliding device and latch;
  • pad;
  • bottom latch;
  • ebb with plastic coating.

As in other structures, upon completion of installation work it is necessary to seal the gaps between the sashes. Acrylic seals are placed on the edge of the glass, like a cover for skates. They are easily dismantled, then ventilation gaps of up to 3 mm are obtained. Rubber seals are laid on the outside between the glass doors and the aluminum profile, reliably protecting the structure from moisture penetration. The gaps between the doors and the walls of the balcony are filled with sealant matching the color of the profile. The structure itself is fastened together special glue, no nails or screws. And the most attractive thing is the hidden fittings.

A couple of years ago I decided to glaze my balcony. I wanted to give it a cozy look, put a chair, coffee table. But without glazing this was impossible. I decided right away that I would carry out all the installation work myself, because I have little experience, and glazing a balcony with my own hands is a labor-intensive process, but quite realistic.
Just a couple of decades ago, all apartments had only wooden windows, but nowadays modern world There are several options for glazing residential premises. They have different characteristics, composition, and each has its own price policy. Therefore, everyone can choose the most suitable option.

DIY balcony glazing

Choosing material

Since I wanted to give my balcony a cozy feel, the main task for me was thermal insulation. Therefore, I immediately chose the “warm” glazing option. But I’ll write more precisely about each one.

So, there are three types of glazing for balconies:

  1. Cold - does not retain heat in the room, used for glazing balconies where maintaining room temperature is not required
  2. Warm – maintains room temperature at any time of the year, does not allow cold to pass through. It differs from the cold look in the set of materials used and their characteristics.
  3. French - the balcony is glazed along the entire perimeter and height. High-strength and tinted glass is used

French glazing of the balcony using transparent mirror windows.

All that remained was to choose the glazing option for your balcony.
The most popular option today is glazing with PVC windows, but there are also:

Aluminum profile glazing refers to cold balconies

The option of glazing with an aluminum profile immediately became impossible for me. This type of glazing refers to cold balconies. The material is not thermal insulating - it is used on those balconies that do not need to maintain room temperature. The aluminum profile serves to protect the room from wind, rain and snow.
However, this form also has its advantages:

  • Low weight of materials used
  • Low cost
  • Parallel sliding sashes

Balcony glazing - wooden frames

Wooden windows are made from two types of materials. If homogeneous wood is used, then the cost of windows is relatively low. If the material is laminated veneer lumber, then the price automatically increases and is already on average 60-80% higher than the cost of similar PVC windows.
For me, the option with wooden windows was not suitable due to the price. Even though it's beautiful, it's still financial side I was no less interested in the question. My choice settled on PVC windows. Good price/quality ratio, warmth and sound insulation properties have brought this material to the forefront in demand.

Siding

In addition to glazing the balcony, I was interested in the option of external cladding of the balcony. And for this I chose siding. This material is the most optimal, it is durable, consists of PVC and is not afraid of sunlight and precipitation. In addition, it enhances thermal insulation on the balcony. The siding has a wide range of colors, and the manufacturer claims a service life of no less than 50 years.

DIY balcony siding

Advice! For those who decide to carry out all the work on glazing the balcony themselves, you need to know that it is better to complete the outer cladding of the balcony before glazing. This will save time and money. After all, after glazing the balcony, it is not so convenient to carry out external cladding, and calling craftsmen who will do all the work with the help of climbing equipment will cost a lot of money.

It is quite possible to do siding work yourself, but only if you are confident in your abilities and have skills in such work.
Otherwise, it is better to entrust all work on covering balconies with siding in apartments to qualified specialists who have professional equipment.

Finishing the balcony with siding

I have described the sheathing instructions below:

  • First you need to build fastening belts from wooden beams - upper and lower. In the future, siding will be attached to them
  • We attach the beams to the wall using liquid nails. They are connected to each other using iron corners
  • Let's start installing the siding - you should start from the sides. We do not overtighten the screws; they should be left in the middle of the hole.
  • Upon completion of the siding installation, we hide all the screw heads using platbands

Balcony siding

Balcony glazing

After all the work has been completed external cladding balcony were completed, I proceeded directly to glazing my balcony.
Next, I will write step-by-step instructions with which everyone can try to glaze a balcony with their own hands.

Advice! Start the glazing by installing the canopy - then you won’t have to guess where to attach this canopy so that it doesn’t fall off with the first strong wind. It will be enough to screw it to the ceiling using dowel nails.

Glazing of balconies with plastic windows

  1. Before purchasing windows, you need to find out what size they are needed. To do this, use a tape measure to measure the length of the parapet to the ceiling and from wall to wall. You need to know if there is a distortion on the parapet - a level will help with this. By the way, many companies selling glazing send their own specialist who takes his measurements. This is very convenient and minimizes the possibility of incorrect calculations. I took the measurements myself, leaving a gap of 1.5-2 cm in both directions; for those who are not sure that the diagonals are even, you can leave about 1.5-3 cm. In any case, it will all be blown away with foam.
  2. Next, we remove the double-glazed windows from the windows; this is not required for opening sashes. There are a couple of reasons for this action - firstly, together with double-glazed windows, the windows are very heavy, and secondly, there is a possibility of damaging the glass during installation.
  3. Afterwards we fix the stand profile. Turn the frame over and insert the profile into the grooves. Then we turn the frame back over. Doing everything will be convenient and simple; the frame without glass is very light.
  4. We set the fastenings for the frame at a distance of 15 cm from each edge. We hammer the fixing plate into the grooves with a hammer, then turn it 90 degrees to secure it to the concrete wall.
  5. The next step is to install the frame in the opening. A friend helped me with this. Using a level, we leveled the frame and secured it in the opening with self-tapping screws. There is no need to drive them in - you just need to screw them in.
  6. Afterwards, all frames are inserted according to the same principle, using a level and self-tapping screws.
  7. Once all the frames were in place, I secured them to the parapet, ceiling and walls using anchors. I deepened them by about 60 mm.
  8. All that remains is to cover all the cracks. For this, polyurethane foam is used.
  9. That's all there is left - we insert the double-glazed window into the frame and return the flaps to their place. It is enough to hang them back on the hinges and check the functionality of all mechanisms.

Installation of low tide and window sill on the balcony

Finally, I installed a drip sill on the outside of the balcony and installed a window sill on the inside.
Although I spent quite a lot of time completing all the work, and then cleaning the entire room from construction dirt, I was satisfied. Self-glazing of the balcony allows you to save a decent amount of money. In addition, I gained valuable experience and new skills in construction work, and the external cladding of the balcony with siding is doubly pleasing. Now the balcony looks perfect from the outside and this is due not only to the siding manufacturer, but also to me.


Technologies and types of exterior cladding for balconies

The renovation is in full swing and it’s time to improve the balcony? Of course, modern diversity in the services market makes you tense. Everyone wants quality and cheap. How about making your own balcony glazing? Let's figure it out together.

Stage one – preparation.

It is impossible to do without this. It is important that the balcony does not collapse under the weight of the structure, the windows do not fly out at the first wind, and the cladding does not come off as quickly as it is being installed.

Technical analysis is one of the components of the initial actions. Assessment of design features, the percentage of dilapidation (accidents) of a living space - these parameters will allow us to draw a conclusion about whether the design of the house is designed for the fact that there will be an additional load on the balcony in the form of glazing.

Having made sure that all this will definitely not collapse, we move on to additional strengthening of the parapet. Depending on the future load, reinforcement is carried out using foam concrete blocks or metal.

Which material to choose? The answer depends on your goals and the technical capabilities of your home. Metal will be universal, suitable even for extremely dilapidated balconies.

How to do this is detailed in the diagram. Let us only note that durable metal structure“ties” the parapet and is able to take on the main load of the glazing system.

If your balcony is strong and wide, then you can use foam blocks. This material also serves as excellent thermal insulation. But such a structure requires strengthening with reinforcement. Otherwise, the desired effect will not happen.

After preparatory work finished, you can, without fear, deal directly with what, in fact, everything was started for.

Stage two – design selection.

  • Wooden Euro-windows have a long service life, so you don’t have to worry that they will rot or dry out under the influence of external factors.
  • Aluminum frames are cheap, lightweight and are most often used for cold glazing.
  • If we take PVC, then they have a wide range of additional functions - sound insulation, thermal insulation, imitation of a certain style in architecture, etc. Of course, they are heavier than aluminum and are used for warm glazing.

How are things going with the lighting in the room? In addition to frames, you should also pay attention to glass. You sunny side, but would you like to make a games room on the balcony? So that the baby's delicate skin is not exposed to ultraviolet rays, solar control glasses are used, which are covered with a film using a special technology.

How energy saving glass works

This glass absorbs almost 99.9% of radiation. Or maybe the balcony is a future greenhouse? For this purpose, tinted glass is used, which does not sun rays penetrate through glass and create a “magnifying glass” effect.

Colored glass and stained glass are ideas for specific styles of both interior and exterior. Well, and finally, energy-saving windows. Factory applied to the glass surface the thinnest layer metal that retains heat indoors.

Glass, structure, reinforcement - all preparatory issues have been covered, the decision has been made. All that remains is to understand how it can be glazed. To do this, we move on to the next stage.

Video - what is energy-saving glass and what are its capabilities:

Stage three – choosing a glazing method.

The variety is amazing, just look at the neighboring house. There’s a lot you won’t see there, but let’s focus on the ways.

a) With take-out. The internal space becomes wider due to the extension of the window profile (relative to the main fence). The increase is insignificant - 20-25 cm. A window sill can be placed on such a frame.

b) Frameless. In essence, it turns out to be a panoramic window without vertical frames and horizontal partitions. A lot of light is a plus. Problem with care (for example, washing) is a minus. The design is quite durable, so there is no need to worry about bad weather.

Stage four – installation of the visor.

This should be done before the glazing system is installed, so that later you don’t have to think about how to stick it there so that it doesn’t come off. Using regular dowel nails, we attach it to the ceiling.

After the canopy is secured, you can begin glazing, but first, you should secure the anchor plates on all sides except the bottom.

Video - installation of a loggia with a canopy:

Stage five - step-by-step instructions for glazing.

Of course, the balcony must be cleared of everything that was previously there: chairs, flowers, linoleum, tiles, old trash, etc. The issue of strengthening was previously touched upon, so we will omit the description of this procedure.

Installation of wooden windows.

Correct installation according to GOST

Installation of the frame. The beams that serve as the base are pre-treated with sealant (but only the mounting surface). Next, a wooden structure is constructed around the perimeter using mounting dowels.

Window installation. The frames must be glazed, as the glass may simply break. Installation is carried out in the following sequence: front structure - side elements.

Afterwards, it is necessary to seal the seams using sealant and polyurethane foam. When everything has hardened (at least a day), you can glaze. But first all grooves must be processed silicone sealant. The beads used to secure the glass must press it tightly against the frame.

Video - how to glaze a balcony with wooden windows:

Installation of aluminum frame.

  1. We eliminate everything unnecessary, namely: we remove all opening elements, so as not to complicate our life, we remove the glazing, as in the previous case.
  2. Mounting plates are attached to the frame (using metal screws), with a pitch of 700 mm or more.
  3. Installation of the frame in the opening, followed by alignment (horizontal, vertical, plane).
  4. Fastening mounting plates to surfaces using dowels.
  5. We hang the sashes and return the glass.
  6. All holes and gaps are eliminated using polyurethane foam.

Video - how to install an aluminum frame with your own hands: