You can remove the threshold of the balcony door. Installation, finishing and replacement of the threshold on the balcony with your own hands - step-by-step instructions with photos and descriptions Installing steps on the threshold of a balcony door

Very often when performing repair and finishing works in rooms with loggias or balconies, when replacing old doors or installing new doors, it becomes necessary to remodel or dismantle the balcony threshold, as well as new design. IN ideal there should be no threshold at all for transition from one room to another. However, sometimes it is impossible to do without such a design if door leaf together with the door frame they act as a heat-protective membrane when there is a significant difference in operating temperatures in adjacent rooms. Or the levels of the so-called clean floor in the room and on the loggia or balcony do not match. In this case, the threshold to the balcony will become a permanent part of the doorway.

A step to a loggia or balcony can be arranged both on the inside - a room or room, and on the outside - a balcony or loggia. Where the floor level is lower, there will be a threshold installed for balcony door.

Sometimes it happens that the floor levels seem to be the same, but a protruding part is formed in the lower part, which is an element of a wooden or plastic door frame, or may be due to the design of the main wall. If this is a factory-made panel, this option is most likely due to its design features. In this case, the threshold, which ensures ease of movement, is formed by two steps located on one side and on the other.

If the threshold is formed by a door frame, the balcony or loggia is insulated, and the temperature between the rooms is the same when used wooden box It will be easier to completely remove the threshold to the balcony, and arrange the opening in the same way as an ordinary interior door inside the apartment. Box for plastic door, on the contrary, it is done in such a way that when using it, there will be no opportunity to avoid making the lower threshold for the balcony door. You need to choose the type of door that will be used for the transition before insulating the balcony or loggia.

Materials and finishing of balcony thresholds

For the main load-bearing and forming part, so to speak, the body of the threshold, one of the three most common methods used in construction is used - a wooden beam with a cross-section individually processed to the required dimensions, ordinary clay brick of a grade no lower than M75, concrete, it is better if it is expanded clay concrete no lower class B20 – grade M250. If the height is small, the concrete can be replaced with a cement-sand screed.

The decorative design and finishing of the thresholds must correspond to the same parameters as the floor of the rooms in which they are located. If inside - the floor of a room, outside - the floor of a balcony or loggia. The outer surfaces of the thresholds can be finished using all that variety building materials which are used for finishing floors. They can be covered with parquet or solid boards, laminate, linoleum, lined with ceramic tiles, natural or artificial stone.

Parquet or solid board can later be treated with a tinting composition that allows you to imitate valuable species wood and varnished.

Laying laminate flooring on thresholds differs from usual in that all seams and junctions are sealed with silicone mastic.

Linoleum is installed with adhesive mastic, and its seams are welded using a special machine.

A threshold trimmed with ceramic tiles, natural or artificial stone, which is mounted on special glue or cement-sand mortar. The joints between the tiles must be cut to a depth of 3...5 mm and filled using some kind of silicone grout.

Use of sheet metal and plastic

There are a number of finishes that work well with other traditionally used facing materials. This is the use of metal or plastic in the form of sheets, plates or formed on their basis decorative elements. So, for example, you can make a plastic polyvinyl chloride threshold for a balcony using a standard window sill, overhang or ebb for plastic windows with all inventory fasteners. There is no difficulty in making a threshold on a plastic balcony with your own hands. The disadvantage of this design is that plastic thresholds from window overhangs are short-lived. Plastic not intended for manufacturing easily gets dirty, deformed, and when a point load is applied, cracks and chips may appear in it.

For unheated balconies and loggias, the threshold can be provided with additional insulation of the threshold. To do this, a gap should be left between the cladding and the main body of the concrete or brick threshold and filled with sheet foam or mineral wool.

The option of finishing the threshold needs to be thought out in advance, even before its production begins. For example, the width of the threshold can be slightly reduced if embedded parts for mounting and securing the external cladding can be embedded into its design during the execution process. These can be pre-treated with anti-rot and mildew agents. wooden blocks, slats or metal (steel, aluminum) corners for facing vertical surfaces. The horizontal cladding technology must coincide with the floor cladding technology. The coating should not be unsteady and prevent the appearance of deflections and distortions. All seams and junctions of various threshold cladding elements to floors, walls, slopes, door frame must be carefully sealed in order to prevent water or condensation from getting under the lining when washing floors, especially if the threshold separates rooms with different temperature conditions.

When making the thresholds directly, it will be better if their final surface finishing is carried out simultaneously with the floor covering. When, for structural reasons, it turns out that concrete or brick must be used to install a fairly massive threshold on the balcony, you need to prepare for its manufacture. This applies to both preparation the right tools together with the preparation of the necessary building materials, and proper organization, and ensuring the scope of work.

Manufacturing technology of concrete or brick dividing balcony threshold

The list of tools most often includes:

electric hammer or electric drill;
bubble level;
hacksaws for metal and wood;
hammer-pick;
pliers or pliers;
trowel for brickwork;
steel brush;
brush for priming;
container for mixing mortar or concrete;
measuring utensils.

The list of materials is also quite simple:

ordinary clay brick M75;
cement M400...M 500;
clean river sand;
expanded clay with a fraction of 5...7 mm;
reinforcing bars with d = 8…10 mm;
reinforcing wire with d = 4...6 mm;
PVA or acrylic latex for primer;
soft knitting wire 0.7…1.0 mm for making frames or meshes;
short nails, cut into the required quantity;
trimming bars, slats, corners for embedded cladding parts.

An approximate scope of work for the production of dividing thresholds using concreting or brickwork:

surface dust removal;
wet wipe and dry;
manufacturing and installation reinforcement cage with working rods with d = 8...10 mm and secondary rods - 4...6 mm, if the base of the future concrete structure the wooden floor serves as a plank floor;
if the structure should be brick, flat meshes with cells from 5 x 5 cm are made from reinforcing wire with a diameter of 4...6 mm, laid on top of each horizontal row of brickwork;
production and installation of formwork from any rigid sheet material at hand;
to further strengthen the connection between the threshold and the floor, wall and door slopes V supporting parts of these elements, short nails 100 mm long with cut heads can be installed in pre-drilled holes;
priming working surfaces to increase their adhesive (sticking) ability with polyvinyl acetate emulsion or acrylic latex diluted with water in a ratio of 1: 3;
installation and fastening of embedded parts for cladding;
concreting or bricklaying the threshold; We should not forget that the geometric dimensions of the structure must be less than the required thickness of the cladding;
cladding and final finishing outer surface.

Important: if you want to install a new one, dismantle the old threshold on the balcony, which is integral element reinforced concrete wall panel, you should consult with specialists and obtain appropriate permission for this, since independent removal of parts of the prefabricated load-bearing structure multi-storey building can cause the wall to collapse with all the ensuing consequences.

In most apartments there is a difference in levels between the floor and balcony block. This is explained by the design of installation of external external structures when designing buildings. The step to the balcony is a consequence of design decisions, and it is one of its elements.

An example of designing a step to a loggia

To install open balcony it is necessary to secure the remote reinforced concrete slab. They do this in several ways. A solid slab in the form of a console is fixed inside the load-bearing wall or beams and brackets are installed in it. A slab is placed on top of them under balcony structure. Thus, the level of the balcony will be higher than the floor slab.

As a result, a step is formed inside the room. IN panel houses the balcony block, in which the door and window opening are installed, serve as a counterweight to the balcony slab.

If you try to cut out the concrete under the balcony door, the integrity of the entire counterweight slab will be compromised. That is why supervisory services do not recommend dismantling the resulting threshold; moreover, they may regard such an action as detrimental to design decisions.

An example of finishing a balcony step with tiles

The threshold to the balcony performs a number of other functions, preventing moisture and cold from entering the room.

Design options for balcony steps

The level of height of the difference, therefore, the steps, depends on the design of the specific building, the material load-bearing walls, method of fixing the balcony slab. Solving the problem of height difference between the floor levels in the room and the balcony block - beautiful design steps.

Examples of design of balcony steps

The threshold can be decorated as follows, it could be:

wood trim;
laminate;
linoleum;
floor tiles;
window sill plate.

Laying tiles

Before you begin installing the tiles, you must carefully measure the threshold. Filling the steps with cement concrete is more suitable as a base.

An example of a tiled step

Tile installation:

It is worth special mentioning the side connections. During installation, they can be decorated with a tiled corner by inserting the edge of the tile into it. Or cover them on top with thin corners.

Wood finishing, laminate

Wood remains perhaps the most spectacular material. Especially when the doors and windows are made of the same material. The threshold is made from type-setting boards or in a solid mass. Depending on the depth of the balcony or loggia step. In this case, it is better to make the base from timber covered with OSB.

An example of finishing steps with laminate

Sequence of work:

Measurements are taken to mark the material.
Then, using a jigsaw, cut out the blanks the right size.
They try it on, adjust it.
The boards are sanded.
Attached to the frame using wood screws. The caps can be hidden with putty.
The last stage is opening the surface with paints and varnishes.

The edge of the threshold is made with a beveled edge. A metal corner is installed on a straight slope, matching it to the main color. Laminate flooring is laid in a similar way.

Cut to size, adjust, lay. Despite the fact that the laminate is attached to a tongue-and-groove lock, it is better to additionally secure it with small self-tapping screws or nails with small heads, then install the corner.

Decoration of linoleums, window sill slabs

When it is planned to lay linoleum in the room, then this step can be covered with the same material. It is enough to cut out the desired piece, cover the threshold with it, and attach it to construction glue. Then install the corner.

An example of laying linoleum on a balcony step

A thin corner shape is suitable as a material for designing side connections when using laminate, wood, or linoleum. wooden slats(glazing bead).

Finishing seams with wooden glazing beads

A window sill is used when you want the step to visually merge with the balcony block. Nowadays they are installing slabs with anti-vandal coating, so they are resistant to abrasion.

Example of finishing with plastic tiles

Options for finishing balcony steps with different materials

Since the window sill on one side already has a rounded shape, the corner is not installed. Side surfaces draw up plastic corners. Watch the video: how to make a threshold for a balcony from linoleum.

The bottom of the steps is puttied, painted or wallpapered. You can make a fairly impressive threshold with your own hands by choosing one of the options. Sometimes you can find non-standard design: mosaics, pieces of tiles. A step made of round timber from a cut tree, filled with epoxy resin. Such thresholds act as an element of room decor.

The threshold to the balcony is one of the most problem areas in the apartment. This is due to frequent elevation changes in this place. If you do not take proper care of this part of the apartment, you can cause yourself a lot of inconvenience in the future. Ugly appearance, a bridge of cold, constant stumbling, broken waterproofing - all these are problems that can arise due to lack of attention to the transition between the apartment and the balcony.

Plastic as a material for balcony thresholds is very common. The plastic used is the same as in window sills, only in this case PVC will play the role of a step. For some, when dismantling and finishing the loggias, parts may have remained plastic window sills, which can be put into action.

This material, used to create a threshold between the balcony and the room, has significant advantages:

low price;
protecting the room from cold air and moisture;
installation of a plastic threshold can be done by anyone, without any specific skills;
beautiful appearance.

The main disadvantage can be called fragility. This is due to the use of polyurethane foam during installation. Over time, the plastic begins to press through and crack. Another disadvantage is the fact that installing a plastic threshold implies small differences in height.

For installation you need:

plastic window sill;
a special gun with a can of polyurethane foam;
sealant, acrylic or silicone and gun;
saw for cutting the window sill to size;
building level.

Installation begins with cleaning and leveling the surface on which the plastic threshold will be installed. The next step is marking and cutting out the desired threshold shape. Next, you need to evenly apply polyurethane foam to the finished surface. Place the cut window sill on top, press evenly on top with a weight and leave to dry for a day. After the foam has dried, you need to seal the contact gaps between the window sill and the wall with sealant to prevent moisture from entering. To the edges plastic construction, if possible, you need to put on plugs.

Wooden threshold

An excellent option if the flooring and baseboards are made of wood or wood-like.

This option is good both in a private house and in an apartment.

Wood, in comparison with other materials, has the most a large number of advantages:

environmentally friendly material;
retains heat well, can additionally be insulated with mineral wool;
beautiful appearance;
durability;
ease of operation;
wooden thresholds can be made for any height difference.

To make a threshold for a wooden balcony, you do not need to have professional skills.

To install a wooden threshold you will need:

wooden bars for the frame (dimensions will depend on the size of the future structure);
drill with concrete drilling mode;
dowels;
wood screws;
chipboard or OSB sheet;
wood hacksaw;
tape measure, pencil and building level.

The first step is to mark the wooden blocks, cut them to size and make a frame. You can fasten the bars together using metal corners and self-tapping screws. Next, you need to level the frame using substrates or, conversely, trims. The next step is to drill holes in the bars and concrete threshold for the dowels. When the frame is fixed, it is worth thinking about the need additional insulation by using mineral wool. After this, a sheet of chipboard or OSB is measured to the dimensions of the frame, cut and fixed to the frame using self-tapping screws. All that's left to do is come up with an idea external finishing(everything will depend on the surrounding interior) and the threshold is ready.

You can treat the composition with a special composition that has antifungal and waterproof properties.

Tile threshold

A threshold made of tiled or ceramic tiles, looks beautiful, but to create it you need to have some skills.

If we talk about the advantages of such a threshold, then there are fewer of them than the disadvantages, namely:

durability;
beautiful appearance;
100% moisture protection
a tile threshold can be made at any height difference.

The disadvantages include:

long installation;
skill is required for high-quality laying and jointing of tiles;
high cost compared to other materials;
the surface of the tile will always be cold (except for a mixture of tiles and warm floor technology).

To build such a threshold you will need:

grinder or tile cutter;
floor tiles;
primer;
spatula;
corners for tiles;
perforated corner;
building level, pencil and tape measure;
container for mixing the solution;
plaster;
fugue;
tile adhesive.

If the concrete threshold is not level, destroyed, or needs to be built up, cement, sand and edged board to create formwork.

Installation begins with the construction of formwork and pouring cement mortar. After this, you need to wait a day before further work. If the unevenness is not critical and there is no need to increase the threshold, you can attach a perforated corner to the edge of the threshold. After this, cover the working surfaces with primer, wait for drying time and apply an even layer of plaster along the corner. Next, you can start measuring the tiles and cutting them to size. It is better to start laying tiles from the center and leave small parts at the edges. When laying tiles, you need to check the level. After the tile adhesive has dried, you can begin jointing the seams. The top of the fugu can be coated with a moisture-resistant compound.

Installation of such a threshold may take several days depending on the assigned work.

Brick threshold

IN Soviet time This was the most common version of balcony thresholds. Brick is relevant if the height differences are too large. If you fix this problem using cement mortar, this will significantly hit your pocket. In this case, brick is the best option.

To create such a threshold you will need:

bricks (ceramic or silicate);
sand and cement;
a drill with a special whisk for mixing the solution;
primer;
perforated corner;
building level, tape measure, pencil;
metal beacons;
hammer;
spatula and trowel.

Installation begins with cleaning the working surface. After this, the surface is coated with a primer. When the soil is dry, you can proceed to the next steps. A cement-sand mortar is mixed, which should be applied thin layer onto a primed surface. Bricks are laid on the mortar. After this, all remaining voids and seams are covered with the remaining solution. It is necessary to check the planes for level. When everything is precisely installed, the installation of metal beacons and a perforated corner is required. The next step is to plaster the resulting threshold according to the level. Further design can be varied.

Laminate threshold

Compared with wooden threshold, laminate is a more profitable option. And since flooring as a laminate is quite popular, this type of threshold will be good decision without damage to the interior. The best option, if you wanted to completely change the flooring and immediately make a threshold.

To create a laminate threshold you will need:

wooden blocks;
saw;
tape measure and pencil;
hammer;
wedges;
liquid Nails;
corner for decorating the edge of the threshold;
laminate.

Before starting the main work, you need to clear the work surface of various debris and, if possible, eliminate any unevenness. As with wooden creation threshold, it is necessary to make a frame. Once the structure is ready and secured, you can begin laying the laminate. It is recommended to fasten this material with liquid nails, and coat the joints with a gyro-insulating compound. This will prevent moisture from penetrating into the structure. After installing the laminate, it is fixed to the edge of the threshold decorative plinth. The threshold is ready.

The choice of material for the threshold depends on height differences, availability of funds, and appearance. If you have an idea about dismantling a concrete rise, you should first contact specialists. Perhaps in this case it is unacceptable to dismantle the original threshold. In the case of old wooden structures, you can carry out dismantling yourself without fear.

September 9, 2016
Specialization: master in construction plasterboard structures, finishing work and installation floor coverings. Installation of door and window units, finishing of facades, installation of electrical, plumbing and heating - I can give detailed advice on all types of work.

The threshold to the balcony is the place where two different rooms, and in this area there are very often significant differences height. If you do not refine this part of the structure and make it more convenient for use, then you risk stumbling over a protruding door frame for years.

It is much easier, after installing the balcony block, to build a comfortable and safe platform or even steps (this also happens if the height difference is too large), this is what I will talk about in the review.

Work options

From the title it is clear that I will talk about four options for carrying out the work, each of them has proven its reliability, so you need to choose the one that best suits your design. And the surrounding interior should be taken into account, because if you have wooden trim around it, then installing plastic is at least unwise.

Method 1 - building a brick threshold

This option was previously used everywhere, in Soviet times no one came up with it at all simple solutions: “Since everyone is laying brick, it means it’s right,” the developers reasoned and built a threshold for the balcony from this material.

But even today this solution is often used; it is most suitable in the following situations:

When the height difference between the balcony door frame and the opening is very large. Often installers lay down a brick when installing a balcony block, in this case ask them to position it so that it stands level, and you can then lay the rest of the space without problems;

If the opening is severely damaged and its strength is of concern, this happens in old houses. It’s easier to lay the threshold with a brick; it will definitely strengthen the plane, and it will not crack and crumble under loads.

This work option can only be used if the difference is at least a few centimeters greater than the height of the brick. You will need to level the surface and then finish it, and if the height is not enough, then your threshold may be higher than the door frame.

For work we will need the following materials:

Brick	Most often you need several pieces, many advise using the silicate version, but, in my opinion, other types are no worse. The strength of any of the types is enough for the eyes; it will withstand much more than the weight of a person
Masonry mortar	I could advise you to buy cement, dig up sand and mix the solution yourself, but it is much easier to buy a bag ready-made composition, which just needs to be diluted with water and used for its intended purpose. The price of a bag weighing 25 kg is approximately 250 rubles, and we don’t need more
Perforated corner	We need a piece to level the corner, but the corner is sold only in pieces of 2.5-3 meters, we will have to buy a whole one. The cost of this product is cheap, so you will not incur large expenses
Primer	It can be used to pre-treat the surface if it is too loose. Also, the primer is applied to the finished result after the solution has dried, this is necessary to strengthen the surface, sand stops coming from it, and absorbency decreases

In order for the solution to harden faster, you can add a little (10-15%) gypsum; no more is needed. If you overdo it, you will have to work hard with the solution, and most likely it will harden faster than you can use it.

We can’t do without a tool:

To prepare the solution you need a container and a drill with a mixer attachment. But, as a last resort, we can do without a power tool, then we will need a strong stick with which we will vigorously stir the mixture;
The mortar can be applied to the brick either with a mason's trowel or with a spatula; the amount of work is small, so use what you have. It is convenient to use a spatula to level the surface at the end of work; this is also important;
Most likely, in some places you will have to put pieces of brick; the easiest way is to beat it to the required size with a mason’s hammer; we don’t need perfect accuracy, but there won’t be a column of dust, as when cutting with a grinder;

Instructions on how to make a threshold on a balcony look like this:

First of all, it is necessary to clean the base of debris and dust; if there are sagging solutions, protruding areas and protrusions on it, then they need to be removed. Try to prepare the surface as best as possible - the smoother it is, the easier it will be for you to carry out the work. If there are sagging foam, then they must be carefully and evenly cut off with a sharp construction knife;

Then the masonry mortar is prepared, this is done as described in the instructions on the package, everything is very simple, and the main thing is to maintain the proportions of water and mixture. It is important to mix the mass well so that there are no lumps or unmixed areas left in it, it should be uniform;
The mortar is applied under the base of the brick. After which it needs to be spread on end side so that the seams are also filled with the mixture. The laying is carried out in one layer, so there is nothing complicated in the work - lay an even layer and carefully press the elements;

If necessary, the brick is beaten with a pick to the required size, here you need to look at the situation. The surface is covered with a layer of mortar, a corner is placed on the corner, level it with a spatula to achieve best result. When the surface dries, it can be slightly moistened and leveled with a foam float, so the plane will become almost perfect.

At this point the process is over, our threshold is ready, I will tell you below how it can be finished.

Method 2 – filling the threshold with solution

The device of this type of design differs from the one described above. It is suitable for cases where the level needs to be raised, but the height smaller size bricks Honestly, I use this option almost always when I need to raise the plane; I find it simpler and faster.

To work we need the following:

Cement-sand mixture brand M-150, it is very convenient for pouring screeds and it is inexpensive - about 100 rubles for a 50-kilogram bag;

To construct the formwork, we need a board of the required height, 25 mm thick, its length should be slightly larger than the width of the opening in which we will fill the threshold.

The tools you need are a container for stirring the solution, a spatula and a grater for final leveling.

The work is carried out according to the following scheme:

First of all, you need to clean the base from dirt and cut off the mounting foam if it sticks out. There is no need to beat off protruding areas; if the surface is very crumbly, you can walk over it with a primer;

Then you need to install the formwork, the board is simply pressed tightly against the wall and fixed with any heavy object - a tile, a bag of mixture, etc.;
The solution is prepared as indicated on the package; its consistency, in fact, is not important, but you should not add a lot of water, as the mixture will turn out to be too liquid;
If the layer of mortar is thick, then stones are placed in the cavity, broken brick, crushed stone or concrete chips . The layer should not be higher than the level of the future threshold; if the thickness of the fill is small, then you can do without filler;
The solution is poured carefully so that it fills the entire volume and reaches the level we require. The surface is leveled with a spatula, and excess composition, if any, is also removed;

After the surface has dried (in an hour or two), you need to moisten it and rub it with a grater., so you get a flat surface, the side that is adjacent to the board, and so it will be smooth.

Again, I’ll tell you about the finishing below.

Method 3 – threshold from a plastic window sill

This option is good for its simplicity and low cost. But there is one important nuance: if the window sill is of poor quality, it will quickly break when people move around, and you will have to replace it. But if you buy a good option, there will be no problems.

To work we need the following:

Plastic window sill of the required length and width;
Polyurethane foam for gluing the element;
Sealant for filling joints;
End plates for side faces;
Blocks for stops (if necessary).

A plastic threshold from a window sill is made as follows:

The base is cleaned of dust and dirt, excess foam is cut off;
The opening is measured and the window sill is cut according to the profile we need.. Do not cut too much at once, it is better to fit the element as accurately as possible, it is undesirable to make mistakes;
The element is tried on, you need to determine to what height it needs to be raised; if the difference is small, then you can put the threshold on foam, but if the height is more than 1 cm, then it is better to place bars or plastic plates under the structure at the required level;

Then apply in an even layer polyurethane foam, you don’t need to put too much of it, as it expands during polymerization and can lift our structure. The threshold is carefully glued to the surface and pressed with a weight to hold it in the desired position;

After the foam has hardened, it is worth inspecting our structure; if there are cracks at the joints, then they need to be sealed with white silicone, it will protect the space under the threshold from moisture. The ends are closed with special plugs, and the work is completed.

On the Internet, I often saw advice to screw the threshold with self-tapping screws, in my opinion, this is at least frivolous: there is simply nowhere to screw in the hardware, concrete is not the best base for them. And I have no doubts about the strength of the fastening without self-tapping screws.

Method 4 - constructing a wooden threshold

This option is good in the appropriate setting, if you have wooden trim or the room is decorated in rustic style and other similar areas. To work we need the following:

Board or others wooden elements for the construction of a threshold;
A couple of bars to create a base for the threshold.

Let's figure out how to install such a structure:

First of all, as always, the base is cleaned and all unnecessary is removed;
Next, you need to build a frame, it is made from bars of a tedious height; if necessary, they can be trimmed or, conversely, slats can be placed under them to create a flat plane at the level we require;
Using a hammer drill, holes are drilled in the base and block, into which dowels are then inserted. quick installation the required length and screws are driven in to secure the structure. It should be smooth solid foundation under the future threshold;
Next, our board for the threshold is placed; it can be fixed around the perimeter with screws or nails. In the future, all joints will be closed wooden corner and no fasteners will be visible. The easiest way to glue corners is with liquid nails;

You can assemble a balcony threshold from clapboard; to do this, it is cut into pieces of the required length and attached to the groove. After installation is completed, the outer corner is glued or nailed with finishing nails;

Naturally, wood needs protection from moisture and abrasion. The surface must be treated with an antiseptic composition, after which either varnish is applied to it, it all depends on your wishes. The compositions must be wear-resistant; the threshold must be painted at least twice.

Threshold finishing options

Of the options we reviewed, two provide an excellent final result, and two act as a base on which to lay the coating. Let's figure out how to finish a threshold on a balcony using brick and mortar with your own hands. The first option is to use ceramic tiles, this material is different highest strength and wear resistance, which means it is perfect for our purposes.

The technology for carrying out the work is as follows:

Since our plane is prepared and primed, we can immediately begin measuring. You need to calculate how the tiles will be positioned. It should lie symmetrically, that is, it should not look like a whole piece is laid on one side and half on the other; arrange the elements evenly, it looks much better;

Ceramics are cut using a tile cutter or grinder with a concrete disc. It is important to take careful measurements so that the elements lie evenly;

The tiles are placed on a special adhesive, which is applied with a notched trowel. To ensure that the seams are the same size, you need to insert spacer crosses into them. Control the plane using a level; all elements must lie flat;
You can also tile the wall under the threshold, it all depends on your wishes, the work here is carried out in the same way. For strength, can be inserted into gusset a special element, but this is not necessary if you have a smooth joint;

For the threshold, choose tiles with structural surface, smooth ceramics are extremely undesirable, as you can very easily slip on them.

After hardening adhesive composition its excess is removed, and the seams are filled with fugue; it makes the appearance of the threshold neater and protects the base from water penetration.

The second finishing option is a laminate threshold; it is quite simple to implement and therefore popular these days. The technology of work is as follows:

Measurements are taken and the required piece of laminate is cut out; most often, one strip is enough, especially since they come in different widths and you can pick up optimal solution. You can cut the material with a fine-toothed wood hacksaw or a metal hacksaw, but if you have a jigsaw, the process will be even easier;

The finished piece is tried on, if everything is fine, then liquid nails are applied to its back side, after which the element is pressed tightly to the surface. Proper Use The instructions on the packaging will tell you the composition;
Lastly, the corner is attached to the step; they are sold in hardware stores, and you just need to cut a piece of the required width.

I’ll tell you about one more solution - finishing the threshold on the balcony with linoleum. This material is inexpensive, especially since you can buy a piece from waste. The work is done like this:

A piece of material is applied to the surface, after which the lines along which it will be cut are marked; try to cut the linoleum as carefully as possible so that the joints are without defects;

Then the base is lubricated with linoleum glue and the material is pressed into place, level it and press firmly for the best adhesion, Special attention pay attention to the joints;
Lastly, a metal corner is attached, which will strengthen the protrusion and prevent damage to the linoleum in this place.

Conclusion

The threshold to the balcony should not only be reliable and safe, but also attractive, so be sure to use one of the options described above. The video in this article will help you understand some important nuances even better, and if you suddenly don’t understand something, then don’t hesitate to ask questions in the comments under this review.

In the area between the balcony/loggia and the adjacent room, the threshold is removed. However, this is not recommended. When this threshold is removed, a so-called “cold bridge” is formed.

As practice shows, when it is dismantled, a strong draft and freezing begins from the bottom of the door.

Dew or condensation also forms at the bottom of the element or on it. inside in wet weather. Ice formation is also possible in winter.

What is a "cold bridge"?

Cold bridges are structural sections of a building where increased heat transfer occurs due to a break in the continuity of the thermal insulation shell.

There are two types of cold bridges - geometric, which are determined by architectural and structural features, and material, due to different thermal conductivities building elements.

In practice, a combination of both types is often found, for example, in balcony slabs.

Correct installation of double-glazed windows while maintaining balcony threshold

Incorrect installation of double-glazed windows, balcony threshold removed

What can “cold bridges” lead to?

Increased energy consumption

Due to additional heat losses in the adjacent area, more energy will be required to heat this room in order to maintain constant temperature air.

The elimination of “cold bridges” is necessary not only for energy reasons, but also for sanitary and hygienic reasons.

Increased likelihood of mold formation

In the area where a cold bridge is formed, the wall surface temperature decreases. In the cold season, it becomes below the dew point temperature of 9° C (in the case of room temperature about 20 °C and air humidity about 50%). The moisture contained in the indoor air forms condensation and leads to the appearance of dampness - an ideal breeding ground for mold.

Very often in construction practice, geometric, structural and material “cold bridges” are layered, which significantly increases the risk of damage to the building.

Bridge of Cold–element building structure or assembly seam, having high thermal conductivity. Leads to the formation of condensation on the inner surface of the slope or assembly joint during the cold season.

The solution to this problem creates the prerequisites for the long-term preservation and functional reliability of buildings.

Given the requirements for thermal protection, individual “cold bridges” have a great influence on the thermal parameters of the building facade.

So, depending on the level of thermal insulation and the design features of the connecting parts, up to half of the total amount of heat can be lost due to “cold bridges”.

As a result, when carrying out repair work affecting a balcony or loggia, the best solution will not dismantle the threshold between the balcony/loggia, even with the installation of “French” glazing.

Removing the threshold

However, if before carrying out the redevelopment it is decided to remove the threshold, then it is important to understand that such work is not possible in all houses. Everything will depend on the type of house and the condition of its structures.

If the apartment is located in a residential building built according to monolithic technology, then along with the window sill block they will be allowed to remove the threshold.

In panel and block houses touching the threshold located at the exit from the apartment to the balcony is prohibited by their developers - state design institutes (MNIITEP, Mosproekt). And if they do not give their consent, then the Moscow Housing Inspectorate will refuse the apartment owner to approve such a redevelopment.

In houses built of brick, in most cases it is also prohibited to eliminate the threshold, since it holds balcony slab. But it is possible to determine whether demolition of the threshold is possible or not only after a specialist conducts an engineering inspection of the apartment.

If you decide to carry out redevelopment with dismantling the window sill block and balcony threshold, then our company can develop for you project documentation, on the basis of which you will legitimize and carry out the redevelopment. You can also order turnkey redevelopment approval from us.

Get Additional information You can contact our specialists about removing the threshold to the balcony and other types of redevelopment.