Many people today want to turn a balcony into a room where they can not dry clothes and store various rubbish, but spend time doing something interesting, or just drink tea with friends. To do this, you need to make a quiet, warm corner out of a cold, windswept space. No idea how to achieve this. Naturally, the balcony needs to be insulated. Today there are enough insulation materials on sale that can be used to insulate a balcony. But, before laying insulation and covering the walls, it is necessary to install energy-saving windows. This is the main requirement. Without it, insulating the balcony is pointless.
Modern technologies provide the opportunity to turn a balcony or loggia into a real masterpiece. From balcony design you can make a summer terrace, or you can make an imitation of it, so that in both winter and summer you are on a balcony or loggia, as if on an open, uncluttered terrace.
Glazing a loggia with your own hands is not an easy task. If you do not have skills in this matter, then it is better to seek the help of specialists. A balcony is not an interior space of an apartment, where errors in work will not be noticeable. The balcony requires skill and skill.
In order to properly glaze the loggia, it is necessary to install a strong fence that will withstand heavy double-glazed windows. In addition, the material from which the windows are made should be as light as possible and as energy efficient as possible. There are several types of glazing for a balcony or loggia, all of them differ in both the result and the installation process.
Types of balcony glazing:
- Cold glazing;
- Conventional glazing;
- Sliding glazing;
- Glazing with removal of window space;
- Complete removal of the balcony;
- Panoramic glazing.
The first option is the simplest. This is a long-known and cheap glazing of a balcony, when a wooden frame is inserted into the existing cladding, but you will not insulate it in this way. Panoramic glazing is an excellent way. The view from the window increases, much more light enters the room, it has stylish design, but it’s impossible to do panoramic lighting yourself.
Where to start glazing a balcony with your own hands: preparation
In order to glaze a balcony, you need to have a strong and solid foundation for installing frames. The balconies of houses that were built in the last century went according to plan with only a fence made of metal rods covered with boards. By today, these fences have turned into bent, loose, rusted reinforcement elements.
Glazing a balcony with your own hands must begin with preparatory work. If you see that there is simply nothing to put your new windows on, then you need to arrange a solid foundation for them.
If the fence is relatively new and durable, then perhaps it can simply be reinforced with additional metal supports. Do not lay out the fence from bricks or other heavy materials. The balcony slab may not hold up and collapse.
Work that needs to be done before glazing the balcony:
- Provide a base for your new windows. It is best to lay a new fence from a metal corner or profile pipe.
- Coat the metal fence with an anti-corrosion agent.
- Think about your own safety. If you have to work above the second floor, then purchase a safety belt. Work at height can only be carried out in it.
- Draw up a project for your future balcony. Calculate all the parameters; this will allow you to calculate the size of the windows, the consumption of glazing materials and funds for them.
- Prepare all necessary materials and tools.
- Find yourself a partner. It is almost impossible to install windows alone.
- If your plans include covering the balcony facade, then this must be done before installing new window frames.
If you have a small balcony in a Khrushchev-era building, it may be worth considering the option of installing a fence with remote glazing or the entire perimeter of the balcony.
How to glaze a balcony yourself: necessary materials and tools
It is quite possible to glaze a balcony, like a loggia, with plastic windows yourself. To do this, you just need to correctly calculate the required size of the windows and place them correctly in the prepared opening.
If you decide to increase the area of the balcony, then do not increase it with an aluminum profile. Steel is better suited for this. profile pipe, welded to the fasteners. When carrying out repair work on the balcony, do not forget about the safety of your family and friends.
Materials and tools you will need when installing plastic windows:
- Screwdriver;
- Screwdriver;
- Pliers;
- Hammer;
- Self-tapping screws;
- Polyurethane foam;
- Vapor barrier tape;
- Plastic for window sill.
Installation of double-glazed windows begins after clearing debris, waste building materials and eliminating dust from the balcony. It is not good to bring new glass onto a dirty balcony.
Step-by-step instructions: how to glaze a balcony with your own hands
After all the preparatory work has been completed, you can begin the process of glazing the loggia or balcony. With loggias the situation is simpler. It is much easier to glaze one front wall than the entire perimeter of the balcony. But the result will be different. The loggia receives much less light than the balcony, and it looks smaller.
Glazing a balcony, like a loggia, with your own hands is not easy. To do this you will need an assistant and some construction tools. Work must be performed carefully so as not to damage the profile or scratch the glass.
Take your time, check the quality of the work after each completed stage. If the seal is broken, cold and dampness will enter your balcony.
Step-by-step instructions for installing windows:
- We remove the double-glazed windows from the frames.
- Carefully place them in a safe place where they are not in danger;
- Remove the opening sashes from the frame. Lock the window and remove the top and bottom trim. Pull the pin out of the loop at the bottom, bring the handle to a flat, horizontal position, tilt the sash towards you, and remove it from the bottom hinge.
- Attach the stand profiles that came with the windows to the frame. There are holes for them in the frame.
- Secure them with self-tapping screws.
- You should already have holes drilled for anchors around the entire perimeter.
- Insert the frame into your opening and align.
- Bolt the frame to the parapet, to the wall and to the ceiling. The distance between the bolts should be no more than 70 cm.
- Apply vapor barrier tape to the ends.
- Foam the space between it and the wall, and attach it to the opening, seal the joints
- Return the glass units and sash to the frame.
- Apply vapor barrier tape to the bottom of the frame.
- Install a window sill.
- Check the tightness and functionality of the structure.
Preparing a balcony for glazing takes much more time than installing windows in ready-made openings. When we glass metal fencing from scratch, it takes a little longer.
How to glaze a balcony yourself from scratch (video)
Having glazed your balcony with double-glazed windows, you can safely continue to insulate it, and create on your balcony a completely acceptable environment for living in. winter time temperature. If you line it with clapboard or plastic profiles and equip it with heating, you can make yourself a tiny office, an arts corner or a place to relax.
Glazing a balcony with your own hands - instructions from the master
The renovation is in full swing and it’s time to improve the balcony? Certainly, modern variety 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. We only note that a strong metal structure “ties” the parapet and is capable of taking 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 the preparatory work is completed, you can, without fear, deal directly with what, in fact, everything was started for.
Stage two – design selection.
Of course, the process itself is not so complicated, considering that almost every man, to one degree or another, has a little knowledge in the field of construction.
But when glazing without the help of specialists, you must be prepared to do not only the “dirty” work with your own hands, but also other related work. One of which is the choice of design.
It makes no sense to say that there are standard and non-standard double-glazed windows. This is already clear to everyone. But the expected result from the design matters. Traditionally, there is a division into warm and cold glazing. What is the difference?
Having dealt with the functional load, we will solve the issues with the material. Wood, aluminum, PVC. Today these are all possible options for finishing a balcony:
- 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 in the area 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. Do you have a sunny side, but want to make a games room on your balcony? To prevent the baby's delicate skin from being exposed to ultraviolet rays, sun protection glasses are used, which special technology covered with film.
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 prevents sunlight from penetrating through the glass and creating 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. A thin layer of metal is applied to the surface of the glass at the factory, which 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 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.
c) Art finishing. This method is relevant when we, for example, install stained glass windows. It’s difficult to do without an artist-designer (unless, of course, you have a talent for drawing). Also read the article: interesting loggia designs.
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 visor is secured, you can begin glazing, but first you need to secure it anchor plates on all sides except the bottom.
Video - installation of a loggia with a canopy:
Stage five - step-by-step instruction on glazing.
Of course, the balcony must be cleared of everything that was previously there: chairs, flowers, linoleum, tiles, old junk And so on. 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). Further, along the perimeter there is construction wooden structure 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.
Video - how to install an aluminum frame with your own hands:
Installation of PVC windows.
The installation diagram is similar to the previous one, with some exceptions.
- To remove the window, you just need to remove the plastic beads.
- Installation is carried out using mounting plates that are attached to the frame with self-tapping screws.
- All gaps are also eliminated with polyurethane foam.
The final stage is to bring the balcony into an appropriate aesthetic state: installation of siding.
External installation requires certain efforts, such as the construction of fastening belts. There are two of them - upper and lower.
Such structures are built around the perimeter, which are attached to the walls using corners or liquid nails. The blocks are connected to each other by metal corners. The lower belt should go along the base of the balcony.
Attaching the siding itself begins from the sides. The screws should not be overtightened; they are located exactly in the middle of the panel's technological hole. Installing trims that hide all the screws completes the glazing process. It is simply put on the strip of siding until it clicks.
Thus, by carefully examining the technical characteristics of your premises and strictly following the instructions, it is possible to glaze without resorting to the help of specialized companies and saving your own money.
Glazing a balcony with your own hands - step-by-step instructions
A couple of years ago I decided to glaze my balcony. I wanted to give it a cozy look, put an armchair and a 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 in the 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:
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
- Wooden windows
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. Although this is beautiful, the financial side of the issue interested me no less. My choice settled on PVC windows. Good value price/quality, heat and sound insulation properties brought this material in first place 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 sun rays, atmospheric precipitation. In addition, it enhances thermal insulation on the balcony. Siding has a large color scheme, 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
Installation of low tide and window sill on the balcony
At the end I set the tide with outside balcony, and installed a window sill 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 outer skin balcony 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 
How to cover a balcony with siding: installation instructions 
Phased construction frame for covering a balcony 
Do-it-yourself balcony in Khrushchev: step-by-step instructions 
Analysis and types of repairs of balcony slabs
Instructions for glazing a balcony with your own hands
Accommodation in conditions big city living in apartments is associated with a number of problems, the main one of which is considered to be the lack of living space. Many owners use the balcony to store various things in order to free up some space in the rooms where they spend most of their time. However, wind, rain and cold do not always allow this. Decide this problem, at least partially, glazing the balcony with your own hands will help.
Types of balcony glazing
The simplest type of structure is the so-called cold glazing. In this case we're talking about about the use of thin single-layer frames, which is why the balcony can only be fully used in the warm season. Such structures can reliably protect against dust, wind, birds and insects (provided they are installed correctly), but they will not help with thermal insulation.
The main advantage of cold glazing is its low cost
A more expensive option is warm glazing. To carry out this procedure, full-fledged frames with double-glazed windows for 2-3 chambers are used. In this case, we can already talk about a full-fledged additional room, in which you can arrange a relaxation corner, a small office, a greenhouse, and so on. In some cases, the balcony is even attached to the living room after this procedure.
Warm glazing involves the use of full-fledged frames, therefore it is a more expensive option
Also, different frames can be used for glazing:
Wooden frames - classic version for balcony glazing
It is best to entrust the installation of metal-plastic structures to professionals
Installing frameless windows allows you to create a panoramic view, but requires professional equipment
Important! Before choosing the final glazing option, you need to soberly weigh your strengths and capabilities. If there is any doubt, it is better to entrust this matter to specialists.
Installation of wooden frames
This procedure consists of the following steps:
Glazing of wooden frames
Glazing a loggia with your own hands requires the following tools and materials:
- Hammer, nails and glazing beads.
- Rubber spatula, putty or putty.
- Drying oil and paint brush.
When installing glass in wooden frames, one problem very often arises - the impossibility of installing glazing beads on the back side of a blind window on floors above the first. If the frames are small, then it is better to first put glass in them, and then carry out the installation. But if we are talking about large massive structures, then placing them on a base with glass is not only difficult, but also dangerous. Therefore, installation will have to be carried out from the inside.
One of the main problems with installing glass in wooden frames is installing glazing beads on the back side
Installation Guide:
- First you need to moisten the brush in drying oil and treat the window openings with it. It should be applied in one layer, but without gaps. After the material has dried (the time is indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging), you can begin painting.
- To do this, they also use a brush, which carefully paints all the openings and leaves to dry.
- After this, putty or a special putty is applied to the folds of the opening, which will close the gaps between the glass and the frame, preventing water from entering and drafts.
- Next, the trimmed glass is installed in the frame and pressed against the putty.
- Then another layer of putty is applied, but on the glass itself, closer to the frame.
- A glazing bead is placed on the putty strip and carefully nailed with small nails.
Putty performs the main function in fixing glass
On a note! The nails must be driven strictly vertically or horizontally, since driving them at an angle can damage the glass.
Alternative options
Instead of putty, you can also use a silicone tube, which is cut and laid in the same way as putty, and then pressed with glass. In addition, you can do without driving nails. To do this, apply a thick layer of putty to the glass, after which it is carefully leveled.
You can also use sealant. Some people think that it will permanently fix the glass in the frame and cannot be replaced. But there is one secret: before applying the sealant, the glass must be treated with a soap solution.
Installation of metal-plastic frames
To remove a glass unit from a plastic frame, you must first remove the glazing bead
Important! Even small distortions are unacceptable, as they will subsequently lead to breakdown of the entire structure.
Installation of double-glazed windows
Gaskets must be placed in the lower and side internal parts of the frame installed in the opening. It is necessary to lay it so that the weight of the glass unit is evenly distributed over the frame. One of the edges of the gasket should extend slightly beyond the boundaries of the frame, so that after hammering in the bead, cracks do not form on the glass. After this, take two suction cups, press them to the surface of the glass and carefully place it in the window frame. At the end, the glazing beads are hammered in with a wooden mallet, and at this point, do-it-yourself glazing can be considered complete.
To fix the glass unit in the frame, you need to hammer in the glazing beads using a mallet
Installing frames and glass is a rather complex process that requires experience and certain skills, so if you are not completely confident in your abilities, it is better to immediately call specialists.
Almost every apartment has its own balcony. And this room serves different purposes for everyone: often some people make it a warehouse for all unnecessary things in the house that don’t fit into the closet or are simply in the way in the house, while others store vegetables there in winter and autumn, others don’t use it at all . Yet this use extra space in an apartment cannot be called rational. After all, the balcony has a fairly large space, why not make it your own office, where you can concentrate and work quietly, a small winter garden, a workshop, a playroom for children, or just a comfortable place where you can relax. But to make all these fantasies come true, you need to take care of good glazing and insulation of the balcony. However, it's easier said than done. Later in the article you can learn how to glaze a balcony with your own hands. To install windows efficiently and quickly, you need to adhere to some rules and details. Let's take a closer look.
How to glaze a balcony
In order to glaze your balcony, you first need to decide what to glaze it with and in what way. After all, today there are many options. Let's look at them, then you can choose exactly the one that suits you both in price and purpose.
Balcony glazing methods:
- Cold glazing.
- Panoramic glazing.
Cold glazing has been used for many years, but has not lost its popularity even now. Single glasses are inserted into the lightweight frame. This is the most cheap option, since you can only protect the balcony from external environment, but do not insulate it in any way to make the room a study or a place to relax. The main purpose of cold glazing is to protect the balcony from precipitation, wind, dust, dirt and debris. To some extent you can protect yourself from noise from the street, but not completely. To glaze a balcony in this way, wooden frames and aluminum profiles are most often used.
Advantages:
- the cheapest glazing option;
- creating a cozy space, protected from the external environment, where you can have a good time, especially in summer.
Flaws:
- lack of heat, which is felt in the winter and autumn seasons;
- If you make a frame out of wood, over time it can rot and collapse.
Panoramic glazing of a balcony is very attractive and impressive and is often done in luxury homes. In this case, the glass fencing is mounted from the ceiling to the floor, without the use of frames. Guides are installed at the bottom and top, into which glass is inserted using special fastening units. Thanks to this, it seems to you that there is no glass on the balcony at all, and you are standing in open space. To make such glazing, you need to use special strong glass, it is stronger and thicker than usual, they are not so easy to break with a simple blow, and they will not crack in severe frosts. By choosing this type of glazing, you can ensure good sound insulation. However, it is impossible to carry out such glazing yourself, since such work requires professionalism. Glazing sections can be folding, hinged or sliding.
Advantages:
- beautiful view and attractiveness of the balcony;
- long service life of the entire structure;
- perfectly protects against external factors;
- much more light enters the room.
Flaws:
- cannot be done by yourself;
- correspondingly high cost;
- in hot summer, the balcony will be exposed to direct sunlight even more, due to the lack of parapet and frames, so the room will be hot.
Sliding glazing is used when the balcony occupies a small space, so it is more advisable to do it. Thanks to special roller mechanisms, you can simply move the sashes, which do not take up much space.
Advantages:
- protects the balcony well from wind, precipitation, dust and insects;
- saves space if you live in a Khrushchev-era building and your balcony is very small.
Flaws:
- poor thermal insulation, since the structure is often made of aluminum profile with one glass, which cannot fully retain heat.
Main materials used for glazing
To glaze a balcony, the following materials are used:
- Aluminum.
- Tree.
Plastic is the most common material for work, since it is plastic frames with single-chamber and double-glazed windows that are installed to provide heat and sound insulation on the balcony. This material is inexpensive and performs well for the purpose for which it is intended. Your room will be warm and comfortable. Among the advantages of plastic products, one should note the strength of double-glazed windows, good thermal insulation and tightness. By glazing your balcony with plastic windows, you will also save yourself from the need for frequent painting and complex maintenance. Moreover, such a balcony will look quite decent and beautiful.
Aluminum glazing is performed using aluminum profiles - they are much lighter and thinner than plastic ones. This is its advantage over other materials. Due to their light weight, such glazing frames can be installed on balconies that have a weak structure that is unable to withstand heavy loads. Most often, aluminum is used for cold glazing of balconies using single glass.
The most budget option for glazing a balcony is wooden frames with single glass. Typically, cheap wood does not have soundproofing characteristics and can let cold into the room. However, this can be said about the budget option. If you don’t save money, you can buy modern frames, which are much more expensive, but have excellent sound insulation and thermal insulation characteristics. Moreover, such glazing looks natural and gives the balcony a solid look.
So, having considered all the glazing options, having learned about the materials that can be used for this purpose, you can weigh the pros and cons in order to choose the option that will suit you both in terms of material and for achieving your goals. Now let's find out how to properly glaze a balcony with your own hands.
Some moments
If you live in a Khrushchev-era building, then it should be noted that you will not be able to simply glaze your balcony, as you will encounter a number of difficulties. The first of them is that when the houses were originally designed, no one imagined that the balconies would subsequently be glazed. Therefore, the balcony was an additional concrete slab, protruding from the wall of the facade of the house, which is simply surrounded by a fence on three sides. There were no frames with glass or other devices that would separate the interior space in such a balcony. That is why, when you decide to glaze a balcony with your own hands, it is important to consider that first you need to install a single structure, which would include a frame, opening mechanisms, and a balcony parapet that needs to be sheathed.
All these additional elements Naturally, they will make the entire structure heavier, which, in turn, will put additional load on the balcony and supports. All this can lead to the supports collapsing.
It is worth considering that if you live on the top floor, then when glazing is carried out you will have to work on constructing the roof. Such work will significantly increase the labor intensity of the process itself, and will also affect the weight of the entire structure.
If you have already done all this, or your balcony is glazed with wooden frames that have already outlived their usefulness and become unsuitable for further use, then they simply need to be replaced with new ones. Let's find out in more detail how this can be done.
Precautions during operation
Before you begin work, it is important to take care of your safety. It’s good when the balcony is on the second floor, where the height is low. But when you live on the 5th floor or higher, the distance to the ground is quite large. And since the work will be carried out on an open balcony, the wind or gravity can play a cruel joke on you. Therefore, all work must be carried out with a safety belt.
You can buy a regular sports belt, which is cheaper and lighter than an industrial one. It is clear that an industrial belt is more reliable and durable, but for glazing work it will be enough for a sports belt; you are not doing steeple-climbing. When choosing, pay attention to the length of the halyard, which should be at least 2.5 m to ensure comfortable work. A belt with a short halyard will only complicate the work, and if it is very long, then you can injure yourself if you fall. It is important that the belt as a whole and the carabiner can withstand a load of about 400 kg. The load value should be indicated in the certificate, but if there is none, do not buy this belt.
Now, after purchasing, you need to ensure a secure attachment for the safety cord. Therefore, during glazing work in the main wall, it is necessary to fix an anchor pin with a metal collet, driving it at least 15 cm deep. A safety cord will be attached to it. By following basic safety precautions, you can protect yourself from serious injury and even death, so be especially careful!
How to glaze a balcony using plastic windows
First of all, your task is to perform all the necessary calculations and measurements. The old glazing must be removed: the frames and all fastening structures are dismantled. Then take a tape measure and measure the distance from the ceiling to the parapet. Write down the data on paper. Then measure the distance from one wall to another and write everything down. Take a building level and, placing it against the parapet, check that it is horizontal. Everything should be smooth.
Now, having all the data, you need to contact a specialized company that sells plastic windows to place an order. If you just want to protect yourself from wind and rain, but there is no particular desire to use the balcony as a room, you can order single-chamber double-glazed windows, which are cheaper. If the goal is to insulate the balcony so that you can relax or work there, then pay attention to double-glazed windows or even three-chamber ones.
To make a balcony warm, windows alone are not enough. You will have to insulate the entire structure: floor, walls and roof. Only then, in the complex, will you be able to ensure that your balcony becomes a warm place, part of your warm apartment.
The window installation process is as follows:
To bring everything to the desired “condition” and give the balcony a more attractive look, you need to make slopes. Please note that all work must be carried out slowly. Follow all rules and adhere to the sequence of work. In fact, there is nothing complicated if you figure it out and understand what and how to do. By doing all the work yourself, you can save a lot of money.
Video
This video shows in detail how to glaze a balcony with an extension, from dismantling old frames and finishing to installing new structures:
This video shows the installation of plastic windows on a balcony with a roof:
The presence of a loggia or balcony in an apartment increases its space and can be used in different ways. And the warmer the balcony, the more options its use. The situation is similar with the loggia. If you look at high-rise buildings or private houses, the vast majority of them will have glazed balconies.
Moreover, today in the design of a balcony/loggia there is a clear trend - to use this room as a full-fledged room, separate or combined with the main apartment. And with such a task, the issue of balcony glazing becomes more relevant than ever.
Glazing of a balcony/loggia- this is a device on a balcony slab of a translucent enclosing structure made of window frames and/or glass, which performs the function of protecting the room from cold and/or bad weather.
How to glaze a balcony with your own hands?
In the general cost of glazing, the cost of installation work takes 10-15%, depending on the condition of the balcony, design features and floor.
The procedure for glazing a loggia or balcony is quite simple. Professionals spend from several hours to several days on it (determined by the degree of preparation of the balcony for installation work and its parameters).
But this is all theoretical; in practice, these are complex high-altitude installation works, which sometimes require the involvement of industrial climbers. You can glaze a balcony or loggia yourself, but it is not recommended.
Our task is to describe the key parameters of glazing in the form of detailed instructions that contain step by step description all works. And this is largely not a guide to action, but introductory information for understanding what it is, what types of devices there are and what stages the process consists of.
Balcony/loggia glazing options - types and types
The approach to glazing depends on four factors:
- balcony design: with extension, without extension;
- type of balcony glazing: cold or warm;
- type of glazing: framed or frameless;
- type of glazing: classic or French (panoramic);
- type of material used for the manufacture of the frame (profile): PVC, aluminum, wood, fiberglass composite.
Let us consider them in detail, classifying them according to the principle of their design, design features and source material.
1. Design:
Glazing without extension
Essentially, this is standard glazing on an existing supporting frame. In this case, the glazing frame is in the same plane with the parapet of the loggia or balcony. This approach is good because the parapet takes on the main load.
Glazing of balconies with extension (with extension)
A popular option because it allows you to expand internal area balcony This approach to redevelopment is indispensable for a narrow balcony or if you want to grow plants on the balcony.
When installing an external structure, it is necessary to accurately calculate the load on the frame being created and ensure its redistribution to the parapet and load-bearing slab. In addition, external glazing necessitates the construction of a canopy over the frame and a window sill.
Note. Extended glazing requires protection of the structure from external factors, so an extended balcony/loggia must be sealed from the inside.
2. Glazing type:
Cold glazing of balconies
The type has been known since Soviet times, when there were simply no other options, and the issue of insulation and energy efficiency was not so pressing. Cold glazing involved the installation of wooden frames with one, very rarely two glasses between them. Today, aluminum profiles are used for cold glazing.
The system is justified if:
- the balcony is not intended to be used as a living space, because the temperature difference will not exceed 5-7°C;
- if the load-bearing slab is in unsatisfactory condition and its replacement is not possible;
- if your budget is limited.
Nevertheless, cold glazing will successfully protect against bad weather, dust, wind and noise (not exceeding 10 dB).
Warm glazing of balconies
Significantly expands the scope of use of a loggia or balcony. The use of multi-chamber profiles with a thermal bridge (thermal break) for the manufacture of frames and multi-chamber double-glazed windows makes it possible to ensure high level thermal insulation. In turn, protection from external factors, cold, noise, etc., allows you to use the additional space as a separate room: an office, a bedroom or a place for training.
It should be borne in mind that warm glazing itself will not provide absolute thermal insulation and will not make the balcony as warm as a room in an apartment or house. Additionally, you will need floors, ceilings, walls and a heating device. But, taking out the battery central heating on the balcony/loggia is prohibited, you need to think about the heating system.
Warm glazing requires:
- dew point calculation. It is important that it does not shift towards the room and does not appear as condensation on the glass. Moreover, it was not located between the glasses;
- ensuring good moisture and parapet walls;
- consider a system for opening the doors to ensure ventilation of the balcony.
3. Type of glazing:
Frame glazing
Allows you to securely fix the glass unit in a rigid structure. However, it does affect the degree of illumination. Many people are confused by the presence large number jumpers that make your eyes dazzle.
It is a type of glazing in which there are no frames, and the fencing functions are performed by thick tempered or laminated glass with machined edges, which eliminates the possibility of getting cut.
Frameless glazing of the balcony makes it possible to increase the amount of incoming daylight and creates the effect of no boundaries. Due to the fact that with this type of glazing there are no frames to which the sashes could be attached, Special attention is given to the opening mechanism.
In particular, sliding and folding (sliding) systems are used for frameless glazing:
Sliding glazing of balconies is a design of rail guides that allow you to move the double-glazed windows to the sides (turn-slide system)
The sliding folding glazing system for balconies allows you to fold the windows like an accordion or a book (accordion).
In the first case, the doors do not require space to open; in the second, they require a so-called parking area where the doors will be assembled at the time of opening. Frameless glazing allows you to implement panoramic glazing of the balcony - an option that improves visibility.
4. Type of glazing:
- Classic glazing involves installing a frame on an existing parapet. This method is chosen by the vast majority of users because it allows them to reduce glazing costs.
- . It is distinguished by a significant increase in the glazing area, because with this approach the parapet is dismantled and installed from floor to ceiling.
5. Type of material used for making the frame:
PVC (polyvinyl chloride or simply plastic, metal-plastic)
Glazing of a balcony/loggia with plastic windows is the sole leader in the market of warm glazing systems.
The characteristics that determined this situation include: the absence of restrictions on installation (while ensuring proper reliability and strength of the base), the ability to choose the degree of thermal insulation (vary the number of chambers in the profile), the ability to choose the number of glasses in a double-glazed window, the presence of insulation, the stability of the material is practically to all environmental factors (except ultraviolet radiation). This allows us to say that metal-plastic windows will last for decades.
In addition to the mentioned advantages, the PVC profile allows you to ensure an optimal level of tightness, and therefore noise insulation, which is important in cities with high traffic. A significant plus is the ability to choose the color of the profile for making the frame and ease of maintenance of the structure.
The disadvantages are significant weight and questionable environmental performance, despite the fact that renowned manufacturers provide their products with certificates. Plastic glazing of a balcony/loggia is chosen for its reasonable price-quality ratio.
Note. The demand for PVC profiles for windows has led to the emergence of low quality products. You need to be extremely careful when ordering plastic windows for glazing.
Aluminum (aluminum window structures)
Glazing of balconies and loggias with aluminum profiles is chosen by those who prefer a cold glazing system. If the aluminum profile is used for warm system, it must be equipped with a thermal bridge.
Aluminum profiles are distinguished by: lightness, the ability to choose the color or structure of the wood, strength, and environmental friendliness. Widespread distribution is hampered by the high cost, which is 1.5-2 times higher compared to PVC profiles.
Wood (wooden profile for windows)
Natural and environmentally friendly glazing of the balcony with wooden frames was the only possible option 30 years ago. Today they are being replaced by other materials. But, there are users who only accept wooden balcony glazing and the market responds to demand by offering wooden windows with double-glazed windows.
Modern wooden frames are distinguished by: high quality, excellent heat and sound insulation, naturalness, environmental Safety. Thanks to new technologies, wood undergoes processing that reduces the rate of its destruction. And the tendency of wood to crack and twist is leveled by the use of high-quality laminated veneer lumber in the production. The cost of wooden Euro-windows is 2.5-3 times more expensive than metal-plastic ones.
Note. Wooden glazing conflicts with sliding systems, into which water penetrates when opened. Therefore, they are not used if there is a desire to implement sliding glazing of balconies.
Coordination of balcony/loggia glazing
Before you start ordering windows, preparing tools and consumables for installation, you need to take into account that changes to the balcony design are subject to approval. Thus, classic glazing can be implemented independently, but glazing with extension or French glazing requires the collection of documents and work.
Attention! Balcony glazing is dangerous construction work, so they are performed by specialists. Self-implementation is highly undesirable!
If you still decide to glaze a loggia or balcony with your own hands, then you should think through safety measures in advance. In particular, it is mandatory to use a safety rope: industrial (more reliable, more durable, more expensive) or sports (lighter, cheaper, service life does not matter if there are no plans to glaze balconies on a commercial basis).
Safety rope requirements:
- working length (halyard, direct safety rope) 2.5-3 m. A short one will create difficulties in work, and a long one will not protect against injury if it falls off the frame;
- a carabiner that can withstand a load of 4 times the user’s weight;
- rope fastening - by arranging a separate fastening point. To do this, a metal anchor with a ring tip is screwed into the (load-bearing) wall, to which the rope is attached. After the work is completed, the tip is cut off with a grinder.
Balcony and loggia glazing technology - installation
Due to popularity metal-plastic windows, let's look at the process of how to glaze a balcony/loggia with plastic windows. Note that, unlike the loggia, the work that is performed on the balcony is more complex and labor-intensive.
Work order - step-by-step instructions:
1. Dismantling old balcony glazing
If the balcony has glazing, the old windows are dismantled and assessed bearing capacity parapet and floor slabs. This will allow you to make accurate measurements for installing new frames.
2. Strengthening the balcony slab and parapet
- The slab can be strengthened by creating a metal frame, part of which will be brought into the apartment;
- The parapet can be strengthened by replacing it with a metal frame or a new one, lined with brick or (load-bearing, with a density of 1000-1200 kg/m3).
Note. When choosing a foam block, you should take into account that it requires the use of a special type of fastener - a chemical anchor.
3. Ordering frames and double-glazed windows
In addition to the windows, it is necessary to prepare a tool (drill, hammer, hammer drill, tape measure, level, plumb line) and Consumables(nails, dowels, polyurethane foam, sealant, pads for the frame: flat of different heights and wedges).
Note. As a rule, window manufacturers do not trust consumer measurements and send out their own specialist.
4. Installation of a canopy over the balcony (upper ebb)
The canopy is installed before the frames are installed. It is attached with dowels to the top floor slab. The junction with the slab is filled with sealant. In the case of an external balcony, the canopy is also attached to the floor slab, which means you need to correctly calculate its width. When choosing the configuration of the canopy, you should make sure that it reliably covers the junction of the frame and the base and covers the foam. Otherwise, this unit will need to be covered with a special cover.
A borderline case of installing a canopy may be installing a roof, if we are talking about glazing a balcony on the top floor.
5. Glazing of a balcony with a roof
There are two ways to glaze a balcony or loggia with a roof on the top floor of a house:
- the roof is part of the glazing structure;
- the roof is an independent element. In this case, it is installed before the installation of window frames begins.
When designing a roof, the following requirements must be met:
- lightness, reliability, strength;
- ability to withstand snow loads and strong gusts of wind;
- thermal insulation properties;
- tightness.
To make the roof frame, it is advisable to use metal, due to the fact that the timber is subject to deformation. This uses:
- profile pipe, welded frame;
- profile pipe or angle, frame with screws;
- trusses, triangles welded from a corner.
What roofing material is best to choose for a balcony roof:
- or metal tiles. Lightweight, durable materials, protected from external influences several layers of paint, primer and galvanization. Minus - the need for additional sound insulation;
- bitumen shingles. Pros - you can implement a roof of any shape. Minus - flammability;
- polycarbonate The advantage is the ability to make a transparent roof. Disadvantage - relatively short term service (warranty period is 10 years).
The characteristic that unites these roofing materials, is light weight, which means low load on load-bearing foundations.
6. Preparing the window frame
To do this, the sashes are removed, and the double-glazed windows are removed from the blind sashes. Without them, the frame will become much lighter and easier to attach. To remove a double-glazed window, it is enough to pry off the glazing bead with which it is secured with a sharp knife or spatula. Beadings must be signed to avoid confusion when installing them back.
Note. The installation of the sashes is carried out together with the double-glazed window, so there is no need to disassemble it.
7. Sealing the support profile
The stand (window sill, profile) fits quite tightly to the frame, but it can be additionally insulated. To do this you need:
- remove the stand profile; Material prepared for the website www.site
- glue a window seal to it; some craftsmen advise applying polyurethane foam;
- insert the profile back into the frame.
8. Installation of windows on anchor plates
This is done when it comes to glazing a loggia. Then the entire frame is supported by anchor plates for windows, which fix it around the perimeter (except for the lower profile). But, if you are glazing a balcony, then it is inappropriate to use only anchor plates here, because they will only hold the side sashes, and the central (front) frame, which is the largest and heaviest, will be attached only to the side frames. This mounting may not be sufficient to support the frame's weight and wind load.
When glazing a balcony, and especially a balcony with an extension, the frame is fixed with a dowel through the profile. In this case, the dimensions of the gaps should not exceed 30 mm. for side posts and 20 mm. for the lower and upper frame profile.
Note. The level is set using mounting plates.
When glazing a balcony, the front (central) frame is installed first, then the side frames. To fasten the frames at the junction, a corner connecting profile is used. It is also necessary when glazing a semicircular balcony or bay window.
9. Foaming gaps with foam
All cracks and gaps around the perimeter of the frame are filled with polyurethane foam. Don't blow out too much foam, because... it can lead to deformation of the frame profile.
10. Installation of double-glazed windows in frames and installation of glazing beads
To insert the glazing bead, it must be installed in the upper and lower corners and pressed down. The fastening bead will fall into place without any problems. To ensure accuracy and tightness, it is recommended to install long beads first, then short ones.
11. Installation of opening sashes
Installation of window sashes, checking their performance and tight fit to the frame.
12. Installation of low tide outside the balcony block
The configuration of the ebb should not only ensure water drainage, but also protect the foam from external factors (sun and wind). If it is not possible to install such a strip, you can use a decorative trim and a regular window sill.
13. Installing a window sill from inside the balcony block
Independent glazing of a balcony/loggia is possible if you have experience and skills in construction. However, if you have doubts about your own abilities, it is better to entrust the work to professionals. As a rule, a window manufacturing company always offers a team of installers who perform turnkey glazing and provide a guarantee for their work. And knowing the installation procedure will help control the work of the involved specialists.
How much does it cost to glaze a balcony/loggia?
The cost of glazing depends on a number of factors:
- type of construction;
- house design and year of construction (glazing in a Khrushchev building will cost a little more in terms of square meter opening);
- number of storeys of the house;
- type of glazing: warm or cold;
- profile type: aluminum, wood or metal-plastic;
- number of chambers in the profile (for aluminum and PVC profiles);
- presence of a thermal bridge (thermal break in the aluminum profile);
- type of wood (for wooden frames);
- type of double-glazed windows: number of chambers, type of glass, material for filling the inter-chamber space;
- type of window opening: hinged, sliding, folding, fixed;
- quality of fittings;
- brand. The cost of a window profile or fittings that are identical in their functional purpose is influenced by the popularity of the manufacturer and the country of origin;
- other factors individual for a particular case.
The cost of glazing a turnkey balcony/loggia includes the following types of work:
| № | Stage | Detailing |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Specialist visit | - assessment of the condition of the balcony; - order approval; - adjustment of preferences taking into account real possibilities; - taking measurements; - calculation of the estimated cost and timing of the order. |
| 2 | Dismantling | - existing (old) glazing; - roofing, parapet (if necessary); - preparation of foundations for installation. |
| 3 | Removing the balcony, installing the roof and strengthening the load-bearing elements | if necessary |
| 4 | Window system | - production window systems; - transportation; - rise to the floor. |
| 5 | Glazing installation | - installation of a window unit; - frame fastening; - sealing of junction points; - checking the functionality of the fittings and setting them up; - installation of a window sill; - installation of the visor; - low tide installation. |
| 6 | Carrying out external finishing works | - external insulation; - finishing the parapet with siding or other material. |
| 7 | Carrying out interior finishing work | - installation of slopes; - internal insulation; - Finishing work; - installation of electrical wiring; - additional services: installation of a dryer, furniture, etc. |
| 8 | Garbage removal | - cleaning, disposal of construction waste |
Depending on the condition of the property and the budget, the number of turnkey balcony glazing services provided may vary.
Approximate cost of glazing a balcony and loggia depending on the type of profile:
Cold glazing
(Aluminum Provedal profile), swing opening type.
| Window configuration | Average price of glazing, rub | |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 m x 0.75 m x 0.75 m x 1.6 m |  |
21 400 |
| 1.5 m x 2.5 m |  |
14 800 |
| 1.5 m x 3 m |  |
19 200 |
| 1.5 m x 0.9 m x 0.4 m x 2.4 m (boot) |  |
27 000 |
| 1.5 m x 0.75 m x 0.75 m x 2.7 m |  |
23 100 |
| 1.5 m x 4 m |  |
22 400 |
| 1.5 m x 5 m | 28 000 | |
| 1.5 m x 6 m |  |
32 000 |
| Bay window | 24 100 |
Warm glazing
(metal-plastic Rehau profile and Slidors), swing type of opening.
| Balcony size (length, height, depth) | Window configuration | Rehau | Slidors | Gzhel (Russia) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 m x 2.5 m | 22 000 | |||
| 1.5 m x 3 m | 33 000 | 25 200 | 32 000 | |
| 34 000 | 40 000 | |||
| 1.5 m x 1 m x 2.5 m | 36 000 | 36 000 | 30 000 | |
| 1.5 m x 4 m | 38 000 | 29 900 | ||
| 41 000 | ||||
| 1.5 m x 5 m | 48 000 | 48 000 | ||
| 59 000 | ||||
| 1.5 m x 6 m | 57 000 | 46 600 | ||
| Bay window | 31 800 |
The cost of glazing depending on the type of opening: cold and warm sliding glazing
Price French glazing balcony: sliding system of cold and warm type
Cost of glazing a balcony/loggia with removal:
Additional services accompanying the removal of a balcony/loggia:
Strengthening load-bearing structures
Dismantling works
External finishing works
Interior finishing work
| Type of work | Average cost, rub. |
|---|---|
| Installation of window sill, m.p. | 500 |
| Installation wooden lining, rub. sq.m. | 1 600 |
| Installation of plastic lining, rub. sq.m. | 1 800 |
| Installation of drywall with frame, rub. sq.m. | 1 800 |
| Installation of laminated panels, rub. sq.m. | 1 400 |
| Insulation with mineral wool, rub. sq.m. | 100 |
| Thermal insulation with penofol, rub. sq.m. | 60 |
| Penoplex insulation, rub. sq.m. | 200 |
| Thermal insulation with isolon, rub. sq.m. | 320 |
| Double thermal insulation (penofol and penoplex), rub. sq.m. | 260 |
| Finishing of slopes (depending on depth and material), pcs. | 600-800 |
| Electrical wiring installation, pcs. | 5 000 |
| Electrical point installation, pcs. | 800 |
| Subflooring (linoleum, carpet), rub. sq.m. | 1 300 |
| Floorboard flooring (subfloor and board), rub. sq.m. | 2 000 |
| Installation of heated floors, sq. m. | 2 500 |
| Installation of skirting boards | 80 |
Additional services
To ensure that the balcony area does not remain ownerless, you can carry out some work to transform it and turn it into a small but very functional room. Since this room is not heated, first of all it needs to be glazed and insulated.
It can be possible to do it yourself if you study in detail the instructions for carrying out this process. But when the window frames are already installed and glazed, nothing will interfere with the work on further insulation and decorative design of the room - neither rain nor wind.
Types of glazing
If you decide to renovate, you need to start by choosing the type of glazing. It can be traditional - using ordinary wooden frames or Euro-frames - aluminum, metal-plastic and wooden with the installation of double-glazed windows. In addition, glazing can be frameless, insulated and cold.
Warm and cold glazing
Glazing of balconies can be cold or warm, and both are done both when installing conventional wooden frames and more advanced ones.
- Cold glazing includes the installation of wooden frames with ordinary glass or Euro-frames - also with one hermetically installed glass. It is used if the balcony is not planned to be used year-round as a living space.
The simplest glazing is the “cold” type A balcony made in this way should not have any special requirements for maintaining temperature. Frames can only make the room neat and protected from wind and dust, and somewhat reduce the penetration of sounds from the street.
Cold glazing does not require additional insulation measures. The only thing that can be done is to install wooden flooring on the floor for comfort.
- glazing is necessary if the balcony or loggia will be combined with one of the rooms. The entire room must be insulated with one or another thermal insulation materials.
With this change in layout, frames with double-glazed windows with triple glazing are installed.
- Warm insulation requires a more serious approach.
If one of the Euro glazing options is selected, then you need to purchase frames with thermo-in rates that fit between the profile and the double-glazed window.
Double-glazed windows should have one, or better yet, two vacuum chambers— this choice will depend on the weather conditions of the region.
Further, when creating a warm room, you must remember that you cannot allow the so-called “dew point” formed indoors. Failure to comply with this condition will lead to the appearance of dampness and mold due to the formation of condensation - first on the balcony, and then in the room.
It is impossible to allow the formation of a “dew point” between the glass installed on frames located outside the perimeter of the balcony. In this case, achieving the correct balance of temperature effects on windows is much more difficult, since they can be cooled not only through the glass, but also from the lower and upper end sides. Therefore, you need to carefully consider their insulation.
If wooden frames are chosen, then you will need to “conjure” by installing good insulation between them, as well as a seal between the frame and the glass.
To prevent mold stains from appearing on the balcony, it is necessary to take a number of measures to help avoid dampness:
- sealing cracks and gaps in the floor and walls of the room before insulating it;
— waterproofing of the floor and balcony parapet;
— organization of effective ventilation.
Ventilation is one of the main conditions for preventing the formation of condensation. But in order not to cool down the insulated room, it must be adjustable:
— on Euro-windows it is installed in the upper horizontal part of the profile;
— when installing wooden frames that are tightly closed for the winter, you need to build a through ventilation valve with an adjustable damper into one of the upper sections of the window or wall.
Prices for ventilation units
Ventilation units
Traditional wooden frames with glazing
IN last years This option for protecting the balcony from rain, wind and snow is becoming a thing of the past, but still some apartment owners prefer it due to the low cost of the material and the ability to carry out the process independently.
“Classics of the genre” - wooden frames Such glazing will not save you from frost and will not make the balcony warmer in winter period, and also will not create effective sound insulation from external noise, but will become an obstacle to dust, wind and precipitation. In winter, a balcony protected in this way can only be used as a refrigerator.
Nevertheless, if you install double wooden frames, insulate them well, as well as the walls, floor and ceiling, and install heating devices, then in not very cold times you can use the balcony as a living room.
Glazing of wooden balcony frames It does not go quickly, since in each of them you need to install a separate glass with a special putty, securing it with nails driven through a glazing bead. It should be noted that this process is very tedious and requires the highest accuracy.
The disadvantages of such glazing also include the difficulty of putting the glass in order, especially if double frames are installed, twisted together. In addition, wooden frames require special processing and periodic painting.
Metal-plastic windows
Euro-glazing called the installation of metal-plastic frames with double-glazed windows. This method of transforming a balcony will cost much more, but it also has much more advantages over wooden frames.
Modern approach - metal-plastic frames Double-glazed windows installed in metal-plastic profiles can have single, double or triple glazing. The advantages of this type of glazing are:
- Aesthetic and neat design.
- The tightness of Euro-frames allows you to create effective heat and sound insulation, preventing precipitation, wind, dirt and dust from entering the premises. With additional insulation of all walls and ceilings, the balcony becomes a full-fledged room in which you can arrange an office, workshop, greenhouse or quiet relaxation area.
- If you know the installation process of Euro-frames, then you can install them quite quickly yourself.
- Ease of care will allow you to tidy them up more often and quickly.
- Frames do not require additional annual insulation and painting.
- By installing special locks on opening sashes of windows, you will not be afraid that a child will be able to open the frame on their own.
Aluminum frames
Frames made of aluminum are currently quite popular for installation on balconies. They are used for both cold and warm glazing. In the first case, options with single or double glazing are used. But when organizing a warm room, frames with thermal inserts.
Aluminum frames can be installed on parapets, or the structure can be composed of them panoramic glazing. It should be noted that in the latter case, the thermal insulation of the balcony is reduced, since the metal has a very high thermal conductivity.
When using aluminum frames, it is recommended to leave part of the balcony closed and install glazing only in front of the parapet. This design is called a “French balcony”.
Advantages of aluminum frames:
- This metal is very light, and at the same time has high mechanical strength.
- Aluminum has good heat resistance, it does not burn, and is not susceptible to corrosion.
- The service life of such structures is on average 50 ÷ 70 years.
- The lightness of aluminum allows the use of structures made from it in conditions where heavier frames, for example, made of metal-plastic or metal-wood, cannot be used due to their greater weight. This speaks in favor of such frames for installation on balconies - no additional reinforcements are required, which will save some money.
- Aluminum frames do not require painting and are easy to maintain.
- The balcony, glazed with aluminum frames, receives good sound insulation.
Frameless glazing
Frameless glazing of balconies is used infrequently, as it — more new technology , but already gaining popularity. Glazing can be made from ceiling to floor or installed on a parapet.
Frameless glazing not only visually expands the space of a small balcony room, but also perfectly protects it from dust and external noise. It is perfect for the room where you plan to grow various plants- due to the absence of frames, they will receive sunlight in maximum volume
Frameless glazing is characterized by the following qualities:
- For this transparent balcony fencing, tempered glass is used, which is 8 to 10 times more impact-resistant and durable than regular glass, so it can withstand very high loads.
- It is impossible to get hurt with such glass panels, since all their edges are rounded and polished in a special way.
- Such glazing is simply operation - design it is designed in such a way that it is easy to open and close, since each of the panels slides on rollers along a metal rail.
- Glass fencing takes up practically no space, while frames always “eat up” 50 ÷ 100 mm of area around the entire perimeter of an already small room. This is especially true for glazing installed from floor to ceiling.
- High sound insulation – noise absorption efficiency reaches 50–70%.
Glazing with roof arrangement
The real problem is a balcony that does not have a roof. Rain and snow, dust and leaves from the trees - it all collects on this small area. Such a balcony cannot be used functionally, you cannot rest on it, leave clothes to dry, and in rainy weather you cannot even go out on it.
Therefore, the apartment owner has to solve the problem himself by installing the roof and glazing the balcony.
Roofs over a balcony in combination with glazing can be of two types:
- A dependent roof is installed only when installing aluminum frames. It is attached to the block built from them and the wall of the house.
The advantages of this design include its reliability, ease and speed of installation at a fairly reasonable price.
The disadvantages of a dependent roof include the fact that it can only be installed over narrow balconies and loggias. When installed above wide extensions, the structure becomes unreliable and is unlikely to withstand snow loads in winter.
- An independent roof is different in that its installation is not associated with the glazing of the balcony. An individual metal or wooden frame, That there is something that can be done roof, without even planning further glazing.
The advantage of this roof is that it can be installed over a balcony of any width, the main thing is to correctly calculate the strength of the structure. In addition, if it is not possible to install both the glazing and the roof at once, then you can install the roof first, and then the balcony frames.
Building a roof over a balcony at a height is a rather dangerous undertaking, so it is recommended to entrust this work to professional craftsmen. Moreover, you first need to make accurate calculations of the brackets and the entire frame so that the structure is not blown away by the wind one day.
Window prices
Safety precautions when working on the balcony
When planning balcony glazing, always remember the dangers of working at height. Not only do you need to protect your life or health, you must not allow threats to other people, for example, in the form of tools or construction materials falling from a height.
- At independent execution Work on insulation and glazing of a balcony requires extreme caution, especially in cases where any processes are carried out from the outside. You should not take risks and fully rely on your strength and dexterity - you must definitely protect yourself with a safety belt. The belt is purchased industrial or sports, and the fastening must withstand a load of 350 ÷ 400 kg, which must be indicated in the certificate. If such information is missing, then this product is not worth purchasing.
In addition, you should definitely consult with a sales consultant who will clearly show you how to use this safety device.
- Not worth it do work alone - you must definitely invite a partner who can, if necessary, provide backup - this should be taken into account both for work outside the balcony and when installing frames and double-glazed windows.
- To protect your hands when working with glass and metal, you must use gloves made of durable material.
Balcony glazing stages
Unlike a loggia, where one of the sides is glazed, on a balcony frames have to be installed on three sides. The work is complicated by the fact that it is necessary to correctly align each of the structural elements and make a reliable connection at the corners. Moreover, during installation you need to take into account that only the end frames will be rigidly fixed to the wall.
The front part of the structure has the maximum size and weight, therefore it also differs in windage. It must be installed extremely carefully and immediately firmly fixed not only to the balcony parapet, but also to the slab of the upper balcony (or to the canopy).
Frame blocks can be purchased ready-made or ordered from the company that manufactures them, indicating the exact dimensions of the balcony. You can install ready-made blocks yourself if you carefully study the instructions.
Frame installation
Before carrying out, it is necessary to glaze it. The explanation is simple - you can’t create a risk of getting wet insulation materials- they will simply lose their qualities.
The installation of frames is carried out according to the same principle, but the preparation of the base for them may vary. For example, frames can be installed on the base of a balcony, on a fence (parapet) or moved outside the perimeter.
Direct installation of frames - and with a slight offset Preparing to install the structure on the parapet
It’s good if the balcony parapet is made of brick or concrete - in this case it will be easier to secure the frames to a fence of sufficient width. It is more difficult to resolve this issue if the parapet is made of a metal angle and rod.
In this option, it is advisable to preparatory work, slightly expanding the base for easy fastening of frame structures. This could be installing an additional corner with a wider shelf. One side of it is placed outward, creating a kind of fence for the lower profile of the frame. In the same way, you can secure the corners in the upper part.
The corners are screwed with self-tapping screws in increments of 150 ÷ 200 mm from each other to the top of the parapet.
Metal elements must be well coated with protective paint. It will not only reduce the influence of the external environment, but also give the structure a more aesthetic appearance.
Wider brackets installed to expand the base under the frame structure will also serve to secure the window sill inside the balcony.
Preparing to install frames on the base of the balcony
In this option, you need to take into account the height to which it will be raised. For example, if you plan to raise it by 100 mm, then a block of the same size is fixed around the perimeter of the balcony. It will be easier to install glazing frames on such a base.
Frames can go panoramic: from top to bottom At the top of the balcony, metal corners, wooden blocks can be used to secure the frames, or the frames can be screwed to the ceiling using special brackets. If it will also be insulated, then it will be necessary to include it in the scheme installation of the block, which will set the thickness of the insulating layer.
Preparing the parapet base for installing frames with offset
When expanding the upper part of the balcony by moving the frames beyond its perimeter, you will have to build more complex design to install them.
Installation is usually carried out using a metal corner, from which a kind of shelf is made.
If you do not have a welding machine or welding skills, then you can build such a structure from a metal profile, strengthening it with a wooden block, placing it in the cavity of the profile and securing it to the parapet and floor of the balcony.
Using only a profile, it is impossible to obtain sufficient rigidity of the structure, and if you install it only from a bar, then under the influence of the external environment the frame with thanet will be less durable.
Brackets installed outside the parapet should be made in the form of triangles - this will give the greatest rigidity to the frame.
Finished frame - bottom view The upper, protruding part of the structure is also mounted from corners, connecting them horizontally with the canopy, and with vertical posts - with the lower part of the frame. It is best to additionally attach corners to the load-bearing wall of the house to the height of the entire balcony and fasten them to the structure of the protruding part - this option will give the frame maximum reliability.
If aluminum frames are used for glazing, for which it is not necessary to install a common frame, then they can be secured in the upper part using metal strips. They are screwed to the end side of the frame and to the upper balcony (to the roof).
Video: example of balcony glazing with extension
Balcony extension
If there are plans to increase the area of the balcony, then its floor slab must be thoroughly strengthened so that the main load from the entire structure is removed from it. The possibility of this action must be agreed upon with specialists, as this will require an accurate engineering calculation of whether it will withstand bearing wall additional workload at home.
Expansion is carried out using metal structure, which will be attached to the wall of the building with the frame extended beyond it for installation of frames. This method will help increase the area at the base of the room by 200 ÷ 300 mm in width, and the window sill in the upper part beyond the balcony - by 200 ÷ 250 mm.
Frame fastening
Frames (wooden or other) are fastened according to the same principle - using special perforated metal strips and anchor screws.
Attaching the brackets to the frame - on a wooden... Fastening strips of the required length are screwed to the end sides of the top and bottom of the frame. They are often used to mount the sides of the frame. On each side you will need two to three strips for fastening.
...or metal-plastic 
If necessary, wooden spacers and stands are installed between the frame and the wall to help achieve the desired position.
Often, to attach frames to the wall, anchors are used, for which the necessary holes are drilled. In this case, it is very important to select an element of the required length, since it must enter the wall at least 50 ÷ 60 mm.
Complex knots when installing frames on balcony are the angles. To connect them and fix them together, you can use several techniques:
- Use a special corner profile, which is built in during the manufacture of frames.
- Install a metal corner measuring 80 ÷ 100 mm at the corners and secure the frames to it. First, the corner must be painted with a special protective paint.
- Attach frames to wooden block, disguised with plastic panels from the outside and inside after installation.
- It is easier to solve the problem with wooden frames - they are fastened together with corners or a wooden block.
But here it should be noted that if the glazing is carried out along the entire perimeter of the room, it will not be warm, since it is impossible to create the necessary insulation at such connection angles.
After installing the frames, all gaps between the walls and frame profiles are filled with polyurethane foam. If the gaps are very wide, in order to save money, you can first install fragments of polystyrene foam in some places of the gaps, and then apply polyurethane foam.
Glazing of frames
After the polyurethane foam has dried and cut off the excess, you can begin installing double-glazed windows in Euro frames or cut glass - into ordinary wooden structures.
When installing double-glazed windows into existing frames, it is very important to follow all recommendations.
Before installing a double-glazed window, special spacers must be placed in the lower inner part of the frame. pads. They are also sometimes placed on the sides and top, between the frame and the glass unit.
Lay the gaskets so that they With from the insulating glass package was distributed evenly along the entire length of the frame profile. One of the sides of the gasket should protrude slightly beyond the perimeter of the glass package. This must be done so that when the bead is driven in, cracks do not form on the glass. When driving it, the bead will select the final location of the lining, moving it to the required (but not more than) certain distance.
Next, a double-glazed window is carefully installed on top of the gaskets. For ease of installation, professionals use special suction cups. They help to easily lift a fairly heavy element and install it in the frame opening.
Having installed the double-glazed window, hammer in the glazing beads using a wooden hammer. They must fit tightly into the gap intended for them and press the glass unit against the frame.
After the installation of double-glazed windows is completed, they proceed to installing the window sill and insulating the ceiling, floor and walls.
Glazing of a wooden frame
To glaze a wooden frame, you will need small nails, wooden glazing beads, a rubber spatula, putty or sealant, drying oil and a narrow brush.
When installing glass in wooden frame on the balcony you may encounter one discrepancy, which in this work is considered the rule. The beads that secure the glass in the window opening must be nailed from the outside in order to protect the frame from moisture penetration, which is not always possible to reproduce in a balcony located above the first floor.
If the frames are small, then glazing can be done before the frame is installed on the parapet.
If the wooden structure is massive, pre-installed glass will make it even heavier and lifting it will not only be problematic, but also dangerous. Therefore, you will have to install the glass into the frame from the inside, and there is nothing wrong with this if this process is carried out correctly.
The first thing you need to do before installing glass is to treat all window openings in the frames with drying oil, applying it with a narrow brush. Then you need to wait until the composition penetrates into the wood and dries.
If the frames are to be painted, then the next step is to apply paint on top of the drying oil on the openings of the frames, which should also dry well.
After this, it is applied to the opening folds using rubber spatula a uniform layer, 2.5 ÷ 3 mm thick, putty. This will prevent water from getting between the glass and the frame.
Then the glass, prepared to size, is installed in the frame opening, on a soft, uncured putty, and gently presses himself against her.
Next, another layer of putty is applied to the inside of the glass, and a glazing bead is installed on it, which is nailed very carefully with nails. The nails are installed on the bead vertically or horizontally, since if they are driven in at an angle, the glass can easily be damaged.
You can do without putty by using a silicone tube in its place, which is cut On the one side along the entire length and put on the edges of the glass.
Another option for installing glass in a frame is to fix it only on putty, which is applied under the glass, and then on it in a fairly thick layer, and carefully leveled.
Sometimes they do without glazing beads - just a layer of putty From modern materials, sealant is used to seal the gaps between the frame and the glass. Many are afraid that it will stick tightly to the glass, and if necessary, it will be difficult to remove it from the opening. To prevent this from happening, lubricate the glass along the edge with soapy water or liquid soap, and after that they adhere to the sealant and fix it with glazing bead, which is also nailed down with nails.
By following the recommendations and knowing some secrets, you can glaze the balcony yourself without any problems. At the same time, the biggest difficulty remains the factor of working at height - this is very important to take into account. If you completely lack the skills to work with tools and building materials, then it is recommended to entrust this process to professional craftsmen. Moreover, today some companies producing Euro-frames provide free installation when ordering their products.
Video: the work of professionals on glazing and insulating balconies
