In the winter season, the low temperature on the balcony is a whole problem. By default, developers put a single-chamber double-glazed window on the balcony, which is not able to retain heat. In addition, there is no insulation, so the space of the balcony turns into a warehouse of unnecessary things, which have no place in the apartment. To fix this problem, apartment owners carry out a number of measures to warm balconies for a more comfortable use of their area.
Types of glazing of balconies
Of the options we will consider only warm types of glazing of balconies. By the number of glasses used in glass units there are:
- Two-chamber. The most common type of glazing. The design consists of two chambers and three glasses. Glasses are assembled in one design using frames. The distance between the glasses can be 6-16 mm. Technical characteristics of a double-glazed window allow its use in average climatic zones.
- Three-chamber. They are a construction consisting of 3 chambers filled with air or special gas. For such double-glazed windows 4 glasses of the same or different thickness are used. Between the glasses are aluminum frames. Such massive double-glazed windows are used in case of living in harsh conditions with a low ambient temperature or in places of increased noise level.
The types of window frames distinguish:
- Wooden. For the manufacture of such frames, glued beams are used. Wood is an environmentally friendly product. With the help of special impregnation, the tree becomes durable and resistant to destruction.
- Plastic Characterized by a long service life, ease of use and good sound insulation.
- Aluminum. Suitable for glazing large areas or whole walls. Differ less pronounced frame.
What tools and materials will be needed
Dismantling windows is not the easiest process. To make it is much more difficult than installing new frames. Better to do it with a partner. Prepare the following dismantling tools:
- chisel;
- hammer;
- crowbar;
- hacksaw;
- screwdrivers;
- stationery knife of a wide diameter;
- pliers;
- chisel.
For personal safety, use safety glasses and gloves. To install new window blocks, you will need a screwdriver and mounting foam. The installation process is much simpler and takes less time.
Window dismantling
Before carrying out the procedure for dismantling old windows, it is necessary to prepare an area for work. Clean the balcony of things, cover the floor with protective film or newspapers. No matter how carefully you act, a large amount of construction dust will be released during disassembly. If possible, cover with a protective film all elements of furniture whose surfaces are difficult to clean.
Take care of security. In the process, it is possible to shed small elements of the wall and other construction debris. Fence off the dangerous area under the balcony and mark it with marking tape. Casual passers-by should not suffer from unforeseen circumstances.
Free the window from the slopes, remove the sashes. Pull out the pivot shaft with pliers. Dismantling the frame is carried out using a crowbar or punch.
Installation of double-glazed windows
If you received a double-glazed window assembly, then it is necessary to disassemble it. This is easy to do with a screwdriver. Remove accessories, pull out a double-glazed window. Be careful not to damage the frame of the frame. It is quite fragile, as it is made of plastic. Remove the sash from the hinges.
Drill mounting holes in the frame at a distance of 20 cm from the corners. The maximum length between the holes is 70 cm. Insert the frame into the opening and level it. Anchors are inserted into the holes, which act as the main fasteners. The space between the wall and the frame is filled with foam. If the sizes are chosen correctly, then it will not exceed 2-4 mm. We assemble the window.
Waterproofing
To exclude the processes of destruction of the concrete slab on which the balcony is located, and the comfortable use of the balcony area, it is necessary to provide a reliable waterproofing system.
First of all, decide what material you will use in the process of waterproofing the balcony.
- Lubricants. In this case, a cement or bitumen based paste is used, which when dried gives a durable waterproof coating. Apply the mixture in several layers.
- Plaster. Better to use on concrete balconies due to good adhesion of materials.
- Pasting. The waterproofing material adheres to the surface of the floor, walls and ceiling. Joints of the material must be carefully glued.
- Cast option. Mastic is poured into the formwork. When dried, a waterproofing surface is formed.
Before starting waterproofing, it is necessary to clean the surface, remove the old coating and assess the condition of the base of the balcony.
Warming process
To insulate the balcony from the inside, it is necessary to install a wooden base. We choose the boards taking into account the planned layer of insulation, the optimal size of the board for the floor is 50 x 70 mm. Choose the distance between the logs taking into account the dimensions of the insulation boards. Treat wood with an antiseptic. Track the horizontal position by level. If the floor is uneven, then small elements of hardwood are laid under the logs to obtain a perfectly horizontal surface. Step-by-step warming of the balcony begins with the floor. After installing the insulation boards, make sure that there are no voids left. All cracks should be coated with special sealant or treated with mounting foam.
For wall insulation, the choice of technology depends on the type of insulation. When warming the balcony with foam, the sheets are glued with mounting glue, and the joints are treated with foam. For fixing, dish-shaped dowels are used. For other types of insulation, a traditional crate is used with the help of boards. Insulation is placed between the boards. It is better not to use mineral wool for vertical surfaces. Over time, it can crawl and form cold corridors.
For the ceiling lathing, a beam of 20 x 30 mm is used. This is enough to fasten the finishing materials. In the event that you plan to fasten a dryer to these elements, it is necessary to use a bar of a larger cross section. The bars are nailed to concrete with pins. If you are a happy owner of an apartment on the top floor and there is no balcony roof, then you will have to build a structure that will act as a roof. For its frame, you can use boards or an aluminum profile.
Mineral wool insulation
Such material is available in the form of rolls, plates or cylinders. The porous base gives this type of insulation high thermal insulation performance. Common positive features of mineral wool include:
- high level of sound insulation, vapor permeability;
- material is not combustible;
- high density of material;
- low level of thermal conductivity;
- excellent hydrophobic performance;
- easy to install;
- preservation of volume for a long time.
For the manufacture of cotton wool, basalt is used. It is placed in a high pressure furnace. When the melting point is reached, fibers with binders are introduced into the mass. This is mineral wool. Cotton wool is capable of absorbing liquid, so ensure the tightness of the moisture-resistant layer. Step-by-step instructions for warming the balcony with mineral wool will be the same as indicated above.
Polystyrene insulation
Expanded polystyrene, or polystyrene, is a lightweight material consisting of foamed plastic mass. Its structure is made up of round pressed cells. The material has a low level of heat transfer.
The positive sides of the foam are also:
- high level of noise absorption;
- non-susceptibility to decay, absorption of moisture and other changes over time;
- easy to use;
- resistant to temperature changes, so it can be used in any climate zone;
- high vapor permeability.
Of course, there are also negative aspects to polystyrene:
- combustible material;
- the thickness of the foam is a convenient place for mouse holes;
- crumbles when cutting.
Expanded polystyrene is more often used for insulation from the outside and less often for internal work.
Polyurethane foam insulation
This insulation is presented in the form of cylinders with liquid. When spraying liquid, foam forms, which when solidified gives a dense surface.
It is necessary to purchase a special gun for the cylinder. The required number of cylinders is calculated based on the parameters indicated on the package. As a rule, one cylinder is enough for 1.5 square meters. m, taking into account the insulation layer of 5 cm. Before applying foam, make sure that no dust or whitewash remains on the surface, otherwise you risk getting an unstable bond.
Step-by-step instructions for warming the balcony with your own hands are simple. Shake the can before use. Application may be in one or more layers. After drying, we obtain a heater with the following properties:
- high wear resistance;
- high level of hardness and elasticity;
- shape restoration during deformation;
- not subject to structural changes over time;
- ease;
- low heat transfer.
Observe safety precautions. Polyurethane foam is toxic. Use safety glasses, a respirator and gloves.
Floor finish
To create a special atmosphere of comfort on the balcony, the floor and walls must be covered with finishing materials. The floor covering will be attached to the boards of the base. You can cover the floor with a regular board and varnish it. This is the most inexpensive finish. To create a plane for the finishing material, it is most convenient to use an OSB plate. There are others. From the finish coatings, the following options can be applied:
- Linoleum. It is notable for its low cost and a large selection of colors and textures. Easy to install.
- Laminate. Convenient and easy to install. Thanks to the mounting recesses during installation, the panels form a smooth and even coating.
- Carpet. It has good decorative qualities and low thermal conductivity. It is steady against wear, is not deformed.
- Tile. Durable, chemical resistant coating. It is easily cleared of pollution, does not deform, does not burn.
The choice of flooring on the balcony depends on the operating conditions. The texture of the coating should be combined with the design of the walls and furniture.
Wall decoration
To fix the finishing materials, install several horizontal mounting boards, you can use a metal profile. To decorate the walls using the following materials:
- Lining. Convenient and inexpensive, as well as a durable option. Creates an extra frame of strength.
- Block house. You can use this design if you want to create an atmosphere of wooden housing.
- Drywall. Convenient because of its versatility. Plasterboard-covered walls can be plastered and painted or wallpapered. If desired, the surface can be decorated with decorative tiles.
- OSB panels. They have a flat surface ready for painting or gluing.
- Plywood. Inexpensive material of the inner lining.
- PVC panels. Less durable but wide choice of design material.
There are other options for wall decoration. Which one to choose is up to you.
Use of a heated balcony
On the renovated warm balcony, you can organize a relaxation area or a study. Set up comfortable seating with the ability to store any items in them. To organize a home greenhouse you will need shelves and stands for plants. And the coating in this case should be moisture resistant, when watering on the floor or walls can get water.
To maintain heat on the balcony, you will need to install a heater. Plug in the outlet for connecting electrical appliances. Equip the balcony area with an artificial light source.
If you have completely decided to remove the part of the wall that separates the balcony from the room, then the area of the balcony can be very competently beat. Using drywall, you can build an asymmetric arch with shelves and lights, or complement the design of the room with sliding doors.
Result
The insulated balcony will give you not only a few additional meters of living space to expand the room, but also help to create a unique design due to the large area of glazing. The light from such a window will fill the room with comfort and warmth. As you can see, it is not at all difficult to do the warming of the balcony with your own hands, and step-by-step instructions will not let you make mistakes.