Everyone wants to make their apartment the most comfortable and most comfortable. Insulating a balcony is one of the ways by which this goal can be achieved.
How to insulate the balcony from the inside? What is this process about? We will answer these questions. The essence of insulation is the creation of a light and warm wall around the perimeter of the balcony (external), which will be impervious to wind, waterproof and durable.
Such a wall should consist of several layers. The outer layer has a protective and decorative function. The middle layer is the insulation itself, and the inner layer performs the same functions as the outer one.
It is best to use siding for the outer layer. You can use the plastic "lining", most importantly, when buying, pay attention to the suitability of plastic to street conditions. For the inner layer, MDF panels are suitable. As for the insulation itself, then most often it is polystyrene (expanded polystyrene).
An alternative to polyfoam can be polyurethane foam (in another way it is also called "mounting foam"). The difference between them is the reaction to the effects of fire. Polyfoam, unlike polyurethane foam, is very combustible. Therefore, you need to be careful.
How to insulate a balcony yourself? Naturally, first you need to take out from the balcony everything that is there.
If the walls are lined with something, then the lining must be dismantled. Make sure that all the elements of the balcony are in good condition (no damage, the fence is reliable).
After that, you can begin mounting the frame. The frame will be double. For this, a set of wooden beams and galvanized profiles (bent) will be used . The frame will be attached to the balcony railing. Fasteners will be carried out with the help of wire clamps or screws. If you need to fasten to a plate or walls, then use self-tightening anchors.
We will move on the outside. It is necessary to make an external layer (for example, from siding). Then lay the insulation, and with it the finishing layer (inner). If suddenly you are using mineral-like heaters, be sure to lay a vapor barrier. It is performed by a special film. The film is different, but differs in the degree of permeability for the smallest particles of water. Note! These characteristics are indicated on the film itself. Find the side with higher water permeability. It is it that needs to be turned in the direction where the insulation is located. Thus, moisture that has entered the insulation will easily evaporate.
If you decide to insulate the balcony with foam, then all the joints formed between the sheets and the seams where the sheets are adjacent to the slab and the walls will need to be carefully filled with foam.
In the event that your neighbors from above and below have not yet decided to insulate the balcony, you will also have to insulate the floor with the ceiling. The process for the floor and ceiling is similar to the actions that were performed for the walls.
And finally: don’t hesitate to ask for help from specialists or just from knowledgeable people, if you already decided to warm the balcony with your own forces. Do not forget to use reliable mounts, which are not worth saving.
As for the safety of passers-by, then during your “work activity” you can protect the area under the balcony in case any tools or materials fall. Drive in the pegs and pull the rope. This will be quite enough to eliminate the risk of injuring someone.