In recent years, more and more Russians prefer to glaze their balconies and loggias. This is convenient - there is an additional (albeit small) room, which everyone uses in his own way.
Glazing is most often done using an aluminum or plastic profile. Both of these materials have long been well known, so many owners of apartments have questions: “How to make a balcony glazing ? Aluminum or plastic to choose? What material is better, more durable, safer? ” With these and other questions we will try to understand the article.
What kind of balcony do you need?
First you need to answer this question. Do you just want to protect it from rain, snow and wind, get rid of city noise, or do you need a warm room that will be an extension of the apartment? In the first case, aluminum glazing will be enough for you, in the second you need plastic insulation.
An important aspect of this issue is the cost of such work. The plastic version will cost you much more, and the aluminum one is cheaper. Your financial situation may be in favor of one or the other.
The popularity of aluminum
Aluminum is a very strong and at the same time light material, which in recent years has been widely used for glazing balconies. It is used in cases where it is impossible to insulate the balcony with heavier material (PVC) . Currently, Spanish aluminum profiles by Provedal are especially in demand.
Aluminum glazing of balconies is either deaf or sliding sections made of profile. They move parallel to each other along the guides, and therefore do not occupy space when opening. Blind flaps can be easily removed when you need to wash them. You can install a mosquito net on the rails. As a rule, aluminum frames are white.
Aluminum glazing of balconies in a standard "Khrushchev" will cost 17-20 thousand rubles.
PVC profile
Before starting work, the specialists of the company you are contacting should present you with a balcony glazing project and an estimate for all work. All materials used, their cost and, of course, the cost of work will be indicated here.
Experts believe that a three-chamber profile with a single-chamber double-glazed window is quite enough to produce high-quality glazing of the balcony. Responses of apartment owners completely coincide with this statement, since in winter the air temperature on the balcony becomes significantly higher than on the street. And if you add warm floors to this, then from the ordinary balcony you get a full-fledged continuation of the apartment.
Plastic frames have enhanced sound insulation. They can have any way of opening - folding, swivel, swivel-folding, sliding.
Glazing a balcony with plastic cannot be called cheap. Given seasonal discounts, the most economical option will cost at least 22 thousand rubles. The configuration of the frames, their number, the design of the double-glazed window are the criteria that affect its cost. Based on this, only you can decide which balcony glazing to prefer - aluminum or plastic is more suitable for you.
If for some reason white plastic does not suit you, do not despair. You can buy it "wood-like" or colored.
The disadvantages of PVC glazing
1. Increased sealing of the frames in the absence of natural ventilation leads to the appearance of water vapor. With the inevitable daily temperature fluctuation, these pairs reach the dew point. The result is condensation.
2. PVC frames can only be installed on brick or concrete fencing due to the impressive weight of the structure.
Is it possible to do without frames
Despite the fact that today we decide which material is better to choose if the balcony glazing, aluminum or plastic is planned, I would like to talk about a newer design method. This method attracts many with its originality and novelty, although it has been used in our country for several years.
As you guessed, we want to introduce you to the glazing of the frameless balcony. This method was developed in Finland by Lumon Oy. Therefore, this method is often called Finnish.
For glazing, not only transparent glass can be used, but also frosted, and even tinted. Sashes apply different types - pendulum, oar, sliding. The main advantage of this design is that it absolutely does not trap sunlight.
The frameless system is represented by two aluminum profiles, which are installed horizontally on the parapet and ceiling. Glass sashes are attached to them, which can be from 6 to 10 mm thick. They are installed using a roller system. Glass edges are carefully processed and ground. Even if the glass breaks (which is extremely rare), it will not crumble into sharp fragments, but will break up into small cubes.
Advantages of frameless glazing
This method is suitable for any type of balcony, regardless of its shape and age. Frameless glazing does not violate the general appearance of the facade of the building. To fully open the balcony, just slide the glass to the sides.
The balcony glazed by this method is well protected from rain, snow, wind and noise.
The disadvantages of the frameless method
First of all, it must be said that this method is not a warming of the balcony, it is only its protection. The frameless method will not allow you to expand the space. Glass will have to be washed after every rain or snow, as traces will remain on them.
How much is frameless glazing
If you will use imported designs, then the cost of such a design starts at 300 y. e. for 1 square meter. Domestic manufacturers will offer you this option for 100-180 y. e. per square meter.
Balcony glazing: reviews
If we analyze all the reviews coming from the owners of the balconies, we can conclude that most of them give their preference to plastic. They consider this method the most suitable for our climate, in addition, there is a real opportunity to expand the area of the apartment and use the balcony throughout the year.
By the number of positive reviews in second place are aluminum structures. They are satisfied with people who do not plan to completely warm the balcony. It is enough for them only to protect it from precipitation and reduce the level of city noise reaching the apartment.
There are still not too many reviews about frameless glazing, but from the available it can be concluded that the owners of the apartments on the upper floors are happy with the new design, but the residents of the lower floors do not like the elevated view of the balcony. Many housewives complain that every spot is visible on the glass sash, so you have to wash them constantly. In addition, many believe that the price of frameless glazing is too high.
We told you what glazing of a balcony happens today. Aluminum or plastic, wood or frameless method to choose - you decide. Weigh the pros and cons and begin to improve your balcony or loggia.