Modern balconies are so spacious and beautiful that using them as a warehouse for storing cans and sledges is not only impermissible, but also irrational. The large area of the balcony allows you to make it a functional separate room or attach to the room, thereby increasing the useful living area. Both the first and the second options can be called a wonderful idea, which, however, will require quite tangible material costs to put into practice, since without a thorough warming it will not be possible to create a new room in which an acceptable comfortable temperature will be.
So, how to insulate the balcony, and what actions should be taken for this? First of all, it will be necessary to install a high-quality plastic double-glazed window, which not only helps to keep warm on the balcony, but also protects from wind, rain and snow. Well, of course, if the balcony has stationary walls on both sides - in such cases the cost of a double-glazed window will be much less. If it is open to all winds, it is necessary to put a circular window with triple glazing, without which it is impossible to warm the balcony . After installing the double-glazed window, it is necessary to carefully close up all the openings and cracks, after which you can think about what is better to insulate the balcony.
Today, the modern construction market offers several types of insulation, which differ from each other in quality characteristics, cost and installation method. Some of them represent a budget option, and therefore are relatively cheap and easy to use, while others are more expensive, but also more effective. In principle, the decision on how to insulate the balcony will have to be made directly to the home master, who will choose the most suitable option for himself.
The most common methods of insulation are the following: the use of mineral wool or polystyrene. Mineral wool is a good insulating material that perfectly copes with the functions assigned to it. It is lightweight, has good thermal conductivity and sound insulation. Among the shortcomings can be called the complexity of the installation, which will require the construction of the frame from rails or metal profiles. In addition, after conducting thermal insulation directly with mineral wool, it will be necessary to suture the walls with drywall, lining or siding, which will not only close the insulation, but will give the walls a finished and presentable look.
Those who don’t know how to insulate a balcony quickly and cheaply can recommend polystyrene - an inexpensive material, the installation of which does not require preliminary preparation. It is glued to the walls with a special mortar or fixed with dowels, umbrellas, after which the resulting surface can be plastered, and then treated with putty and acrylic paint. Affordable and with good thermal insulation properties, polystyrene is very popular today among many home craftsmen who are looking for something to do to warm the balcony with their own hands.
When planning upcoming work, do not forget that the insulation of the balcony will slightly reduce its usable area. Therefore, if it is possible to carry out installation outside, then it should certainly be used. In addition, the external decoration of the balcony is also inevitable, so combining both operations together is ideal. External insulation is considered more effective than internal, however, it is rather difficult to carry out this type of work on your own in cases where the apartment is on the upper floors.
Of course, each of the above methods of how and how to insulate a balcony has its own advantages and disadvantages. When choosing the most optimal one should take into account the size, future purpose, the presence of the necessary amount of money and the presence of the home master of certain building skills, after which you can make the right decision.