Glazing a balcony is not only a way to protect it from dust, wind and rain, but also an opportunity to expand your living space, create a cozy corner for relaxation or work, and grow flowers or vegetables. However, before you start glazing, you need to take into account many factors: the type and condition of the balcony, the climate and architecture of the house, the requirements of the law and neighbors, as well as your desires and capabilities. In this article we will tell you what types of balcony glazing exist, what are the advantages and disadvantages of each of them, how to choose and install windows correctly, and how to obtain a glazing permit, if necessary.
There are two main types of glazing for balconies: cold and warm. They differ in the degree of thermal insulation, design and material of the windows, as well as in the cost and complexity of installation.
Cold glazing of a balcony involves the use of single glass or polycarbonate, which do not provide high heat and sound insulation, but protect the balcony from atmospheric influences. Cold glazing is suitable for balconies that are not planned to be used as a living area, but only as a storage room, drying room or winter garden.
Cold glazing has the following advantages:
low cost;
simplicity and lightness of the design, which does not create additional load on the balcony;
a large selection of glazing options, including with extension, which allows you to increase the area of the balcony.
Disadvantages of cold glazing:
low heat and noise protection;
the need to insulate and decorate the balcony if you want to make it comfortable for your stay;
limited service life, as glass and polycarbonate become dull, scratched and cracked over time.
Warm glazing of a balcony involves the use of double or triple glazing, which provides high heat and sound insulation, as well as protection from ultraviolet radiation and condensation. Warm glazing is suitable for balconies that are planned to be used as a full-fledged living area, for example, as an office, living room, bedroom or children's room.
Warm glazing has the following advantages:
high heat and noise protection;
the ability to use the balcony all year round without additional heating;
increasing the conditional living space of the apartment;
improving the aesthetic appearance of the balcony and the facade of the house.
Disadvantages of warm glazing:
high price;
the complexity and heaviness of the structure, which requires strengthening the balcony railing and the foundation of the house;
the need to coordinate glazing with authorities and neighbors.
In addition, the glazing of balconies can be sliding or hinged, depending on the method of opening the sashes. Sliding glazing means that the sashes move along the balcony railing without taking up additional space. Hinged glazing involves the doors opening inward or outward of the balcony, interfering with furniture, flowers or clotheslines.
Sliding glazing has the following advantages:
saving space on the balcony;
the ability to fully open the balcony in the warm season;
ease and smooth movement of the valves.
Disadvantages of sliding glazing:
low tightness, since the doors do not fit tightly to each other;
the difficulty of caring for glass, since you need to remove the sashes for washing;
limited choice of materials, since the sashes must be light and durable.
Hinged glazing has the following advantages:
high tightness, as the doors close tightly and seal;
easy care of glass, since you can wash the sashes without removing them;
a large selection of materials, since the doors can be made of wood, PVC or aluminum.
Disadvantages of hinged glazing:
taking up additional space on the balcony when opening the doors;
inability to fully open the balcony in the warm season;
Difficulty and noisy movement of the valves.
How to choose and install windows for a balcony
Selecting and installing windows for a balcony is a responsible and complex process that requires a professional approach and quality materials. In order to select and install windows for a balcony, you need to consider the following aspects:
type and condition of the balcony: it is necessary to determine what type of glazing is suitable for your balcony, and also check how strong and reliable the balcony railing and the foundation of the house are;
climate and architecture of the house: it is necessary to choose the material and design of windows that will match the climatic conditions and style of the house, and also not disturb its appearance;
requirements of the law and neighbors: you need to find out whether it is necessary to coordinate the glazing of the balcony with the authorities and neighbors, as well as what documents and permits are needed for this;
desires and possibilities: you need to determine how you want to use the balcony after glazing, as well as what budget you are willing to spend on this project.
In order to install windows for a balcony, you need to contact a specialized company that will provide you with qualified craftsmen, the necessary materials and a guarantee for the work. You should not try to install windows yourself, as this may lead to poor quality results and damage to the balcony or windows.