Glazing of balconies with plastic windows
The area of the apartment plays a very important role for residents of high-rise buildings. Many of them are trying to increase this figure at the expense of the territory of the balcony. To be able to use this space, you need to protect it from external influences. Solve this problem by glazing balconies with plastic constructions.
Types of glazing
Protective systems of this type can be divided into 2 categories:
Cold glazing involves the use of profiles and double-glazed windows, which prevent the penetration of wind and precipitation into the room. Such designs retain heat very poorly. The most popular modifications of these products are based on an aluminum profile.
Warm glazing involves the formation of a kind of thermal barrier, which acts as a heat-insulated profile and several layers of glass. The main material for the frame are metal constructions.They can be operated with significant wind loads and have a long service life.
PVC window classification
The glazing system of any balcony involves the installation of window openings that allow for ventilation and temperature control inside a closed room.
PVC windows for structural features are divided into several categories:
- Rotary systems involve opening the sash only in the horizontal direction.
- Folding mechanisms are equipped with elements that move only in a vertical plane.
- Tilting windows have the properties of previously reviewed systems. The movement of the sash is possible in two directions.
- Sliding mechanisms. Windows of this type move along special guides, which allows installing them even in small rooms. The technology of their opening may differ, allowing you to choose the best option for a particular home. Such designs are attributed to cold glazing, which must be considered when installing them on the loggia.
We study the characteristics before buying
Installation of double-glazed windows and insulation of balconies is a very expensive process.The system formed at the same time must retain its properties for a long time. To achieve a high-quality and reliable effect, you need to properly approach the choice of plastic frames.
Experts recommend at the time of purchase to pay attention to several indicators:
- First of all, you need to carefully evaluate all purchased attributes, starting with furniture and ending with a profile. All of them should not have any visible damage (cracks, etc.).
- The PVC profile must include metal inserts (thickness from 1.2 to 1.5 mm), which increases its rigidity and strength. Preference is preferably given to galvanized steel materials. Such attributes perfectly tolerate mechanical loads and are very difficult to corrode.
- Carrying out the warm glazing of the balconies with plastic windows, it is advisable to give preference to 3-chamber double-glazed windows. Please note that the optimum glass thickness is 4 mm.
- Fittings provide all the functionality of this system, so you should not save on such elements. Experts recommend buying quality mechanisms known manufacturers.
- The price for the installation of metal-plastic windows depends on several factors, such as the size of the balcony, the number of opening sashes and whether the system needs additional equipment (anti-burglary fittings, etc.). You can clarify the amount with the help of special calculators that are present on any website that sells these products.
Positive and negative sides
Plastic has been used as a basis for obtaining a window profile for a very long time. There are many different opinions among professionals and consumers about this material.
To understand why PVC glazing is so attractive, you should evaluate the advantages of this material:
- Persistence Plastic perfectly maintains differences of temperatures, keeping the main properties a long time. Frames of this product can carry significant mechanical loads. This property is used in order to organize a small removal of the frame beyond the main support.
- Easy installation. Glazing loggias do not require special knowledge and can be done by hand.
- Plastic. The polymers are beautifully processed, which allows to obtain complex forms of frames (arches, etc.). To do this with metal or wood is almost impossible.
- Tightness.Products based on plastic perfectly hold not only the temperature, but have high-quality sound-proofing characteristics.
The disadvantages of PVC glazing include several compelling characteristics:
- The polymers are flammable, as the substance perfectly supports combustion with the release of toxic substances.
- In the absence of ventilation windows sweat from the inside. Condensate that has accumulated in this way can cause mold and increase dampness. This adversely affects human health. The problem can be eliminated by installing additional forced ventilation or by manually ventilate the room.
- If the frame is installed incorrectly, it will lead to its rapid deterioration and the need to replace structural elements.
- A profile made of low-quality plastic may emit allergic pathogens or toxic substances into the air that will accumulate in the body and interfere with its operation.
We produce glazing yourself
The technology of mounting plastic systems on a balcony consists of several successive stages:
Preparation space.This procedure involves the removal of all old structural elements present in the room. Then the frame is formed under the window frames. If the railings were previously installed here, then these metal structures can serve as a basis for future support and should not be dismantled.
After that, the balcony canopy is strengthened with the help of special roofing steel, which must also be protected by a polymer layer. Attach the material to the base with anchor bolts or dowels. Then PVC profile is mounted with the same anchor bolts. When performing this process, it is desirable to control the level in order to position the frame smoothly.
At this stage, make the installation of the frame. Align it in the same plane with the parapet (in any case, not from the outside). Then the drain is attached to the bottom of the frame and it is checked how evenly the whole structure is exposed.
The frame is fixed by means of mounting foam. When all openings are sealed, the doors are hung and all windows are installed.
Please note that to achieve maximum insulation by installing only a plastic window is almost impossible.To do this, you need to finish all surfaces with insulation and decorative panels.
Such repair requires compliance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. If the balcony frames have large dimensions, it is advisable to trust their installation to the specialists of the manufacturer of this product.
Top manufacturers
The quality of such products today depends on the manufacturer and price. Therefore, it is important to consider reviews of owners of balcony openings who have already experienced this product before buying. Today, there are several enterprises on the market whose products differ in quite good indicators:
Siegenia-Aub. The company focuses on the manufacture of windows of non-standard size and shape. Products are characterized by high quality and reliability.
G-U is a company that develops anti-burglar accessories. Products are highly reliable and are popular with owners of prestigious apartments.
Maco. The company focuses the client on the most modern microclimate control systems. The mechanisms are perfectly combined with any size of the premises, creating optimal performance for your stay.
A lot of enterprises are engaged in the production of plastic profiles today.Among them is Veka, which is gradually losing its position, since it does not comply with environmental standards in the production of plastic. Still, its products remain one of the highest quality on the market.
For cold regions, experts recommend buying profile profiles KBE, PROPLEX and EXPROF.
Very good quality is also shown by products from companies REHAU, MONTBLANC and ALUPLAST. The latter manufacturer also features a powerful glazing, which is used to protect the balconies from breaking.
When installing such systems, give preference to proven component manufacturers, and reliable installer firms. Plastic glazing is a unique opportunity to turn a cold room into a cozy room.