How to insulate sliding aluminum windows on a balcony?

Types of panoramic glazing of a balcony

Windows/transparent walls that provide a large overview of the surrounding area are usually called panoramic. In an apartment, this could be a loggia with double-glazed windows from floor to ceiling or a balcony with glazing along several planes.

Technically, this can be organized in 3 ways:

• using traditional window systems. They consist of several sections mounted in one row using a common frame;
• using facade glazing. It can be represented by frameless double-glazed windows installed on vertical crossbars and horizontal lintels or a solid glass plane. In both cases, the light-transmitting panels are sealed with a special sealant;
• using frameless glass systems. Thick tempered glass with processed edges acts as a fence here. It can be monolithic (fixed, represented by one solid glass unit) or strip, when the doors of the structure move on a guide (like sliding wardrobes, according to the accordion principle).

Each version of panoramic balcony glazing differs not only in its aesthetic characteristics, but also in its heat-saving properties.
Facade and frameless glazing allows you to insulate the balcony from bad weather.
Despite the presence of seals on the sashes, all attempts to insulate the structure will be in vain - the heat will still escape to the street. Only the use of traditional window systems makes it possible to effectively thermally insulate a balcony through the use of special frames and double-glazed windows.

Types of aluminum structures

Sliding aluminum structures today can be purchased from any construction company. At the same time, ordering an installation service.

Manufacturers offer the following types of aluminum windows:

• Harmonic;
• Lift-and-slide;
• Sliding.

Thanks to modern technologies, aluminum structures are produced in varying complexity and configurations.

What type of structure to choose depends only on the wishes and capabilities of the owner of the living space. It should be noted that if a person is going to insulate a balcony, then this will not be possible using sliding aluminum profiles. This type of glazing is cold. For example, if you plan to make a winter garden or gym on the balcony, then additional heating will be needed. Or you will need to order triple-glazed windows.

We insulate a balcony with panoramic glazing yourself

Important nuances

There are significant differences in the insulation of panoramic balconies and loggias, caused by the peculiarities of these structures. The balcony is always located on a slab protruding beyond the load-bearing walls of the building and remains open on several sides. The loggia is built into the facade of the house so that only its front part borders on the street space. From the point of view of openness, a balcony is a colder room and therefore requires more costs for thermal insulation.

The structure of the loggia is reinforced with capital walls, which avoids its deformation during thermal insulation work.

Organization of balcony insulation at the design stage

Despite the fundamental differences in the structure of a panoramic balcony and a loggia, the same technologies are used to insulate them. Some of them are used at the stage of building a house, others - when it has already been put into operation.

To prevent heat loss, the main source of which is the glass surface, it is necessary to choose the right light transmitting structure. The best option would be “warm windows”. This term should be understood as enclosing structures with:

• insulated profiles. Standard window systems use aluminum frames, which are cold frames. For additional thermal insulation, they are equipped with thermal bridges - inserts made of polymer materials with low thermal conductivity. Also “warm” are windows with a plastic profile whose thickness is at least 80 mm;
• energy-saving double-glazed windows with optimal heat transfer resistance - 0.78 m²·K/W. They use at least double low-e glass and the chamber is filled with argon. This prevents heat loss from the premises and improves sound insulation.

Windows with single-chamber double-glazed windows have a heat transfer resistance of 0.35 m²·K/W, which is half the required value. It is not recommended to glass a panoramic balcony with them, as they will be cold. Single-chamber double-glazed windows are used only if there is a risk of overloading the base of the balcony. In this case, glass with an energy-saving coating, argon chamber filling and a thermal bridge is used.

Organization of insulation of a balcony using “warm” glazing

Thermal insulation of a balcony with “warm” window systems is carried out in the following sequence:

• dismantling old glazing. Cold windows are removed along with their frames, the opening is cleaned, and it is leveled/adjusted for the installation of a new structure;
• installation of “warm” frames. In this case, you need to take care of their correct installation. It involves the use of dowels to secure the structure. This will ensure a strong and tight fit of the frames to the walls;
• installation of double-glazed windows. Their upper part is inserted into an H-shaped guide, and the lower part is supported on a rubberized profile. To ensure the tightness of the structure, the glass is pressed to the frame with rubber seals.

A properly installed “warm” window is the key to preventing heat from escaping into the street.

After installing the structure, all cracks and gaps are filled with polyurethane foam. If the panoramic balcony is long, it is recommended to equip it with thermal compensators - elements of linear expansion. They are necessary to prevent deformation of the structure over time under the influence of external factors. Thanks to them, a gap of 5 mm is formed in the frame, allowing the glass to slightly expand/contract under the influence of ambient temperature, without compromising their appearance or the tightness of the structure.

The thermal compensator is installed in increments of 4 m for white profiles and 2.5 m for colored ones

How to insulate a balcony with already installed panoramic windows

If the balcony is already glazed, but the structure is cold, reducing heat loss will be problematic. In order to maintain a stable temperature inside the apartment, you can use the following insulation methods:

• thermal insulation of all non-glass surfaces of the structure - floor, walls and ceiling. Then the balcony will become a kind of layer between the apartment and the street, preventing heat loss from the living space. But you shouldn’t expect that it will be comfortable to stay on it during the cold season; the temperature there will be only a few degrees higher than the street temperature;
• connecting space to room. This is convenient because the balcony is automatically included in the central heating system of the apartment. But this option is complicated by the need to obtain permits for redevelopment, financial costs for refurbishing the premises, and its further heating;
• installation of a heated floor system. This method of thermally insulating a balcony structure is convenient to use if it is not possible to connect it to a room due to the complexity of the process or lack of funds.

Types of sliding windows

Sliding windows come in the following types:

• Parallel sliding.
• Tilt or swivel sliding.
• Vertically sliding.

Let us carefully consider the pros and cons of each type of window, so as not to make a mistake when choosing glazing for a balcony.

Parallel – sliding

Maximus windows - sliding windows Slidors assembly and installation on the balcony

Prices for glazing of balconies and loggias
Sliding windows
for balconies and
loggias
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Maximus windows - repair of the loggia from start to finish (glazing, insulation and finishing of the loggia)

Prices for glazing of balconies and loggias

Examples of repair of balconies and
loggias
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Parallel sliding windows are those in which one or two sashes can move to the side, moving along guides parallel to the plane of the window opening, while completely freeing up the window opening. They are also called “compartment windows”, since the principle of operation is the same. The doors rest on strong rollers, which ensure smooth movement. Such windows are similar to duralumin window systems, but without their shortcomings.

Tilt or swivel

A more exciting option for sliding windows is tilt-and-slide windows

Although these windows also slide apart. But the principle of their operation is completely different. At first, the window tilts and slides out towards itself, and then smoothly moves around parallel to the profile. This is similar to opening the doors on Ikarus buses. And the windows are also called “Ikarus”. Such plastic windows can be considered multi-level, and they can be combined with blind doors without any problems.

Tilt-and-slide windows provide tightness around the entire perimeter of the opening and guarantee the highest thermal protection of a glazed apartment, balcony or loggia. The sashes of such windows can be opened for top ventilation.

Unfortunately, our manufacturers rarely offer such window systems.

Vertically sliding windows

Vertically sliding windows do not have the same distribution and popularity as ordinary plastic windows. They are also called English windows, in which the frames slightly overlap one another, as if clinging. English windows are opened by lifting the frame vertically upward, with the introduction of a counterweight, and are fixed.

How to insulate balcony windows

In winter, even a glassed-in balcony can freeze, especially if there is severe frost outside. To make it warmer on the balcony, when the autumn cold sets in, you need to think about how to insulate the balcony windows. The insulation procedure depends on the type of windows.

Insulation of wooden windows

Wooden windows are environmentally friendly and completely safe. They easily allow air into the room. You can insulate wooden balcony windows with the following materials:

1. Wet paper. This method of insulating windows is very cheap. Wet paper is pushed into the cracks and the sealed cracks are then glued with strips of paper on top.

2. Foam rubber. Foam rubber cut into pieces is placed in the window slots. The cracks are sealed on top with pieces of fabric.

3. Sealant and sealant. This method of insulating wooden windows is quite reliable and effective. The windows must be removed from their hinges and a groove cut around the perimeter of the sash. After this, a seal is installed, and sealant is laid in the places where the glass joins the wooden sashes. The assembled window structure is put back into place.

4. Installation of roller shutters. Such shutters can retain about 15% of heat in a room.

5. Special putty. It is prepared from chalk and plaster. All window cracks are carefully coated with the finished putty.

Insulation of aluminum windows

Aluminum windows have a fairly long service life. Only due to the high thermal conductivity of aluminum in winter, a balcony glazed with such windows quickly becomes cold. To retain heat in the room, it is necessary to make a thermal break made of polyamide between the aluminum profile during glazing. This is the only way to avoid annual worries about the quality insulation of aluminum windows.

Insulation of plastic windows

Plastic windows perfectly retain heat in the room, but, in some cases, they also require certain insulation measures. To insulate plastic windows you need:

1. Insulate the slopes. If the slopes are not properly finished, the frames may begin to let in cold air. To correct this drawback of plastic windows, it is necessary to fill the opening between the wall and the frame with construction foam. Construction foam can also be replaced with basalt fiber or any foamed thermal insulation materials. After filling the opening, the windows should be glued both on the outside and on the inside with insulating material.

2. Adjust the fittings. When windows and walls shrink, window sashes may warp. In this case, it is necessary to adjust the fittings. To adjust the sash pressure, you need to use eccentrics. When the sash is pressed tightly against the frame, you need to turn the eccentric clockwise. The mark located on the eccentric should be directed towards the seal.

3. Replace the seal. Over time, window seals lose their elasticity and begin to let cold into the room. To replace the seal in plastic windows, you need to remove the glass unit from the sash. After this, the old seal is removed and a new one is installed in the groove instead. Additionally, the seal can also be fixed with glue.

Insulation of seams between window frames and walls

Seams are a weak point in a window structure. They can allow moisture and wind to pass through. The windows are constantly fogged up. Fungus and mold appear at the joints. To obtain airtight joints, you need to perform a number of actions:

1. Clean the seams around the perimeter from paint, plaster, sealant, and old polyurethane foam. You will need a spatula 100 - 150 mm wide.
2. Carefully inspect the seams for gaps and empty spaces.
3. Fill the voids in the joints with polyurethane foam. Curing time is 24 hours.
4. Tape the joints with protective tape to protect them from getting wet.
5. Seal the seams. The method depends on further work. You can putty, paint or install plastic strips. If you plan to insulate the side walls, then no additional finishing steps are required.

Important! Polyurethane foam is available in two versions: for summer and winter use. This must be taken into account.

Insulation of aluminum windows

“Get your sleigh ready in summer!” - says popular wisdom. The cold season is just around the corner, and it is necessary to take timely care to preserve heat in the apartment - one of the main components of home comfort - and to insulate window structures. How to properly insulate a window based on an aluminum profile?

Various methods of insulation

To maintain warmth and comfort in your home, you should ensure that there are as few sources of cold air as possible. Such sources are old windows, and sometimes new ones, worn out by time. If you insulate your windows well, then you won’t be afraid of any wind or low temperature.

Let's look at the basic and most effective principles by which you should seal windows yourself.

1. A budget option for sealing cracks that have formed when a window, window or balcony door is not tightly closed is to use sealing tape. They come in different thicknesses, so they can be selected to suit the required size of the cracks. This way, you seal the windows well and do not change the external aesthetics at all.
2. All cracks and joints in the window frame and the junction of the window with the slopes are clogged with foam rubber or cotton wool. To prevent them from falling out and to have a more attractive appearance, masking tape is glued on top.
3. To seal cracks and joints, you can also use a “porridge” of moistened toilet paper or newspaper. The paper is lowered into the water, after which all the water is squeezed out, and the finished material is hammered into the desired place. Seal the top with masking tape or tape. This strange mixture holds heat very well, as it has a fairly high density.

Self-adhesive foam rubber, which is designed for insulating old windows, is very convenient. Thanks to the installed adhesive surface, installation is very easy and quick.

It is sold in construction and hardware stores, in rolls of several meters.

• Covering the seams with plasticine or window putty is an effective method, but rather inconvenient. To then remove all the sealing mixture, you will need to work hard and spend a lot of time.
• If you don’t have any foam rubber or cotton wool on hand, you can simply cover all the cracks with plastic film. Polyethylene does not allow air to pass through and is able to maintain temperature well. Only such a film should be glued very well and not leave gaps.

Insulation of aluminum window structures

When an aluminum frame is used for glazing, one cannot fail to note some of its properties: along with high strength, lightness and low price, this material has high thermal conductivity, which not everyone considers a positive characteristic.

The aluminum profile forms vertical posts and horizontal crossbars, thus the glazing contour is divided into sectors. Inside each sector, either a window with opening sashes, or “fixed” glass (fixed), or an opaque panel is installed.

In some cases, a balcony or loggia is equipped with single glasses inserted into an aluminum profile. The cost of such structures is low. However, all costs for insulation are borne by the residents.

There are several options for insulating such a window:

Insulating aluminum windows by installing a second row of glazing is the cheapest and easiest way to save a balcony from freezing, and also provides a good level of sound insulation. This technique is also used when it is not possible to dismantle the aluminum profile with which your loggia is equipped. However, this method has a drawback. A window closed by an internal thermal circuit is quite difficult to clean, and not every loggia can withstand a large mass of glazing. As a result, this method is used quite rarely.

In some cases, the loggia is completely freed from glazing: the entire aluminum frame is removed, and a “warm” contour is installed in its place. But insulation in this way is possible if the loggia or balcony has independent glazing within one floor.

With through glazing covering several floors, in order to insulate the window, the third method is most often used. The opening sashes on the PVC window structure are replaced, and the “fixed” glass is removed and double-glazed windows are installed in their place. Then, using sandwich panels, the remaining sections of the old glazing are insulated.

If insulation is carried out in this way, then the loggia and balcony can be safely used as a pleasant addition to the living space all year round.

Cold glazing made of aluminum profile

More than 80% of aluminum translucent structures are a cold type of glazing. This is primarily due to the characteristics of glazed buildings. Balconies, which predominate in domestic apartments, have at their base a reinforced concrete slab 3-6 m long. Such slabs protrude beyond the outer wall by about 90 cm and do not have any supports from below. In fact, the entire load falls on the reinforced concrete suspended in the air, which may also be somewhat worn out.

This introduces a number of restrictions on the weight of the balcony railing. If we take as a basis the permissible load per m2 of a concrete slab (150 kg), it turns out that the total mass of objects located on a three-meter balcony should not exceed 450 kg. Most metal-plastic structures, not to mention aluminum, will fit this standard, but then it is unlikely that you will be able to place anything on the balcony (for example, a closet), and it will not be safe to go out onto it.

If you make accurate calculations and then strictly adhere to the permissible standards, then, of course, you can install massive warm structures. In other situations, it is better not to take risks and use lightweight aluminum glazing, which, in addition to its low weight, has the following advantages:

• Price available . The aluminum profile for cold glazing, which is widespread on the modern market, will cost about 2 times less than similar products made from metal-plastic or warm aluminum profile. This is due not only to the low cost of the profile system. There is no need to install expensive energy-saving double-glazed windows in cold structures; in addition, there is no need to insulate the base and roof of the balcony, or carry out major repairs to the concrete slab.
• More usable space. When installing cold glazing, there is usually no need to strengthen the bottom slab (additional elements, as a rule, take up internal space). The lightweight aluminum structure can be extended beyond the slab, thereby significantly enlarging the balcony.

• Reliability and durability of the structure . Simpler cold aluminum systems are subject to less stress than massive warm counterparts. In particular, this affects the service life of the fittings for opening sashes, which will last much longer with lower weight loads.

Cold glazing Provedal P400

This type of profile is mainly used for glazing balconies. Its visible dimensions are 40 mm for the frame and 47 mm for the sashes. The 47 mm profile is used for the manufacture of imposts, opening and blind elements. Provedal P-400 is traditionally equipped with glass 5mm thick, the maximum permissible glazing thickness is 7mm. Sound insulation characteristics are standard for a single-chamber aluminum profile and are about 25 dB. The most common color is white, but painting in any RAL color or anodizing is possible.

The Provedal P-400 profile is used for the manufacture of window, door and stained glass structures with swing-type sashes. Since this system refers to cold glazing, the price/quality ratio when using it will be optimal.

Cold and warm glazing of the loggia

A window made of aluminum profile will not be able to retain heat at the proper level, which is why such glazing is called “cold”. In winter, a loggia (balcony) with such glazing cannot be used as additional living space due to the so-called cold bridges. Through them the air inside will be cooled. So that the loggia can be fully used as a study or winter garden, “warm” glazing is used, which involves the installation of plastic windows. The advantage of PVC structures is a high degree of thermal insulation, but a “cold” aluminum window is much cheaper to install. Thus, when choosing the type of glazing, it is necessary to decide how the loggia will ultimately be used.

Plastic or aluminum? Selecting windows

So, what windows are recommended for the average person to choose? Of course, many homeowners were very interested in the appearance of new window systems on the market (especially when “warm” aluminum windows ). Interest was aggravated by frequent stories that common PVC windows have a harmful effect on the human body.

Let us compare several parameters of metal-plastic and aluminum windows:

1. Reliability and performance. Aluminum windows are almost impossible to deform and do not corrode. The same can be said about PVC windows. But as for performance, during long-term use (especially incorrect use) PVC windows need to be adjusted. In general, according to these characteristics, the two types of windows can, in principle, be called the same.
2. Fire safety. Aluminum windows in this case are beyond competition. Of course, PVC windows will also not burn in an open fire (due to the presence of chlorine), but the strong smell of plastic will be present in the apartment for a long time.
3. Design decision. In terms of this parameter, aluminum windows are ahead of plastic ones by a large margin. Like the latter, aluminum windows can be tilt-and-slide, casement or sliding. As for color solutions, the choice of PVC windows is limited to three dozen basic colors (not including wood-look colors). Aluminum systems are presented in a much wider range of colors, and they have much more configurations, while plastic windows can only be either semicircular or rectangular.

You can learn about combining a room with a loggia and its design from our article. It describes the issues of coordinating the combination, the stages of repair and provides a number of design solutions for the interior.

And we talked about the nuances of using electric heated floors on balconies and loggias here.

Judging by the totality of all the characteristics, we can conclude that windows made of aluminum profiles are even better in certain moments than PVC systems. And the best option for their use is loggias and balconies.

Insulation of a balcony with a brick parapet

Insulating material will help to effectively insulate a brick balcony.

The facades of new houses mostly form a single architectural composition. Violating its integrity by piling up additional materials for insulation is unacceptable or is associated with multiple bureaucratic approval delays. The best way to insulate balconies with cold glazing is to finish the interior with insulating materials.

A balcony or loggia often has a parapet made of brick. Installation of aluminum windows with this design occurs directly on the top row of bricks. The insulation of such a room will be effective due to the fact that insulating material with low thermal conductivity can be laid to the parapet wall.

Which balcony frame is better to choose and what you can save on

To insulate the balcony well and inexpensively, the option of using aluminum frames is being considered. This method requires accurate measurements of the balcony and is a cold method.

Advantages of an insulated balcony made of aluminum frames:

• ease of installation
• high strength
• no need to reinforce the balcony slab
• looks good against any design
• no extra flaps

With PVC balcony frames, the glazing will definitely be warm.

Frames with inert gas are also offered, which makes it difficult for air to pass into the atmosphere and prevents the glass from fogging up. This type of frame guarantees sufficient insulation from noise and cold.

If there is not enough space, aluminum sliding frames are used; you just need to mount their rail mechanism, which secures the doors at the top and bottom. High-quality dense elastic bands are used for better tightness.

The main thing when choosing variations on how to properly glaze a loggia with your own hands is to decide on your goals and then begin to implement the planned plan, then the thermal insulation of balconies, which includes insulation and glazing, will not disappoint, but will be a pleasant addition.

Glazed balconies and loggias solve a lot of problems, and the possible arrangement of a winter garden will improve your mood and add positivity.

Floor insulation

Penofol can be used as insulation

An important component in obtaining a warm room is floor insulation. For better thermal insulation, you can use the following materials:

1. Penofol.
2. Electrical floor insulation.
3. Wooden beam.
4. Polystyrene foam or mineral wool.
5. Polyurethane foam.
6. Floor board.

Foiled foam foil is laid on the surface of the concrete floor. This material has excellent insulating properties. It will not allow condensation to accumulate in the thickness of the floor, providing access to oxygen to prevent the appearance of moisture and fungus. The next step is to install the electric heated floor.

Warm floors are one of the options for insulating a balcony

The thickness of the lag determines the size of the insulation layer. The larger its layer, the better the thermal insulation. When installing, it is necessary to take into account the height from the future floor to the parapet. In the standard version, it ranges from 95 to 105 cm. The safety of a person on the balcony is always in the foreground, so you need to choose the thickness of the joists, taking into account the height of the floor structure.

Wooden blocks are installed parallel to each other in one plane with a pitch of 30-40 cm. Mineral wool or foam plastic is laid between them. All cracks formed during the installation process can be sealed with polyurethane foam. In the winter season, a special polyurethane foam is used, which has hardening properties at low air temperatures.

A floorboard is laid on the laid joists for painting and varnishing. You can use rough wood and then lay some finishing material on it.

Is it necessary to insulate the side and inner walls of the loggia?

There are situations when it is mandatory to insulate the internal and side walls of a loggia, but sometimes this is not necessary.

I always tell my clients not to look at what their neighbors, acquaintances or friends did, but to always consider the issue of renovation individually, based only on their requirements and planning features.

If you completely change the mode of operation of the room, and make an office or an extension of the kitchen from a cold, unheated corner for dumping unnecessary things, you need to insulate all the walls, especially if they are adjacent to adjacent cold, uninsulated balconies or loggias. At the same time, do not flatter yourself if your neighbors are insulated, this does not give reason to consider this wall warm, because I repeat once again - insulation does not heat, it allows you to retain heat inside the room. It is also necessary to draw conclusions based on the thickness of the walls; the thicker they are, the less likely it is that they will be insulated.

Dear readers and my clients, I tried to answer the most frequently asked questions regarding this topic that they write to me on WhatsApp, or that I personally encounter on the Internet, on forums, etc. I hope that this information will be useful to you and help you make the right choice.

You can order my individual consultation and carry out insulation work in Moscow and the region using a method convenient for you, write on social networks, or call the specified phone number and we will discuss with you all the difficulties and nuances of high-quality insulation.

Insulation of walls and ceilings

The following components can be used to insulate walls:

1. Penofol.
2. Wooden bars.
3. High density foam.
4. Polyurethane foam.

To see how to strengthen the balcony, watch the video:

Walls requiring insulation are sheathed with penofol. The lathing is usually made from a 50x50 mm bar. For convenience, the step between the bars can be made consistent with the width of the filler. The foam is placed between the bars and attached to the wall using plastic “fungi”. The gaps formed during installation are also sealed with polyurethane foam. You can use eurolining or imitation timber as cladding. Plastic panels are also suitable for wall cladding.

What will you need?

To wash windows without removing them from the guides, you need to take care of special tools. With their help, the cleaning process will be easier and safer:

1. 
   Mop with a long handle . It would be good if it was telescopic, that is, retractable. Such windshield wipers have two attachments - one in the form of a soft roller, and the second in the form of a rubber plate for removing water.

2. Scraper-cleaner . It can also be used to clean sliding windows. The main disadvantage of this tool is the short handle.
3. Robot glass cleaner . This is a technological device that is attached to the surface using vacuum suction cups or magnets. It is very convenient to use, but has a significant drawback in the form of high cost, which starts at 16,000 rubles.

Sliding windows cannot be washed with newspapers or ordinary rags, since it is very difficult to reach the top. In addition, this is associated with a risk to life, especially when a person lives in a multi-story building.

In addition to the tools listed, to clean windows you will need cleaning liquid, water, and thick paper or cloth napkins.

Insulation of panoramic balconies

Panoramic balconies have an excellent appearance and have a number of advantages over balconies with partial glazing in terms of aesthetics. But insulating such a balcony with cold glazing will result in large financial costs. Insulation of the floor, ceiling and walls, except for the facade, can be done in the same way as in the case of parapet balconies, but a glazed wall will require a different method of insulation.

The frame of the cold glazing window system consists of an aluminum profile, which has excellent thermal conductivity.

Supplying heat to such a room at negative outside air temperatures will lead to the formation of ice on the glass, and heating will be insignificant due to serious heat losses.

As mentioned above, unauthorized changes to the façade of a residential apartment building may cause a conflict with local authorities and with the other residents of the building.

Insulation of a cold balcony

Of course, it is possible to do such insulation, and you definitely won’t regret it. But an important component of such an event is correctly selected materials and other auxiliary elements.

To turn the balcony glazing into a warm one, you need to carry out the following work:

• Insulate and carefully seal the seams that are located between the walls, windows and balcony frame;
• If there are cracks on the walls, on the floor or ceiling, they also need to be sealed;
• Directly insulate all surfaces of the room.

Installation of an additional glazing contour

When installing an additional glazing contour, the usable space will not decrease significantly

Installing a second row of double-glazed windows will not damage the overall appearance of the building. The resulting air chamber will ensure heat retention on the balcony or loggia. The disadvantage of this method of insulation is the inconvenience of washing the glass inside the chamber. The useful space of the room will be reduced by the indentation and the thickness of the inner wall, which can be a significant disadvantage in conditions of limited space.

Let's make a small conclusion

The first thing you should have understood for yourself is that this process will not take a lot of effort and money from you if you follow the instructions and do not want to save on heat. Learn from other people's mistakes. I described one of them at the beginning of the article, but I don’t plan to talk about the next one, because I’m sure that my advice will be useful to you.

The main mistake people make is the desire to always save money. Thinking that it won’t be useful now, but it won’t be difficult to do it later, people lose precious money, spending it on useless actions in the form of dismantling and reinstalling.

Take care not only of your wallet, but also of your health, which will definitely deteriorate not only from excessive physical exertion, but also from hassle.

Friends, remember that you need to save in moderation and on acceptable things. Without insulating any part of the apartment, you can spend a colossal amount of money on heating or purchasing additional heating sources. Yes, they will always come in handy, but do not forget that a balcony or loggia is a part of an apartment or office that is in contact with the outside world on each side, and this is also the only place where it is prohibited to install radiators. Fighting the cold there is a battle that must be won before it even begins.

What glazing is considered cold?

Quite often, when purchasing an apartment, the owner is faced with the fact that it already has glazing. Often, the developer does not use expensive materials and installs cold glazing without insulating the balcony in any way. In this case, it may be important to replace cold glazing with warm glazing , which will significantly improve the final result, as it will help eliminate heat loss that occurs precisely through the window frames.

However, you can improve cold glazing. Most often it is aluminum frames. Aluminum itself has high thermal conductivity, so the room cools down quickly. Plastic double-glazed windows can also be cold. Most often this is a problem with single-chamber structures. This type of glazing can protect against precipitation, wind, dust, but does not withstand frost well. Therefore, insulating the cold glazing of a loggia or balcony plays a rather important role in creating a comfortable atmosphere in the house.

Is it worth installing cold glazing on the balcony?

Depending on the type of construction, the glazing can be cold or warm. Each of them has its own characteristics, advantages and limitations. The choice of an acceptable option is made based on several factors: the functional purpose of the room, associated financial costs and the technical feasibility of implementing the idea. Let's consider a cold glazing option.

1. What is cold glazing: features and differences from warm glazing
2. Advantages and disadvantages of cold glazing
3. Types of cold glazing
4. Installation without removal
5. Remote installation
6. Frameless glazing
7. Additional insulation of a balcony with cold glazing

What is cold glazing: features and differences from warm glazing

Cold glazing is a structure made of profiles (usually aluminum) and glass. Its construction will protect the balcony or loggia from precipitation, street dust and dirt, but will not be able to create a warm space. Therefore, this type is chosen if the balcony is not planned to be attached to the room - such a room can be used as a storage area, drying clothes or as a place to relax only in the warm season.

Characteristics and features:

• Unlike warm glazing, the cold version does not require complex preparatory work to strengthen and insulate walls, floors and ceilings.
• Windows are installed directly on the balcony parapet or pre-fixed beams.
• Instead of expensive plastic or wooden double-glazed windows, aluminum profiles and single glass are used.
• The opening design of the doors is usually sliding - an additional advantage for small balcony spaces.

Advantages and disadvantages of cold glazing

Cold type glazing has a number of advantages:

• Cost-effectiveness in contrast to warm glazing, while apartment owners receive additional enclosed space.
• Quite an attractive appearance - with minimal costs you can adequately improve your balcony.
• Doesn't waste precious space in small areas.
• Aluminum profile structures can have any shape and size - the cold glazing method is suitable for rooms with complex geometry.
• Relatively easy to install.
• The lightness of the structure allows it to be safely mounted on weak base slabs. For residents of old houses, this is often the only option for balcony glazing.
• The aluminum profile is not subject to corrosion and does not require additional special treatment or special care.
• Reliability and durability if installation rules are followed.
• Aluminum is an environmentally friendly, non-flammable, fire-resistant material.
• Aluminum profiles of various colors are widely available on the market, which allows you to choose a frame to suit any style and design.

Main disadvantages:

• Since aluminum is not capable of retaining heat, the temperature on a cold loggia will be approximately 10–12 degrees higher than outside - it will not be possible to obtain a space with a microclimate comfortable for living in winter.
• The cold system is not airtight, and, therefore, is significantly inferior in soundproofing and dustproofing properties to double-glazed windows.
• During severe frosts, the profile may freeze, which prevents the doors from opening.

Types of cold glazing

The system can be installed in two ways - without removal and with removal. It is better to entrust the work to trusted specialists. You can undertake self-installation only if you have experience, skills and tools.

Installation without removal

The easiest way to install a profile directly on the parapet of a balcony or loggia. It is important to use a level to check at each stage - an uneven structure will hum in strong winds, and the doors may not open. The work is carried out in the following sequence:

1. Prepare the parapet: level it, carry out rough finishing work, and strengthen it if necessary.
2. Take measurements and calculate the number of profiles.
3. Cut the parts to the required size and connect them together, forming a window frame of the required size and shape.
4. Install the assembled structure on a parapet or balcony railing.
5. Secure with self-tapping screws and check with a level.
6. Install slopes and ebbs.
7. Fill seams and cracks with mounting foam or sealant.
8. Mount the doors and sliding elements of the system on the finished frame, make adjustments, and check the opening.

Remote installation

This installation method allows you to slightly enlarge a small space; it is most often used in houses with old layouts. The main difference from glazing without extension is the preliminary construction of the frame outside the main boundaries of the balcony. The technical implementation of this type of installation is more complicated - you need to securely fix the brackets and correctly install the glazing structure on them.

Sequencing:

1. External brackets 25-40 cm long are mounted on the outer side of the balcony railing and the ceiling slab.
2. On them, a frame for glazing is formed from wooden blocks.
3. If necessary, the outside of the balcony is covered with siding.
4. The balcony parapet is being installed.
5. Profiles are installed, sashes are hung, adjustments are made and finishing work is carried out, as in the case of glazing without extension.

Frameless glazing

This design looks very impressive, significantly increases the flow of sunlight and allows apartment residents to enjoy the views from the balcony. At the same time, its cost is also low compared to warm panoramic glazing. Externally, such a system looks like a solid glass wall without vertical bridges. The design consists of the following main elements:

• the lower profile is rigidly attached to the balcony parapet and serves as a guide;
• the top profile is installed on the ceiling slab;
• Tempered glass is mounted in the groove of the lower guide on special hinges and can move, open and fold.

Frameless glazing is a beautiful and reliable barrier to dust, noise and precipitation. Despite the apparent fragility, this is a reliable and durable solution. The glass undergoes special treatment and is not afraid of strong winds and hail. The versatility of the technology allows you to install this option on a loggia or balcony of any shape.

Additional insulation of a balcony with cold glazing

Of course, if you want to use the balcony as a full-fledged living space, then you need to immediately take care of warm glazing and other methods of insulation. However, often new buildings are delivered with cold glazing already installed, or the apartment owner is currently unable to remodel the loggia, or weak slabs in old houses do not allow for extensive warm glazing.

In such cases, you can take some additional insulation measures - they will allow you to maintain positive temperatures even in the most severe frosts, which will significantly expand the scope of use of the balcony space and prevent heat loss from the living room:

• Sealing seams with silicone sealant.
• Energy-saving film is glued to glass and reduces heat loss by 20-30%. An additional benefit is protection from ultraviolet radiation.
• Insulation of floors, walls and ceilings with thermal insulation materials.
• Additional interior decorative finishing with clapboard or siding.

It is pointless to install additional radiators or a heated floor system on loggias with a cold type of glazing, since the main heat losses occur through the profile and single glass.

Even the simplest glazing option will turn a balcony or loggia into a more comfortable additional space in the apartment. Modern technologies and materials allow you to choose the best option for each specific case and carry out the work efficiently. Cold glazing is an inexpensive way to protect your balcony from moisture and dust, and also give it an attractive appearance if you do not plan to turn it into part of a living room, but intend to use it as a utility room.

Is it worth insulating cold balconies and loggias - floors, walls, ceilings?

An uninsulated balcony cannot be used comfortably at any time of the year, unlike a warm one, and therefore more and more owners of such structures want to insulate this area, providing themselves with additional square meters. When it comes to insulating a cold-type balcony or loggia, even those ignorant of “construction and renovation” wonder whether it is worth carrying out work on insulating a cold balcony in this case. To begin with, I would like to clarify what the concept of a “cold balcony” actually is.

External finishing of parapet and side walls

It is necessary to decide on the external decoration of the parapet. Carrying out such work before glazing will provide you with a lot of convenience for installation, such as siding. You can view a lot of materials about the implementation of such work outside the format of this article.

External finishing of the balcony with “siding”

Briefly, from such a material as siding, we can say that it belongs to the group of PVC profiles. This is a frost-resistant and weather-resistant finishing material used for outdoor work.

The profile design ensures ease of installation, which must be done especially carefully on a balcony. The consequence of unscrupulous and illiterate installation of siding is wind-torn strips that cannot be easily put back in place.

Siding color range

Pros and cons of sliding windows on the balcony

Before choosing and ordering a sliding PVC balcony glass model, it is important to know the advantages and disadvantages.

1. You can use wood, plastic and aluminum.
2. Large selection - panoramic glazing, in parts or entirely.
3. By choosing wood or plastic, there is a wide preference for different textures and colors.
4. Space saving. Suitable for a small balcony.
5. Protection from precipitation, dirt, noise.
6. Acceptable price.
7. Easy care.
8. Possibility of ventilation thanks to the sash movement mechanism.
9. Reliability and density.
10. Functionality.

Sliding doors save space when opening.
There are also disadvantages:

• insufficient heat retention on the balcony;
• heavy weight (not every loggia can handle it; the surface may have to be strengthened);
• the aluminum is of poor quality, there is no sound insulation (sometimes it is impossible to install plastic windows);
• accumulation of excess moisture in the lower part of the profile;
• warping or displacement of some parts of the profile.

The profile itself is quite heavy, so you will have to strengthen the base of the balcony

How to care for sliding windows

Sliding windows are generally quite low maintenance. The only thing that needs to be done periodically is to wipe the structure from dust and dirt, and also clean the glass.

To clean glass, it is recommended to use alcohol-based products designed specifically for this purpose, microfiber cloths and fine-grained sponges. Cleaning the inside of windows is usually not difficult. For external cleaning, it is best to use a squeegee on an elongated handle, since reaching every part of such a window will not only be difficult, but also life-threatening.

For owners of balconies located on high-rise buildings, the best solution would be to periodically contact cleaning companies specializing in high-rise window cleaning.

In addition, you should sometimes check for dust, lumps of dirt and various foreign objects in the frame guide profile. This is especially true for aluminum frames. Over time, the doors will no longer move easily if a large amount of dirt accumulates underneath them. About twice a year it is worth lubricating the aluminum guides with silicone oil.

Thus, installing sliding window structures on the balcony is the most profitable option, allowing not only to save valuable square meters for a small space, but also to improve the flow of sunlight into the apartment, as well as create the effect of modern panoramic glazing. With proper installation and periodic maintenance, these windows will last you for decades.