Tsugunov Anton Valerievich
Reading time: 4 minutes
The modest dimensions of most apartments force their owners to use each square as rationally as possible. The most attractive option for increasing the useful space of your home is glazing the balcony. In the process of its modernization, you can get a convenient place for summer recreation or a full-fledged living space, available all year round for comfortable use. It is quite possible to glaze a balcony yourself if you have at least basic construction skills.
Types of glazing
On initial stage It is worth deciding on the nature and scale of the work being carried out. Depending on the time range in which you plan to use the balcony, you can choose cold or warm option glazing of the loggia.
- In the cold version, the balcony can be glazed using frames with a single glass. In this case, you can create a comfortable room for use in warm time years at minimal cost.
- With warm glazing, window frames include at least two glasses. This option also involves insulating everything for year-round use. In some cases, the balcony becomes part of an adjoining room, not even separated by a door. There is no need to clarify that glazing a balcony with such an expansion of space must be done as efficiently as possible.
By profile type
Balcony windows may differ, which serves as the frame for the entire structure. They may be:
- Wooden. This type of glazing is the most common, affordable both in price and in complexity for doing it yourself. The main disadvantages of this type are that the frames must be periodically painted to protect them from rotting. With warm glazing, it is problematic to wipe double frames twisted together.
- Made from aluminum profile. Lightweight, durable, reliable, unaffected external environment. Disadvantages - you can only glaze the room rectangular shape. With warm glazing, special thermal inserts will be required, since the aluminum profile conducts cold and heat well.
- Plastic. The most popular type of balcony glazing at present. At high-quality insulation the entire loggia allows you to create there comfortable conditions at any time of the year. Metal-plastic windows are easy to use and maintain, have good durability, tightness and sound insulation. Among the disadvantages, in addition to the high cost, is the considerable weight, which will require serious calculations during the design and, if necessary, strengthening the structure of the parapet and the entire balcony as a whole.
Frameless glazing
Aluminum profiles, which play the role of a frame in this design, are practically invisible. These frames are very easy to use. But there are also a lot of disadvantages: very high cost, DIY installation is almost impossible due to the complexity of the work, poor thermal insulation. In addition, over time, the glass in the structure begins to rattle due to a decrease in the rigidity of the frame.
Remote glazing of a balcony can be considered a separate type, in which usable area increases due to the removal of window blocks beyond the plane of the parapet. Naturally, such glazing requires serious changes in the design of the entire balcony.
When choosing an option, you should take into account the design of the parapet: if it is made of brick or concrete, then all glazing methods are available. A simple metal balcony fence will have to be strengthened if installation is planned plastic double glazed windows. If the glass is from floor to ceiling, then the parapet is removed.
Do I need to get a permit?
Before you start glazing a balcony with your own hands, you need to take care of obtaining permission for this work. Installing windows on a balcony is not considered a redevelopment, but is equivalent to it. Therefore, complications after changes made to the loggia design are inevitable. At a minimum, in the absence of the necessary approvals and permits, it will not be possible to sell the apartment. Unauthorized glazing may result in a fine, after which you will have to legalize the changes made or dismantle them.
In addition, an increase in the total weight of the loggia can provoke its complete or partial collapse, which will lead to much more dire consequences. So it’s better to take care of permission and approval, as well as instructions for upgrading your balcony, in advance. This is quite long and tedious, but necessary.
Balcony glazing stages
To begin with, let’s highlight general points that will be relevant for glazing a balcony of any configuration with any type of frame:
- The balcony is cleared of all unnecessary items. All coatings are removed, including concrete, dust and dirt are removed.
- The necessary changes are being made to the loggia design. This may involve strengthening the base with a metal frame and then leveling it with a screed. If necessary, the metal parapet is additionally reinforced with corners or wooden beams. And when glazing metal plastic windows- even aerated concrete blocks or brick. If an external structure is planned, then it is supported by a frame of metal triangles welded to the parapet. In any case, you should take into account the loads that the loggia will experience after the changes are made, including wind influences.
- Window frames are carefully measured. If the frames are made to order with frameless glazing, then all the necessary calculations are made by the manufacturer's measurers. You can only make wooden frames for cold glazing yourself or limit yourself to buying ready-made ones.
All work on leveling the surface must be carried out before installing the frames. Otherwise, it will be inconvenient to produce them, and there is a chance of damaging the windows during operation.
It is better to postpone insulation and final finishing until the moment when the balcony is glazed. Delivery and installation of frames may take a certain period of time. Moisture that gets onto the balcony at this time will spoil the interior finishing and worsen the thermal insulation characteristics of the insulation.
Step-by-step instructions for installing wooden windows
Since wooden windows are most often installed from start to finish with your own hands, we offer you instructions for glazing a balcony using a wooden frame.
A balcony is a multifunctional space in an apartment. Over the past couple of decades, it has evolved from a storage room for winter clothes, grandma’s compotes and outdated items that you didn’t dare throw away, into a full-fledged part of the living space. Of course, this only applies to closed-type options. If it is still blown by all the winds and is regularly covered in knee-deep snowdrifts in winter, glazing the balcony with your own hands will save the situation.
Species
A glazed balcony allows you to intelligently optimize additional square meters in the apartment, turning it into a study, mini-dining room, dressing room, sports ground, a workshop for creative family members. You can set up a winter garden in it or equip an area for your favorite pet.
It is quite possible to do the glazing yourself, but you need to take into account some of the nuances of the work.
Firstly, it is important to understand the difference between a balcony and a loggia. Many apartment owners confuse these concepts, and yet the types of glazing for a loggia differ from the types of glazing for a balcony. Glazing a loggia is simpler, since it is bounded on both sides by walls - it is located “inside” the living space. A balcony is a structure protruding from the wall of the facade of a building. It “hangs” over the ground and is placed outside the main area.
Secondly, you need to decide on the glazing method - cold or warm.
The cold one consists of a single layer of glass and a lightweight frame. This method provides relative sound insulation, protects the room from dust, wind and sunlight if the glass is covered with a UV filter, but does not retain heat. It is suitable for arrangement summer kitchen on the balcony, temporary bedroom or office, and in winter - for storing food in the cold.
Warm glazing requires a more complex, heavy and reliable design. And more expensive. It consists of double-sealed window frames and double-glazed windows, which make it possible to maintain room temperature on the balcony at any time of the year and use it comfortably.
Installing warm windows requires more time and strict adherence to the following conditions:
- Good thermal insulation and waterproofing. Condensation between the glasses is unacceptable; they will fog up and retain heat less well.
- Possibility to provide natural ventilation premises.
- The presence of an air circulation system between the balcony and the room.
Thirdly, it is necessary to study the legal side of the issue when planning to make changes to the design of the premises. The balcony slab is designed for a specific load. Exceeding the permissible weight can lead to its collapse, and this is fraught with negative consequences.
Nowadays, it is quite easy to obtain specialist advice and permission to make improvements of a similar plan that were not provided for during the construction of the house. It is easier to spend a little time studying the Housing Code before starting work than to solve problems that arise after.
Popular types of glazing
The most common ways to protect a balcony from rain, wind, accumulation of street dust, frost and visits from feathered guests are: sliding glazing, panoramic, with extension, on a supporting frame.
Each type of glazing has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Simple (classical) glazing using a wooden frame and single glasses belongs to the cold method and is installed mainly in Soviet-type apartments. It protects from moisture, noise and street dirt, but is not particularly aesthetically pleasing or has great capabilities.
Sliding
The design is equipped with a special roller mechanism, which allows you to easily move the doors apart and takes up minimal space. The mechanism works on the principle of guide rails: the doors slide one after another.
This type is not suitable for every balcony; specialist advice is required, but for small balconies this is the best option. It doesn’t take up even half an extra centimeter, saves space, protects from insects, dirt and precipitation.
TO negative points The fact is that roller mechanisms may not withstand the harsh conditions of the Russian climate in the winter season. If they freeze, it will become impossible to open the windows. The design involves single glass, so at sub-zero temperatures the room will be cold.
Panorama
This type of glazing implies the absence of any frame. Guides with grooves are installed along the top and bottom into which glass is inserted (using special fastening units). The glass fence occupies the entire space from floor to ceiling, offering a beautiful view from the balcony at any time of the year. In this case, the sections are glazed in various ways: sliding, hinged, folding.
For panoramic glazing, special strength glass is used, with a special coating to neutralize thermal radiation. It looks beautiful and can provide maximum sound insulation. Has a number of disadvantages:
- At high temperatures the glass glows and heats the room. Blinds must be provided during installation. During the cold season, it does not retain heat well.
- The surface requires frequent washing, since dust is clearly visible on it, and water streaks are visible after rain.
- The structure as a whole is much heavier and more expensive than any other material.
- Installation involves risk and requires high professionalism, so it should not be done by yourself.
With removal
The essence of the method is that they weld to the balcony parapet steel profiles, on which a wide window sill is fixed. It is the basis that holds the aluminum or plastic structure for glazing the balcony. This glazing is suitable for narrow and small balconies with a strong parapet.
Modified balconies look beautiful (especially if a greenhouse is placed in them), expand the space practically and visually, and have a functional wide window sill.
The disadvantages are that the dead weight of plastic structures is quite large. It is necessary to correctly assess the current operational condition of the slab and parapet. Aluminum frames have less weight, but they hold heat less well. It will be cold on such a balcony in winter.
With supporting frame
Most the hard way which implies major changes in appearance outside balcony and requires a lot of time and several pairs of workers. At the same time, it is also the best, since it allows you to glaze a completely open balcony, which does not even have a canopy, and turn it into a warm living space for the next 15-20 years.
This Soviet-style glazing is popular - despite its labor intensity and heavy weight. Its advantages:
- A welded steel frame is cheaper than other materials. At the same time, it is characterized by greater strength and wear resistance.
- Regular bathroom enamel is suitable as a paint coating. It gives a beautiful long-lasting color, shine, reliable protection from corrosion, and costs much less than PVC.
- Possibility to install a visor. This will not only turn the balcony into a living space, but will also distribute the load across the upper floor and place less load on the balcony slab.
- You can replace the parapet with a frame. It is easier to install the frame, it costs less, and in appearance it is not inferior panoramic balcony in an elite house.
- The frame can be easily insulated with plasterboard and polystyrene foam.
- Any type of window can be inserted, from traditional wood to solid glass.
- Due to the strength of the frame, only the wind load falls on the glass, so they can be made to any width.
- The problem of the old parapet does not matter. It can be eliminated, and the supporting frame can be made lower or higher than the previous level.
Materials
The balcony glazing system is represented by a set of window sashes, a window sill, thermal insulation material (most often foam), external flashings and interior decoration.
The choice of material directly depends on the purpose of the balcony room and determines the final cost of the changes made. If the balcony is used as a place for drying clothes and storing preservatives, it makes sense to give preference budget materials: lightweight frames made of aluminum or duralumin and single glass. Such a balcony will not be insulated, and the difference with sub-zero temperature outside it will be no more than 6-7 degrees.
If you plan to set up an office, a playroom for children, or a place to receive guests on the balcony, you should choose more reliable and expensive materials. This will be “full” or “insulating” glazing, which will allow you to use the balcony as a living space at any time of the year or combine it with a room by dismantling the wall between it and the balcony.
Plastic frames
They are convenient because they do not require additional efforts to insulate the balcony. In case of low-budget repairs, they are suitable simple lungs PVC frames and single glass, massive windows with double glazing. For better sealing, you can foam the cracks.
The choice of type of double-glazed windows determines the final goal of the repair. For any technical characteristics that satisfy the requirements, the basis of windows of this type will be a frame-profile made of polyvinyl chloride. The kit includes all the necessary fittings, as well as a single-layer or multi-layer sealed glass unit.
The frame (static element) is mounted in the window opening, and the “filling” can be chosen at your discretion: in which direction the shutters will open, whether the window will have an impost (transverse slats along a horizontal or vertical line), what will be the slats on which the double-glazed window is attached what kind of glass the windows will be made of.
The most common material for the production of double-glazed windows is four-, five- or six-millimeter glass. IN separate group It is worth highlighting “triplex” - double glass with a layer of transparent tape.
A double-glazed window can be single-chamber or double-chamber - depending on the number and parameters of cameras.
The PVC frame from the inside also consists of a number of jumper compartments (stiffening ribs). Their purpose is to create segments in the profile cavity that are filled with air. The more compartments, the higher the heat resistance.
The number, volumes and placement of air segments inside the profile are strictly defined, since some of them are necessary to ensure rigidity, some ensure the outflow of water, and some are needed for fastening fittings.
The level of thermal protection directly depends on the thickness of the glass unit and the distance between them. The warmest will be a balcony that is glazed with double-glazed windows of different thicknesses and at different widths from each other. An important role is played by the seals that are laid along the edge of the glass unit.
As for glass, its properties can be different:
- reflex reflects the sun's rays;
- reinforced – fire resistant;
- hardened – impact resistant;
- colored absorbs solar energy;
- laminated provides excellent sound insulation (another feature of “triplex” is that with a strong impact it does not break into fragments, but cracks and remains inside the film).
Wooden frames
Their appearance has undergone significant changes over the past few decades, but the trend towards installing wooden frames continues to grow. They have a small number of advantages if you compare them with the same PVC profile: beautiful, natural, environmentally friendly. However, there are not very many disadvantages either - they require high-quality installation and good care. Wood must be treated with special protective solutions and paints, otherwise it will quickly lose its appearance, begin to rot and crumble.
Any glass can be inserted into wooden frames. A cold single one without a seal will make the balcony beautiful, but unsuitable for use in the winter season. Expensive insulated double-glazed windows with a seal will solve two problems at once - both aesthetically and practically.
Stained or pseudo-stained glass looks beautiful in wooden frames. You can order it from a master or do it yourself. This can be done using a stencil printed on a printer and ordinary acrylic paints on glass. If you don’t have the time or desire to be creative, you can purchase a ready-made film stained glass window on any theme in the store.
Aluminum frames
Aluminum profile is the most current option for balcony glazing. This is due to the fact that in most old houses the condition balcony slab and the parapet leaves much to be desired. Installation is heavy steel frame They are not very safe, and aluminum is quite light and does not put such a load on weak floors.
An aluminum profile is convenient for small balconies. It allows you to save or even expand space by several tens of centimeters (due to the frame with offset). Frames made of this material look aesthetically pleasing and are quite durable. If you paint them with protective enamel, their service life will increase significantly.
The most important advantage is that it allows much more light into the room than a profile made of wood or plastic. And this is especially important if the balcony is used as an additional living space, and not a second storage room.
Precautions
When starting work, first of all you need to think about how to minimize the risk of injury to yourself and passers-by below. A miniature home coffee shop in the spirit of Montmartre is, of course, good, but safety comes first. First of all, it is provided by a safety belt. The industrial one is considered the most reliable, but for one-time work a high-quality sports one is quite suitable.
When choosing a belt, you need to pay attention to the length of the safety cord (cable). It should not be too short so as not to make work difficult, nor too long so that a traumatic jerk does not occur when falling. The optimal length is 2.5 meters.
It is also necessary to take into account the information on the product certificate. The safety belt and carabiner must withstand a load of up to 400 kg. You should not purchase a product without indicating this information and uncertified products.
During repair work, the safety halyard is secured with an anchor pin with a metal collet. The collet must be firmly mounted into the main wall (at least 15 centimeters deep), and the pin must be screwed into it until it stops - using a screwdriver or pry bar.
“With your own hands” does not mean alone. Glass is not only fragile, but also quite heavy, so it is recommended to glaze a balcony yourself with at least one partner.
Once your own safety is ensured, it's time to take care of others. It is unlikely that compensation for damage caused to health from a mount falling on a neighbor’s head is included in the cost estimate for repairing a balcony. The space below should be fenced off with bright construction tape. It is worth warning neighbors on the upper and lower floors about the planned work.
Preparation
Balcony glazing requires a careful approach. Preparation for repair work is carried out in stages:
- Cleaning. The first thing you need to do is remove things from the balcony, remove the blinds (if they were installed), and eliminate anything that might interfere with work.
- Assessment of operational condition. When the balcony is not cluttered, it must be carefully examined inside and out - for damage, dilapidation, broken concrete, cracks, rot. If the condition of the slab and parapet is satisfactory, you can proceed to the next stage.
- Elimination of defects. During an inspection of the balcony, problems may be discovered during the construction of the house. Before installing the profile and glazing, it is recommended to level out all irregularities and bevels that may complicate the work.
- Ensuring security.
How to glaze a wooden structure: step-by-step instructions
Independent glazing of a balcony with a wooden structure involves the following steps:
- Preparing the surface for work. Once the balcony has been cleaned, inspected and in order, it’s time to get rid of all the internal and external coverings. Then you need to remove accumulations of dust and other contaminants.
- Measurements. The accuracy of window opening measurements determines how well the frame will fit to the base, so it is important to be extremely careful and double-check the resulting values.
- Installation of a wooden “box”. The “box” consists of wooden beams that form the base for the frame. It is fixed at the level of the existing balcony railings and the top beam. The side bars are mounted to the left and right surfaces of the wall. All beams are secured with metal brackets.
- Installation of lathing for interior finishing of the balcony. If this step is included in the renovation, it is carried out right up to the glazing of the balcony. When the surface of the walls, floor and ceiling is covered with panels or lining, you can begin installing windows.
- Installation of frames. Before glazing begins, the glass must be inserted into the frames and secured. They are made to order (according to custom sizes), purchased ready-made or made independently - from profiled wooden beams with grooves.
The glass is inserted into these grooves, pressed with slats and fixed with nails on three sides.
- Treatment of cracks insulating materials. Even with the most careful preparation, it is impossible to assemble frames without any gaps, like a good designer. There will definitely be gaps that need to be treated with tow or foam.
- Installation of platbands. It is carried out after thermal insulation, in no case before.
- Processing of wooden frames protective equipment. The coating protecting against moisture is applied in 5-6 layers. The frame can then be patched, painted, or left clean.
Installation of metal-plastic
The most affordable type of glazing without the help of a specialist. During the installation and installation process you will need: drill, screwdrivers, hammer, spatula, knife, self-tapping screws, polyurethane foam.
Algorithm of actions step by step:
- Preparing the slats. 10-15 fragments with an area of 4 by 4 cm, which are needed to align the parapet line and correctly align the windows along the horizon.
- Removing the glass unit from the frame. The manufacturer delivers a solid structure made of PVC and double-glazed windows, but before installing the frame, the glass must be removed, otherwise the frame will not be liftable.
You should remove the double-glazed windows carefully, placing them in a row against the wall. For reliability, you can cover it with soft cloth or thin foam rubber.
- Removing sashes from window hinges.
- Installation of the stand profile. This is a mandatory element of the kit, necessary for ease of installation of the window sill. Its height is only 20 mm and cannot be installed without a stand profile.
To install the profile, you need to rotate the frame 180 degrees, insert it into the groove, and secure it to the underside of the frame with a wooden (not steel) hammer.
- Installation of frame fastenings. Stepping back 15 cm from each edge of the frame, fasten the plates to the top panel using a hammer and self-tapping screws 3 cm long.
- Installation of windows. The most difficult moment at this stage is fixing the frames to the parapet. It is necessary to do this with assistants so that the frame does not “peek out” beyond the perimeter. It is important to note that the self-tapping screws are not driven into the dowel, but screwed.
After fixing the upper level, the frame will hold quite securely. Then you can fasten the remaining sides, connecting them using self-tapping screws at a distance of approximately 6 cm.
The connected frames are leveled using a level and plumb line.
- Treatment of cracks and gaps from the outside.
- Window sill installation.
- Installation of slopes and ebbs. At the same stage, the window perimeter and joints are treated with silicone.
- Installation of double-glazed windows according to the instructions.
- Hanging the sashes.
How to glaze a balcony sliding windows look in next video:
Frameless method
Aesthetic frameless glazing is chosen when it is necessary to let the maximum amount of space into the room. sunlight. It represents sliding system made of impact-resistant glass (transparent, tinted or stained glass). There are no frames or partitions, and the glass at the top and bottom is attached to metal rail profiles.
On the lower profile, under the outer sash, there is a fixing tape, which is needed so that the open sashes do not touch each other.
Such a balcony can hardly be warm, because it will not be possible to fit the glass to each other without gaps. The only way to reduce gaps is with acrylic inter-glass seals. They are included in the kit and are designed to be placed over the edges of the glass, like covers.
The system is complete rubber seals, which are laid outside - between the doors and the aluminum profile. They are necessary in case of wet snow and rain.
The system seems quite light, but at the same time it is very durable (due to the thick glass) and perfectly protects from precipitation, wind, and noise. The thickness of the glass is selected in accordance with the height of the balcony. For heights over 200 cm, a thickness of at least 8 mm is required; for heights less than 2 m, 6 cm is sufficient. The width of the sashes varies between 60-80 cm.
Glazing a balcony with your own hands - instructions from the master
The renovation is in full swing and it’s time to improve the balcony? Of course, modern diversity in the services market makes you tense. Everyone wants quality and cheap. How about glazing your balcony yourself? Let's figure it out together.
Stage one – preparation.
It is impossible to do without this. It is important that the balcony does not collapse under the weight of the structure, the windows do not fly out at the first wind, and the cladding does not come off as quickly as it is being installed.
Technical analysis is one of the components of the initial actions. Assessment of design features, the percentage of dilapidation (accidents) of a living space - these parameters will allow us to draw a conclusion about whether the design of the house is designed for the fact that there will be an additional load on the balcony in the form of glazing.
Having made sure that all this will definitely not collapse, we move on to additional strengthening of the parapet. Depending on the future load, reinforcement is carried out using foam concrete blocks or metal.
Which material to choose? The answer depends on your goals and the technical capabilities of your home. Metal will be universal, suitable even for extremely dilapidated balconies.
How to do this is detailed in the diagram. Let us only note that durable metal structure“ties” the parapet and is able to take on the main load of the glazing system.
If your balcony is strong and wide, then you can use foam blocks. This material also serves as excellent thermal insulation. But such a structure requires strengthening with reinforcement. Otherwise, the desired effect will not occur.
After the preparatory work is completed, you can, without fear, deal directly with what, in fact, everything was started for.
Stage two – design selection.
Of course, the process itself is not so complicated, considering that almost every man, to one degree or another, has a little knowledge in the field of construction.
But when glazing without the help of specialists, you must be prepared to do not only the “dirty” work with your own hands, but also other related work. One of which is the choice of design.
It makes no sense to say that there are standard and non-standard double-glazed windows. This is already clear to everyone. But the expected result from the design matters. Traditionally, there is a division into warm and cold glazing. What's the difference?
Having dealt with the functional load, we will solve the issues with the material. Wood, aluminum, PVC. Today these are all possible options for finishing a balcony:
- Wooden Euro-windows have a long service life, so you don’t have to worry about them rotting or drying out under the influence of external factors.
- Aluminum frames are cheap, lightweight and are most often used for cold glazing.
- If we take PVC, then they have a wide range in the area additional functions– sound insulation, thermal insulation, imitation of a certain style in architecture, etc. Of course, they are heavier than aluminum and are used for warm glazing.
How are things going with the lighting in the room? In addition to frames, you should also pay attention to glass. You have sunny side, but would you like to make a games room on the balcony? To prevent the baby's delicate skin from being exposed to ultraviolet rays, sun protection glasses are used, which are covered with a film using a special technology.
How energy saving glass works
This glass absorbs almost 99.9% of radiation. Or maybe the balcony is a future greenhouse? For this purpose, tinted glass is used, which prevents sunlight from penetrating through the glass and creating a “magnifying glass” effect.
Colored glass and stained glass are ideas for specific styles of both interior and exterior. Well, and finally, energy-saving windows. A thin layer of metal is applied to the surface of the glass at the factory, which retains heat indoors.
Glass, structure, reinforcement - all preparatory issues have been covered, the decision has been made. All that remains is to understand how it can be glazed. To do this, we move on to the next stage.
Video - what is energy-saving glass and what are its capabilities:
Stage three – choosing a glazing method.
The variety is amazing, just look at the neighboring house. There’s a lot you won’t see there, but let’s focus on the ways.
a) With take-out. The internal space becomes wider due to the extension of the window profile (relative to the main fence). The increase is insignificant - 20-25 cm. A window sill can be placed on such a frame.
b) Frameless. In essence, it turns out panoramic window without vertical frames and horizontal partitions. A lot of light is a plus. Problem with care (for example, washing) is a minus. The design is quite durable, so there is no need to worry about bad weather.
c) Art finishing. This method is relevant when, for example, we install stained glass windows. It’s difficult to do without an artist-designer (unless, of course, you have a talent for drawing). Also read the article: interesting designs loggias.
Stage four – installation of the visor.
This should be done before the glazing system is installed, so that later you don’t have to think about how to stick it there so that it doesn’t come off. Using regular dowel nails, we attach it to the ceiling.
After the visor is secured, you can begin glazing, but first you need to secure it anchor plates on all sides except the bottom.
Video - installation of a loggia with a canopy:
Stage five - step by step instructions on glazing.
Of course, the balcony must be cleared of everything that was previously there: chairs, flowers, linoleum, tiles, old junk and so on. The issue of strengthening was previously touched upon, so we will omit the description of this procedure.
Installation of wooden windows.
Correct installation according to GOST
Installation of the frame. The beams that serve as the base are pre-treated with sealant (but only the mounting surface). Next, a wooden structure is constructed around the perimeter using mounting dowels.
Window installation. The frames must be glazed, as the glass may simply break. Installation is carried out in the following sequence: front structure - side elements.
Afterwards, it is necessary to seal the seams using sealant and polyurethane foam. When everything has hardened (at least a day), you can glaze. But first, all grooves must be treated with silicone sealant. The beads used to secure the glass must press it tightly against the frame.
Video - how to glaze a balcony wooden windows:
Installation of aluminum frame.
Video - how to install an aluminum frame with your own hands:
Installation of PVC windows.
The installation diagram is similar to the previous one, with some exceptions.
- To remove the window, you just need to remove the plastic beads.
- Installation is carried out using mounting plates, which are attached to the frame with self-tapping screws.
- All gaps are also eliminated with polyurethane foam.
The final stage is to bring the balcony into an appropriate aesthetic state: installation of siding.
External installation requires certain efforts, such as the construction of fastening belts. There are two of them - upper and lower.
Such structures are built around the perimeter, which are attached to the walls using corners or liquid nails. The blocks are connected to each other by metal corners. The lower belt should go along the base of the balcony.
Attaching the siding itself begins from the sides. The screws should not be overtightened; they are located exactly in the middle of the panel's technological hole. Installing trims that hide all the screws completes the glazing process. It is simply put on the strip of siding until it clicks.
Thus, by carefully examining technical specifications of your premises and strictly following the instructions, it is possible to glaze without resorting to the help of specialized companies and saving your own money.
Glazing a balcony with your own hands - step-by-step instructions
A couple of years ago I decided to glaze my balcony. I wanted to give it a cozy look, put a chair, coffee table. But without glazing this was impossible. I decided right away that I would carry out all the installation work myself, because I have little experience, and glazing a balcony with my own hands is a labor-intensive process, but quite realistic.
Just a couple of decades ago, all apartments had only wooden windows, but nowadays in the modern world there are several options for glazing residential premises. They have different characteristics, composition, and each has its own pricing policy. Therefore, everyone can choose the most suitable option.
DIY balcony glazing
Choosing material
Since I wanted to give my balcony a cozy feel, the main task for me was thermal insulation. Therefore, I immediately chose the “warm” glazing option. But I’ll write more precisely about each one.
So, there are three types of glazing for balconies:
French glazing of the balcony using transparent mirror windows.
All that remained was to choose the glazing option for your balcony.
The most popular option today is glazing with PVC windows, but there are also:
- Aluminum profile
- Wooden windows
Aluminum profile glazing refers to cold balconies
The option of glazing with an aluminum profile immediately became impossible for me. This type of glazing refers to cold balconies. The material is not thermal insulating - it is used on those balconies that do not need to maintain room temperature. The aluminum profile serves to protect the room from wind, rain and snow.
However, this form also has its advantages:
- Low weight of materials used
- Low cost
- Parallel sliding sashes
Balcony glazing - wooden frames
Wooden windows are made from two types of materials. If homogeneous wood is used, then the cost of windows is relatively low. If the material is laminated veneer lumber, then the price automatically increases and is already on average 60-80% higher than the cost of similar PVC windows.
For me, the option with wooden windows was not suitable due to the price. Even though it's beautiful, it's still financial side I was no less interested in the question. My choice settled on PVC windows. Good price/quality ratio, heat and sound insulation properties have brought this material to the forefront in demand.
Siding
In addition to glazing the balcony, I was interested in the option of external cladding of the balcony. And for this I chose siding. This material is the most optimal, it is durable, consists of PVC and is not afraid of sunlight and precipitation. In addition, it enhances thermal insulation on the balcony. Siding has a large color scheme, and the manufacturer claims a service life of no less than 50 years.
DIY balcony siding
Advice! For those who decide to carry out all the work on glazing the balcony themselves, you need to know that it is better to complete the outer cladding of the balcony before glazing. This will save time and money. After all, after glazing the balcony, it is not so convenient to carry out external cladding, and calling craftsmen who will do all the work with the help of climbing equipment will cost a lot of money.
It is quite possible to do siding work yourself, but only if you are confident in your abilities and have skills in such work.
Otherwise, it is better to entrust all work on covering balconies with siding in apartments to qualified specialists who have professional equipment.
Finishing the balcony with siding
I have described the sheathing instructions below:
- First you need to build fastening belts from wooden beams - upper and lower. In the future, siding will be attached to them
- We attach the beams to the wall using liquid nails. They are connected to each other using iron corners
- Let's start installing the siding - you should start from the sides. We do not overtighten the screws; they should be left in the middle of the hole.
- Upon completion of the siding installation, we hide all the screw heads using platbands
Balcony siding
Balcony glazing
After all the work on the outer cladding of the balcony was completed, I proceeded directly to glazing my balcony.
Next, I will write step-by-step instructions with which everyone can try to glaze a balcony with their own hands.
Advice! Start the glazing by installing the canopy - then you won’t have to guess where to attach this canopy so that it doesn’t fall off with the first strong wind. It will be enough to screw it to the ceiling using dowel nails.
Glazing of balconies with plastic windows
Installation of low tide and window sill on the balcony
Finally, I installed a drip sill on the outside of the balcony and installed a window sill on the inside.
Although I spent quite a lot of time completing all the work, and then cleaning the entire room from construction dirt, I was satisfied. Glazing your balcony yourself can save you a decent amount of money. In addition, I gained valuable experience and new skills in construction work, and the external cladding of the balcony with siding is doubly pleasing. Now the balcony looks perfect from the outside and this is due not only to the siding manufacturer, but also to me.
Technologies and types of exterior cladding for balconies 
How to cover a balcony with siding: installation instructions 
Phased construction frame for covering a balcony 
Do-it-yourself balcony in Khrushchev: step-by-step instructions 
Analysis and types of repairs of balcony slabs
Instructions for glazing a balcony with your own hands
Accommodation in conditions big city living in apartments is associated with a number of problems, the main one of which is considered to be the lack of living space. Many owners use the balcony to store various things in order to free up some space in the rooms where they spend most of their time. However, wind, rain and cold do not always allow this. Decide this problem, at least partially, glazing the balcony with your own hands will help.
Types of balcony glazing
The most simple type designs is the so-called cold glazing. In this case, we are talking about the use of thin single-layer frames, which is why the balcony can be fully used only in the warm season. Such structures can reliably protect against dust, wind, birds and insects (provided they are installed correctly), but they will not help with thermal insulation.
The main advantage of cold glazing is its low cost
A more expensive option is warm glazing. To carry out this procedure, full-fledged frames with double-glazed windows for 2-3 chambers are used. In this case, we can already talk about a full-fledged additional room in which you can arrange a corner for relaxation, a small office, a greenhouse, and so on. In some cases, the balcony is even attached to the living room after this procedure.
Warm glazing involves the use of full-fledged frames, therefore it is a more expensive option
Also, different frames can be used for glazing:
Wooden frames - classic version for balcony glazing
It is best to entrust the installation of metal-plastic structures to professionals
Installing frameless windows allows you to create a panoramic view, but requires professional equipment
Important! Before choosing the final glazing option, you need to soberly weigh your strengths and capabilities. If there is any doubt, it is better to entrust this matter to specialists.
Installation of wooden frames
This procedure consists of the following steps:
Glazing of wooden frames
Glazing a loggia with your own hands requires the following tools and materials:
- Hammer, nails and glazing beads.
- Rubber spatula, putty or putty.
- Drying oil and paint brush.
When installing glass in wooden frames, one problem very often arises - the inability to install glazing beads with reverse side blind window on floors above the first. If the frames are small, then it is better to first put glass in them, and then carry out the installation. But if we are talking about large massive structures, then placing them on a base with glass is not only difficult, but also dangerous. Therefore, installation will have to be carried out from the inside.
One of the main problems with installing glass in wooden frames is installing glazing beads on the back side
Installation Guide:
- First you need to moisten the brush in drying oil and treat the window openings with it. It should be applied in one layer, but without gaps. After the material has dried (the time is indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging), you can begin painting.
- To do this, they also use a brush, which carefully paints all the openings and leaves to dry.
- After this, putty or a special putty is applied to the folds of the opening, which will close the gaps between the glass and the frame, preventing water from entering and drafts.
- Next, the trimmed glass is installed in the frame and pressed against the putty.
- Then another layer of putty is applied, but on the glass itself, closer to the frame.
- A glazing bead is placed on the putty strip and carefully nailed with small nails.
Putty performs the main function in fixing glass
Note! The nails must be driven strictly vertically or horizontally, since driving them at an angle can damage the glass.
Alternative options
Instead of putty, you can also use a silicone tube, which is cut and laid in the same way as putty, and then pressed with glass. In addition, you can do without driving nails. To do this, apply a thick layer of putty to the glass, after which it is carefully leveled.
You can also use sealant. Some people think that it will permanently fix the glass in the frame and cannot be replaced. But there is one secret: before applying the sealant, the glass must be treated with a soap solution.
Installation of metal-plastic frames
To remove the glass unit from plastic frame, you need to remove the glazing bead first
Important! Even small distortions are unacceptable, as they will subsequently lead to breakdown of the entire structure.
Installation of double-glazed windows
Gaskets must be placed in the lower and side internal parts of the frame installed in the opening. It is necessary to lay it so that the weight of the glass unit is evenly distributed over the frame. One of the edges of the gasket should extend slightly beyond the boundaries of the frame, so that after hammering in the bead, cracks do not form on the glass. After this, take two suction cups, press them to the surface of the glass and carefully place it in the window frame. At the end, the glazing beads are hammered in with a wooden mallet; at this point, do-it-yourself glazing can be considered complete.
To fix the glass unit in the frame, you need to hammer in the glazing beads using a mallet
Installing frames and glass is a rather complex process that requires experience and certain skills, so if you are not completely confident in your abilities, it is better to immediately call specialists.
Many people today want to turn a balcony into a room where they can not dry clothes and store various rubbish, but spend time doing something interesting, or just drink tea with friends. To do this, you need to make a quiet, warm corner out of a cold, windswept space. No idea how to achieve this. Naturally, the balcony needs to be insulated. Today there are enough insulation materials on sale that can be used to insulate a balcony. But, before laying insulation and casing the walls, it is necessary to install energy-saving windows. This is the main requirement. Without it, insulating the balcony is pointless.
Modern technologies provide the opportunity to turn a balcony or loggia into a real masterpiece. You can make a summer deck out of a balcony structure, or you can make an imitation of it, so that in both winter and summer you can be on the balcony or loggia, as if on an open, uncluttered terrace.
Glazing a loggia with your own hands is not an easy task. If you do not have skills in this matter, then it is better to seek the help of specialists. A balcony is not an interior space of an apartment, where errors in work will not be noticeable. The balcony requires skill and skill.
In order to properly glaze the loggia, it is necessary to install a strong fence that will withstand heavy double-glazed windows. In addition, the material from which the windows are made should be as light as possible and as energy efficient as possible. There are several types of glazing for a balcony or loggia; they all differ in both the result and the installation process.
Types of balcony glazing:
- Cold glazing;
- Conventional glazing;
- Sliding glazing;
- Glazing with removal of window space;
- Complete removal of the balcony;
- Panoramic glazing.
The first option is the simplest. This is a long-known and cheap balcony glazing, when it is inserted into the existing cladding wooden frame, but you won’t insulate it this way. Panoramic glazing is an excellent way. The view from the window increases, much more light enters the room, it has stylish design, but it’s impossible to do panoramic lighting yourself.
Where to start glazing a balcony with your own hands: preparation
In order to glaze a balcony, you need to have a strong and solid foundation for installing frames. The balconies of houses that were built in the last century went according to plan with only a fence made of metal rods covered with boards. By today, these fences have turned into bent, loose, rusted reinforcement elements.
Glazing a balcony with your own hands must begin with preparatory work. If you see that there is simply nothing to put your new windows on, then you need to arrange a solid foundation for them.
If the fence is relatively new and durable, then perhaps it can simply be reinforced with additional metal supports. Do not lay out the fence from bricks or other heavy materials. The balcony slab may not hold up and collapse.
Work that needs to be done before glazing the balcony:
- Provide a base for your new windows. It is best to lay a new fence from a metal angle or profile pipe.
- Coat the metal fence with an anti-corrosion agent.
- Think about your own safety. If you have to work above the second floor, then purchase a safety belt. Work at height can only be carried out in it.
- Draw up a project for your future balcony. Calculate all the parameters; this will allow you to calculate the size of the windows, the consumption of glazing materials and funds for them.
- Prepare everything necessary materials and tools.
- Find yourself a partner. It is almost impossible to install windows alone.
- If your plans include covering the balcony facade, then this must be done before installing new window frames.
If you have a small balcony in a Khrushchev-era building, it may be worth considering the option of installing a fence with remote glazing or the entire perimeter of the balcony.
How to glaze a balcony yourself: necessary materials and tools
It is quite possible to glaze a balcony, like a loggia, with plastic windows yourself. To do this, you just need to correctly calculate the required size of the windows and place them correctly in the prepared opening.
If you decide to increase the area of the balcony, then do not increase it with an aluminum profile. A steel profile pipe welded to the fasteners is better suited for this. When carrying out repair work on the balcony, do not forget about the safety of your family and friends.
Materials and tools you will need when installing plastic windows:
- Screwdriver;
- Screwdriver;
- Pliers;
- Hammer;
- Self-tapping screws;
- Polyurethane foam;
- Vapor barrier tape;
- Plastic for window sill.
Installation of double-glazed glazing begins after removing debris and waste from the balcony building materials and dust elimination. It is not good to bring new glass onto a dirty balcony.
Step-by-step instructions: how to glaze a balcony with your own hands
After all the preparatory work has been completed, you can begin the process of glazing the loggia or balcony. With loggias the situation is simpler. It is much easier to glaze one front wall than the entire perimeter of the balcony. But the result will be different. The loggia receives a lot less light than on the balcony, and it looks smaller.
Glazing a balcony, like a loggia, with your own hands is not easy. To do this you will need an assistant and some construction tools. Work must be performed carefully so as not to damage the profile or scratch the glass.
Take your time, check the quality of the work after each completed stage. If the seal is broken, cold and dampness will enter your balcony.
Step-by-step instructions for installing windows:
- We remove the double-glazed windows from the frames.
- Carefully place them in a safe place where they are not in danger;
- Remove the opening sashes from the frame. Lock the window and remove the top and bottom trim. Pull the pin out of the loop at the bottom, bring the handle to a flat, horizontal position, tilt the sash towards you, and remove it from the bottom hinge.
- Attach the stand profiles that came with the windows to the frame. There are holes for them in the frame.
- Secure them with self-tapping screws.
- You should already have holes drilled for anchors around the entire perimeter.
- Insert the frame into your opening and align.
- Bolt the frame to the parapet, to the wall and to the ceiling. The distance between the bolts should be no more than 70 cm.
- Glue on the ends vapor barrier tape.
- Foam the space between it and the wall, and attach it to the opening, seal the joints
- Return the glass units and sash to the frame.
- Apply vapor barrier tape to the bottom of the frame.
- Install a window sill.
- Check the tightness and functionality of the structure.
Preparing a balcony for glazing takes much more time than installing windows in ready-made openings. When we glass metal fencing from scratch, it takes a little longer.
How to glaze a balcony yourself from scratch (video)
Having glazed your balcony with double-glazed windows, you can safely continue to insulate it and create a temperature on the balcony that is quite acceptable for living in winter. If you cover it with clapboard or plastic profile and equip heating, then you can make for yourself a tiny office, an arts corner or a place to relax.
Precipitation falls on a balcony without glazing, a lot of street dust accumulates there, and gifts from birds appear. Often apartment owners prefer not to store anything in such an open area. To make a balcony a full-fledged enclosed space, it is better to glaze it. Anyone can do this with their own hands.
What you need to be prepared for before starting glazing
Balcony glazing requires a professional approach. In such work, it should be remembered that the balcony slab is designed for a certain load. Therefore, she may not be able to withstand the weight gain. To prevent a fatal collapse of the entire structure, it is better to seek advice from specialists. They will be able to give clear recommendations on materials that can be used for glazing in a particular case.
When glazing a loggia, such detailed calculations of the load-bearing capacity of the balcony slab are not required, since the load of the side of the loggia is transferred to the main wall of the house. Glazing can be produced using almost any materials and methods.
It is better to do the balcony glazing yourself with your own hands together with an assistant. In such work you will have to constantly lean over the parapet, so it wouldn’t hurt to have someone who can provide backup. For safety, it is advisable to prepare safety equipment in advance.
Balcony glazing – choosing the best method
Glazing a balcony with your own hands can be done using both cold and warm methods. In the first option, lightweight frames with single glasses are most often used. In winter, it is quite cold on such a balcony, so during this period of the year this room is used as a pantry for food. Well, in the summer you can organize gatherings on the balcony with such glazing.
To avoid unnecessary maintenance hassle, we can recommend an aluminum profile as a replacement for wood. This material is easy to install, environmentally friendly and lightweight. During operation, aluminum is not subject to rotting. Therefore, there is no need to worry about the destruction of this material. For such cases, the sashes can be used either rotary or tilt-and-turn. Recently, sliding doors have become increasingly popular.
Such balcony glazing requires a serious approach to work and careful calculation, since the dew point should not be inside the balcony. Due to improper insulation, condensation in the room can lead to mold throughout the apartment. To ensure that the dew point is not in the room, it is necessary to carry out high-quality hydro- and thermal insulation of the floor and parapet. Remember, even a small gap or cold bridge can lead to condensation.
For warm glazing of balconies you need a double-glazed window with seals. It is recommended to implement natural ventilation, which can be adjusted independently. For this purpose, the manufacturer of metal-plastic windows provides ventilation dampers. To get rid of condensation, air circulation is required between the balcony and the room. For this purpose, it is necessary to install a fan in the window of the room, which will draw air out of the room. A ventilation grille must be installed at the bottom of the balcony door.
Types of glazing
In elite multi-storey buildings As a rule, panoramic glazing of balconies is used. This option involves a glass fence from floor to ceiling. The most popular is frameless panoramic glazing, with it natural light the room increases several times.
For such glazing, shockproof glass 6–8 mm thick is used, which is treated with metal oxide. Such a double-glazed window is quite difficult to break. Thanks to special coatings glass can reflect heat back into the room and allow ultraviolet light into the room. Such double-glazed windows have very high sound insulation properties.
Glass sashes can be hinged, sliding (on rollers) or folding. In the case of a small balcony space, the best option would be to use sliding mechanism. In this option, when opening the doors, the room area is not lost.
Also used for glazing aluminum profiles.Weight depends on the thickness of the glass and the size of the sections, but, as a rule, does not exceed 20 kg per linear meter. m. Therefore, it becomes possible to carry out glazing of the balcony with removal. For this, detailed strength calculations are not required.
To assemble the sections, you will need to make guides at the top and bottom of the balcony opening. Then you need to install vertical posts. Then the frame is secured using latches and locks. It is imperative to measure the evenness of the location of the guides and racks. The skew should not exceed 5 mm per linear line. m.
Glazing of balconies can also be done using metal-plastic windows. In this option, the weight of the structure will be 40 kg per linear meter. m. It is recommended to install such glazing before installing the window sill. Racks made of metal-plastic profiles must be attached to the ceiling and parapet using self-tapping screws.
Before installation, it is necessary to remove double-glazed windows in all windows, since during installation work you can easily break the glass. To remove double-glazed windows from the frame, you need to pull out the window beads.
Also, before installing the frame, all sashes must be removed. To do this, you need to squeeze out pins in the upper loops, which can be pulled out using pliers. After this, the sash can be removed from the lower hinge.
If it is decided to make a winter garden or greenhouse on the balcony, then you can use glazing of the balcony with removal. This will require a parapet of increased strength. Additionally, you will have to take care of installing the visor.
Consecutive glazing of the balcony
Finishing and glazing of balconies is always carried out different stages. For example, with lattice fencing, insulation and decorative external finishing are done before glazing begins. But the interior finishing and installation of the window sill must be done after the window frames are installed.
If you have a brick or concrete parapet, you first need to level its surface using cement mortar. Then do the exterior finishing. Only after this can glazing work be carried out. Interior finishing and insulation is done after the window sill is installed.
If the balcony does not have an upper ceiling or is hanging, then you need to use pipe supports. They will be able to withstand most of the glazing load. External frames must be made from 40–60 mm angles. Using a grinder, you need to smooth out all the welds. After this, you need to do degreasing and cleaning. Then you can cover the entire frame with acrylic enamel.
The most labor-intensive stage of the work is creating the visor. It should protrude 15 cm beyond the glazing. As a rule, 40 mm corners are used. The height of the visor is made within 40 cm.
The first step for the visor is to make a frame, in which you need to drill 10–12 mm holes for anchor bolts. The distance between the holes should be 40–60 cm. You need to ensure that there are at least 4 holes along the entire length.
To mark the places for the bolts on the wall, you will need to attach the frame, level it horizontally using a level and draw marks in the holes. After this, you can start drilling holes for the anchors. Once the bolts are installed, the frame itself can be attached to the wall.
The next step is to create cross members and slopes that need to be welded to the frame. Then the outer crossbar is attached. Upon completion, you can begin installing the canopy roof. As a rule, galvanized sheets are used for this. They must be laid overlapping in one wave. To prevent water from leaking between the wall and the roof during rain, it is necessary to insert the sheets into the grooves.
The width of the supporting frames must be made with a small margin (10–15 mm) from the thickness of the window. According to experts, the frame can have a maximum size of 1100x1500 mm (provided that a 40 mm corner is used). If a 60 mm corner is used, then the length can be made 1300x1700 mm. Using pipe stands, the frame must be connected to the canopy by welding.
When the frame is completely installed, you can begin decorative finishing and insulation. For cladding it is possible to use metal sheets, which must be welded to the frame. Alternatively, for finishing you can use moisture resistant plywood or drywall. A balcony covered with siding looks quite decent. Basalt wool is used as a thermal insulation material.
The glazing process begins with the installation of window frames, which must be secured to the corners with 6 mm self-tapping screws. The distance between the fasteners should be 25–30 cm. After the window frames are secured, all grooves must be foamed. Then installed window sashes and double-glazed windows are put in place. Upon completion, you can begin interior decorative finishing. For this purpose, wooden lining is used, plastic panels or drywall that can be painted.
