Glazing a balcony with your own hands, step-by-step instructions. Glazing a balcony with plastic windows: advantages and disadvantages of PVC, materials and tools, preparatory work, frame installation Do-it-yourself glazing of balconies and loggias

When the renovation reaches its peak, there is a desire to equip your balcony. Currently, there is a wide variety of these services on the market, which, in turn, confuses the consumer. Everyone certainly wants to glaze their balcony quite cheaply, but also with high quality. Or maybe you should consider arranging your balcony yourself? Therefore, today, together with the portal, we will try to figure out how to glaze a balcony with our own hands. Step-by-step instructions will help us here, which are created to answer all questions.

Important information

Stage one - preparation . First you should start preparing the balcony. To ensure that it does not collapse under the total weight of the structure, and that your windows cannot fly out during gusts of strong wind, and that the outer cladding of the facade does not come off, it is necessary to correctly install the balcony. Technological analysis is the main component of the initial work. You must first conduct a competent assessment of the balcony design, taking into account how dilapidated it is and how old the building is. The listed features will allow you to understand what percentage of the load will be placed on the building structure when glazing your balcony. In order to make sure that your balcony will not collapse, you should start strengthening its parapet. This work is carried out by strengthening with metal or foam concrete blocks.

What material should you choose?

This question can be answered only when you determine for yourself all the goals and design features of your home. The best option in this case is metal. How should this work be done? In our article you can see this in the photo. The diagram is clearly drawn on it. The strength of this structure, as a rule, is ensured thanks to the parapet, which will take on part of the load after glazing the balcony. If it is strong enough and wide in width, then it is quite possible to use foam blocks. This material is heat insulating. In this case, it is necessary to strengthen the structure with reinforcement. Or you won't get the desired result. After preparing the balcony, you can begin the next stage of work.

Stage two – choice of design. This work is not difficult, but one should take into account the fact that almost any man has some knowledge in the field of construction. But, nevertheless, when glazing a balcony without experienced specialists in this field, you should know that you will have to do this rather dirty work yourself. Now we begin to choose a design. We start with the choice of glazing. It can be either cold or warm.

What difference is there between them
Cold glazing is produced using inexpensive materials, while warm glazing, on the contrary, can hit your wallet quite significantly.
Cold glazing is not able to retain heat inside a given room, and the temperature in it will be the same temperature as outside. Warm glazing, in turn, retains heat in the room and thanks to it, it becomes possible to maintain the temperature that is currently present in the room, regardless of the time of year. Currently, these are the only glazing methods that exist.
Once you have been able to figure out the load, you should start choosing materials. PVC, wood or aluminum.

Finish options

Wooden windows have a short service life, so when choosing these products you should not be upset that they will soon succumb to rotting or drying out due to the external influence of nature.
Aluminum structures are cheaper, lighter in weight, but serve more for cold glazing.
If we focus on the choice of PVC structures, then in this area they are most often used and have a large number of options: thermal insulation, sound insulation, wood imitation or a unique architectural style. They are heavy, unlike aluminum products, and serve for warm glazing.

How can we decide what the illumination of our balcony should be? It is worth paying attention not only to the frames, but also to the glass. If your balcony faces the sunny side, but you plan to equip it as a children’s playroom, then in this case, in order to avoid excess ultraviolet radiation on your child’s skin, you need to choose glass with tinting or a special film applied, as a rule, to the external glass of this product.
How energy-saving glass works Energy-saving double-glazed windows absorb almost 100% of radiation. If your balcony will be used as a greenhouse for growing plants, then, as a rule, double-glazed windows with tinting will be installed, which will not allow sunlight to penetrate into the room. And glass such as stained glass or colored products are elements of a certain decor or style that is present in the interior of the room.
And, of course, energy-saving double-glazed windows. When producing these products, the factory uses the following technology: silver oxide is applied to the inner part of the glass, located in the glass unit itself, which makes it possible to retain internal heat in the room.

How to glaze a balcony with your own hands. Step-by-step instruction

Now we begin to glaze the balcony. Therefore, we will consider below how to glaze a balcony with your own hands in a Khrushchev-era building.
You can look around and discover the fact that there is a huge variety of balconies in neighboring houses. But let’s try to figure out what types of glazing there are.
Glazing with a small offset. The internal area of ​​the room is increased due to the profile system used for glazing. The area of ​​the room will increase by approximately 25-30 cm. It will be quite possible to install a window sill on the installed frame.

Frameless glazing. As a result, we will get a window with a panoramic view, without the presence of horizontal partitions and frames. In this case, we will have a very well-lit room. But there are also disadvantages - cleaning and washing these structures is quite problematic. This design will inherently have excellent rigidity along the entire perimeter of the balcony, so don’t pay attention or worry about factors such as strong wind.
Art finishing. This method takes place where stained glass windows are installed. In this case, you need to use the services of a designer.
If you have decided on the type of glazing for your balcony, you need to install the canopy. The installation of the canopy should be done before your balcony is completely installed, for the simple reason that in the future you will not have to rack your brains about how and where to attach it. The canopy is installed, as a rule, using ordinary dowels to the ceiling. After installing the canopy, we begin to work on securing the anchor plates along the entire perimeter of the balcony, except for its lower part.

Installation of wooden frames
Now let's start installation. Naturally, the balcony area must be free before subsequent work. It should be freed from furniture, chairs, and various objects.

Next, we install our frame. To do this, we use wooden beams, the surface of which is pre-treated with a special sealant. Then we begin to build wooden structures around the perimeter of the balcony. Also in this work we use dowels to secure our frame.

Our next step will be installing windows. First, let's unpack the frames. Remove all double-glazed windows, since they can easily break during installation. Installation must be carried out in the required sequence: first we mount the front part of the balcony (frontal) and then proceed to install the side parts.

After installation work, all seams on the balcony should be sealed with sealant to avoid destruction of the polyurethane foam during further use. After the sealant has dried and the foam has hardened, you need to start glazing. Before performing this work, all frame grooves should be lubricated with a special silicone sealant. And the glazing beads should fit snugly against the glass, pressing it against the frame.

Aluminum frame installation

1. We start by removing all the elements in the structure, that is, removing them so that our work is easier.
2. Then, we attach the mounting plates to the frame, with a distance of approximately 650-700 mm from each other.
3. After that, we install our frame into the opening, and then carry out work on its alignment.
4. Now we install the plates in the place we need using dowels.
5. We insert the glass into the frame and install the sashes in place.
6. We seal the remaining gaps with polyurethane foam.

Installation of PVC windows

If you don’t know how to glaze a balcony with your own hands, then you should definitely read the useful information and watch a special video.

1. In order to glaze a balcony using PVC, you need to remove glass from the frame. And to do this easily, you must first remove the glazing beads from it.
2. If you plan to install PVC windows, then there is the same installation scheme as in the case of installation of previous structures. However, there are already some minor changes.
3. Just as in the case of installing aluminum and wooden windows, we will use mounting plates that are attached to the frame using self-tapping screws.
4. All gaps are also closed with polyurethane foam.
5. And the last stage of our work is to bring the façade of our balcony to normal aesthetic condition.

Balcony glazing allows you to turn an open, undeveloped area into a comfortable room. Provided that the glazing is done correctly, the balcony can become an extension of the room, which will significantly expand the living space.

It is possible to cope with balcony glazing yourself. To do this, you need to familiarize yourself with the features of existing varieties of balcony structures, select the appropriate option and complete the main stages of work in accordance with the instructions.

Types of balcony structures

Today, there are 3 main methods of glazing balconies: using wooden frames, using metal-plastic structures, as well as the frameless glazing method.

Modern wooden balcony systems are distinguished by high quality, reliability and long service life. Such frames are in many ways superior to outdated analogues, effectively coping with the suppression of street noise and thermal insulation.

Significant disadvantages appear only when sliding wooden frames are used. They are designed in such a way that water can penetrate into the sliding elements. When the temperature drops below zero, this will cause icing of the window system, which will not have the best effect on its condition.

Metal-plastic systems

Modern metal-plastic systems are well-known long-livers. The average service life of such structures is 40 years or more. The risk of frames freezing is eliminated due to the presence of a drainage hole in the design of the system.

Frameless glazing, despite its apparent lightness and airiness, provides reliable protection from precipitation, muffles street noise and transmits more solar heat.

The glazing procedure is as follows:

• lower and upper guides for window sashes are installed. In this case, the functions of the guides are taken over by aluminum profiles;
• Tempered glass is fixed to the guides, which is characterized by very high strength and resistance to various types of damage.

However, frameless glazing has a significant drawback: the temperature on such a balcony will be only 2-3 degrees higher than the street temperature, so it will not be possible to fully use the balcony as a living and furnished space in cold weather.

Concepts of cold and warm balcony glazing

Cold balcony glazing performed using single glasses installed in lightweight window frames. In summer, such a room will be quite comfortable, but in winter, such a balcony can only be used as a storage room.

It is important that the supporting frame for such glazing is sufficiently reliable. There is no need to save too much on this structural element, because it is the frame that takes on the bulk of the wind load.

Warm balcony glazing, equipped taking into account all the rules and technology requirements, allows you to comfortably use the premises at any time of the year.

When performing such glazing, it is important to create conditions under which the dew point cannot move inside the room. Otherwise, condensation will begin to form on your balcony, which will nullify all efforts to increase the usable area. In addition, the dew point should not penetrate between the installed glasses. This condition is especially difficult to comply with if the balcony is located outside the contour of the building.

To avoid problems that can result from condensation, 4 basic conditions must be met, namely:

• provide high-quality moisture and parapet. Any kind of cracks or thermal paths from outside to the room will lead to condensation;
• install frames with double glazing and the same high-quality sealing. In the case of using ordinary wooden frames, it is necessary to create a double seal when installing swing doors and seal all the cracks in the blind structural elements;
• provide for the possibility of providing controlled natural ventilation. Modern balcony systems made of metal-plastic are usually equipped with dampers from the start. In the case of installing wooden frames, the valve is installed in the parapet;
• ensure the required level of air exchange between the balcony and the living space. To achieve this, the design of the window connected to the balcony is supplemented with an exhaust fan. In addition, a special ventilation grille is installed at the bottom of the door.

After completion, take the necessary measures to protect the structure from penetration of atmospheric moisture. To do this, fill the existing cracks with foam and sealant.

High-quality sealing will further improve the thermal insulation characteristics of structures.

Good luck!

Prices for mounting foams and cleaning gun cleaners

Polyurethane foams and cleaners for construction guns

Video - Do-it-yourself balcony glazing

A glazed balcony or loggia not only provides additional thermal insulation and protects from extraneous noise from the street. Such a decision makes the owner of square meters the owner of an additional (albeit small) room, which can be equipped to his own taste and according to his needs. Many construction companies offer their services in this regard, as do sellers of PVC and aluminum profile structures. However, often the financial situation forces you to look for more cost-effective options that involve doing most or all of the work yourself. This article will talk about how to glaze a balcony yourself.

Important: glazing of balconies requires official approval from the relevant authorities. If you do everything “according to the law,” then first you will have to take care of additional “permitting” documents.

How best to glaze a balcony

There are quite a lot of methods, we will list all the main ones and give a little idea about them, which will allow you to decide on the direction of work in the future.

Glaze the balcony photo

• "Cold" glazing, regardless of the method of opening the frames, suggests that the balcony can be used as an additional “livable” room only in the warm season. This is the most inexpensive option, since aluminum profile structures, which are most often used for these purposes, are quite affordable. Among the positive qualities of this type of glazing is its low weight, so if there are doubts about the reliability of the support, then aluminum will be the right choice. The material is very resistant to external influences, it is not afraid of humidity and low temperatures, although it can still become deformed from sudden changes. Sometimes wooden frames with one glass are used for the “cold” method.
• There is also an option with “warm” aluminum profile. It uses double frames and double glazed windows. And in addition, special plastic placed inside the profile keeps heat inside and does not let cold air in from the street. But this design is almost not in demand due to its high cost.
• Usage wooden frames It is considered a budget option, but labor-intensive in terms of caring for them: you will have to renew the paint once a year if appearance matters. To reduce the cost, some use used wood. With proper care it will last quite a long time. If your income allows, then you can, as they say, install wooden “Euro-windows” once and for life. Their production technology makes them durable, and they look very impressive.

• Panoramic view glazing assumes that special glass, additionally processed to increase its strength characteristics, serves as the basis for assembling a balcony fence from floor to ceiling. From the point of view of creating a spectacular space, this method takes a leading position. Due to the thickness of the material, the apartment becomes protected from heat loss and the noise insulation performance increases. The partition can be made of tinted glass and looks especially stunning when assembled without frames.
• Frameless method Balcony glazing requires certain skills and literacy during installation. But the complexity is justified by the result when the “output” is a light, as if weightless, structure made from one glass. The lack of frames is compensated by special metal guide profiles. It is in them that the glass sections are fastened and moved along them. Special tempered glass is used for such tasks.
• PVC profile frames are a popular and practical way of glazing. The ability to install a double-glazed window with three air chambers significantly insulates the room, especially in combination with a wider profile. Installation is simple and quick, and the service life is quite long, and all this splendor will not require complex maintenance. For those who do not want to install plastic windows because the sashes “eat up” a lot of space when opened, you can opt for the option with sliding sashes.

• If you want glaze the balcony “with the extension” of the structure, then you should be very confident in the strength of the parapet, because the load on it in this case will increase in two directions at once.

Important: it is better to carry out work on the exterior finishing of the balcony with siding or other materials before glazing. This sequence will make the cladding work easier.

How to glaze a balcony with plastic windows

• This process is not very difficult, especially since the manufacturer itself carries out measurements, so there should be no mistakes in this area. So, the finished PVC structures have been delivered, the decision has been made to abandon installation, what next?
• The existing old sashes are being dismantled and at the same time the balcony must be freed of all objects and things that may interfere. The space on the balcony can’t be called large anyway, so ideally it’s worth taking everything out of it. How else is the “deep cleaning” stage useful? All the nuances that require improvement and elimination during insulation, waterproofing, and so on become immediately visible.
• A wooden beam is secured along the perimeter of the balcony using mounting dowels. When measuring, the presence of beams is taken into account. That is, the height of the finished structure will be equal to the height from the side of the barrier to the top slab minus the parameters of the crossbar. It is worth checking with a representative of the supplier company what thickness of beam he includes in the calculations.

• First, the PVC frame itself is installed without sashes. First of all, the main and largest front part is mounted. And then the side one. In order to save money, many people abandon glass on the side in favor of sandwich panels. This, of course, is a matter of taste.
• On the street side, a flashing is attached under the frame. If a balcony with a roof is glazed, then the canopy must also be secured. It is placed under the structure and secured with self-tapping screws, and the cracks are filled with sealant. The visor will protect against moisture ingress and leakage into the profile and into the room. Therefore, issues of tight fit should be given more attention.
• When the frame is level and secured, you can begin installing the sashes in place. After installation, you should check them for tightness. An important indicator is the smoothness of movement when opening and closing. If everything is done correctly, the frames will open easily and close without effort, fitting tightly into the opening.

It is important to think carefully about the options for opening the doors. This structure will have to be washed, and it is better to plan it so that from the tear-off section you can easily reach the adjacent “blind” one. It’s unlikely that anyone would want to risk their life cleaning things up.

• From the outside, it is convenient to hide the joints with the help of additional decorative elements. They can be purchased independently, or “included in the kit” when ordering from a company that supplies PVC frames. All gaps from the inside are sealed using polyurethane foam. When it dries, it is trimmed and the protective film is removed from the frame and sashes. Next, work continues on the final decoration of the room.

Glaze the balcony video

Glaze the balcony with an aluminum profile

Another advantage of a lightweight aluminum structure is the sliding opening system. It saves space, however, it also causes problems with the folds freezing in winter. If the choice is nevertheless made in its favor, then we learn how to properly glaze the balcony.

• We dismantle the previous glazing.
• If the parapet is made in the form of metal handrails, then an “apron” made of galvanized steel must be installed on top of them. If the barrier is concrete, this is not required. The profile will fit right on it.
• The visor is mounted.
• A window sill is being installed.
• To secure the frame, anchor plates are installed in the opening. Using anchor bolts, the frame structure is installed on them.
• The ebb is attached to the frame.
• Sashes are installed in the openings.
• All seams are sealed using polyurethane foam and covered with flashings (optional)
• The final step is to adjust the fittings. The doors should move apart smoothly without making any noise. This indicates correct installation.

Glaze the balcony with wood

It’s good if the home handyman has carpentry skills. Then the option with glazing with wooden frames becomes cheaper. After all, using wooden beams, glazing beads and ordinary glass 4 mm thick, he can assemble the sashes, providing them with the simplest fittings from the nearest store. However, even in the absence of such talent, you can order an inexpensive finished product from a workshop. After which you can begin installation.

It is important to consider that a large structure can “sail”. Therefore, despite the visual appeal of large and wide openings, this unpleasant effect is worth remembering.

• Preparation has already been written above, so we skip this stage.
• There are no special tricks in installing such a structure; moreover, the process itself differs little from, say, installing a PVC profile. Using metal fastening plates and screws, we install a wooden frame without frames.
• The ebb, canopy and window sill are installed similarly to the glazing methods described earlier.
• The seams are foamed and subsequently hidden under the finishing.
• The sashes are fixed in place, the fittings are adjusted.

For a long time, this was the only way to glaze a balcony in a Khrushchev building. Of course, such glazing will never become the object of envy of neighbors. But if done carefully and securely fastened, it can protect against dust, falling leaves and change the microclimate on the balcony by a couple of degrees.

How to glaze a balcony with your own hands using a frameless method

• A very impressive type of glazing, but it also requires some effort and courage. The first thing many homeowners fear when they are offered this option is safety. If we are talking about installing “full-height” glass, then it may be worthwhile to provide some kind of removable structure, reaching a meter in height, and attached to the walls or floor at a time when, for example, children are playing on the balcony. It is quite simple to weld from metal pipes of small diameter.
• The second not entirely desirable effect of a magnificent view of the surrounding area is an equally wonderful view of the privacy of the apartment. Especially in the evening with the lights on. Those who do not want to provide neighbors and random passers-by with the opportunity to watch the reality show “live” can choose the following “rescue” options.
• Consider a system of curtains or blinds. The second option will be expensive, given the non-standard dimensions of the opening, and you will have to suffer with a fabric solution.
• At the planning stage, you can choose the type of glass with one-sided transparency. They look good, they are very good on sunny days, but in the fall and in cloudy winter weather such glazing brings melancholy due to the low light transmission. Alternatively, the presence of such glasses can be combined with regular ones.
• If we are talking about frameless glazing of a balcony only in the part where most people are accustomed to seeing the window opening, then the difficulties described above do not arise.

Important: glazing into the floor requires dismantling the parapet. Before carrying out work, you must make sure that the demolition is legal and will not cause negative consequences for the entire house.

• For all its attractiveness, the panoramic method requires additional costs for insulation, and you shouldn’t choose it if the balcony offers a “wonderful view” of the factory complex or the dull neighboring multi-story buildings.
• An aluminum panoramic profile will be cheaper, but its ability to retain heat, let’s say, tends to zero and you should think carefully before installing it.

There are many options, but each of them can be implemented on your own. Therefore, balcony glazing can be considered a type of work on which you can save money.

Proper glazing of a balcony with your own hands will not only provide your home with additional thermal insulation and sound insulation characteristics. But thanks to the fact that the balcony will be glazed correctly, corresponding to all its main characteristics, you will also have an additional, albeit small, area. It can also serve as an additional place for personal relaxation or a place to store things (warehouse).

Most companies offer their own services for glazing balconies and loggias, most of them are those that produce plastic PVC structures with their further installation. But many people think that the company’s services are expensive, so you can read the presented article and do full balcony glazing yourself.

To glaze a balcony, a permit is required, which must be agreed with the relevant authorities, they must also give you permission and indicate the characteristics of the house and review your balcony slab. If you do not complete this procedure completely, your balcony will be considered illegal. But before glazing the balcony,...

Do-it-yourself glazing of balconies and loggias

Each type of balcony glazing presents its own special category of complexity and requires certain skills, due to which certain difficulties may arise. Depending on the type of glazing you choose for your balcony, you will need to adapt to its structure and do it in a certain sequence. Thanks to the presented article, you will be able to fully overcome all the difficulties and take into account all the factors that you will need to glaze your balcony or loggia yourself. First, you should familiarize yourself with a small diagram of the arrangement of glazing elements:

Measurements and ordering of designs

After you have chosen which profile your balcony or loggia will be made from, you need to order the structure from the manufacturer. But, to do this, you must first take all measurements from your balcony and perform the appropriate calculations. To do this, it is necessary to completely dismantle the old glazing, if any. The previous glazing must be completely removed. You need to remove all the frames and all the fastenings until you go through the entire area from the ceiling to the parapet.

The next step will be taking measurements from the resulting balcony after cleaning. To do this, you need to use a tape measure to accurately measure all the distances from the base of the parapet to the ceiling slab, and then from one wall to the other.

All measurements must be as accurate as possible, because sometimes this can lead to huge problems. Initially, this will not have any effect and will not be noticeable, but during direct installation, even a few millimeters can ruin the installation and cause a huge number of different problems. It is worth noting the fact that when placing an order with a company, people are not completely trusted and they send their own measurer to check the correctness of the measurements.

In addition to the fact that the person sent from the company will independently take all the measurements again, he will also look at the general picture of the balcony. Further, he may say that your loggia does not meet all standards. This may be due to the fact that the parapet has been standing for a long time and may not support the entire weight of the plastic structure.

In the presented case, you can fix this problem, fake the parapet to the desired condition, or even pour a new parapet. Another option is to install not a plastic structure, but an aluminum one, which is much lighter.

There is an option where the balcony slab cannot support the weight of the structure. It will be quite difficult to correct this issue, but it is still possible with the help of additional reinforcement of the floor covering.

In order for the company’s expert to make a final decision, he needs to take all the dimensions from your balcony and carry out the appropriate calculations.

If everything is fine and your balcony is completely ready for full glazing. You and a company employee draw up an order for the structure, calculating its approximate cost.

Preparatory work

After the specialist has made his satisfactory decision, you need to move on to the stage of preparing the premises for further reconstruction. First, you need to completely check the parapet and detect the presence of all cracks on it, even very small ones. Next, you should purchase galvanized metal and completely seal them.

You need to clearly measure the gap, cut the required piece from the galvanized sheet and seal the crack. It will need to be inserted from the outside under the railing, and then finally secured using self-tapping screws. This process is quite difficult to complete on your own, so you will need a little help.

If your parapet is not approved by a specialist, then you need to build a new one. To do this, you need to completely demolish the old parapet and build a new one from scratch. A standard parapet is laid out one brick wide. Its installation takes place on a sand-cement mortar, one by one.

During the construction of the parapet, you need to constantly monitor its level, because in the end you should get a completely horizontal structure. The clearly horizontal design will help you easily install the glazing.

After completing the manufacture of the parapet, you need to purchase a metal strip or corner with a cross-section of 5 mm. One of the selected materials will serve as a frame to which the structure frame will be attached.

The manufactured frame, using dowels and self-tapping screws, is attached along the entire perimeter of the balcony opening.

Additional preparation for glazing installation

So, let's proceed to the actual installation of the glazing of your balcony with your own hands.

• A manufactured structure has been delivered to you from the company and your balcony is fully prepared for installation.
• First, you need to remove the glass units from the frame. This process is quite important before installation, because the weight of the complete structure is quite large, and it will complicate the installation process.
• Usually, in companies that manufacture double-glazed windows, initially, the glazing beads are not hammered in completely; this is done to easily detach the double-glazed windows from the frame.
• To remove a double-glazed window, you need to pry off the beads that hold it in place with a spatula, and then remove them. It is necessary to pry starting from the middle and moving to the edges. This must be done in the following order, first the side beads, then the bottom, and lastly the top. Next, hold the glass and carefully remove it.
• Removed double-glazed windows must be placed on a clean and level floor, free of debris and other things.
• Next, you need to remove the sashes from the frame. There is a rod in the upper loop that must be pushed down and then pulled out completely using pliers or pliers.
• Next, you need to remove the sashes from the frame. To do this, you need to remove the latch, which is located in the upper hinge of the sash. After which the sash itself should be slightly tilted towards itself, then lifted and removed from the lower hinge.

Frame installation

• The frame comes with a stand profile that needs to be installed. It is a plastic strip that should be attached to the bottom of the structure. Turn over the already lightweight frame and, using a mallet, insert the bar into the grooves. Turn the frame over to its standard position.
• Now it’s time to install the frame fastenings. From each edge of the window frame you need to retreat 15 centimeters on each side and secure the plate tightly in this place. A special hole must be drilled for each fastener. The part of the fastening that will protrude must be bent at a right angle; this part will be attached to the concrete surface.
• Installing a frame in a window opening. This stage requires additional help and is almost impossible to complete on your own. It is advisable to have three people. The three of us install the frame in the designated place, after which it must be completely leveled in both vertical and horizontal positions.
• After complete alignment, using wooden stands, we fix the frame in its place.
• We attach the frame to the parapet. This must be done using anchors, which will need to be driven into brick or concrete at least 6 centimeters.

Frame fastenings when installing glazing
Installing a frame in a window opening

Installation of ebb tides

After the frame is installed, there are only a few details left that are also important to consider:

• Once the frame is completely secured in place, you need to install the canopy. It will serve as a drainage basin. Installation should take place in the upper, outer part, installation is carried out using self-tapping screws.
• The cracks are being blown in. This is done using polyurethane foam.
• Insulating glass is installed into the installed and secured frame.
• Next, installation is carried out on the hinges of the tilt and turn sashes.
• We secure the folding mechanism to the sash and frame.
• The last stage is considered to be a complete check of the tightness of the fit and full operation of the valves.

Installation of ebb tides
Installation of low tide on upper floors
Sealing cracks with foam

If the doors move with extra effort or are difficult to open/close, then they need to be adjusted as in the photo.

Self-installation of PVC structures for balcony glazing

This process is quite simple, although they charge a lot of money for its work, which is why we recommend that you install the windows yourself. This will not only save your finances, but will also help you buy additional accessories or something else altogether. The company you contact to order windows will have to send you a measurer who will independently take all the dimensions and transfer them to the company so that the direct craftsmen can make you a window structure. After the order is completed and delivered to your home, the immediate work begins related to the full, independent, and most importantly correct glazing of your balcony or loggia.

The full installation of a PVC window structure is described above; here we can note only some individual characteristics and interesting points when installing a window structure from PVC profiles with your own hands.

Glazing of a loggia using an aluminum profile

Glazing using an aluminum profile is not a more complicated installation system compared to plastic, but each has its own nuances. By giving preference to the presented type of profile, you can also easily carry out a complete and completely correct installation yourself, saving the same money that can be used for other items and the like. So, let's get started, all the work coincides with the general glazing options except:

• If your parapet is initially made in the form of standard metal handrails, then you will need to install an “apron” on top, preferably made of galvanized steel. If a concrete barrier is installed, no additional actions are required. The profile will be installed directly on it.
• For complete correct installation of the frame, you first need to install anchor plates. Next, the structure is secured using special anchor bolts. You need to pay special attention to this point, because it differs from installing a plastic profile.

After all the above steps have been completed, the doors should slide apart smoothly and not create noise when closing. If these factors are normal, then you have done everything correctly and can continue to arrange your loggia (balcony).

Wooden window structures

In order to glaze a balcony or loggia yourself with wooden window structures, you will need some carpentry skills. If you understand this, then this installation option will not only be easier, but also cheaper. In order to install wooden window structures yourself, you need to assemble the sashes correctly and as accurately as possible.

For a carpenter, this does not require much time or expense. He will be able to assemble the sashes himself using timber, ordinary glass with a thickness of 4 millimeters and glazing beads. But if this talent is not present, then you will have to order the presented product from a separate workshop. And only after that we can start glazing the balcony.

An important point is also

There is also the fact that a large structure can “sail” a little. No matter how beautiful and attractive a large or wide space looks, you should never forget that if you do not pay due attention to its features, serious problems may arise.

Glazing of a balcony using a wooden profile

• Using metal mounting plates and using self-tapping screws, you need to completely install the structure frame and secure it.
• All fittings are fully adjusted and checked.

For quite a long time, glazing in Khrushchev-era houses was the only possible option. Such designs do not look very prestigious, and the neighbors will not envy him.

But even this glazing option allows you to protect your balcony or loggia from unwanted dust and dirt, water and falling leaves, and much more. And in the housing itself, the temperature will rise by several degrees, due to which heating costs will be reduced.

Frameless window designs

The presented type of glazing looks as impressive as possible and is very beautiful. But in order to do it, appropriate efforts are needed. Also, it is important to take into account the fact that this option is not the safest, especially in those moments when children are playing on the balcony. Since the windows will be full height, it is often proposed to make or purchase an additional removable structure, for example, a meter high. At such moments, as indicated above, you can install it and no longer worry about the further actions of the children. Typically, this design is made of metal pipes with a small diameter.

Another point that is worth paying attention to when glazing a balcony is that not only from the apartment you will be able to see as much as possible everything that happens on the street. But even from there one can see one’s entire personal life. All housing will be especially visible in the evening when the lights are on. In order to avoid the “reality show” effect at home, there are several options:

• You can consider a separate system of curtains and blinds. This option is quite common, but here it is worth considering the fact that blinds will become quite an expensive pleasure. And when choosing a fabric, it should be completely opaque, even in the light.
• The second, more popular solution to this issue seems to be the choice of a design with one-sided transparency glass. In the summer, they will be as beautiful and efficient as possible, but in other seasons, they will be a little dim and there will not be enough light. As another small variation, we can say that such glasses are combined with ordinary ones, that is, you can make some single-sided and some ordinary double-glazed windows.

Interesting facts about frameless glazing

When frameless glazing is considered, on higher floors, and without the presence of nearby houses, the above incidents do not occur. An important point is the fact that installing frameless glazing will require demolition of the parapet. This small factor can have a unique impact on the overall structure of the house, so it is advisable to contact the appropriate service and find out all the details.

Beauty is beauty, but it is worth paying a lot of attention to the insulation of this balcony, because the glass itself will not be able to protect the home as much as possible from the winter cold. An unpleasant moment may also be the fact that the balcony goes directly to another house or to a nearby factory.

The aluminum panoramic profile does not have high thermal insulation characteristics, due to which it is also worth thinking about before choosing it.

Features of glazing with and without extension

You should also consider some features of installing remote glazing along with standard glazing. Of course, there are not many of them, but you should know them..

• First of all, for carrying out glazing with removal, especially when working in old houses, you will need to strengthen the parapet, since this type of glazing has a slightly higher load than standard options.
• In addition, we further suggest looking at the diagram of the remote version of the balcony, to understand some of the differences in the structure compared to conventional balconies.
• In addition, it can be noted that here you will need additional arrangement of a larger and more durable visor.

Conclusion

Glazing a balcony yourself is not a difficult task. With its help, you can save your finances well and buy something else. Now, having studied the installation of each of the various structures, you can easily glaze the balcony yourself. We also suggest watching a short video tutorial on how to glaze a balcony yourself:

Greetings! I remembered one funny incident. I was visiting an old friend - we were remembering our childhood and our pranks.

And then, with obscene screams, he ran to the balcony and began to drive out a flock of pigeons, which had already made half a nest for themselves.

He said that they make such attempts every day.

Out of old friendship, I decided to help a friend and told me how to glaze a balcony with my own hands so that this space would be protected from attacks by birds.

Many apartment owners strive to expand their usable living space using all the resources they have.

One of these methods of expanding the territory is glazing and insulating balconies and loggias.

Thus, it becomes possible not only to get another room suitable for habitation, but also to significantly improve the thermal insulation of those rooms that face balconies or loggias.

Nowadays, a loggia is no longer just a place for storing unnecessary things and drying washed clothes - it is a place where you can arrange a study, a winter garden or a relaxation room. In order to ensure appropriate temperature conditions and avoid unnecessary heat loss, glazing and insulation of the balcony will be required.

A team of specialists can be invited to carry out all the necessary work.

It’s not for nothing that they say: “If you want to do something well, do it yourself.”

Let's look at how to properly glaze a balcony and insulate it with your own hands. This does not require special construction skills - just accuracy, hard work and ingenuity.

What you need to know about glazing

To begin with, you should know that glazing the loggias alone is not enough if we want to ensure acceptable temperature comfort there. Therefore, insulation work is required - otherwise heat will escape through uninsulated floors.

To insulate a loggia with your own hands, they use materials such as expanded polystyrene, mineral wool and foamed polyethylene - penofol. These are new generation materials - they are widely used in modern construction for insulation of various sections of buildings. Their choice depends on the tasks, application conditions and, of course, the financial budget.

Expanded polystyrene (or penoplex) is a material consisting of air and foamed polystyrene. Many people confuse this white substance of granules tightly adhered to each other with polystyrene foam. But due to different manufacturing technologies, polystyrene foam and expanded polystyrene have different properties.

Expanded polystyrene has stronger intermolecular bonds and its performance characteristics are much higher than those of polystyrene foam. Let's look at them in more detail:

• High thermal insulation and sound insulation properties;
• Non-absorbency of moisture;
• Moisture resistance - it does not lose its properties under the influence of moisture;
• Resistance to rotting, molding, and fungi formation;
• Resistance to temperature changes;
• Non-toxic - it does not emit substances harmful to the human body;
• Environmental friendliness;
• Low specific gravity, which facilitates its installation and reduces the load on structures;
• Good machinability using the most common tools;
• Affordable price.

This material is widely used for do-it-yourself thermal insulation of loggias - it is convenient, lightweight and easy to work with.

Mineral wool is more expensive than penoplex, has a much larger mass and is undesirable to use for thermal insulation of loggias. In addition, the high permeability of mineral wool forces the mandatory use of waterproofing and vapor barriers.

Penofol is an insulation material that consists of a foil layer and polyethylene foam. This material is heat-resistant, moisture-resistant and is often used to insulate loggias with your own hands. It can be used as an independent heat insulator or in combination with expanded polystyrene or mineral wool.

Glazing and insulation of a balcony - general concepts

When planning how to glaze a balcony and insulate it yourself, you should take into account that the whole process generally looks like this:

1. preparation of balconies and loggias for glazing;
2. glazing;
3. sealing cracks;
4. thermal insulation;
5. finishing.

First, let's consider the simplest option - insulating a balcony with facade glazing. It happens that glazing was previously carried out on non-insulated aluminum structures and it is necessary to perform thermal insulation in order to avoid heat loss.

There are three options to solve the problem:

• Installation of PVC double-glazed windows parallel to existing windows. This makes sense if it is important to preserve the original appearance of the house's facade from the street;
• Installation of a thermal bridge for insulation of aluminum profiles. We increase thermal insulation by placing insulation inserts between the inside and outside of the frame. This compacts it and reduces heat loss;
• Removal of old glazing and installation of PVC double-glazed windows.

Note!

Now let’s look step by step at how to glaze a balcony if we have a structure in the form of thin concrete slabs on the sides and a lattice parapet in front.

We lay walls from foam blocks or ceramic bricks. This masonry does not require construction skills and almost anyone can lay it themselves;

After we have prepared the walls, we install PVC double-glazed windows. We seal all cracks tightly using polyurethane foam. After this, we can begin insulating and finishing the walls, floor and ceiling;

We prepare the floor. Standard loggias have a barely noticeable slope towards the street for rainwater drainage - it needs to be leveled using a thin concrete screed with the addition of expanded clay. After the screed has dried, we apply waterproofing in the form of dense polyethylene, gluing it at the joints with tape.

We place wooden blocks measuring 40 mm x 40 mm on polyethylene parallel to each other and fix them at a distance of 0.5 m and place polystyrene foam slabs between them. We fill the gaps between them with foam. We place the bars again on top perpendicular to the laid bars and fasten them. We install a floor on them made of boards or thick plywood, which we cover with laminate on top;

If possible, do-it-yourself thermal insulation of walls should be done from the outside. Then the dew point will be outside the room and we will be free from droplets of moisture on the walls.

We glue the expanded polystyrene slabs using bitumen mastic to the outside of the wall, fix them with plastic dowels and apply a reinforcing mesh to hold the finishing plaster in place. But in multi-storey buildings it is often not possible to lay out a thermal layer on the outside of the wall yourself. In this case, we thermally insulate the walls of balconies and loggias from the inside.

We attach penofol to the cleaned wall as waterproofing. We glue all joints with adhesive aluminum tape. We place expanded polystyrene slabs on top of the penofol on the adhesive solution and additionally fix them with plastic dowels with large caps. If the climatic conditions are harsh, we lay polystyrene foam in two layers.

Spread glue on top, apply a reinforcing mesh and roll it into the glue with a construction roller. After the glue has dried, we finish it with decorative plaster and a topcoat. If we plan to decorate the walls with clapboard, then we attach a sheathing to the wall, on which we mount a finishing coating made of clapboard or plasterboard;

We carry out insulation of the ceiling in a similar way. We attach waterproofing to the ceiling, and attach foam boards to it using glue and plastic dowels. We put a reinforcing mesh on top, roll it up in a layer of glue and either plaster it on top or attach a suspended ceiling.

After thermal insulation, the space should be equipped with a heat source. It should be borne in mind that safety standards do not allow the use of central heating systems here.

Glazing with panoramic glass

Panoramic glass equipment has become increasingly popular lately. It differs from the usual one in that it has no frames.

The advantages of this method are as follows:

1. More aesthetic appearance;
2. Better lighting;
3. The space visually expands;
4. Improved visibility.

However, it should be taken into account that the equipment with panoramic glass does not provide for the presence of vents and opening windows. Therefore, it is necessary to equip the space with an additional ventilation system.

It should also be taken into account that options with PVC panoramic glazing are not suitable for use in winter - the heat loss is too great. Aluminum structures are more suitable for use in winter.

This type of glazing is considered quite complex and not everyone can take it on. But it is completely doable with your own hands. The main thing is to make a durable structure for installing glass that can withstand gusts of wind and significant loads under the weight of the glass.

Helpful advice!

We use tempered glass with a thickness of at least 8 mm. We distribute the load between the upper and lower edges of the profile. We take into account that it is not the glass itself that is subject to load, but the structure that holds it.

We use polymer thermal insulation between the sashes. In order not to disturb the aesthetic appearance and integrity of perception, it must be transparent.

Conclusion

Glazing and insulation of loggias has become very popular among apartment owners today. This is not surprising - in this way you can significantly expand the usable area of ​​your home by arranging an additional room.

Using new generation heat-insulating materials and modern technologies, it is quite possible to do all the work yourself, thus saving a significant part of the financial budget.

By equipping the insulated and glazed space with a heating system, we get another room and significantly reduce heat loss in the rooms adjacent to the balcony or loggia.
source: http://mynovostroika.ru/osteklenie_i_uteplenie_balkona_i_lodzhii

Glazing balconies and loggias yourself

The functions of a balcony can be very multifaceted. For some, it serves as a storage area for rarely used items, while others turn it into a multifunctional room. In order to make good use of the balcony area and turn it into a comfortable room, first you need to glaze and insulate it. There are many options for usefully renovating a balcony; you just need to decide what we are turning it into.

It is possible to glaze a balcony with your own hands, but you should not neglect a detailed study of all the intricacies of this process. The most important thing is the reliable installation and glazing of window frames, the correct material and successful insulation.

Having started planning a balcony, you should decide what function it should perform. The price and complexity of the building depend on this decision. To turn a balcony into a full-fledged room, you will have to spend money not only by ordering double-glazed windows and special frames, but also by taking care of insulation around the entire perimeter.

Main types of glazing for balconies

So, glazing can be: cold, warm and frameless. The first type includes wooden structures or Euro-frames with one glass. Between the windows you will need powerful insulation, and the glass is reinforced with a high-quality seal.

This cover will protect the room from wind and dirt and will allow you to use the balcony as a refrigerator in the cold season.

The warm option is more demanding in terms of arrangement, since it is necessary to insulate the room inside and outside. Frames must be ordered with thermal inserts, and the more double-glazed windows, the better the heat is retained in the room.

A dangerous point when maintaining heat is the formation of condensation on the glass, which contributes to the appearance of mold. Be sure to take care of controlled ventilation, it provides protection against condensation.

Wood, aluminum or plastic - choice of materials

To understand how to glaze a loggia or balcony, you need to know what types of profiles exist. Recently, few people prefer to use wooden frames for construction.

The undeniable advantage here is the naturalness of the material, which is quite affordable and budget-friendly. However, wooden frames allow the cold to pass through and are not practical to maintain. In addition, wood is not characterized by better resistance to temperature changes and interaction with moisture.

It should be noted that the process is quite lengthy, and the work is scrupulous.

When choosing how to glaze a balcony, most people today decide to use metal-plastic frames, which are much more convenient not only to use, but also to maintain.

The cost of such a building is much more expensive, but they also have many times more advantages:

• - modern design;
• — effective heat and sound insulation;
• — fast and simple installation process;
• — complete tightness prevents the penetration of dirt;
• — the ability to install locks makes them safe for small children.

Advantages of aluminum frames:

— despite the light weight of the metal, it is quite durable;

- heat-resistant material that does not burn and does not react with air and water;

— long service life;

- does not require painting;

— easy to deliver and convenient to install;

- promotes sound insulation.

How to make a balcony comfortable

Since you will have to spend money to implement what you planned, the decision will be quite clear - to make a balcony with your own hands, or to take on at least part of the work. For example, the first stage of a long process is calculation and measurement.

It should be noted that this is not an easy task, and it requires maximum precision and care. If you doubt your capabilities, it is better to entrust this work to specialists. You can make approximate calculations for yourself, which will give you an idea of ​​the cost of materials.

The easiest way to measure a balcony is one that has easy access to the wall and parapet. Experience shows that even new designs allow slab discrepancies of up to 10 cm. Therefore, measurements should be taken at least in three different places, relying on the average result.

The measurement of glazing height is the distance from the edge of the railing to the top point every linear meter; the length is the width of the railing. It is necessary to determine the smallest distance by subtracting 6 cm from it for a plastic structure, and 4 cm for an aluminum one. We leave this gap for filling with polyurethane foam.

If the balcony is already glazed, in order to take accurate measurements, its complete disassembly is necessary. You should not risk inaccurate measurements; a large load on the balcony can lead to the collapse of the entire structure.

For reliable operation, the installation must be strong and durable. In order not to get confused in the calculations, it is recommended to draw an approximate sketch and write down all measurements in accordance with the drawing.

At the second stage, preparatory work for glazing will take place. First, make sure that the balcony parapet is strong. Even minor cracks should be sealed using conventional galvanization. If the old parapet seems unreliable, it is necessary to replace it by laying a new one made of brick.

It is very important to make an accurate horizontal level so that the mass of the structure is evenly distributed over the entire area. Now you need to build and secure the metal frame for the frames. Attach it around the perimeter using self-tapping screws and dowels.

The last and most difficult stage is directly glazing the balcony with your own hands. To simplify the task, remove the double-glazed windows from the metal-plastic structures, leaving the frames empty. Gently pull the bar to remove the glass unit. On movable windows, you should remove the sash from the frame: tilt the sash, then lift it a few cm and remove it from its hinges.

Now you should attach the support stand profile to the frame. It is necessary to turn the frame over, insert the profile into the grooves and secure it with a mallet. So, it’s time to install the frame fastening: leave 15cm from the edge and use a hammer to hammer the plates into the grooves. The part that protrudes should be turned perpendicular to the structure.

For the next stage, it is advisable to find an assistant to lift and secure the frames in the opening. Pre-prepare a drill, a drill (length - 30mm, diameter - 6mm) and self-tapping screws. Having leveled, install the frame to the concrete wall and secure it with clamps, screwing in the screws.

Connect the frames together, checking the horizontal and vertical levels. Then, attach the frames to the balcony building structures using anchors. After that, you should fill the gaps with polyurethane foam and attach the visor.

Note!

In order to finally glaze the balcony, carefully install the double-glazed windows back into the frames. All that remains is to hang the tilt and turn sashes on their hinges and mount the tilting mechanism on the frames and sashes.

After completion, check the tightness of the double-glazed window with the frame and the mechanism of operation of the fittings. The last step is to install the window sill and provide drainage.
source: https://perfect-okna.com.ua/ru/statti/iak-zaskliti-balkon/

How to glaze a balcony and insulate it yourself

To ensure that the balcony area does not remain ownerless, you can carry out some work to transform it and turn it into a small but very functional room. Since this room is not heated, first of all it needs to be glazed and insulated.

Glazing a balcony with your own hands can be possible if you study the instructions for this process in detail. But when the window frames are already installed and glazed, nothing will interfere with the work on further insulation and decorative design of the room - neither rain nor wind.

Types of glazing

If you decide to renovate, you need to start by choosing the type of glazing. It can be traditional - using ordinary wooden frames or Euro-frames - aluminum, metal-plastic and wooden with the installation of double-glazed windows. In addition, glazing can be frameless, insulated and cold.

Warm and cold glazing

Glazing of balconies can be cold or warm, and both are done both when installing conventional wooden frames and more advanced ones.

Cold glazing includes the installation of wooden frames with ordinary glass or Euro-frames - also with one hermetically installed glass. It is used if the balcony is not planned to be used year-round as a living space.

A balcony made in this way should not have any special requirements for maintaining temperature. Frames can only make the room neat and protected from wind and dust, and somewhat reduce the penetration of sounds from the street.

Cold glazing does not require additional insulation measures. The only thing that can be done is to install wooden flooring on the floor for comfort.

An insulated glazing option is necessary if the balcony or loggia will be combined with one of the rooms. The entire room must be insulated with one or another thermal insulation materials.

With this change in layout, frames with double-glazed windows with triple glazing are installed.

Warm insulation requires a more serious approach.

If you choose one of the Euro glazing options, then you need to purchase frames with thermal inserts that fit between the profile and the glass unit.

Double-glazed windows should have one, or better yet, two vacuum chambers - this choice will depend on the weather conditions of the region.

Further, when creating a warm room, you must remember that you cannot allow the so-called “dew point” to form inside the room. Failure to comply with this condition will lead to the appearance of dampness and mold due to the formation of condensation - first on the balcony, and then in the room.

It is impossible to allow the formation of a “dew point” between the glass installed on frames located outside the perimeter of the balcony. In this case, achieving the correct balance of temperature effects on windows is much more difficult, since they can be cooled not only through the glass, but also from the lower and upper end sides.

Therefore, you need to carefully consider their insulation.

If wooden frames are chosen, then you will need to “conjure” by installing good insulation between them, as well as a seal between the frame and the glass.

To prevent mold stains from appearing on the balcony, it is necessary to take a number of measures to help avoid dampness:

1. - sealing cracks and gaps in the floor and walls of the room before insulating it;
2. - waterproofing the floor and balcony parapet;
3. - organization of effective ventilation.

Helpful advice!

A ventilation device is one of the main conditions for preventing the formation of condensation.

But in order not to cool down the insulated room, ventilation must be adjustable:

On Euro-windows it is installed in the upper horizontal part of the profile;

When installing wooden frames that are tightly closed for the winter, you need to build a through ventilation valve with an adjustable damper into one of the upper sections of the window or wall.

Traditional wooden frames with glazing

In recent years, this option for protecting the balcony from rain, wind and snow has become a thing of the past, but still some apartment owners prefer it due to the low cost of the material and the ability to carry out the process themselves.

Such glazing will not save you from frost and will not make the balcony warmer in winter, nor will it create effective sound insulation from external noise, but will become an obstacle to dust, wind and precipitation. In winter, a balcony protected in this way can only be used as a refrigerator.

However, if you install double wooden frames, insulate them well, as well as the walls, floor and ceiling, and install heating devices, then in not very cold times you can use the balcony as a living room.

Glazing of wooden balcony frames is not quick, since in each of them you need to install a separate glass with a special putty, securing it with nails driven through a glazing bead. It should be noted that this process is very tedious and requires the highest accuracy.

The disadvantages of such glazing also include the difficulty of putting the glass in order, especially if double frames are installed, twisted together. In addition, wooden frames require special treatment with antiseptic compounds and periodic painting.

Metal-plastic windows

Euro-glazing refers to the installation of metal-plastic frames with double-glazed windows. This method of transforming a balcony will cost much more, but it also has much more advantages over wooden frames.

Double-glazed windows installed in metal-plastic profiles can have single, double or triple glazing.

The advantages of this type of glazing are:

• Aesthetic and neat design.
• The tightness of Euro-frames allows you to create effective heat and sound insulation, preventing precipitation, wind, dirt and dust from entering the premises. With additional insulation of all walls, floor and ceiling, the balcony becomes a full-fledged room in which you can arrange an office, workshop, greenhouse or quiet relaxation area.

If you know the installation process of Euro-frames, you can install them quite quickly yourself.

Ease of care will allow you to tidy them up more often and quickly.
Frames do not require additional annual insulation and painting.

By installing special locks on opening sashes of windows, you will not be afraid that a child will be able to open the frame on their own.

Aluminum frames

Frames made of aluminum are currently quite popular for installation on balconies. They are used for both cold and warm glazing. In the first case, options with single or double glazing are used. But when organizing a warm room, frames with thermal inserts are used.

Aluminum frames can be installed on parapets, or they can be used to form a panoramic glazing structure. It should be noted that in the latter case, the thermal insulation of the balcony is reduced, since the metal has a very high thermal conductivity.

Advantages of aluminum frames:

1. This metal is very light, and at the same time has high mechanical strength.
2. Aluminum has good heat resistance, it does not burn, and is not susceptible to corrosion.
3. The service life of such structures is on average 50 ÷ 70 years.
4. The lightness of aluminum allows the use of structures made from it in conditions where heavier frames, for example, made of metal-plastic or metal-wood, cannot be used due to their greater weight. This speaks in favor of such frames for installation on balconies - no additional reinforcements are required, which will save some money.
5. Aluminum frames do not require painting and are easy to maintain.
6. The balcony, glazed with aluminum frames, receives good sound insulation.

Frameless glazing

Frameless glazing of balconies is used infrequently, since it is still a new technology, but already gaining popularity. Glazing can be made from ceiling to floor or installed on a parapet.

Frameless glazing not only visually expands the space of a small balcony room, but also perfectly protects it from dust and external noise. It is perfect for a room where you plan to grow various plants - due to the absence of frames, they will receive plenty of sunlight.

Frameless glazing is characterized by the following qualities:

• For this transparent balcony fencing, tempered glass is used, which is 8 to 10 times more impact-resistant and durable than regular glass, so it can withstand very high loads.
• It is impossible to get hurt with such glass panels, since all their edges are rounded and polished in a special way.
• This glazing is easy to use - the design is designed in such a way that it is easy to open and close, since each of the panels slides on rollers along a metal rail.
• Glass fencing takes up practically no space, while frames always “eat up” 50 ÷ 100 mm of area around the entire perimeter of an already small room. This is especially true for glazing installed from floor to ceiling.
• High sound insulation – noise absorption efficiency reaches 50–70%.

Glazing with roof arrangement

The real problem is a balcony that does not have a roof. Rain and snow, dust and leaves from trees - it all collects in this small area. Such a balcony cannot be used functionally; you cannot rest on it, leave clothes to dry, and in rainy weather you cannot even go out on it.

Therefore, the apartment owner has to solve the problem himself by installing the roof and glazing the balcony.

Roofs over a balcony in combination with glazing can be of two types:

A dependent roof is installed only when installing aluminum frames. It is attached to the block built from them and the wall of the house.

The advantages of this design include its reliability, ease and speed of installation at a fairly reasonable price.

The disadvantages of a dependent roof include the fact that it can only be installed over narrow balconies and loggias. When installed above wide extensions, the structure becomes unreliable and is unlikely to withstand snow loads in winter.

An independent roof is different in that its installation is not associated with the glazing of the balcony. An individual metal or wooden frame is made, that is, you can make a roof without even planning further glazing.

The advantage of this roof is that it can be installed over a balcony of any width, the main thing is to correctly calculate the strength of the structure. In addition, if it is not possible to install both the glazing and the roof at once, then you can install the roof first, and then the balcony frames.

Building a roof over a balcony at a height is a rather dangerous undertaking, so it is recommended to entrust this work to professional craftsmen. Moreover, you first need to make accurate calculations of the brackets and the entire frame so that the structure is not blown away by the wind one day.

Safety precautions when working on the balcony

When planning balcony glazing, always remember the dangers of working at height. Not only do you need to protect your life or health, you must not allow threats to other people, for example, in the form of tools or construction materials falling from a height.

Note!

When carrying out work on insulating and glazing a balcony yourself, extreme caution is required, especially in cases where any processes are carried out from the outside.

You should not take risks and rely entirely on your strength and dexterity - you must definitely protect yourself with the help of a safety belt. The belt purchased is industrial or sports, and the fastening must withstand a load of 350 ÷ 400 kg, which must be indicated in the certificate. If such information is missing, then this product is not worth purchasing.

In addition, you should definitely consult with a sales consultant who will clearly show you how to use this safety device.

You should not carry out work alone - you must invite a partner who can, if necessary, provide backup - this should be taken into account for work outside the balcony, and when installing frames and double-glazed windows.

To protect your hands when working with glass and metal, you must use gloves made of durable material.

Glazing stages

Unlike a loggia, where one of the sides is glazed, on a balcony frames have to be installed on three sides. The work is complicated by the fact that it is necessary to correctly align each of the structural elements and make a reliable connection at the corners.

Moreover, during installation it is necessary to take into account that only the end frames will be rigidly fixed to the wall.

The front part of the structure has the maximum size and weight, therefore it also differs in windage. It must be installed extremely carefully and immediately firmly fixed not only to the balcony parapet, but also to the slab of the upper balcony (or to the canopy).

Frame blocks can be purchased ready-made or ordered from the company that manufactures them, indicating the exact dimensions of the balcony. You can install ready-made blocks yourself if you carefully study the instructions.

Frame installation

Before insulating the balcony, it is necessary to glaze it. The explanation is simple - you cannot create the risk of insulation materials getting wet - they will simply lose their qualities.

The installation of frames is carried out according to the same principle, but the preparation of the base for them may vary. For example, frames can be installed on the base of a balcony, on a fence (parapet) or moved outside the perimeter.

Preparing to install the structure on the parapet

It’s good if the balcony parapet is made of brick or concrete - in this case it will be easier to secure the frames to a fence of sufficient width. It is more difficult to resolve this issue if the parapet is made of a metal angle and rod.

In this option, it is advisable to carry out preparatory work by slightly expanding the base for the convenience of fastening the frame structures. This could be installing an additional corner with a wider shelf. One side of it is placed outward, creating a kind of fence for the lower profile of the frame. In the same way, you can secure the corners in the upper part.

The corners are screwed with self-tapping screws in increments of 150 ÷ ​​200 mm from each other to the top of the parapet.

Helpful advice!

Metal elements must be well coated with protective paint. It will not only reduce the influence of the external environment, but also give the structure a more aesthetic appearance.

Wider brackets installed to expand the base under the frame structure will also serve to secure the window sill inside the balcony.

Preparing to install frames on the base of the balcony

In this option, you need to take into account the height to which the insulated floor will be raised. For example, if you plan to raise it by 100 mm, then a block of the same size is fixed around the perimeter of the balcony. It will be easier to install glazing frames on such a base.

At the top of the balcony, metal corners, wooden blocks can be used to secure the frames, or the frames can be screwed to the ceiling using special brackets.

If the ceiling is also insulated, then it will be necessary to include a block in the installation scheme, which will set the thickness of the insulating layer.

Preparing the parapet base for installing frames with offset

When expanding the upper part of the balcony by moving the frames beyond its perimeter, you will have to build a more complex structure for their installation.

Installation is usually carried out using a metal corner, from which a kind of shelf is made.

If you don’t have a welding machine or welding skills, you can build such a structure from a metal profile, strengthening it with a wooden block, placing it in the cavity of the profile and securing it to the parapet and floor of the balcony.

Using only a profile, it is impossible to obtain sufficient rigidity of the structure, and if you install it only from a bar, then under the influence of the external environment the frame will become less durable.

Brackets installed outside the parapet should be made in the form of triangles - this will give the greatest rigidity to the frame.

The upper, protruding part of the structure is also mounted from corners, connecting them horizontally with the canopy, and with vertical posts - with the lower part of the frame. It is best to additionally fasten corners to the load-bearing wall of the house to the height of the entire balcony and fasten them to the structure of the protruding part - this option will give the frame maximum reliability.

If aluminum frames are used for glazing, for which it is not necessary to install a common frame, then they can be secured in the upper part using metal strips. And x is screwed to the end side of the frame and to the upper balcony (to the roof).

Balcony extension

If there are plans to increase the area of ​​the balcony, then its floor slab must be thoroughly strengthened so that the main load from the entire structure is removed from it. The possibility of this action must be agreed upon with specialists, as this will require an accurate engineering calculation of whether the load-bearing wall of the house will withstand the additional load.

The expansion is carried out using a metal structure, which will be attached to the wall of the building with the frame moved beyond it for installation of frames. This method will help increase the area at the base of the room by 200 ÷ 300 mm in width, and the window sill in the upper part beyond the balcony by 200 ÷ 250 mm.

Frame fastening

Frames (wooden or other) are fastened according to the same principle - using special perforated metal strips and anchor screws.

Fastening strips of the required length are screwed to the end sides of the top and bottom of the frame. They are often used to mount the sides of the frame. On each side you will need two to three strips for fastening.

If necessary, wooden spacers and stands are installed between the frame and the wall to help achieve the desired position.

Often, to attach frames to the wall, anchors are used, for which the necessary holes are drilled. In this case, it is very important to select an element of the required length, since it must enter the wall at least 50 ÷ 60 mm.

The most difficult parts when installing frames on a balcony are the corners. To connect them and fix them together, you can use several techniques:

Use a special corner profile, which is built in during the manufacture of frames.

Install a metal corner measuring 80 ÷ 100 mm at the corners and secure the frames to it. First, the corner must be painted with a special protective paint.

Attach the frames to a wooden block, masked with plastic panels on the outside and inside after installation.

It is easier to solve the problem with wooden frames - they are fastened together with corners or a wooden block.

After installing the frames, all gaps between the walls and frame profiles are filled with polyurethane foam. If the gaps are very wide, in order to save money, you can first install fragments of polystyrene foam in some places in the gaps, and then apply polyurethane foam.

Glazing of frames

After the polyurethane foam has dried and cut off the excess, you can begin installing double-glazed windows in Euro-frames or cut glass in ordinary wooden structures.

Installation of double-glazed windows

When installing double-glazed windows into existing frames, it is very important to follow all recommendations.

Before installing a double-glazed window, special spacer pads must be placed in the lower inner part of the frame. They are also sometimes placed on the sides and top, between the frame and the glass unit.

The spacers must be laid so that the weight of the glass unit is distributed evenly along the entire length of the frame profile. One of the sides of the gasket should protrude slightly beyond the perimeter of the glass unit.

This must be done so that when the bead is driven in, cracks do not form on the glass. When driving it, the bead will select the final location of the lining, moving it to the required (but not more than) certain distance.

Next, a glass unit is carefully installed on top of the gaskets. For ease of installation, professionals use special suction cups. They help to easily lift a fairly heavy element and install it in the frame opening.

Having installed the double-glazed window, hammer in the glazing beads using a wooden hammer. They must fit tightly into the gap intended for them and press the glass unit against the frame.

After the installation of double-glazed windows is completed, they proceed to installing the window sill and insulating the ceiling, floor and walls.

Glazing of a wooden frame

To glaze a wooden frame, you will need small nails, wooden glazing beads, a rubber spatula, putty or sealant, drying oil and a narrow brush.

When installing glass in a wooden frame on a balcony, you may encounter one discrepancy, which is considered the rule in this work. The beads that secure the glass in the window opening must be nailed from the outside in order to protect the frame from moisture penetration, which is not always possible to reproduce in a balcony located above the first floor.

If the frames are small, then glazing can be done before the frame is installed on the parapet.

If the wooden structure is massive, pre-installed glass will make it even heavier and lifting it will not only be problematic, but also dangerous. Therefore, you will have to install the glass into the frame from the inside, and there is nothing wrong with this if this process is carried out correctly.

The first thing you need to do before installing the glass is to treat all window openings in the frames with drying oil, applying it with a narrow brush. Then you need to wait until the composition is absorbed into the wood and dries.

If the frames are to be painted, then the next step is to apply paint on top of the drying oil on the openings of the frames, which should also dry well.

After this, putty is applied to the folds of the opening using a rubber spatula in an even layer, 2.5 ÷ 3 mm thick. This will prevent water from getting between the glass and the frame.

Then the glass, prepared to size, is installed in the frame opening, on soft, not hardened putty, and carefully pressed against it.

Next, another layer of putty is applied to the inside of the glass, and a glazing bead is installed on it, which is nailed very carefully with nails. The nails are installed on the bead vertically or horizontally, since if they are driven in at an angle, the glass can easily be damaged.

You can do without putty, using instead a silicone tube, which is cut on one side along the entire length and placed on the edges of the glass.

Another option for installing glass in a frame is to fix it only on putty, which is applied under the glass, and then on it in a fairly thick layer, and carefully leveled.

From modern materials, sealant is used to seal the gaps between the frame and the glass. Many are afraid that it will stick tightly to the glass, and if necessary, it will be difficult to remove it from the opening.

To prevent this from happening, the glass is smeared along the edge with a soap solution or liquid soap, and after that it is attached to the sealant and fixed with a bead, which is also nailed down.

Note!

If you completely lack the skills to work with tools and building materials, then it is recommended to entrust this process to professional craftsmen. Moreover, today some companies producing Euro-frames provide free installation when ordering their products.