The contents
Balcony glazing currently a relevant topic for many home owners. Methods of glazing there are several: warm and cold, the type of material used most often used plastic or aluminum. Warm glazing allows to increase the amount of useful area of the apartment, provide comfortable conditions for living in this space. A cold glass of such advantages will not, but in any case, the glazed balcony is always convenient, practical and aesthetically appealing.
Sliding balcony frames ↑
In the last few years prefer to install balcony frames of the sliding type. Unlike the usual hinged Windows, these designs save space, when opened they did not interfere, creating comfortable conditions for movement on the balcony, not hinder the placement of furniture in a convenient way.
Aluminum construction allow to create optimal conditions in the room, do not miss the cold and the wind. Plastic frames perfectly retain heat, is water tight, have waterproofing properties, indispensable when you need to insulate a balcony.
Types of sliding structures ↑
Sliding balcony frames of PVC and aluminium is performed in several versions:
- Parallel-sliding. Sash Windows are moving on special rails, similar to the system of the doors in the closets. Reliable mechanism provides smooth and easy movement of the frames, the rollers are waterproof and frost-resistant.
- Swivel-sliding or tilt-sliding. First fold recline, move n themselves, after which they move parallel to the profile. These Windows provide high thermal performance.
- Vertically sliding. Apply in our country is quite rare, but such designs are common to see in American movies. The frame is raised and fixed at the top.
When choosing a suitable option, you should consider the design, operating conditions and the size of the room. Basic requirements for the window frames – to ensure high functional safety, to be safe and beautiful.
Features aluminum glazing ↑
Aluminum balcony frames have such advantages as resistance to corrosion, light weight that allows to install it on any parapet, not even the most durable, which is especially important for older homes with not too fortified balconies. Profile in such structures are quite thin, which makes it neat and unobtrusive. This makes the aperture as wide as possible and enables smooth penetration of sunlight. The appearance of such Windows is attractive and elegant.
Unlike wood or PVC constructions, aluminium has a high resistance to fire and durability. Aluminum frames are very easy to clean, they can be removed from the guides, which makes washing glasses a lot easier. The only thing to consider – aluminum is not suitable as warm glass, since the material itself is cold, and the temperature on the balcony is above the street by about 5-7°C.
This type of glass is cold, it is mainly used to protect the premises against weather, precipitation, insects, dust and poplar fluff. The cost of aluminium structures some cheaper plastic, which is also to their considerable advantage. With proper and careful usage, aluminum profile has an average lifetime of 20-30 years.
Plastic glazing of balconies ↑
If we talk about warm glazed, it can only be performed by plastic structures. These frames will provide a high thermal protection, they are completely sealed, preventing penetration into the room cold, and have excellent noise insulation properties. With their help, the balcony easily turned into a full-fledged living room. Weight plastic balcony frames a lot more than aluminum, but it allows them to withstand more serious load.
Plastic frames look aesthetically appealing throughout the period of operation, they do not fade, do not deform under the influence of external factors. Service life of such products is much longer than wooden frames, which require special care and special handling. The surface of PVC designs are ideally flat and smooth, does not need painting, do not freeze. Easy care, simply wipe with a damp sponge using non-abrasive detergent.
Burglar-resistant properties and provides additional strength to the frames galvanized fittings and safety lock. The high cost of window designs compensated long lifespan – about 30 years. Applying these products to warm glass to provide sufficient heat retention in the room, you must consider other factors: the thermal conductivity of the walls, the quality of installation etc.
Installation of balcony frames with his own hands ^ a
Installation of balcony frames is a responsible process, because, regardless of the type of the selected material, from installation will depend on the durability and functionality of the whole structure. In the first phase are measurements and corresponding calculations. Necessarily taken into account the permissible load on the fence for the installation of frames, is determined by any type of material.
The installation process is performed in the following sequence:
- In the fence are drilled for the installation of a wooden bar, then hammer the anchors.
- The fence is installed a wooden beam in a horizontal position. To do this, use a construction level.
- The bar is attached with screws.
- On the top and bottom edge of the frame are set low tides, and fastened by dowels.
- Using a Builder’s level and leveling wedges, the frame is established.
- Hung sash.
- Lifting frame and having got under her wedges, spacers are installed.
- The sides and bottom of the frame are drilled the holes and using long screws, the frame is attached to the screen.
- To provide higher thermal insulation of the room, all gaps between the frame and the wall are filled with foam. Will fit any other sealant.
All works on installation of balcony frames is not too difficult. Each person having certain skills and construction experience, will be able to perform them yourself.
