From the article you will learn:

Which windows are best to install - this question worries not only those who have decided to glaze a balcony or loggia, but also those who are going to dismantle windows in their house or apartment. Installing or replacing windows is an important stage of renovation that requires a careful approach.

From the right decision Not only the timing and quality of operation depend, but also visual compatibility with the overall interior. How not to make a mistake with the choice, because today's market conditions offer us many options for purchase?

Glazing options

Today's market offers a lot of options for glazing balconies and loggias with frames made of plastic, aluminum, wood, and so on. But how can you choose the most suitable option that meets your requirements?

Selection of windows depending on material

Material from which windows can be made:

1. plastic;
2. aluminum;
3. tree;

Plastic windows

The modern market offers classic plastic profiles, consisting of two or three structures with two or three sashes, but windows are still ordered according to the dimensions of your structure. You can also purchase bevel systems.

Pros:

PVC windows are characterized by excellent tightness; thanks to the rubber gasket between the frame and the window, heat is retained inside the loggia, and cold from the street does not enter inside. By relying on two- and three-chamber windows, you protect yourself from street noise and cold air. Well, if, in addition to installing high-quality double-glazed windows, you carry out work to insulate the balcony area, then the result will be additional living space in the apartment.

1. Plastic copes well with weather disasters. For balcony glazing plastic double glazed windows neither heat nor severe frost will affect it. The frames will always remain white.
2. If you're bored with white people plastic frames on a balcony/loggia, you can decorate the windows with multi-colored adhesive film.
3. Installation of plastic structures is quite simple, and thanks to the pricing policy, glazing can be carried out even at small and modest costs.

Minuses:

1. One of the disadvantages of plastic windows is their ability to accumulate static electricity, which attracts dust and dirt. Therefore, quite often you will have to plastic windows wash and wipe.
2. Plastic is a material that is subject to mechanical stress, such as scratches and dents, which cannot be removed.
3. Also, plastic windows are heavy and inconvenient, so when choosing multilayer heat-insulating double-glazed windows, take into account their weight load on the balcony structure. Moreover, this will also affect the cost of glazing.

Aluminum windows

1. The advantages of lightweight sliding and swing models include their reasonable cost. They are much cheaper than PVC windows, often one and a half or two times.
2. They perfectly protect from outside noise, precipitation, dirt and dust.
3. Models made of aluminum profiles are quite lightweight, so they can be safely used when glazing small balconies. And thanks to the sliding models, this is an ideal solution for installation on narrow balconies, which significantly saves space.
4. The products are characterized by a long service life; they retain their original appearance for a long time. If the rollers of sliding structures fail or break, special labor It won't be possible to replace them. Moreover, the metal sliding doors can be easily removed for easy cleaning.

Minuses:

1. One of the negative factors of aluminum profiles is its poor thermal insulation. Therefore in winter period It will be cold on the balcony, even if you install internal insulation.
2. As for temperature changes, they can also affect structures, causing the frames to become deformed.

Wooden windows

Wood is a natural raw material, which means that windows made from it are absolutely safe and meet all environmental standards.

1. Some types of wood used to produce such products can have beneficial effects on the human body.
2. Put wooden windows on the balcony is recommended for those who grow flowers or other plants in the specified room. After all, wood is able to maintain an optimal level of humidity. However, in in this case you will have to take care of proper thermal insulation of the windows, as well as heating the balcony itself.
3. At proper care wooden frames live quite a long time. True, for this the wood must also be subjected to special processing.
4. The undeniable advantage of such windows is that they fit harmoniously into any facade interior, and are also easy to repair.

Read also: Permission to glaze balconies and loggias. Do I need to get it?

Flaws :

1. Wood is subject to aging processes, which explains the need for careful care of windows made from this material. Damage to wood has an adverse effect on the room in which the product is used. Moreover, rotten windows on the balcony are a source of increased danger.
2. Windows made of wood have a very unpleasant property of drying out. These defects negatively affect appearance window frames and the balcony itself. Cracks formed as a result of this process can cause a draft, which can provoke neuralgia and colds among the owners of the house if they often use the balcony.
3. Such windows do not allow the balcony to be used as a full-fledged room in winter if there is no heating on it.

Hinged balcony windows

The frames of casement window units can be made of wood, aluminum and plastic. Glazing is made using both ordinary glass and sealed double-glazed windows. Mosquito nets can be installed in such structures.

Hinged windows can be made with sashes in the usual turning version or with a tilt-and-turn mechanism. This mechanism can be used to tilt the sash both at the top and bottom of the window block. In various designs, window sashes can be manufactured with opening inward or outward.
Installation of casement windows is possible both on balconies and loggias. Depending on the components window units may vary greatly in weight.

Therefore, during installation, it is necessary to take into account the load that the window unit will exert on the base. Glazing on balconies can be done with at least three window blocks. You can glaze the loggia with at least one block.

Sliding windows

Sliding window blocks are made on the basis of an aluminum frame, much less often from wood and plastic. Thick single glass is installed in the sash. In such structures it is possible to install mosquito nets.

There are also ultra-modern frameless designs; they do not have a frame. The doors consist only of glass. Mosquito nets it cannot be installed in this way.

Sliding windows, depending on the design, can be moved parallel, vertically, or in a rotary-tilt manner. Most often, a parallel type of movement is used, which repeats the movement of compartment doors.

Installation of blocks of sliding glazing systems can be done on loggias and balconies. On the balconies, blind structures are installed at the ends. And the sliding system itself is in the middle, just like on the loggias. Along the entire length, at the top and bottom, special runners are mounted, along which the doors move on wheels.

Combination of casement and sliding windows

After understanding what the different types of window blocks are, you can decide which windows are best to install on the balcony: hinged or sliding.

The better the connection of the sashes, the higher the tightness of the entire enclosing structure. If you want to make an absolutely warm option, then it is better to glaze the balcony with a plastic profile and multi-layer double-glazed windows. An option with hinged windows is suitable for this. The double-glazed windows installed in them will reliably prevent the penetration of cold and will also significantly reduce the noise level.
If you do not need to use a balcony in winter time then it is advisable to use sliding window systems. These window units are perfect for use in spring, summer and fall. They are really convenient and easy to manage.

It is worth noting that these systems can look decent even in winter. In various designs, they are quite airtight and will perform their enclosing function efficiently.

Choosing a double-glazed window for the balcony

Standard with regular glass

Double-glazed windows vary in the number of glasses. There are single-chamber, double-chamber, etc.

Single-chamber can be placed on balconies where there is no need for special insulation, and the room will not be used as a living space. In this case, it is best not to use monoglass with a thickness of 4 or 6 mm, as ice build-up will form in the corners.

It is worth choosing a two-chamber for the balcony if it is necessary to solve the problems of street noise and heat conservation. Such a double-glazed window with 2 different distances between the glasses serves very well effective protection from the noise on the street.

Double-glazed windows with 3 or more chambers are chosen in case of urgent need to protect the balcony from heat loss, or to increase sound insulation. Before installing such a double-glazed window, you need to understand that it is very heavy - not every frame can support it. Installing such a structure is painstaking work, which not every company will undertake. This allows very little light to pass through and can create twilight. Therefore, before ordering it, you need to think carefully about the lighting solution. In addition, the price will be much higher due to difficulties in manufacturing and installation.

However, double-glazed windows with multiple chambers also have positive aspects. With their help, you can even do without additional heating devices. Given these savings, the cost will quickly add up. Do not forget that excessive tightness is not always useful. To avoid condensation, you will have to regularly ventilate the room.

Tinted windows

These double-glazed windows have the same properties as regular ones, with the exception of light transmission. Typically, tinted double-glazed windows are ordered for balconies (loggias), which are located on the southern sunny side, or because of the need to hide the inner world of the room from prying eyes.

A double-glazed window for a balcony with tinted glass consists of special types of transparent fused glass manufactured using float technology. During the melting process, the required color is selected by adding metal oxides. Glasses of this type have a fairly high ability to absorb light. Its reflective properties are much less than that of ordinary glass on a window.

Read also: Glazing of balconies and loggias with aluminum profiles

This is characterized by a soft, pleasant light outside and inside, which is reflected weakly. Protection from solar radiation occurs due to the fact that solar energy adsorbed.

Most often, a bronze color is chosen for tinting on a balcony. Please note that the color of the glass tinted in the mass depends on the thickness of the glass.

Energy saving glass

Single-chamber or double-chamber energy-saving double-glazed windows can effectively insulate a balcony (loggia) and provide comfort in the living space. Single chamber energy saving has a very important advantage- a light weight. This design is much lighter than the analogue of a double-glazed window. Therefore, the choice of such a design will be optimal solution for models with large sashes. Such a double-glazed window will not create an increased load on the fittings, maintaining its service life.

A specially designed design for balconies (loggias) allows you to significantly reduce the weight of the window unit, while maximizing heat conservation and protecting the balcony from external noise and harmful solar ultraviolet radiation.

A single-chamber energy-saving double-glazed window contains a warm TPS spacer frame, different glass thicknesses, an argon-filled chamber, Solar solar protection, and filling with silver ions for more efficient energy saving.

A warm spacer (WF) is a plastic spacer between two panes of glass that prevents cold air from penetrating the inner glass and therefore prevents condensation from forming.

Different glass thicknesses (inner 4 mm, outer 5 mm) break up incoming sound waves, thereby creating good sound insulation. The inert argon gas inside the energy-saving double-glazed window prevents the penetration of cold air from the street and prevents the internal glass from cooling. This reduces moisture condensation and keeps the balcony warm. Solar protection coating protects the balcony from overheating, wallpaper and furniture from fading, and residents from harmful solar ultraviolet radiation. In summer, such a double-glazed window will help save on air conditioning. These costs often even exceed heating costs.

The price is approximately 2 times more than regular ones, but the difference in price will quickly pay off due to savings on heating costs. In addition, such designs reduce the load on the fittings, thereby extending their service life. Externally, such double-glazed windows do not differ from conventional structures. In order to find out whether there is energy-saving glass in a double-glazed window, light a match and look at the reflection of the flame in the double-glazed window at an angle of 45 degrees. The number of reflections is equal to twice the number of glasses, and the reflection that differs in color from the rest will be attributed to the glass with an energy-saving coating.

Tinted film

Tinted films are the general name for all films that have the property of filtering light. Some of them remove very narrow areas from the visible light spectrum, while others evenly attenuate the passage of all types of spectral components. For each specific type of film, the coefficients of reflection, light transmittance and absorption are indicated.

Reflective (solar protective films) can be either mirror or non-reflective. If you use the latter type, all the sun's rays and the rays of artificial emitters (spotlights, lanterns) will be scattered and will not give a directional reflection.

All sunscreen films (both scattering and reflective) are transparent in only one direction - to the outside of the house. Being inside a balcony glazed with double-glazed windows with such a film, you can calmly observe the environment outside without turning on the lights, remaining unnoticed.

These types of double-glazed windows can not only protect from sunlight, they also have other protective properties. If glass, which is covered with even a very thin film, is hit by a gust of hurricane wind or an explosion, such glass may crack, but will not collapse: all the fragments will remain on the protective film. This film does not deteriorate at all appearance windows on the balcony (loggia).

All films have a high degree of protection (absorption coefficient up to 99%) from harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. Thanks to this, they can be used to protect furniture and the interior of the room from fading. Window films are highly recommended for improving the indoor environmental factors of people who live in areas with high levels of solar radiation. Films protect glass from destruction by high temperatures. For example, during a fire, glass coated with such a film will not collapse longer than regular glass.

Films have the ability to accumulate less static electricity. Therefore, there will be no accumulation of electrical charges in the room that are harmful to human health. Less dust accumulates on double-glazed windows with tinted film. This improves their appearance and the transparency of the glass, and it will be possible to wash them less often. Antistatic property protective films It will be especially useful in regions with hot and dry climates.

Warm and cold glazing

If we talk about which windows are best to install, then it all depends on the goals you want to achieve. To ensure maximum protection of the room not only from dust and wind, but also from temperature changes, it is better to install plastic or wooden European structures. If you simply need to protect the room from wind and dust, then a sliding design will be sufficient, and to ensure maximum light entry, you need to choose a frameless glazing option.

If you want to turn a balcony or loggia into a living room in which you can live all year round, then you need to install structures made of PVC or wood. Most often, preference is given to PVC structures, since they are cheaper, and the fact that the profile has a multi-chamber structure allows them to effectively save heat.

In the case when you simply need to protect your balcony from precipitation and you like to be in the fresh air, cold glazing using an aluminum profile will be sufficient. Despite the fact that the aluminum profile is lightweight, it is more durable than plastic or wood, and even when heated strongly it does not emit harmful substances. When choosing a window, you need to pay attention to the profile, but the choice of double-glazed window is more important.

Read also: Aluminum balcony frames. Balcony glazing

What types of glass are there?

For balcony glazing, it is recommended to use K- or L-glass, as they are energy-saving and low-emission. If we talk about such an indicator as light absorption, then K-glass has more of it. It also has greater emissivity.

Metal oxides are sprayed onto these glasses, which makes them more durable and also increases their insulating properties. But they are more expensive than regular glass.

The likelihood of glass vibrations directly depends on their thickness. In order for the window to provide maximum noise insulation and heat insulation performance, the distance between the glasses must be the maximum permissible. To further increase these characteristics, the space between the glasses is filled with krypton or argon.

Brief overview of window fittings manufacturers

So, which company’s windows are better? If you have already decided on the type of windows, their material and profile, you should Special attention pay attention to the choice of accessories. There are several leading popular manufacturers of window fittings, among which the following should be highlighted:

• G-U (Gretsch-Unitas)
• Siegenia-Aubi
• Winkhaus

The company's assortment includes high-quality window fittings, as well as a variety of decorative elements.

Parameters for choosing quality products

Let's figure out how to choose the right one pvc window and what you should pay attention to. Let's start with selecting a profile, since the overall quality depends on it.

What should you pay attention to first:

1. Availability large quantity chamber compartments. It is thanks to such chambers that plastic elements retain heat in the room, creating a kind of buffer layer. For our climatic conditions, it is quite enough to use a three-chamber profile; it will fully meet the necessary requirements. For non-residential premises or buildings, it is enough to install a two-chamber system.
2. The composition of the material must meet all requirements and standards. You should check for certificates upon purchase.
3. The thickness of the profile walls should be 2.8-3.2 millimeters. Thanks to this, the window retains its rigidity and can last for a long period of time.

Approach the choice of profile with due attention, because the quality and thermal insulation properties, will directly depend on the quality of the profile. It’s better to choose and install a better one than to regret it later.

The next stage to which you should pay close attention is, of course, the double-glazed window. Since glass makes up approximately eighty percent of the entire opening area, if you choose the wrong double-glazed window, you risk losing the required level of heat and insulation from extraneous noise.

Before glazing a balcony or loggia with modern windows with double-glazed windows and PVC profiles, each person may have a number of questions. And if the customer has never encountered this before, then he will be wondering, “What is a double-glazed window? And which one to choose? or “How to understand whether a high-quality PVC profile is or not? Which one is better to choose? All these questions require careful consideration, since high-quality execution of the ordered windows for a balcony or loggia will be the key to comfort in your home and will help you choose best option. The first question can be answered briefly, a double-glazed window is a construction product that has a different configuration and consists of two or more sheets of glass, hermetically sealed together and filled with dry air, which prevents moisture condensation from forming inside the chamber. Modern construction uses double-glazed windows everywhere, as this is a practical technology that allows you to retain heat and has good sound insulation.

Types of double-glazed windows. Advantages and disadvantages

The glass unit covers the main part of the glass and is the main part of the window, it is 80% of the surface. When choosing a double-glazed window, you should consider whether you want the thermal insulation in the house to be maximum and the sound insulation to be the same. Today, the most common are double-glazed windows with a single-chamber and double-chamber design; there are also options with a three-chamber implementation.

• Single-chamber double-glazed window– the main advantage of this type is its efficiency, in the sense that it is the most inexpensive option, since a minimum of materials is used, as well as the ease of construction. The disadvantage is insufficient insulation of the loggia or balcony.
• Double-glazed window– the advantage here is better heat and sound insulation of the balcony or loggia. There are no shortcomings as such, but they can appear if the window installation as a whole is not of good quality, which can lead to the appearance of condensation.
• Three-chamber double-glazed window– maximum insulation and sound insulation, which is, of course, an advantage. But the high cost and heavy weight of the structure can be attributed to the disadvantages.

Cold or warm glazing of a balcony or loggia?

Cold glazing– used if you want to save a lot on glazing a balcony or loggia. In this case, simple frames with single glass are used, which do not have heat-preserving or sound-absorbing properties. This glazing is suitable for simple gatherings in the summer and for storing food that requires cold in the winter. Such a glazed balcony will be quite comfortable in the summer, although the noise on the balcony or loggia will be high, which may irritate some. Very popular in Russia is the implementation of cold glazing using aluminum structures, which are strong and lightweight and can easily withstand such loads in strong windy weather. To improve and strengthen the aluminum structure, it is sealed with special materials that eliminate the rattling of windows in very “violent” weather conditions. In addition, aluminum has such a positive factor as low cost, which will undoubtedly appeal to people looking for an economical option.

Warm glazing- in this case, or a loggia is required thoroughly. In this case, double-glazed windows of various configurations are used, which can consist of two or more layers of glass that form several chambers, and the PVC profile is used. This creates excellent sound insulation and high thermal insulation, which is very important if you want to be comfortable on your balcony or loggia in winter. IN summer period It will also be comfortable in such a balcony if the windows are additionally darkened with special glass with a reflective component. This will help reduce the intensity of sunlight and maintain optimal temperature in the house. This glazing is often used if you are planning to extend your living space with a balcony or loggia in order to have a more attractive and comfortable room design. To do this, you should take into account such a factor as the condensate that will form with this configuration. This can easily be avoided if you insulate your loggia or balcony and use three-chamber and high-quality PVC profiles.

Four factors that will help avoid the formation of condensation on a double-glazed window

• it is required to carry out high-quality thermal and waterproofing of the floor and parapet of a balcony or loggia, so that there is no hint of a gap that could lead to the formation of unwanted condensation;
• when ordering glazing, purchase windows with double sealing and double glazing, which have good heat retention and sound insulation properties, and the sealing will help prevent moisture penetration;
• Ventilation of the room is also an important factor that prevents unwanted condensation. Such a ventilation damper can be installed in a parapet or wall, which is not the main one and continues the balcony or loggia;
• ensure the implementation of air circulation between the room and the loggia or balcony. This can be achieved by installing an exhaust fan.

What is a PVC profile, and which one is better to choose?

PVC itself is the plastic that makes up the outer covering metal-plastic windows. Inside the plastic there is a metal base made of aluminum, which creates the necessary structural strength and does not allow deformation. Using PVC will be the most practical and beneficial in terms of heat conservation, as well as obtaining high sound insulation. As you may have already guessed, the Americans came up with the idea of ​​using plastic windows. But not everyone accepted the innovation and the innovation did not become widespread. The implementation of this type of glazing was achieved by the Germans, after some modifications. And in 1954, Trocal began mass glazing with this type of profile. Today, the Germans are leaders in this area, and 90% of the Russian market belongs to them. After all, the fittings and the metal base itself are supplied from Germany. The service life of a PVC profile is about 15-20 years, which is a significant period.

A lot has been written about plastic, that it is not environmentally friendly and has bad influence per person, but for the most part this is not reality. Although lead is used in the production of PVC, which makes the windows white, modern technologies chemical industry use additional additives that prevent the release of harmful substances. This will be possible if the plastic is completely melted, then the fumes will become harmful. Also, modern PVC, thanks to special additives, has increased fire safety. Which PVC profile is better is quite difficult to say, since the companies supplying starting material for the manufacture of windows mainly from European countries - Switzerland, Austria, England, Germany, France, Turkey. The main manufacturers - Aluplast, KBE, Rehau, Veka, Trocal, Actual and many others have good quality, but sometimes they can supply simplified versions.

All these manufacturers have passed licensing of their products and are of high quality. Prices, of course, vary depending on the complexity of the PVC profile, which may have a multi-chamber system for better thermal stability. Also, plastic may differ in density, which should be taken into account. The stronger the plastic, the more durable it is. This is visible to the naked eye and when ordering, ask the seller to provide samples. It would not be superfluous to consult with friends who have already established the profile of a particular company in order to finally decide on the choice. In any case, the practicality of PVC is undeniable, since the material can withstand temperature changes from -50 to +70 degrees Celsius, has excellent heat resistance and sound insulation. In addition, maintenance of a plastic window is kept to a minimum, because even if the surface is very dirty, then ordinary detergent to get rid of dirt.

The double-glazed window is the main structural component of the window; it is approximately 80% of the entire structure. Plastic abilities window designs Regarding noise insulation and thermal insulation, they directly depend on the double-glazed window. If neither you nor your family work in a production workshop, then it will be difficult to decide on your own the right choice plastic window for glazing a balcony. Let's figure it out.

In residential premises middle zone In our country, it is not worth installing single-chamber types - they are made of two glasses. They have approximately 40% lower thermal insulation levels acceptable standards thermal protection of residential premises. The use of this type may lead to fogging and freezing of plastic windows, and therefore a decrease in the temperature in the room.

The only exceptions are balcony blocks, when the room is glazed using the “cold” method without further planning internal insulation, only in this case is it possible to install a single-chamber double-glazed window.
An acceptable and generally recommended option is to install only two-chamber windows (two chambers between three panes). Thermal insulation characteristics double-glazed windows are acceptable to the standards of thermal protection of premises. The same recommendations apply to the choice of plastic windows for a balcony, which is planned to be insulated and used as additional usable space in the apartment. Step-by-step recommendations can be read in the article ““.

Single-chamber package with thermal insulation

The option of using a single-chamber double-glazed window cannot be excluded if a special heat-insulating layer is applied to one of the glasses. A coating of this type is fully designed to retain heat indoors, working on the principle of a thermal mirror, that is, it reflects heat. In this case, the ability to retain heat in a single-chamber window structure with an applied thermal insulation coating, in contrast to a two-chamber window structure that has conventional glass, increases by about 20%.

• With all this, the thermal insulation coating has a good transmittance of sunlight, like the most ordinary glass.
• Another advantage of this type of glazing is that it is approximately 1.5 times lighter than double-chamber glazing, which hints at increased strength and reliability and eliminates the possibility of unwanted sagging of the sash.
• Of course, the price of plastic windows also decreases if used single-chamber double-glazed window with applied thermal insulation coating.
• The warranty service life with the existing thermal insulation layer varies within twenty years.

When choosing a profile, you need to take into account the strength of the window structure and the appearance of the profile itself. Today, the market presents profile systems various manufacturing companies that are responsible for high quality of your product. These include Schuco KBE, Gealan, Veka, Alyplast, Rehau, Salamander, Thyssen. Each profile brand has several systems available with different chamber quantities (the number of which ranges from 3 or more).

How does the cost of glazing work out?

Naturally, the greater the number of available profile chambers, the more expensive it will be, but this also increases the thermal insulation. Accordingly, the heat saving qualities of a 5-chamber profile are much higher than the same qualities of a three-chamber profile by approximately 40%. But, looking at the metal-plastic window structure, it becomes immediately clear that the profile does not take up much space from the total area (only 20 percent). Heat retention directly depends on the type of double-glazed window. Based on this, the number of cameras available in the profile does not play a special role, but will only increase the price. But, you need to take into account that wider window systems look more aesthetically pleasing.

The arrangement of a balcony or loggia begins with glazing. This is what allows you to create a comfortable space from an uncomfortable structure, which can even be made residential. Glazing will protect against temperature changes. It will be warm there in winter, and cooler in summer than outside. It will become an obstacle to noise and dust. Precipitation will stop falling on the balcony. Even if it is not insulated, protection from precipitation will significantly increase its service life.

Rice. 1 Plastic windows for balconies

There are several glazing options. Plastic and aluminum profiles, as well as wood, are used to make frames. Depending on the nature of the frame structures, the glazing can be warm or cold. Cold ones are usually made of aluminum. It turns out to be light, but does not insulate well. To make the space warm and comfortable, plastic windows are installed on the balcony.

PVC profile loggia windows have a number of advantages and some disadvantages. Such designs have many more advantages than disadvantages, which explains their popularity. When choosing which windows are best to install, you should evaluate the characteristics.

Plastic windows for loggias are reliable and durable. Strength is ensured by a metal frame located inside plastic elements. Polyvinyl chloride effectively resists any aggressive environment. It is waterproof, does not rot or corrode, and can withstand high and low temperatures without problems. As a result, the service life of PVC frames is several decades.

Rice. 2 Balcony plastic windows in section

PVC windows provide high level isolation. This is not only thermal insulation, thanks to which the balcony maintains a comfortable temperature all year round. The structures block extraneous sounds as much as possible. This is ensured by high tightness.

It is very easy to care for plastic structures. Frames do not require regular treatment. They only need to be washed periodically with soapy water. Maintenance is required only for seals and fittings. Seals are lubricated by special means to avoid cracking. The fittings are also lubricated and adjusted.

The traditional color of PVC frames is white. However, you can get designs of any shades. Typically, color variety is achieved by using laminating film.

Rice. 3 Colored plastic balcony windows

The cost of plastic structures is reasonable and affordable for most. In comparison, high-quality wooden frames are significantly more expensive.

PVC windows also have disadvantages. Significant tightness leads to stagnation of air and accumulation of water vapor. In some cases high humidity leads to condensation.

The frames are quite massive and wide. The amount of light passing into the room is reduced. The significant weight of the structure does not allow it to be installed on old balconies. In some cases, it is necessary to strengthen the fence.

Incorrect installation can significantly reduce the service life of plastic windows. It is better to entrust it to specialists.

Plastic has electrostatic properties. Dust is attracted to it, piercing discharges are possible static electricity when touched.

Choosing PVC windows for a balcony

The installation of windows on loggias, as well as the general insulation of the structure, is carried out with the expectation of a long service life. This can only be achieved by choosing high-quality plastic windows with optimal characteristics.

When choosing, carefully inspect all components. They should not have even the slightest damage or defects.

The loggia must be glazed with a profile of sufficient rigidity so that it can maintain its shape without relying on the window opening. An internal steel insert with a thickness of about one and a half millimeters provides rigidity.

For arrangement warm balcony profiles with high thermal insulation characteristics will be required. They must have at least three cameras. Double-glazed windows are installed in two- or three-chamber ones with a glass thickness of four millimeters or more.

Rice. 4 Energy-saving glass for plastic balcony windows

An important component of plastic windows for loggias is the fittings. It allows you to open and close the doors, lock them, providing the necessary tightness. Since parts of the fittings are movable and can wear out, become loose and deformed over time, you should choose the highest quality option.

When choosing accessories, do not forget about micro-ventilation. In winter, this function will be convenient; it will allow you to ventilate the room without cooling it too much.

Rice. 5 Fittings for the window on the balcony

The choice of windows for a balcony includes design calculations. It is not at all necessary to make all the doors openable. This will increase the cost of the design, but will not greatly affect its convenience. It is better to install opening and blind doors one after the other. If the loggia space is quite large, then part of the glazing can be replaced with sandwich panels.

Rice. 6 How to open different types windows

When choosing window designs, it is necessary to select the opening method. There are many options, but of the entire range, the most commonly used are tilt-and-turn and sliding options.

A tilt-and-turn window that opens into the balcony can be installed if there is enough space. Otherwise, even the best product will be inconvenient to use.

The second popular option is a sliding window that opens to the side. This best design for small balconies. The sash does not require space, because it moves along the frame.

The main stages of installing PVC windows

High-quality installation of window structures is very important for the future performance of a glazed balcony. The frames must be selected to match the features of the loggia or balcony, and the selected structures must be firmly secured. Glazing is subject to internal and external loads. The latter include wind and some other influences. The glazing structure must effectively withstand all types of impacts.

Rice. 7 How to install plastic window structures on a loggia

First, prepare the space. To do this, old structural elements are removed. The frames will be installed on the fence, so it will need to be reinforced. In some cases, the necessary structure is erected from foam blocks.

The balcony canopy also needs to be strengthened anchor bolts. The frames are secured with anchor bolts or special reinforced plates. They are leveled, and all cracks are filled with polyurethane foam.

The frames are installed on the fence closer to the inner edge. This will reduce heat loss and reduce the likelihood of condensation on the surface of the windows. A drain is attached to the bottom of the frame.

After installing the main structure, the sashes are attached to it. Double-glazed windows are installed in the sashes. Window installation is almost complete. All that remains is to fix the window sill. This completes the installation of balcony glazing. You can begin further repairs, carry out insulation and finishing.

You can make your balcony as useful as possible only if it is reliably protected from the vagaries of bad weather. And correctly selected and installed windows for a loggia or balcony.

In this article we will look at what types balcony windows are relevant today, and we will also introduce you to the secrets of choosing high-quality and reliable windows in relation to a specific case.

How to choose a profile for balcony windows

Types of balcony glazing

Windows to the balcony are classified according to various criteria.

So, according to the type of microclimate creation, glazing is as follows:

• warm;
• cold;
• intermediate.

Depending on the material from which the window profile is made, the following glazing options exist:

• plastic;
• aluminum;
• wooden.

It should be noted that today it is not always profitable to use wooden windows for a balcony, since truly high-quality products that can provide the required level of comfort will cost many times more in comparison with analogues made from other materials.

About warm glazing

It will be relevant for those who want to create a full-fledged room on it or combine a balcony with an adjacent room in order to expand its area. Balcony window from PVC profile Ideal for warm glazing.

This profile, as a rule, has a multi-chamber structure, which most effectively prevents heat loss. At the same time, the profile will be able to provide a reliable level of insulation both from external noise and from street dust and precipitation.

About cold glazing

If it is planned classic use balcony for infrequent access to fresh air and for storing various things, and you simply want to protect the balcony from wind and rain, a balcony window made of aluminum profile will be the most suitable option.

The advantages of aluminum profiles for balcony glazing are as follows:

• The main ones are light weight and attractive appearance.. Lightness makes it possible without the need for additional strengthening of the balcony slab, which is very important for old houses.
• Despite its lightness, aluminum is stronger than wood and PVC. It is safe from an environmental point of view and does not emit harmful substances even when high temperatures.
• Balcony glazing aluminum windows visually very light, frames occupy less area, practically without interfering natural light balcony

How to choose double-glazed windows for a balcony

Despite all the tricks and advertising of profile manufacturers, you should choose a window for a balcony, paying more attention to the double-glazed window, since the heat and sound insulating properties of future glazing depend on it by 80%.

Types of glass for balcony windows

The most preferred types of glass for balcony glazing are energy-saving low-emission K-glass and I-glass.

Unlike K-glass, I glass has a lower light absorption coefficient and lower emissivity.

Each type of glass is sprayed with a special composition based on metal oxides, as a result of which this coating makes it much more durable.

Also for balconies, windows are used with triplex glass - bonded with resin and film, as well as tempered glass.

Such materials significantly increase the insulation and strength characteristics of windows, but make the design less attractive in cost.

Additional factors influencing the properties of double-glazed windows

Let's consider what else, in addition to glass, affects the technical and insulating characteristics of double-glazed windows:

• The thicker the glass, the less likely it is for vibrations and resonance to occur.
• The distance between the glass panes at the balcony window should be as wide as possible - a wide air layer will increase the sound insulation properties of the double-glazed window, and if the space (chamber) is filled with a special gas (argon or krypton), the thermal insulation qualities will also noticeably improve.
• Among other things, the tightness of the chamber (or chambers) of the double-glazed window is important, since the free penetration of external cold air into it will reduce all insulation efforts to nothing.

How many cameras are best to choose for a double-glazed window?

The window onto the balcony will be “warmer” the more air layers separated by glass in the double-glazed window.

For example, a single-chamber double-glazed window, consisting of two glasses and having one chamber, is more suitable for the following cases:

• For glazing balconies located in mild winter climates.
• When installing “cold” glazing, when maximum thermal insulation is simply not necessary.

If we talk about double-glazed windows with two or more chambers, then they are suitable for installations that are planned to be used as part of a combined room or a separate room.

Such double-glazed windows have minimal heat loss, and if the windows on the balcony in your apartment are leaking, then know that this is caused by an imbalance of external and internal temperatures, and, among other things, increasing the number of chambers in the glazing can help with this.

It is the quality of the double-glazed windows, and not the profile or anything else, that most significantly affects the insulating characteristics of windows, so treat this issue with maximum attention.

Selection of fittings and other features of balcony windows

How to choose fittings for balcony windows

PVC balcony windows are most often installed today on the balconies of citizens of our country. And their service life, as a rule, is determined by nothing more than the fittings - a complex mechanism that consists of rods, hinges, brackets, adjustment mechanisms and other elements, the purpose of which is to ensure the normal opening and closing of windows.

In order for the balcony window to last longer and rarely need adjustment, it is recommended to use only high-quality fittings, for example the following:

• Austrian company MACO.
• German companies ROTO and SIEGENIA.

In total, the fittings of these companies occupy about 80% of the market for PVC windows.

Balcony windows for mansard roofs

If available in a private home mansard roof Recently, the owners of such a home have the opportunity to have one or more mini-balconies without the need for major construction work.

This became possible thanks to the appearance on the market of Cabrio roof-balcony windows, which can transform from an ordinary window in appearance to almost a full-fledged balcony. Such a window consists of two parts, the lower of which, opening outward and taking a vertical position, forms a parapet, and the upper one, when opening and taking a vertical position, becomes a canopy.

There are also retractable railings on either side of the front of the parapet.

The advantages of a window-balcony for the attic are as follows:

• There is no need for additional add-ons during its installation.
• The ability to easily transform a window into a balcony and back.
• Easy maintenance of the structure.
• Access to all the delights of a balcony structure and much more.

Now, once again asking yourself the question of which windows are best to install on the balcony, you will be able to answer it yourself, after which you can easily select a suitable design for your case and be able to personally control the quality of the materials brought by the installers.