Glazing of the balcony: aluminum or plastic. Balcony glazing project: photo

In recent years, more and more Russians prefer to glaze their balconies and loggias. This is convenient - there is an additional (albeit small) room that everyone uses in their own way.

Glazing is most often done using an aluminum or plastic profile. Both of these materials have long been well known, so many apartment owners have questions: "How to make a balcony glazing ? Aluminum or plastic to choose? What material is better, more durable, safer? "With these and other questions, we will try to understand the article.

What kind of balcony do you need?

First you need to answer this question. Do you want to just protect it from rain, snow and wind, get rid of city noise, or do you need a warm room that will become a continuation of the apartment? In the first case, you will have enough aluminum glazing, in the second you will need thermal insulation.

An important aspect of this issue is the cost of such work. Plastic option will cost you much more, and aluminum - cheaper. In favor of one or the other, your financial situation may appear.

The popularity of aluminum

Aluminum is a very strong and at the same time light material, which in recent years has been widely used for glazing balconies. It is used in cases where it is impossible to insulate the balcony with heavier material (PVC) . Currently, the Spanish aluminum profiles of Provedal are especially in demand.

Aluminum glazing of balconies is either blind or sliding sections made of a profile. They move parallel to each other along the guides, and therefore do not occupy space at the opening. Deaf wings can be easily removed when you need to wash them. On the guides you can install a mosquito net. As a rule, aluminum frames are white.

Aluminum glazing balconies in the standard "Khrushchev" will cost 17-20 thousand rubles.

PVC profile

Before you start working, the specialists of the company you are contacting must present you with a balcony glazing project and an estimate for all work. Here you will find all the materials used, their cost and, of course, the cost of the work.

Specialists believe that a three-chamber profile with a single-compartment double-glazed window is enough to produce a quality glazing of the balcony. Reviews of the owners of apartments completely coincide with this statement, as in winter the temperature of the air on the balcony becomes significantly higher than on the street. And if you add warm floors to this, then from a regular balcony you get a full extension of the apartment.

Frames made of plastic have increased sound insulation. They can have any way of opening - flap, swivel, swivel-folding, sliding.

The glazing of the balcony with plastic can not be called cheap. Taking into account seasonal discounts, the most economical option will cost an amount that is at least 22 thousand rubles. The configuration of the frames, their number, the design of the double-glazed windows - the criteria that affect its cost. Proceeding from this, only you can decide what to prefer the glazing of the balcony - aluminum or plastic will suit you more.

If white plastic does not suit you for some reason, do not despair. You can buy it "under the tree" or color.

Disadvantages of PVC glazing

1. Increased sealing of frames in the absence of natural ventilation leads to the appearance of water vapor. With the inevitable daily variation in temperature, these pairs reach the dew point. As a result, condensation falls out.

2. PVC frames can only be installed on a brick or concrete fence due to the impressive weight of the structure.

Can I do without frames?

Despite the fact that today we decide which material is better to choose, if a balcony is conceived, aluminum or plastic, I would like to tell you about a newer design method. This method attracts many with its originality and novelty, although it has been used in our country for several years.

As you guessed, we want to present to you the balcony glazing is frameless. This method was developed in Finland by Lumon Oy. Therefore, this method is often called Finnish.

For glazing can be used not only transparent glass, but also matte, and even toned. The valves are of various types - pendular, swinging, sliding. The main advantage of this design is that it absolutely does not delay sunlight.

Frameless system is represented by two profiles of aluminum, which are installed horizontally on the parapet and the ceiling. Glass wings are attached to them, which can be 6 to 10 mm thick. They are installed using a roller system. The edges of the glass are carefully processed and ground. Even if the glass breaks (which is extremely rare), it does not crumble into sharp pieces, but breaks up into small cubes.

Advantages of frameless glazing

This method is suitable for any type of balcony, regardless of its shape and age. Frameless glazing does not disturb the general appearance of the facade of the building. To fully open the balcony, it is easy enough to slide the glasses to the sides.

The balcony, glazed by this method, is well protected from rain, snow, wind and noise.

Disadvantages of frameless method

First of all, it must be said that this method is not a balcony insulation, it is only its protection. Frameless method will not allow you to expand the space. The glasses will have to be washed after every rain or snow, as there will be marks on them.

How much does frameless glazing cost?

If you use imported designs, then the cost of such design begins with 300 y. That is, for 1 square meter. Domestic manufacturers will offer you this option for 100-180 y. E. Per square meter.

Balcony glazing: reviews

If you analyze all the feedback coming from the owners of balconies, you can conclude that most of them give their preference to plastic. They consider this method to be the most suitable for our climate, besides there is a real opportunity to expand the area of the apartment and use the balcony throughout the year.

According to the number of positive reviews, aluminum constructions are on the second place. They are satisfied with people who do not plan a complete warming of the balcony. They only need to protect it from precipitation and reduce the level of city noise coming into the apartment.

Comments on frameless glazing are not too many, but from the available one we can conclude that the owners of apartments on the upper floors are happy with the new design, but the residents of the lower ones do not like too much the elevated view of the balcony. Many housewives complain that on the glass doors you can see every spot, so you have to wash them constantly. In addition, many believe that the price of frameless glazing is too high.

We told you how today there is a balcony glazing. Aluminum or plastic, wood or frameless method to choose - it's up to you. Weigh all the pros and cons and proceed to the improvement of your balcony or loggia.