We pay close attention to the interior of our apartment: we carry out repairs, select furniture. We do everything to make the place where we spend most of our time comfortable, clean, beautiful and functional. And what happens on our balconies and loggias? Is everything just as beautiful and cozy? Most likely the answer is no. In many apartments, a balcony is a kind of pantry where things from the category "suddenly come in handy" are stored. I propose to change the situation and put the balcony in order, throwing out all the rubbish and giving the walls and ceiling a pleasant look. We will master the cladding of balconies!
There are several ways to sheathe a balcony. The easiest is to invite experts. But it is also the most expensive financially. It is also possible to trim the balconies with your own hands. It will take more time, but it will be possible to save a decent amount. And it’s much more pleasant to realize that it was done with your own hands.
First you need to calculate the area of the balcony, which will be directly sheathed. Here, I think, there will be no problems - remember the school course of mathematics. Next, you need to purchase the necessary material: lining, internal and external corner elements, lower and ceiling plinth, finishing elements,wooden slats, perforator, self-tapping screws, nails with a diameter of 20 mm, building level. For beginners, it is recommended to take material with a small margin so that in case of a shortage you do not have to frantically run around the shops in search of suitable material.
The cladding of balconies begins with screwing the rails onto the walls with self-tapping screws. It is on them that the lining will already be attached. It should be remembered that the slats must be perpendicular to the direction of the lining and strictly parallel to each other. The entire appearance of the balcony cladding depends on the correct location of the rails. The distance between them is about half a meter. More is allowed only if there are foam sheets for insulation, otherwise the panels may be deformed. The panels are attached to the rails with nails. To make this less noticeable, nails should be hammered from the end at an angle of 450. Next, the next wooden panel should be nailed close - and so on the entire area. Finally, the corners, wall-floor and wall-ceiling joints are closed with appropriate elements.
In order for the balconies to keep their attractive appearance longer, it should be varnished. This will also help protect the wood from various insects.
As an alternative to wooden clapboard, you can use plastic panels. Such interior lining of the balcony will be cheaper. The technology is the same as with wood, only the panels are fastened with special clamps or with a construction stapler.
Many people are also interested in the outer skin of the balcony. Is it possible to do it on your own? In general, yes. But it requires more special skills and knowledge, so it is better to entrust such work to professionals. They will carry out a complete replacement of the screed, strengthen the parapet and the upper part of the fence, insulate the balcony and carry out its glazing - and all this with a quality guarantee. So is it worth risking your own life doing your own upholstery?
