In the winter season, the low temperature on the balcony is a whole problem. By default, developers put a single-chamber double-glazed window on the balcony, which is not able to retain heat. In addition, there is no insulation, so the balcony space turns into a warehouse of unnecessary things for which there is no place in the apartment. To fix this problem, apartment owners are taking a number of steps to insulate balconies for more comfortable use of their area.
Types of balcony glazing
Of the options, we will consider only warm types of balconies glazing. By the number of glasses used in double-glazed windows are:
- Two-chamber. The most common type of glazing. The design consists of two chambers and three glasses. Glasses are assembled into one design with the help of frames. The distance between glasses can be 6-16 mm. Technic althe characteristics of the double-glazed window allow it to be used in medium climatic zones.
- Three-chamber. They are a structure consisting of 3 chambers filled with air or special gas. For such double-glazed windows, 4 glasses of the same or different thicknesses are used. Aluminum frames are placed between the glasses. Such massive double-glazed windows are used in case of living in harsh conditions with low ambient temperatures or in places with high noise levels.
The types of window frames are distinguished:
- Wooden. For the manufacture of such frames, glued laminated timber is used. Wood is an environmentally friendly product. With the help of special impregnation, the tree becomes durable and resistant to destruction.
- Plastic. Characterized by long service life, ease of use and good sound insulation.
- Aluminum. Suitable for glazing large areas or solid walls. Differ in a less pronounced frame.
What tools and materials will be needed
Dismantling windows is not the easiest process. Producing it is much more difficult than installing new frames. Better to do it with a partner. Prepare the following dismantling tools:
- chisel;
- hammer;
- crowbar;
- hacksaw;
- screwdrivers;
- wide-diameter utility knife;
- pliers;
- chisel.
For personal safety, wear safety goggles and gloves. To install new window blocks, you will need a screwdriver and mounting foam. The installation process is mucheasier and less time consuming.
Window removal
Before carrying out the procedure for dismantling old windows, it is necessary to prepare the area for work. Clean the balcony of things, cover the floor with a protective film or newspapers. No matter how carefully you act, a large amount of construction dust will be released during dismantling. If possible, cover with a protective film all furniture elements whose surfaces are difficult to clean.
Be safe. In the process of work, shedding of small wall elements and other construction debris is possible. Fence off the dangerous area under the balcony and mark it with marking tape. Random passers-by should not be affected by unforeseen circumstances.
Free the window from the slopes, remove the sashes. Pull out the swivel shaft with pliers. The frame is dismantled using a crowbar or a perforator.
Installation of double glazing
If you received a double-glazed window assembly, then you need to disassemble it. This is easy to do with a screwdriver. Remove the fittings, pull out the double-glazed window. Be careful not to damage the frame frame. It is quite fragile, as it is made of plastic. Remove the doors from the hinges.
Drill mounting holes in the frame at a distance of 20 cm from the corners. The maximum length between holes is 70 cm. Insert the frame into the opening and level with a level. Anchors are inserted into the holes, which act as the main fasteners. The space between the wall and the frame is filled with mounting foam. If the dimensions are chosen correctly, then it will not exceed 2-4mm. We assemble the window.
Waterproofing
To exclude the destruction of the concrete slab on which the balcony is located, and the comfortable use of the balcony area, it is necessary to provide a reliable waterproofing system.
First of all, decide what material you will use in the process of waterproofing the balcony.
- Coating materials. In this case, a cement or bitumen-based mass is used, which, when dried, gives a durable waterproof coating. It is necessary to apply the mixture in several layers.
- Plaster. Best used on concrete balconies due to good adhesion of materials.
- Pasting. Waterproofing material is glued to the surface of the floor, walls and ceiling. The joints of the material must be carefully glued.
- Cast version. Mastic is poured into the formwork. When dry, a waterproofing surface is formed.
Before starting waterproofing measures, it is necessary to clean the surface, remove the old coating and assess the condition of the balcony base.
Insulation process
To insulate the balcony from the inside, it is necessary to install a wooden base. Boards are selected taking into account the planned layer of insulation, the optimal size of the board for the floor is 50 x 70 mm. Choose the distance between the lags taking into account the dimensions of the insulation boards. Treat the wood with an antiseptic. Track the horizontal position of the level. If the floor is uneven, then small wooden elements are placed under the logs.solid rock to obtain a perfectly horizontal surface. Step-by-step warming of a balcony begins with a floor. After installing the insulation boards, make sure that there are no voids left. All cracks must be covered with a special sealant or treated with mounting foam.
For wall insulation, the choice of technology depends on the type of insulation. When the balcony is insulated with foam plastic, the sheets are glued with mounting glue, and the joints are treated with foam. For fixing, dish-shaped dowels are used. For other types of insulation, a traditional crate using boards is used. Insulation is placed between the boards. It is better not to use mineral wool for vertical surfaces. Over time, it can slip and form cold corridors.
For the ceiling lathing, a beam of 20 x 30 mm is used. This is enough for fixing finishing materials. In the event that you plan to attach a dryer to these elements, you must use a larger beam. The bars are nailed to the concrete with pins. If you are a happy owner of an apartment on the top floor and there is no balcony roof, then you will have to build a structure that will act as a roof. For its frame, you can use boards or an aluminum profile.
Insulation with mineral wool
This material is produced in the form of rolls, plates or cylinders. The porous base gives this type of insulation high thermal insulation performance. The general positive features of mineral wool include:
- high levelsound insulation, vapor permeability;
- material is not combustible;
- high density material;
- low thermal conductivity;
- excellent hydrophobic performance;
- easy to install;
- Maintain volume for a long time.
Bas alt is used to make cotton wool. It is placed in a high pressure oven. When the melting temperature is reached, fibers with binders are added to the mass. This is how mineral wool is obtained. Cotton wool is able to absorb liquid, so ensure the tightness of the moisture-resistant layer. Step-by-step instructions for insulating a balcony with mineral wool will be the same as above.
Insulation with polystyrene foam
Expanded polystyrene, or Styrofoam, is a lightweight material consisting of foamed plastic mass. Its structure is made up of round compressed cells. The material has a low level of heat transfer.
Positive sides of foam are also:
- high level of noise reduction;
- impervious to decay, moisture absorption and other changes over time;
- easy to use;
- resistant to temperature changes, so can be used in any climate zone;
- high vapor permeability.
Of course, Styrofoam has its downsides:
- material is flammable;
- thick Styrofoam is a convenient place for mouse holes;
- crumbles when cutting.
Expanded polystyrene is more often used for insulation outside andless often for interior work.
Insulation with polyurethane foam
This insulation is presented in the form of cylinders with liquid. When sprayed, a foam is formed, which, when solidified, gives a dense surface.
You need to purchase a special gun for the cylinder. The required number of cylinders is calculated based on the parameters indicated on the package. As a rule, one cylinder is enough for 1.5 square meters. m, taking into account a layer of insulation of 5 cm. Before applying the foam, make sure that there is no dust or whitewash left on the surface, otherwise you risk getting a loose bond.
Step-by-step instructions for warming a balcony with your own hands are simple. Shake the bottle before use. Application can be carried out in one or more layers. After drying, we get a heater with the following properties:
- high wear resistance;
- high level of hardness and elasticity;
- restoring the shape during deformation;
- not subject to structure change over time;
- lightness;
- low heat dissipation.
Observe safety precautions. Polyurethane foam is toxic. Use protective goggles, a respirator and gloves.
Finishing the floor
To create a special atmosphere of comfort on the balcony, the floor and walls must be covered with finishing materials. The floor covering will be attached to the base boards. You can cover the floor with a regular board and varnish it. This is the most inexpensive finishing option. To create a plane for the finishing material, it is most convenient to use the OSB board. There are others. Of the finish coatings, the following options can be used:
- Linoleum. It is distinguished by its low cost and a large selection of colors and textures. Easy to install.
- Laminate. Convenient and easy to install. Thanks to the fixing recesses, the panels form a smooth and even surface during installation.
- Carpet. It has good decorative qualities and low thermal conductivity. Resistant to wear, not deformed.
- Tile. Durable, chemical resistant coating. Easily cleaned from dirt, does not deform, does not burn.
The choice of flooring on the balcony depends on the operating conditions. The texture of the coating should be combined with the design of the walls and furniture.
Wall decoration
For fixing finishing materials, install several fixing horizontal boards, you can use a metal profile. The following materials are used to decorate the walls:
- Vagonka. Convenient and inexpensive, as well as a durable option. Creates an additional frame of strength.
- Block house. You can use this design if you want to create an atmosphere of wooden housing.
- Drywall. Convenient because of its versatility. Walls sheathed with drywall can be plastered and painted or wallpapered. If desired, the surface can be decorated with decorative tiles.
- OSB panels. They have a smooth surface, ready for painting or gluing.
- Plywood. Inexpensive lining material.
- PVC panels. Less durable but wide choice of material design.
There are other options for wall decoration. Which one to choose is up to you.
Using an insulated balcony
On the updated warm balcony, you can organize a recreation area or a study. Arrange cozy seating areas with the ability to store any things in them. To organize a home greenhouse, you will need shelves and stands for plants. And the coating in this case must be moisture resistant, water can get on the floor or walls when watering.
To maintain heat on the balcony, you will need to install a heater. Provide an outlet for connecting electrical appliances. Supply the balcony area with an artificial light source.
If you have completely decided to remove the part of the wall that separates the balcony from the room, then the area of the balcony can be beaten very competently. With the help of drywall, you can build an asymmetric arch with shelves and lighting, or complement the design of the room with sliding doors.
Result
An insulated balcony will not only give you a few extra meters of living space to expand the room, but will also help you create a unique design thanks to the large glass area. The light from such a window will fill the room with comfort and warmth. As you can see, it is not at all difficult to do the insulation of the balcony with your own hands, and the step-by-step instructions will not let you make mistakes.
