When a picturesque sea or mountain landscape opens from the windows, the night lights of a noisy city, a quiet park, it is unreasonable to hide this luxurious beauty behind heavy curtains. In addition, it is panoramic glazing that makes the apartment more expensive, more respectable. But not in all cases this option becomes advantageous. First you need to understand the design features and which balconies can be made panoramic.
In what cases are panoramic windows on the balcony suitable?
Experts consider the panoramic balcony in Khrushchev to be the most successful, it will also be appropriate on narrow, elongated loggias - this will add space to the interior and become a significant source of light, from the outside this design will not look bulky and heavy. Large and wide loggias are appropriate to be glazed from floor to ceiling when they face north or northeast, as rooms often lack natural sunlight.
In any case, a panoramic balcony requires the installation of a double plastic profile, since aluminum does not retain heat as effectively as double thermally insulateddouble-glazed windows.
When is it better to give up large windows on the balcony?
Psychologists say that some people feel more vulnerable when the whole room is open to prying eyes. Therefore, a panoramic balcony is not suitable if it is adjacent to the bedroom, the most intimate room in the apartment.
The south or southwest side is also a contraindication - in summer the balcony will get very hot, filling the adjoining room with hot air. In such African conditions, it will be difficult to plant it with potted flowers, it is worth considering the cost of electricity for cooling an overheated room.
A big risk is to install a panoramic balcony where strong winds often blow. At the very least, it is necessary to carefully calculate all the installation parameters with the help of professionals and carry out all the necessary preparatory work.
It must also be remembered that a panoramic balcony is not installed in apartments where the ceilings are lower than 2.8 meters.
What else do you need to keep in mind?
The most important part is to find a designer who knows how to work with panoramic glazing and has solid experience, there are few of them, so his work will cost a lot.
No less important is the correct legal registration of the installation of such a design: in the HOA you can get permission to combine a balcony and a room. But city architects may refuse panoramic glazing of the balcony.
The equipment of the balcony with a floor convector will require a substantial expense to preventthe appearance of condensation. Maintaining glass sheets is difficult because they are most often located on the upper floors, and it is almost impossible to reach hard-to-reach places from the outside, in which case the services of industrial climbers will be required, which is also not cheap.
It is necessary to consider the issue of security, especially if the panoramic balcony is in a private house or on the lower floors. To prevent criminals from entering the home, the glass must be reinforced, laminated or covered with a special metallized film.
The bottom row of double-glazed windows should also be covered with tinted or reflective film to preserve the privacy of your life and prevent strangers from watching what is happening on the balcony and in the room.
Choose energy-saving glass - in the winter cold it will keep the heat inside, tinting will protect you from annoyingly bright sunlight. Electrochromic glass allows you to adjust the level of transparency as needed.
Since the double-glazed windows themselves, the frames, the entire installation as a whole is heavy, it is necessary to first strengthen the balcony slab, especially when it comes to Stalinist or Khrushchev houses.
Frameless glazing looks especially amazing, light and unobtrusive, double-glazed windows are connected by a silicone layer, but in this case, you need to foresee the possibility of airing the room.
Advantages and disadvantages
In the photo, the panoramic balcony looks amazing, but it is worth getting acquainted with the opinion of experts, as well asread the reviews of those who have already installed panoramic balconies. Pros and cons don't always lie on the surface.
How good is this option?
Panoramic windows add luxury and respectability to the general appearance, immediately declare the owner as a respectable person. Guests will be impressed by this balcony.
Modern technologies allow huge windows to match their classic counterparts neither in reliability nor in high quality.
Even a small room will become much more spacious, brighter, filled with natural light, especially if frameless glazing is chosen.
Glasses do not give in to blows, do not crack, do not break or wring out, which ensures the peace of the owners of the home - uninvited guests cannot get through the reinforced tempered glass with an anti-vandal coating.
You can enjoy the beautiful view as much as you like with a cup of tea or coffee, you can equip your office or dining room - there are many options.
Pitfalls
An abundance of ultraviolet radiation can significantly damage interior decoration or furniture, tinting or blackout curtains will solve this problem.
Heat loss can be significant, and condensation will lead to dampness and mold growth if the work is done poorly, the floor was not insulated enough, or a frameless type of glazing was chosen in combination with an aluminum profile.
The whole sheet of glass does not allow ventilation of the room, besides, it cannot be washed from the outside.
It is impossible not to note the high cost - the lower limit is at the level of 7 - 9 thousand rubles. per square meter, the upper bar depends on the possibilities and wishes.
Minimize heat loss
Here are some tips on how to insulate a panoramic balcony.
Because the lower part of the parapet is an extension of the window, you need to take heat retention seriously. At the installation stage, it is necessary to carefully seal all the gaps between the frame and the double-glazed windows; sealant or mounting foam are suitable for this purpose. From the inside, work is underway on thermal and waterproofing. Penofol is covered with a layer of insulation, extending the life of the insulating material. Seams are treated with aluminum tape. There should be no uneven joints or gaps on the outside, otherwise it will cause great difficulties when using the balcony in cold weather.
Panoramic balcony dictates its own requirements for heating. Batteries and radiators cannot be installed here, so underfloor heating is the most optimal solution. Infrared film, which is used for floor insulation, is also suitable for wall and ceiling insulation.
These simple tricks will provide heat on the panoramic balcony as a result.
To please the eye
It's nice to enjoy the breathtaking views again and again, leaving the panoramic balcony. The design can be whatever you want - you can install a narrow window sill if its presence is important and provides additional convenience. Usually it is not visible in the photo, but most often it is present.
Outside, the balcony can be sheathed with clapboard or covered with decorative plaster; inside, the decoration of the panoramic balcony is dictated by the overall design of the housing. You can make the room cozy and comfortable by painting the walls, wallpapering, plastering adds a touch of sophistication - it all depends on the wishes of the owners of the balcony and their financial capabilities. A special atmosphere is created by flowers in flowerpots, a small table for leisurely tea parties or gatherings over a cup of coffee, a glass of wine.
Summing up
If it is nevertheless decided that there should be a panoramic balcony, you should read the reviews of those who have already installed such glazing, and those who are involved in their installation. But you need to remember that in this case, opinions are subjective, so the assessments may be different, but you can find a rational grain in the reviews.
Before starting work, it is necessary to legally resolve all issues with permits in the HOA and city architects.
Entrust a panoramic balcony only to trusted professionals, so as not to feel annoyed by money thrown to the wind, not to freeze in winter and not to languish in the heat in summer. Also, at the stage of determining the price, it is worth knowing in advance what is included in the price (dismantling, cleaning, etc.).
Maintaining cleanliness on the panoramic balcony will require special efforts and financial costs.
For the psychological comfort of all household members, it is worthwhile to find out in advance whetherwho is afraid of heights, is there any discomfort from being close to nature.
