If your plans include glazing a balcony or replacing old double-glazed windows with more modern and new ones, then you should pay attention to windows with aluminum frames. To date, there is a huge range of windows with a wide variety of designs and opening systems, the main thing is to make the right choice.
According to experts, aluminum glazing of balconies and loggias is not only beautiful, but also profitable. Do I need to get permission to install double-glazed windows on a balcony? How to maximize the space and make it aesthetically appealing? What window designs are the most convenient and practical?
Aluminum profile - what is it like?
Recently, aluminum has been very popular in glazing, this is due to the fact that this material is durable, lightweight and compact. It does not carry an additional load on the structure, such as polyvinyl chloride and is more reliable thanwood. In addition, prices for aluminum structures are lower than for metal-plastic ones.
The construction market provides a huge selection of profiles from this metal. The choice is made according to the following criteria.
- Counting the number of air chambers in the frame. Experts say that the more cameras in the window frame, the lower the thermal conductivity and the better the sound insulation. In addition, the more of them, the easier it is to install an improved reinforcing component and fittings. The standard number of air chambers in a profile is from 2 to 7.
- View of the frame. They are warm and cold. The cold profile consists of one glass and has no insulation, so it costs less. And the warm profile has thermal inserts, air chambers and energy-saving double-glazed windows, which is why its cost is more expensive.
- Opening system options: sliding, hinged, folding, etc.
- Possibility of mounting two-, three-chamber windows (energy-saving, noise-insulating).
- Profile design. Variety of colors, metal or laminated frames.
Increased space, aesthetic appearance and structural reliability - all this gives glazing of balconies and loggias. The photo below shows how attractive these double-glazed windows look.
Documentation
If your balcony is located on the front of the house, then a permit for glazing is required. The reason for this is a possible inconsistency with the overall design or errors in the drawing, which threaten serious consequences. Even if youif you just want to change old double-glazed windows for new ones or repaint the frames in a different color, coordination with the responsible services is a must.
To do this, you need to collect the following documents:
- statement;
- documents establishing the right to real estate (original and photocopy to be certified by a notary);
- EZhD (single housing document, which reflects all information about the property);
- a drawing agreed with the responsible inspections (firefighters, Rospotrebnadzor, architects) - for this you need to photocopy a standard drawing and certify it with a notary public;
- technical passport issued by BTI employees.
It is important, according to all the rules, to carry out glazing of balconies and loggias with an aluminum profile. Reviews say that permission may not be given if you live in a house that is an architectural monument or if there are no title documents.
If permission is obtained, then after the work is done, a commission must be invited to check. After they draw up an acceptance certificate, you need to make changes to the registration certificate and title deeds.
Otherwise, you will have to pay a fine and return the room to its original form.
Purpose
Those who are looking for an aesthetically attractive and practical option should pay attention to the aluminum glazing of the loggias. The profile-balcony of this metal does not require constant and tedious maintenance, unlike wooden ones.ram.
In addition, this glazing performs a number of useful functions:
- protection from wind, rain, snow and partially from the sun;
- expansion of living space;
- noise insulation, heat preservation, and on this basis - the minimum cost of utility bills (electricity, gas).
The functionality of double-glazed windows also depends on such a factor as the type of glazing: warm or cold.
Cold glazing type
This refers to an inexpensive standard aluminum double-glazed window, the main purpose of which is protection from precipitation and dust. Such a room can be used as a pantry, a summer veranda or a place for drying clothes.
Pros:
Cost
The most economical option is cold glazing of balconies and loggias with aluminum profiles. Reviews say that such double-glazed windows are much cheaper than wooden or metal-plastic ones. That is why they are quite in demand in our time. Therefore, if you want to use a storage room, then such double-glazed windows are the best option.
Easy
Aluminum frames are light enough to be mounted on any wall. Even some metal railings can support the weight of aluminum glazing.
Sliding opening system
Sliding frames are very convenient to use, unlike swing frames. In addition, they save space and are safer. For example, if on the streetwind, windows with such an opening system can be left open even without fixing, since due to the design features they still will not close, unlike swinging ones.
Long service life
The design of aluminum profiles is so simple that they practically do not fail. And double-glazed windows are strong enough and with dignity resist any bad weather. In addition, frames made of this metal are durable and have high anti-corrosion properties. The minimum service life of such windows is 35 years or more.
Remote glazing
Compact, lightweight and simple double-glazed window with an aluminum profile allows you to make remote glazing a reality - this is the installation of windows a little further than the wall. Which, although not much, but allows you to increase the space due to the capacious window sill, which can be decorated with flowers.
Inimitable style
If you made an individual order, then the craftsmen will make windows with frames of any color. In addition, the double-glazed windows themselves are not only transparent, but also tinted or mirrored, which, of course, will affect their price. Double-glazed windows with an aluminum profile come in a variety of sizes. Panoramic windows with wooden or plastic frames are much more expensive than those with aluminum profiles.
Cons:
High thermal conductivity
Standard aluminum frames are not insulated in any way (except for profiles with a thermal break), and therefore, in the cold season, the temperature on the balcony will be quite low. Although they still retain some heat ingap between window and door.
Freezing
At very low temperatures, sashes and latches can freeze, which makes opening and closing the window much more difficult and threatens to break the mechanisms.
Poor soundproofing
The aluminum profile has low tightness, and therefore only the overall noise level is reduced when closed.
However, these disadvantages matter only in cases where the premises are planned to be actively used in winter (for example, as a winter garden or an office), which absolutely does not apply to windows with cold frames.
Warm looking glazing
The task of profiles with a thermal bridge (an interlayer with a low level of thermal conductivity between two materials) is to retain heat, so they are used to insulate rooms. Such double-glazed windows consist of three parts - external, internal and polyamide gasket, which is called a thermal bridge. This is the warm glazing of balconies and loggias with an aluminum profile. Reviews confirm the fact that such structures not only have high thermal insulation properties, but also increase the level of sound insulation.
Unlike plastic and wood profiles, thermal bridge aluminum frames are equipped with air chambers (3-7) and have a long service life (about 85 years). They have a complex and durable structure and thicker double-glazed windows (about 15 mm) are mounted in them than in cold profiles. All these factors increase the level of noise and heat insulation.
Aluminum profiles with a thermal bridge are a bit more expensive than wooden or plastic ones. This option is ideal for cold regions or we althy individuals who can afford more for installation and finishing work.
Warm aluminum profile is used for a variety of sash opening systems: sliding, hinged, etc. Windows with warm frames differ in the method of fastening and seals. The final version and its cost depends on the layout of the balcony.
Glazing systems
Aluminum double-glazed windows are represented by deaf, sliding, folding, hinged and folding structures. The choice depends on the price of the window and the layout of the room.
Glazing systems for balconies and loggias:
Deaf
This is the cheapest option. To save money, you can install a pair of opening profiles in the room, and close the rest of the space with deaf ones. These windows consist of a profile and double-glazed windows (1 or more).
In the event that the room where the glazing is carried out is longer than 7 meters, then one opening double-glazed window will not be enough.
Sliding
Such double-glazed windows are equipped with special devices that move parallel to each other at the moment of opening. Such windows are not airtight enough and cannot provide a high level of thermal insulation. Sliding glazing of balconies and loggias is most often used simply to protect against the weather, although they have an average level of sound insulation. These windows just washas they can be easily removed.
Lift-sliding
Such double-glazed windows are functional, suitable for warm glazing, protect from precipitation, wind, noise, have a high level of thermal insulation.
Swing
This system is used for both cold and warm glazing. Hinged aluminum windows have a long service life. The construction is quite light and strong. They perfectly protect from rain, dust and wind. They have a relative level of noise isolation, but are not very tight.
Folding
These are aluminum windows of the "accordion" system, they are also suitable for warm insulation. They are quite compact and have a long service life. In addition, they have special reinforced rollers that can withstand heavy loads (about 60 kg).
Luxury glazing
The most non-standard and exclusive methods include frameless glazing of balconies and loggias. This option is suitable for a beautiful country house or a prestigious apartment.
Unusual glazing options:
French
This is a panoramic glazing option, for safety, sandwich panels and a metal fence are mounted in the lower part. This type of glazing is impossible to insulate.
Panoramic
Characterized by a low window sill and large double-glazed windows. Multi-chamber windows are suitable for insulation.
Remote
To strengthen the structure, you need to create a special metala base that can be turned into a large window sill. Such glazing is beneficial in that there is additional space. However, this method requires checking the condition of the balcony by responsible authorities and careful preparation of the project.
Finnish
This is a sliding system with 4 rollers on which the leaves move easily. They will join each other and stack together. If they are fully opened, then a large opening is released. The design is equipped with a brush seal, which guarantees a high rate of tightness, so the temperature in the room is 15 ° higher than outside.
Frameless
It has a sliding door opening system, double-glazed windows are not equipped with frames. They move sideways on rollers, the leaves turn over or move together. Material - tempered glass. They can be locked with a special key. Excellent visibility and light output. Frameless glazing of balconies and loggias is suitable for rooms of any age and shape.
Dignity
Such glazing has a number of undeniable advantages.
Low cost
Aluminum double glazing is cheaper than wood or plastic.
Design reliability
This is due to the fact that aluminum is a very strong metal, and therefore can withstand heavy loads. Aluminum windows are much stronger than plastic or wood windows.
Long service life
Another merit of the aluminum profile is that the metal has excellent anti-corrosionproperties and with dignity resists any bad weather. If correctly installed and used correctly, such windows can last up to 85 years.
Sustainable
All materials and accessories that are used during aluminum glazing do not contain any toxic substances, do not cause allergic reactions. This means that such windows can be called environmentally friendly.
Lightweight and versatile
Aluminum is a very light material, and therefore such windows can be installed on those loggias that cannot be glazed with heavy wooden or plastic windows.
In addition, aluminum structures are suitable for balconies of any layout (shape, size).
Convenient opening systems
Many ways to open the doors, strong and reliable mechanisms that work without failure. Sliding structures are very popular, as they are easy to open, do not require fixation and will not break in windy weather. Plus, they are easy to remove and wash.
Minimal care
Aluminum structures do not require constant maintenance. All that is needed is to lightly wipe with a cloth (lint-free), after wetting it in a light solution of detergent and warm water. And for the mechanisms to work well, they need to be moistened with engine oil once a year.
Design
Modern aluminum glazing looks very creative and exclusive. If you measure and install the structure correctly, it will decorate any, even the most modern, building.
Narrow aluminumframe
Thanks to this feature, the design looks compact and has a large light output.
Profile with thermal bridge
Thanks to a special sealant, traditionally cold aluminum glazing has turned into a warm one. Three or more double-glazed windows can be installed in such a frame.
If, in parallel with the installation of aluminum windows with a thermal bridge, the ceiling and floor on the balcony are insulated, then the room can be used as an office even in winter.
Flaws
Protection from wind, dust and precipitation - all this provides glazing of the loggia with an aluminum profile. Reviews of experts indicate that all options for such double-glazed windows (except for profiles with a thermal bridge) are traditionally cold. Based on this, we can highlight the main disadvantages:
- high thermal conductivity and, as a result, large heat losses - the average temperature on the balcony is 8° higher than outside;
- aluminum glazing is not hermetic;
- if the loggia or balcony is located on the last floor of the house, then there is a risk of slight deformation when glazing a large area;
- freezing of mechanisms (sashes, latches) makes it difficult to open/close windows;
- poor noise isolation.
Prices
The cost of the issue depends on many factors: the purpose of the room, the layout and dimensions, the choice of double-glazed windows and much more. It is important not to forget about additional expenses: fittings, installation work.
Factors affecting price:
- Cold aluminum glazing is muchcheaper than warm.
- The layout and size of the balcony. A standard small balcony (3 meters) is cheaper to glaze. One of the most expensive options is the glazing of round or U-shaped rooms and other complex shapes.
- Sash opening system. For example, sliding structures are inexpensive, they save precious square meters and are very convenient to use, if necessary, they simply move to the side and do not “eat up” space at the same time. Swing double-glazed windows are more airtight and have a high level of sound insulation. Sudden temperature changes do not affect the mechanisms of the window;
- Type of glazing. Classical glazing is considered inexpensive, especially when using cold profile windows. But there is a more time-consuming, expensive and non-standard - this is remote glazing of balconies and loggias. The photo above shows how it looks. The difference is that the structure extends beyond the parapet by about 55 cm. Such glazing requires more careful preparation.
The final price can be calculated only after the master takes measurements and assesses the level of complexity of the installation work. Glazing a standard balcony will cost about 22,000 rubles. This includes shipping, wages to workers, the cost of double-glazed windows.
Reviews
So what are the properties of aluminum glazing of balconies and loggias? Reviews of experts say that, for example, a sliding design is aesthetically pleasing, durable and practical. In addition, the aluminum profile is quite flexible and therefore suitablefor rooms of different shapes (round, U-shaped, etc.) and sizes.
Specialists in the manufacture of aluminum double-glazed windows say that such windows perfectly protect against the penetration of rain, snow, dust and wind, and also reduce the overall noise level. Unlike wooden windows, standard aluminum frames are not very tight (except for profiles with a thermal bridge), but they increase the level of thermal insulation on the balcony and are relatively moisture resistant.
When carrying out competent glazing in the house, an additional room appears for active use even in winter. And when choosing a warm profile and insulating walls and ceilings, you can save money on gas and electricity.
The metal element of the double-glazed window is painted with a special enamel, which makes it resistant to mechanical damage and does not allow moisture to penetrate into the room. In addition, the profile is resistant to corrosion.
Sliding windows are equipped with automatic latches that protect the room from the entry of unauthorized persons. The mechanisms of sliding structures are quite reliable and can withstand heavy loads. The aluminum profile is very light and at the same time durable, which allows for remote glazing. In addition, these windows are very easy to use and durable.
Multifunctionality, low cost, high quality are their main features. According to experts, aluminum structures are the leaders of the modern market. They increase usable space and are fireproof. In addition, they are made from non-toxicmaterials and are therefore considered sustainable.
Helpful tips
To reduce the price of aluminum glazing, it is necessary that the structure has fewer corners, turns, sashes and fittings. You can also dismantle old windows yourself and deliver new aluminum ones home on your own.
For quiet areas of the city, cold glazing of the balcony with an aluminum profile is suitable. Reviews of experts say that the standard design will not protect from the cold, but it will perfectly cope with precipitation, wind and dust. This option is much cheaper. The main thing is not to store vegetables on the balcony, because they can freeze;
Installation of aluminum glazing lasts about 7 hours or more, in the event that you need to create fences for new double-glazed windows. But you can speed up the process. To do this, you can dismantle the old windows yourself.
There are times when aluminum profiles break. The reason for this is improper installation or shrinkage of the house. If a gap appears near the frame, you need to urgently call a specialist who will adjust the sashes, replace the fittings and align the opening.
Sliding structures are better than hinged ones. They open up more, do not eat up space and do not break from the wind. In addition, they have special sluices into which all moisture that enters the profile flows.
Durability, practicality, versatility - all this provides glazing of balconies and loggias with an aluminum profile. Experts say that such structures, if properly maintained, can last from 35 to 85 years.
