Glazing of balconies and loggias with aluminum profile: expert reviews

If you plan to glaze a balcony or change old double-glazed windows to more modern and new ones, 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, glazing with aluminum balconies, loggias - it's not only beautiful, but also profitable. Do I need permission to install double-glazed windows on the balcony? How to maximize the room and make it aesthetically attractive? Which window structures are the most convenient and practical?

Aluminum profile - what it is?

Recently, aluminum is very popular in glazing, this is because this material is strong, light and compact. It does not carry an additional load on the structure, as, for example, polyvinyl chloride and more reliable than wood. 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.

1. Counting the number of air chambers in the frame. Experts argue that the more chambers in the window frame, the lower the thermal conductivity and better sound insulation. In addition, the more of them, the easier it is to install an improved reinforcing component and accessories. The standard number of air chambers in the profile is from 2 to 7.
2. Kind of frame. They are warm and cold. The cold profile consists of one glass and has no heaters, so it costs less. A warm profile has thermal enclosures, air chambers and energy-saving double-glazed windows, which is why its cost is more expensive.
3. Variants of opening systems: sliding, swinging, folding, etc.
4. The possibility of installing two-, three-chamber windows (energy-saving, noise-proof).
5. Profile design. A variety of colors, metal or laminated frames.

Increased space, aesthetic appearance and reliability of the design - 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 necessary. The reason for this is the possible inconsistency with the overall design or errors in the drawing, which threaten with serious consequences. Even if you just want to change old double-glazed windows for new ones or paint the frames in a different color, agreeing with the responsible services is a mandatory item.

For this you need to collect such documents:

• statement;
• Documents establishing the right to immovable property (original and photocopy, which must be notified by a notary);
• EHR (single housing document, which reflects all information about the property);
• Drawing, agreed with the responsible inspections (fire, rospotrebnadzor, architects) - for this you need to copy the standard drawing and notarize it;
• Technical passport issued by BTI employees.

It is important to glazing the balconies and loggias with an aluminum profile. Reviews say that permission can not be given in case 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, you need to invite a commission for review. After they compose the act of acceptance, it is necessary to make changes in the technical passport and legal acts.

Otherwise, you will have to pay a fine and return the room to its original appearance.

Purpose

Those who are looking for an aesthetically attractive and practical option, you need to pay attention to the aluminum glazing of the loggias. Profile-balcony of this metal does not require constant and tedious care, unlike wooden frames.

In addition, this glazing performs a number of useful functions:

• Protection from wind, rain, snow and partly from the sun;
• Expansion of living space;
• Noise insulation, the preservation of heat, and based on this - the minimum expenditure on utilities (light, gas).

Functionality of insulating glass depends also on such factor as the type of glazing: warm or cold.

Cold type of glazing

This refers to an inexpensive standard aluminum double-glazed window, the main purpose of which is to protect against precipitation and dust. This room can be used as a storeroom, a summer veranda or a place for drying clothes.

Pros:

• Cost

The most economical option is the cold glazing of balconies and loggias with an aluminum profile. Reviews say that such double-glazed windows are much cheaper than wooden or metal-plastic. That's why they are quite in demand nowadays. And so if you want to use the storage space, then such double-glazed windows are the best option.

• Ease

Aluminum frames have a fairly small weight, and therefore they can be installed on any wall. Even some metal rails can withstand the weight of aluminum double-glazed windows.

• Sliding opening system

Sliding frames - weights are easy to use, unlike swing frames. In addition, with their help they save space and they are safer. For example, if the wind is outside, windows with such an opening system can be left open, even without fixing, because due to the design features they still will not close, unlike the swinging ones.

• Long service life

The design of aluminum profiles is so simple that they practically do not fail. A double-glazed windows - strong enough and with dignity to resist any bad weather. In addition, frames from this metal are distinguished by their durability and high corrosion resistance properties. The minimum service life of such windows is 35 years and more.

• Remote glazing

A compact, lightweight and simple double-glazed window with an aluminum profile makes it possible to realize a remote glazing - this is the installation of windows a little further from the wall. That though it is not much, but allows to increase a space at the expense of the capacious window sill which can be decorated with colors.

• Inimitable style

If you made a custom order, the masters will make windows with frames of any color. In addition, the glass units themselves are not only transparent, but also with tinting or mirroring, 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 similar ones with an aluminum profile.

Minuses:

• High thermal conductivity

Standard aluminum frames are not insulated in any way (except for profiles with a thermo fracture), and therefore in the cold season the temperature on the balcony will be low enough. Although they still retain a little heat in the gap between the window and the door.

• Freezing

At very low temperatures, the flaps and latches can freeze, which significantly complicates the process of opening and closing the window and threatens to break down the mechanisms.

• Low sound insulation level

The aluminum profile has a low tightness, and therefore in the closed state only the overall noise level is reduced.

However, these disadvantages are important only when the premises are planned to be actively used in winter (for example, as a winter garden or office), which does not apply to windows with cold frames.

Warm glazing

The task of profiles with a thermal bridge (a layer with a low level of thermal conductivity between the two materials) is the preservation of heat, so they are used to insulate the premises. Such double-glazed windows consist of three parts - external, internal and gasket of polyamide, which is called the thermal bridge. This is the warm glazing of balconies and loggias with an aluminum profile. The reviews confirm the fact that such structures not only have high thermal insulation properties, but also increase the level of noise insulation.

Unlike plastic and wooden profiles, aluminum frames with a thermobridge are equipped with air chambers (3-7) and have a long service life (about 85 years). They have a complex and sturdy construction and they are fitted with thicker insulating glass units (about 15 mm) than in cold profiles. All these factors increase the level of noise and heat insulation.

Aluminum profiles with a thermal bridge are slightly more expensive than wooden or plastic ones. This option is ideal for cold regions or for wealthy people who can allocate more funds for installation and finishing work.

Warm aluminum profile is used for a variety of opening systems: folding, swinging, etc. Windows with warm frames differ in the method of attachment and seals. The final version and its cost depends on the layout of the balcony.

Glazing systems

Aluminum double-glazed windows are deaf, sliding, folding, swinging and folding structures. The choice depends on the price of the window and the layout of the room.

Systems of glazing of balconies and loggias:

• Deaf people

This option is the most inexpensive. To save money, a pair of opening profiles can be installed in the room, and the rest of the space can be closed by deaf ones. These windows consist of a profile and a double-glazed unit (1 or more).

In the event that the room where the glazing is being carried out is longer than 7 meters, one opening glass unit will not be enough.

• Sliding

Such double-glazed windows are equipped with special devices that move parallel to each other at the time of opening. Such windows are not tight enough and can not provide a high level of thermal insulation. Glazing balconies and loggias sliding is most often used simply to protect from the weather, although the average level of noise insulation they have. These windows are simply washed, as they can easily be removed.

• Lifting and sliding

These double-glazed windows are functional, suitable for warm glazing, protect against rain, wind, noise, have a high level of thermal insulation.

• Swinging machines

This system is used for both cold and warm glazing. Swing aluminum windows are distinguished by a long service life. The design is light and sturdy enough. They perfectly protect against precipitation, dust and wind. They have a relative level of noise insulation, but they are not very tight.

• Foldable

This aluminum windows system "accordion", they are suitable for warm insulation. They are compact enough and have a long service life. In addition, they have special reinforced rollers, which withstand heavy loads (about 60 kg).

Elite 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.

Variants of unusual glazing:

• French

This is a panoramic version of the glazing, for safety at the bottom, sandwich panels and a metal fence are mounted. This kind of glazing can not be insulated.

• Panoramic view

Characterized by a low sill and double-glazed windows of large sizes. Multi-chamber windows are suitable for insulation.

• Remote

To strengthen the design, you need to create a special metal base, which can be turned into a large window sill. Such glazing is advantageous 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

It is a sliding system with 4 rollers, which easily move the doors. They join each other and add up together. If they are fully opened, then a large opening is released. The design is equipped with a brush sealant, which guarantees a high degree of tightness, so the room temperature is 15 ° higher than on the street.

• Frameless

It has a sliding opening system, the double-glazed windows are not equipped with frames. They move along the rollers to the side, the flaps turn or move together. Material - tempered glass. They can be closed to a special key. Excellent view and light. Frameless glazing of balconies and loggias is suitable for rooms of any age and shape.

Advantages

Such glazing has a number of undeniable advantages.

• Low cost

Aluminum double-glazed windows are cheaper than wooden or plastic.

• Reliability of construction

This is due to the fact that aluminum is a very strong metal, and therefore withstands heavy loads. Aluminum windows are much stronger than plastic or wooden.

• Long service life

Another merit of the aluminum profile is that the metal has excellent anti-corrosion properties and with dignity resists any weather. If you correctly install and use such windows by all rules, then they can last about 85 years.

• Ecological compatibility

All materials and accessories that are used during the aluminum glazing, does not contain any toxic substances, does not cause allergic reactions. So, such windows can be called environmentally safe.

• Easiness and versatility

Aluminum is a very light material, and therefore such windows can be installed on those loggias that can not 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 methods of opening the doors, strong and reliable mechanisms that work without failures. Sliding constructions are very popular, as they are easy to open, do not require fixing and do not break in windy weather. In addition, they are easy to remove and wash.

• Minimal care

Aluminum structures do not require constant maintenance. All you need is to lightly wipe it with a rag (without lint), after moistening it with a light solution of detergent and warm water. And for a good work of the mechanisms they need to be moistened with engine oil once a year.

• Design

Modern aluminum glazing looks very creative and exclusive. If you correctly measure and install the design, it will decorate any, even the most modern, building.

• Narrow aluminum frame

Thanks to this feature, the designs look compact and have a large light output.

• Thermal bridge profile

Thanks to a special seal, the traditionally cold aluminum glazing turned into a warm one. In this frame you can install from three or more double-glazed windows.

If in parallel with the installation of aluminum windows with a thermal bridge to insulate the ceiling and the floor on the balcony, the room can be used as a cabinet even in winter.

disadvantages

Protection from wind, dust and rainfall - all this provides glazing of the loggia with an aluminum profile. Experts say that all the options for such double-glazed windows (except those with a thermal bridge) are traditionally cold. Proceeding from this, it is possible to single out the main disadvantages:

• High thermal conductivity and as a consequence, large heat losses - the average temperature on the balcony is higher by 8 ° than on the street;
• Aluminum double-glazed windows are not sealed;
• If the balcony or balcony is located on the last floor of the house, then there is a risk of slight deformation when glazing a large area;
• The freezing of mechanisms (shutters, latches) makes it difficult to open / close windows;
• Low level of noise insulation.

Price list

The cost of the issue depends on many factors: the purpose of the room, layout and size, the choice of double-glazed windows and much more. It is important not to forget about additional embezzlements: accessories, installation works.

Factors affecting the price:

1. Cold aluminum glazing is much cheaper than a warm one.
2. The layout and size of the balcony. A standard small balcony (3 meters) is less expensive to glaze. One of the most expensive options is the glazing of round or U-shaped rooms and other complex shapes.
3. The system of opening the leaflets. For example, sliding structures are inexpensive, they save precious square meters and they are very convenient to use, if necessary they simply move to the side and do not "eat up" while space. The plaster windows are more sealed and have a high level of noise insulation. Sharp changes in temperature do not affect the mechanisms of the window;
4. Type of glazing. Classic glazing is considered inexpensive, especially with the use of windows with a cold profile. But there is more time-consuming, expensive and non-standard - this is a remote glazing of balconies and loggias. The photo above shows how it looks. The difference is that the structure is moved beyond the parapet by about 55 cm. This glazing requires more thorough preparation.

The final price can be calculated only after the master conducts measurements and assesses the level of complexity of the installation works. The glazing of the standard balcony will cost about 22 000 rubles. This includes delivery, wages to workers, the cost of insulating glass.

Reviews

So what are the properties of aluminum glazing balconies and loggias? Experts say that, for example, the sliding design is aesthetically pleasing, durable and practical. In addition, the profile of aluminum is flexible enough, and therefore suitable for rooms of different shapes (round, n-shaped, etc.) and sizes.

Specialists in the manufacture of aluminum double-glazed windows claim that such windows are perfectly protected 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 with their help on the balcony the level of thermal insulation increases and they are relatively moisture resistant.

When carrying out competent glazing in the house there is an additional room for active use even in winter. And when choosing a warm profile and warming the walls and ceiling, you can save waste 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, which protect the room from penetration by unauthorized persons. Mechanisms of sliding structures are reliable enough and withstand heavy loads. Aluminum profile is very light and at the same time durable, which allows for remote glazing. In addition, such windows are very easy to operate and durable.

Multifunctionality, low cost, high quality are their main properties. According to experts, aluminum structures are the leaders of the modern market. They increase the usable space and are fireproof. In addition, they are made of non-toxic materials, and therefore are considered environmentally friendly.

Helpful Tips

To reduce the price of aluminum glazing, it is necessary that the design has fewer angles, turns, flaps and fittings. You can also dismantle the old windows yourself and deliver the new aluminum home on your own.

For the quiet areas of the city, the cold glazing of the balcony with an aluminum profile is suitable. Experts say that the standard design does not protect against the cold, but it will cope with the rain, wind and dust perfectly. This option is several times cheaper. The main thing is not to store vegetables on the balcony, because they can freeze;

Installation of aluminum glazing lasts about 7 hours and more, if you want to create fences for new insulating glass. 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 the wrong installation or shrinkage of the house. When a gap appears near the frame, it is necessary to urgently call a specialist who adjusts the doors, replaces the hardware and aligns the opening.

Sliding constructions are better than swinging. They are more open, do not eat space and do not break from the wind. In addition, they have special locks, which drain all the moisture that falls into the profile.

Durability, practicality, versatility - all this provides glazing of balconies and loggias with an aluminum profile. Experts say that such structures, if properly operated, can last from 35 to 85 years.