Sliding windows for the terrace: choice, installation

One of the attributes of a private house is a furnished terrace, which connects the rooms with the site. This is a kind of transition zone that performs several functions. Among the main requirements for terraces can be noted comfort, decorativeness of finishing materials and structural ergonomics. Moreover, this zone is formed by a minimum number of components, including floor covering, door and window structures. The greatest responsibility is often placed on the glazing of the terrace, from which the quality of lighting and ventilation of the space subsequently depends. Today, sliding technologies make it possible to provide such a platform with window systems that differ in reliable design and functionality. But that the glazing does not disappoint in the process of operation, it is necessary to approach the selection of its conception competently and to perform the erection correctly.

What should be the windows for the terrace?

The characteristics that window frames for terraces and verandas should have in general are similar to those of conventional systems. First of all, this is a heat-saving function. This parameter should be taken into account if the house is located in a cold region and the site itself assumes exploitation with the greatest comfort, as in a recreation area. In addition, sliding windows for the terrace should be reliable and at the same time convenient to use. Complex mechanisms, the presence of multi-level insulating glass units and a large number of fittings - unfortunately, are mandatory conditions for the performance of sliding systems. Such devices can be prone to frequent breakdowns and require special adjustment. However, these inconveniences are compensated by ease of operation, mobility and functionality.

Features of the sliding structure

If in the case of traditional glazed apartments the installation is done according to certain standards, then in the case of the terrace, there are many constructive options for realizing this task. Among the most popular are the sliding window constructions, which allow to save space and provide convenience in using the system. Also among the advantages of such designs are the following:

• Possibility of wide, panoramic view. Sliding systems in this aspect lose only to frameless glazing, but at the same time they benefit from it in terms of reliability.
• A wide range of configurations - today almost any veranda or terrace can be selected for a set of sliding windows.
• Unlimited possibilities of decoration. Manufacturers offer sliding windows for the terrace with layouts, stained glass and laminating design tools.

Which material should I prefer?

From the materials used in window sliding structures, virtually all the operational qualities of the future glazing depend. Sliding systems include three main components: frames, glass canvases and fittings. Directly frame frame is formed by frames, so they must be strong and durable. Manufacturers in the majority let out sliding windows for a terrace with aluminum, plastic and wooden frames. Metal, at first glance, is more advantageous, as its technical characteristics ensure the reliability of the entire system. However, properly processed wood from special breeds can guarantee not only strength, but also ecological purity with a natural microclimate. Plastic, in turn, can be considered as an aluminum analog - such systems are similar in technical qualities. As for the glasses, the choice is also ambiguous. Undoubtedly, tempered glass, transparent or tinted, is in great demand. However, even more often there are also systems in which polycarbonate, which is practical for installation and operation, is used.

Mounting technology

The frames are locked using parallel guides. In the finished form, such a structure consists of wings that "walk" like doors in commander's cabinets. That is, one window leaf goes behind the other, revealing a view from the terrace to the adjacent territory. Sometimes the glazing of the terrace on this technology is compared with panoramic systems. In terms of visual advantages, there is some similarity, although there can be no complete comparison of speech. However, for reliability, tightness and heat insulation function, sliding models are still more effective.

Installation process

Before the installation work, a glazing project must be completed. In accordance with it, the company will manufacture components, from which the installation of windows on the terrace will be carried out in the future. Work begins with fixing the guides - at this stage much depends on the floor covering, walls and structures, with which the surface of the site is joined. Further, frames and glass panels are built in. In parallel, it is necessary to seal all adjacent areas in which the structural elements are connected to the floor covering or walls.

It is important to note that the functionality of the glazing depends not only on the design, but also on the special devices connected to the system. For example, the installation of sliding windows may involve the integration of an electric drive. If the traditional models of double-glazed windows can be opened only manually, in this case, the user can control the doors using the remote control.

Reviews about sliding windows

About 10 years ago, sliding structures competed with swing mechanisms. And already then, the advantages that sliding windows possess were obvious. Reviews, in particular, note the comfort in the operation of such systems, high tightness and aesthetic appearance, which is important for the local area.

With the advent of technologies of frameless and panoramic glazing, consumer requirements have become tougher. Against this background, the minuses of the sliding systems were revealed. For example, in some cases, the structures freeze and provide insufficient strength. To deal with such shortcomings at the technological level is pointless, since they are manifested in the event that the installation of windows is not performed correctly. And yet, in order to eliminate such troubles, some manufacturers supply structures with reinforcing elements to improve reliability.

Conclusion

Improvement of the terrace with functional and ergonomic glazing has long ceased to be a surplus and is now perceived as an indispensable condition for organizing life in a private home. Of course, such systems are not expensive, but sliding windows for the terrace can be the best solution for both price and functions. The very principles of the construction of such structures are aimed at creating maximum comfort with the help of minimal means. In the end, the user can easily manage the window sashes. Sliding mechanisms allow to vary the natural temperature regime at any time of the year, keeping the façade attractive and protecting the terrace from precipitation.