Balcony glazing with aluminum profile

Nowadays, more and more people decide to insulate their balconies. This is not surprising, since the glazed balcony increases the usable space, allows you to expand the active functional area, which can be used as a playroom, resting place, office or even a bedroom. Among our compatriots, there is an opinion that aluminum balcony glazing differs from plastic only in price. But this is not the case - the profile has many other advantages. It is about them that will be discussed in our article.

To begin with, let's dwell on the fundamental differences between metal and traditional plastic balcony designs. To do this, let's take a closer look at the operational characteristics of each of the options. Plastic blocks are made from the same materials from which plastic windows are made. Such options are most often called "warm" glazing. These structures have high parameters of sound and thermal insulation, but at the same time they are quite massive. It is impossible to install them in "Khrushchevs" and buildings of the old building - there is a very high risk that the balcony ceiling simply will not withstand the dimensions of the profile.

For such houses, the best option would be aluminum glazing. In 80% of cases, it is cold, therefore in winter such a balcony can be used exclusively as a storage room.

The remaining 20% ​​is accounted for by "warm" aluminum glazing, when the balcony can be used as a full-fledged living space. For this, special double-glazed windows are used. The aluminum profile in them consists of three main layers:

• outer layer of metal;
• thermostat insert, which is designed to break the cold bridge;
• inner metal layer.

In the factory, the aluminum profile is usually insulated with fiberglass reinforced, foamed materials or polyamide.

Aluminum profile glazing has been used for a long time. In modern structures, the metal is additionally coated with a polymer composition, due to which the working life of the entire structure and the supporting frame is significantly increased.

The main advantages of aluminum glazing are due to the physical and operational parameters of the metal itself.

• Aluminum is a durable metal, as a result, the porch between the sashes and the window frame becomes especially dense. Thus, the adjustment of the fittings is required only after prolonged use of the frame.
• Like most other metals, aluminum oxidizes, however, in the case of a metal profile, this process practically stops due to the application of a polymer coating, which reliably protects the material from rust, and in addition, makes the appearance of the structure more attractive.
• Polymer coated aluminum profile, resistant to UV rays. It does not lose its functional characteristics under the influence of precipitation and temperature fluctuations.
• Maintenance of aluminum frames assembled from metal profiles requires no effort on the part of users.
• Glazing with aluminum blocks is considered the most affordable, since its price is much lower than the cost of wood and plastic systems.
• Installation of insulating glass units made of aluminum is simple. Any home craftsman can do it with his own hands - for this it is enough just to purchase the structure in a ready-made form.

It would seem that double-glazed windows installed using an aluminum profile are practical and inexpensive. However, they are not very popular. The reason is that they have one very significant drawback - the high thermal conductivity of the metal. In other words, their use only makes sense when arranging a cold balcony, since the temperature on it will hardly differ from the outside air temperature.

"Cold" glazing has significant advantages.

• Affordable price - glazing with lightweight aluminum material costs 2-3 times cheaper than installing standard PVC frames. In addition, when installing the blocks, there is no need for additional work associated with the overhaul of the balcony slab and the reinforcement of the parapet.
• "Cold" glazing allows you to free up the maximum area on the balcony. Lightweight structures can always be taken out a little by 20-30 cm, thereby increasing the functional area of ​​the balcony by about 1 sq. m.
• Aluminum is not so sensitive to external temperature fluctuations and deformations caused by strong wind loads.
• Aluminum balcony systems are guaranteed to work even after decades.

Warm insulation of loggias using an aluminum profile is not so common... First, it is much more expensive than "cold". The user will have to pay a high price both for the material itself and for its installation. Secondly, the insulated structure "eats up" the free area of ​​the balcony, as a result you get not a full-fledged functional area, but simply a matchbox.

Nevertheless, "warm" glazing has its advantages:

• good thermal insulation is provided by a 3-6 mm thick double-glazed window; such windows are optimal for installation in harsh climates;
• thanks to the insert that separates the inner and outer walls, the cold is not transferred to the room, and the heat does not escape to the street;
• a balcony insulated with an aluminum profile can be easily turned into an extension of the room;
• the design has increased soundproofing properties - you will not be disturbed by any extraneous sounds, even if you live near a busy highway or airport;
• windows made of aluminum profiles are much stronger than window blocks made of any other PVC material, due to which you can always install glazing from ceiling to floor without fear of frame bending during operation under high wind loads.

In order for the aluminum balcony glazing to fulfill all its functions, give preference to models made in strict accordance with existing regulations.

Aluminum blocks installed on balconies and loggias can be frame or frameless. Frameless glazing allows you to make the inner space of the balcony as illuminated as possible, moreover, from the outside it looks very modern and stylish: the profile here has an insignificant width, therefore, the effect of solid glass is created. In addition, frameless glazing allows you to preserve the interior space of the balcony to the maximum.

The advantages of such structures also include the fact that hardened material is used during assembly - it is almost impossible to break such glass, for this you will have to beat it with almost a hammer. And even if for some reason it breaks, users will not be able to cut themselves, because with a strong impact, the hardened material will simply crumble, leaving not a single protruding fragment in the openings.

However, frameless glazing has its drawbacks, namely:

• good visibility of the inner contents of the balcony from the street;
• the lack of the possibility of installing mosquito nets in the summer;
• lack of one hundred percent tightness;
• the design is worse than traditional ones; it detains noise from the street;
• the inability to equip a warm balcony.

Obviously, the number of disadvantages significantly outweighs the number of advantages, therefore, in most cases, owners of residential premises still prefer to install frame systems on balconies. They look very impressive, are lightweight and easy to install and allow, if necessary, to insulate additional space, are optimal for balconies with a roof.

One of the advantages of installing aluminum frames is the ability to paint them depending on the user's preferences and interior features. Painting is carried out using one of the following methods.

• Anodizing. In this case, at the exit, the frame acquires a color scheme with a pronounced metallic sheen. This effect is due to the formation of an oxide layer. It creates protection on the surface of the metal, protecting it from rust.

• Powder staining. Profiles processed in this way are more resistant to corrosion and deformation, since such a coating dries under the influence of elevated temperatures. The powder coating does not peel off during operation, does not crack in frost, and retains its tone under the influence of direct ultraviolet rays. However, such processing is possible only in production conditions; it is impossible to paint at home.

• Lamination. This method is a bit like covering PVC blocks with all kinds of films. This is the best way to bring the loggia into consistency with the overall stylistic and color scheme of the interior.

The appearance of metal frames in the interior of the balcony largely depends on the characteristics of the profile, the total number of window openings, as well as the number of sashes that can be opened. For example, when installing external structures with sewn-on ends, a rectangular block with window openings located in a single plane is usually used. If you are going to completely glaze the balcony from the outside with a slab, in this case the block will be U-shaped. For any corner balcony, the frame must have an appropriate number of kinks. Moving sash systems, depending on the opening method, can be made in several versions:

• standard swing - they usually open on pivoting hinges in one direction or another;
• folding - open by analogy with a window, that is, from top to bottom;
• combined option - in this version, within the framework of a single design, options for both standard swing and tilt opening are provided.

Nowadays, it is not so easy to figure out which glazing option users consider the most successful for their houses and apartments. Owners' opinions and their numerous reviews vary greatly. Analyzing all the information presented on thematic sites, the following points can be distinguished:

• according to consumers, plastic blocks are more massive and dimensional in comparison with aluminum profile systems;
• plastic, unlike metal, is not resistant to mechanical damage;
• aluminum frames retain heat poorly and in this regard are significantly inferior to plastic ones.

It is these characteristic features that must be taken into account before choosing the appropriate glazing method for your balcony.... Each of them has its pros and cons, therefore, first of all, you need to study the technical condition of the balcony, the need for its additional strengthening and strengthening of the parapet. An important role in choosing a glazing method is played by the planned use of the additional room and the total area of ​​the operated loggia.

Nowadays, aluminum profiles are in demand on the market, so many companies offer this kind of design. Among the variety of models presented, users single out several manufacturers whose products are of high quality, practicality and durability.

• Schuco. A German company offering one of the highest quality products. Aluminum profiles of this brand are characterized by special strength and unique technical and operational parameters.

• New Tex Group... An Italian holding, whose profiles are characterized by users as the most durable and practical.

• Provedal. Aluminum profiles of this Spanish brand are invariably highly popular among Russians. Experts mark them as reliable, lightweight and high quality material. Application on balconies and loggias of all types is allowed.

In conclusion, here are some recommendations on how to keep aluminum blocks on balconies fresh and clean. It is best to choose the means recommended by the window manufacturer for this. However, if they are not at hand, you can use any mild detergents without abrasive components.

Aluminum frames are washed as soon as they become dirty, but at least once every six months. If the installed profile has a protective polymer coating, it is best to consult a sales representative about the features of proper care for it.

Accessories require separate care. Hinges, idler rollers and moving parts require cleaning and lubrication from time to time.

The overall tightness of the installed window system largely depends on the integrity of the seal, therefore, as it wears out, it needs to be changed. To do this, select a similar material or corresponding to it in thickness.

In recent years, blocks of aluminum profiles for loggias and balconies have become increasingly popular, since the material is characterized not only by increased strength parameters, but also by an original design.

Frameless glazing is very light and simple, while it looks impressive from the outside, and inside it allows you to install a window from floor to ceiling.

Frame blocks are more functional, they better protect additional space from noise, wind and cold, and with high-quality finishing of the balcony, they turn it into a stylish functional space.

About the features of glazing balconies with an aluminum profile, see below.