The modern renovation of the apartment, except for the main work, also involves glazing the balcony with double-glazed windows. At the point of choice, the question often arises what glass windows are and which are better suited for the balcony. The following information will help solve the problem.

Cold or warm glazing: What to choose?

Choosing the type of glazing the balcony, it is necessary to take into account its purpose, as well as the strength characteristics of the balcony plate, fencing. In the event that a balcony of the Old, the choice does not remain: only installation of a light structure is possible. On the balcony of new buildings, subject to high-quality glazing with good heat and sound insulation, it is possible to organize a winter garden or a working office. There are two types of glazing balconies.

• Warm glazing: involves the use of triple and double glazing. To improve the thermal insulation properties of the chamber can be filled with rarefied air or inert gas - argon. Warm must be floor, upper stove and enclosing structures.

• Cold glazing: It is used for small, ornamental and dilapidated balconies, as well as in areas with a temperate and warm climate. Glazing can be performed using "mono" glass, which is enough to protect against wind, dust and precipitation. The main advantage of cold glazing is the lower cost of the design and the smaller weight.

Single-chamber glass windows for balcony

The double-glazed glass is a solid hermetic design of two and more glasses separated by remote frames. The space between the glasses can be filled with a rarefied gas, and the glass themselves have special coatings.

It consists of a single-chamber double-glazed glass of two glasses with a thickness of 3-6 mm and space between them, that is, the chambers. The distance between the glasses can be 14, 16 or 18 mm. The total thickness of the glass package is 20-30 mm. This is the simplest design with the following advantages:

• relatively light weight, which allows the use of cheaper accessories and make large-term glazing;
• low price, which is important for low-cost glazing.

Disadvantages:

• does not create the desired balcony insulation due to low thermal insulation qualities;
• it has low noise insulation.

Two-chamber glass windows

Insulation of the balcony with double-glazed windows of a two-chamber design gives the best result. A two-chamber glass has a higher mechanical strength: it consists of three glasses and two cameras of different volumes. The thickness of the design does not exceed 30 mm. In addition, it differs from the one-chamber in the following characteristics:

• price: in a two-chamber glass window, it is about 25% more;
• improved soundproofing qualities;
• it is better to keep warm in the middle of the room, which is important for the device heated balcony.

In the event that the fittings are chosen correctly and the installation is made professionally, the balcony glazing from two-chamber glass windows will last for many years.

Three-chamber glass windows

The warmest double-glazed glass on the balcony is three-chamber. It consists of four glasses and three cameras between them. For the installation of such a glass package, a thicker (up to 40 mm) window profile is used. As a result, the total cost of construction increases.

Advantages of three-chamber glass windows:

• due to improved heat insulating properties, it can be used for glazing balconies in cold areas, where the temperature drops to - 50 ° C;
• can be used for balconies combined with residential zone;
• efficiency: Balcony frame with three-chamber glass allows you to maintain a comfortable temperature in the apartment with minimal heating costs;
• noise insulating properties: three-chamber windows are installed on balconies overlooking noisy streets.

Disadvantages are as follows:

• high price;
• considerable weight, which must be considered when calculating the strength of the carrier elements of the balcony;
• accessories experiencing heavy loads;
• windows reflect sunlight, which adversely affects the illumination balcony.

Having considered the listed types of double-glazed windows for the balcony, one can conclude that the best choice in most cases is a double-glass. Similarly selected glazing balcony door.

General rules for selection of glass

In addition to the number of cameras in the pane, you must consider other design parameters. To properly glazing balcony glazing, if you choose, we recommend using the following rules.

1. The distance between the panes must not exceed 20 mm, otherwise insulating glazing properties will be deteriorated.
2. Dimensions glass should be no more than 3,000 × 3,200 mm exceeding this parameter increases the risk of seal failure due to deformation of glass. From installation on the balcony of the "French" windows should be avoided.
3. Tinted glass must be set from the outside. Otherwise, the cooling will be insufficient, leading to deformation and destruction of the glazing.
4. Assembling the glazing unit is carried out at a temperature not lower than the outside air -15 ° C, the inside - is not lower than + 5 ° C.

How to install windows on the balcony to avoid condensation

To the glass on the balcony is not covered with condensation, it is necessary to take certain measures.

1. Walling and floor of the balcony should be well insulated. Pre-mounted membrane waterproofing.
2. Glazing is recommended to select the frame with a double seal on the perimeter of the flaps. Number of chambers in insulating glass units - at least two.
3. To remove the excess moisture must be grilles provided with shutters.
4. Between adjacent rooms and balcony should be organized with the help of ventilation exhaust fan.

Hinged or sliding windows

Swing design is more popular for several reasons:

• providing tightness;
• they have better thermal and sound insulating properties.

Lack of swing insulating glass consists in the fact that flaps in the open position occupy a lot of space, which is inconvenient for a small balcony.

If the apartment is a small balcony - sliding windows are the best solution. But keep in mind: such a design is used only for cold glass. In addition to smaller dimensions, sliding windows are different:

• the worst heat and sound insulation;
• lower cost;
• operating convenience;
• lighter weight;
• ease of installation.

It should be borne in mind that in the cold season, the intentions of ice on the guides can be a hindrance when opening and closing the sash. Especially predisposed to this aluminum double-glazed windows on the balcony.

Some information about the material of the profile

Frame Ram profiles are made of various materials: from metal plastic, aluminum or wood. Characteristics them differ from each other.

1. Aluminum frames are the easiest. They have a long service life: aluminum does not change the color, withstands the temperature difference, not deformed. Aluminum profiles are cold and during frost can try to each other.
2. Metal plastic windows on the balcony are the cheapest. If necessary, standard white frames can be laminized by film of any color, including with imitation of natural wood. It should be borne in mind that poor-quality plastic can overcome with time. In addition, plastic accumulates static electricity, attracting dust. It is recommended to purchase the designs of proven manufacturers: such glazing well withstands the temperature differences and creates the necessary tightness.
3. Wooden windows for glazing the balcony have one drawback - their price is high. In order for the design to be not deformed, several layers of wood, the fibers of which are directed towards each other. From moisture protects deep impregnation of material and special coating. Wooden windows are environmentally friendly and aesthetically attractive.

Using the information set out in the article, you can choose suitable double-glazed windows for glazing the balcony. Such a video material with explanations of a specialist.