Loggia glazing, loggia glazing options, cold and warm types of glazing

No. 1. What is warm glazing?

First of all, we note that there is no technical term “warm glazing”, which means there cannot be any standardized values for it. But, despite this, this concept is widely used among the people and it means that when converting a balcony or loggia into a living space, it is necessary to achieve the same thermal insulation indicators that are accepted for the building envelope.

In order for the balcony to be as warm as in the apartment, it is necessary to insulate the floor, walls and ceiling of the balcony. Since a significant part of any balcony is occupied by translucent structures, they must be as airtight as possible and have high thermal insulation rates. All these measures are aimed at keeping the cold out of the room and not releasing accumulated heat. Where will the heat come from on the loggia or balcony? You can use electric heaters or electric heated floors. If there is no wall between the balcony and the adjacent room, heat will be easily transferred from the apartment.

Warm glazing may be needed in the following cases:

when it is necessary to organize additional living space on the balcony, for example, an office, a recreation area, a workshop, a small gym, a greenhouse, etc.;
when a balcony is combined with an adjacent room to increase its area. Living rooms, kitchens and bedrooms are often expanded in this way;
when it is necessary to insulate a room adjacent to a balcony.

An alternative to warm glazing is the so-called. cold. It is made of lightweight structures that protect the balcony from rain, dust, gusts of wind, but are not able to become a barrier to cold and noise. In winter, a balcony with cold glazing cannot be used as a living space.

Balcony glazing using aluminum structures.

comfort is considered completely normal . Therefore, balcony glazing is an important element warm balcony. What material you use to glass your balcony is your choice , but most people prefer this type of material.

many advantages of these designs . For example, a price that is absolutely affordable. When calculating in rubles, we can safely say that the cost of one plastic window includes two aluminum ones.

The big positive feature of this design is that they can be installed in houses that are considered dilapidated , usually there is a ban on weighing down balconies and loggias.

In addition, by installing aluminum glazing, you can completely forget about street noise , since these windows have high noise insulation .

No. 2. Pros and cons of warm glazing of balconies

If it’s warm on the balcony even in winter, like in an apartment, then what disadvantages can we even talk about? Even warm glazing has disadvantages, but they are outweighed by its advantages. Let's start with them.

Advantages of warm glazing:

increase in living space. Actually, for this reason, insulation of the balcony with the installation of sealed double-glazed windows is started. Thanks to glazing, the balcony becomes a full-fledged warm extension of the apartment, and everyone will figure out how to manage this area for themselves;
improved sound insulation . Modern double-glazed windows used in warm glazing have excellent sound insulation properties, so it will be much quieter on the balcony and in the apartment;
a sealed glazing system will become a reliable barrier to drafts, winds, dampness, and sunshine;
after insulation and installation of glazing, the interior of the balcony can be decorated as desired , hang blinds or curtains - everything is the same as in an ordinary room;
durability _ Warm glazing systems last at least 30 years, if, of course, reliable materials were used. Before ordering, check with the manufacturer what profiles and double-glazed windows he uses - the lifespan of the entire structure depends on this. , for example, carries out glazing of balconies in Krasnodar and the region, using only high-quality profiles and double-glazed windows from well-known manufacturers; the company’s offers can be found on the page https://nem-okno.ru/balkony-i-lodzhii/. Confirmation of quality - a two-year guarantee for installation and a 40-year guarantee for the profile. Due to large production volumes, the company receives a decent discount from suppliers, which allows it to offer customers the best prices in the region.

Warm glazing also has disadvantages:

high weight of the structure , since a multi-chamber profile and a double-glazed window with two or three glasses are used. Not every balcony can withstand such a load, so in some cases it will be necessary to reinforce the parapet and balcony slab. Very old and flimsy balconies may not be suitable for insulation and glazing at all. The condition must be assessed by a specialist who will make a verdict and, if necessary, recommend a set of preparatory measures;
the massive design of warm glazing takes up a significant amount of usable space , but this sacrifice must be approached philosophically - nevertheless, due to such glazing we gain more space than we give up;
a decrease in the amount of light , the same massiveness of the structure is to blame. In the room adjacent to the balcony or loggia, natural illumination will become noticeably lower;
high cost due to the complexity of the system and installation nuances. Warm glazing costs more than cold glazing, and this is normal. Considering that you get additional living space, and the durability of the structure reaches decades, then the investment does not seem so serious. As a caution, we note that it is better not to settle for too cheap options. As a result, it turns out that either the final price will be higher than stated at once, or low-quality profiles and double-glazed windows from unknown manufacturers will be used, which are not able to retain heat and will soon need to be replaced.

As you can see, the disadvantages are not so significant compared to the advantages, but if you just want to enclose the area of your balcony and protect it from winds, precipitation and dirt, then choose lighter and cheaper cold glazing . There is an option with frameless glazing, which takes up minimal space, does not block the passage of sunlight and looks very impressive.

Warm type glazing

These types of loggia glazing are technically advanced and are more useful, as they can provide additional usable space. The glazed area will turn into a miniature room, where it will be as comfortable to be as in the rest of the room.

You can use such a balcony at any time of the year, regardless of the weather. It can be easily turned into a space for plants, a relaxation room, or used for other purposes. The warm frame perfectly retains heat, wind, and precipitation of any type. You can make your balcony even warmer by insulating its walls, floors and ceiling. To do this, you can use any type of insulation, ranging from glass wool, polystyrene foam and ending with special foam. You can additionally insulate any warm types of loggia glazing . You don’t have to think about what kind of frame is installed, since it is connected indirectly to the walls. But the frames themselves differ in technical characteristics.

Warm glazing

It is most convenient to use a PVC profile for warm glazing. The design can be ordered ready-made, it will be the size and shape you need. Such frames are usually equipped with double-glazed windows, but thicker ones can be installed. Before you order glazing, you need to find out whether your balcony slab can support its weight. You may have to make do with a lighter option or you may need to strengthen the structure.

Glazing of PVC profile windows

Warm types of balconies and loggias have the following positive qualities:

The balcony will become warm, will be able to retain heat well and can be used regardless of the weather outside. Heating can be installed there.
Thanks to such a buffer, the room will become quieter.
From the outside, the hanging structure will look attractive and will help update the appearance of the facade, without requiring permission to install it.
Glazing can protect the room from criminals entering through the balcony.

Warm glazing is not without its drawbacks. The main group includes the following:

Frames block the view and create visual bulkiness of the structure. If you are used to space, they will not be cozy for you.
The structure has a large mass. It is not always possible to install the desired glazing on an old building.

Do you need to glaze your balcony? Find out which windows are better to install on the balcony, plastic or aluminum? Read about the options for inexpensive glazing of balconies and loggias in our material on the website.

Find out also, “Which balcony frame is better to choose and what to save on.” Expert advice.

No. 3. Warm glazing options

To organize warm glazing, systems with the following types of profiles are used:

plastic (PVC) - the most popular, affordable and versatile option;
a wooden profile is approximately the same in terms of heat and noise insulation as a plastic one, but is distinguished by its chic appearance and environmental friendliness, and you will have to pay extra for this;
warm aluminum is used a little less often, although in some performance qualities it outperforms plastic and wood.

Differences may also lie in the characteristics of the glass unit and in the system for opening the sashes. In addition, you can make the system more functional using various kinds of accessories.

Frame and frameless glazing

What makes them special? What other types of glazed loggias can there be? Photos of finished designs will help you make your choice. Today there are such types of glazing as framed and frameless. The first option allows you to securely fasten the double-glazed window to a rigid frame. The disadvantage of this option is the lack of lighting. Also, many are confused by the presence of a huge number of jumpers.

In frameless glazing, the role of the frame is played by heavy-duty tempered or laminated glass. The edges of this design are carefully processed, so the likelihood of injury will be minimal. Frameless glazing allows you to significantly increase the illumination of the room and create the effect of no boundaries. Since this type of glazing does not have frames on which the sashes are usually attached, special attention should be paid to the opening mechanisms. As a rule, folding and sliding systems are used here. The first option works on the principle of a book or accordion. Sliding systems are complex structures consisting of rail guides. They allow you to move the double-glazed windows in different directions. Panoramic glazing is usually realized using frameless glazing. This option allows you to significantly improve visibility and increase the amount of sunlight in the room.

No. 4. Profile type for warm balcony glazing

Plastic profile

In most cases, a plastic profile is chosen for warm glazing. It is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and reinforced with steel with a thickness of at least 1.4 mm so that the structure is strong enough. Inside the profile there are partitions that divide it into chambers: some of them are used for installing fittings, some are filled with reinforcing material, some remain hollow. The more cameras in a profile, the warmer, quieter and more reliable it will be. Choose a class A profile with an external wall thickness of at least 2.8 mm - only this can make the balcony truly warm.

Advantages of plastic profile:

affordable cost, especially when compared with its wooden counterpart;
excellent indicators of tightness, heat and sound insulation;
resistance to temperature changes, winds, precipitation, so this profile can be used in any region;
fire safety. The plastic profile is not a flammable material, but even if a fire occurs, its self-extinguishing properties will prevent the spread of fire;
aesthetic appearance. The simplest white glossy profile looks quite good and fits well into most modern balconies, but if necessary, you can order a colored profile or make an imitation of any type of wood. Lamination occurs directly in production and does not in any way affect the performance of the profile. There are ways to do lamination yourself after installing the glazing;
relatively simple installation;
safety for humans - no toxic fumes;
ease of care.

Minuses:

the plastic profile intended for warm glazing has considerable weight, so in the case of weak balcony slabs such a solution may not be possible;
non-repairability. If a scratch forms on the profile, it will be impossible to remove it;
the increased electrostaticity of plastic contributes to the accumulation of dust on its surface, so cleaning will have to be carried out more often than in the case of other types of profiles

Wood profile

A wooden profile is often used when it is planned to combine a balcony or loggia with an adjacent room made in a certain style. For a classic interior, for example, a plastic profile is clearly not suitable. It will look out of place in country and eco styles. If wood plays a dominant role when decorating and furnishing a room, then it is better to opt for a wooden profile.

, larch, pine or oak are usually used . If previously solid wood was used, then a three-layer structure is used to make modern wooden profiles. The wood strips are positioned so that the fibers of adjacent layers are in different directions. The connection is made with environmentally friendly waterproof adhesives, so the end result is a system that is superior to solid wood in strength and rigidity and does not react so strongly to temperature changes.

pros:

luxurious appearance of a wooden profile;
environmental friendliness and naturalness;
excellent performance in heat, sound insulation and tightness. According to research, with the same thickness, a wooden profile is warmer than a plastic one. The difference is minor, but still there;
Scratches, impact marks, cracks and other damage can be easily disguised, and the external profile will remain as perfect as it was after installation.

Minuses:

high price. Glazing with a wooden profile will cost the customer approximately 50-80% more than with a plastic profile;
wood is a capricious material. The fact that the frame consists of laminated veneer lumber, which is treated with protective substances, makes it possible to increase resistance to negative natural influences, but if the treatment was carried out in violation of the technology, the frame may soon swell, and the glazing will have to be completely replaced;
decent weight of the structure;
fear of fire.

There are wooden frames that are equipped with an aluminum overlay on the outside; it reinforces the frame and protects the wood.

Warm aluminum

Aluminum profile is usually used to create cold glazing. Previously, such systems could only be installed in non-residential premises, but recently a warm aluminum profile has appeared. It consists of two aluminum chambers, between which a polyamide 1.5-4.5 cm thick is located. It plays the role of a heat insulator. During production, it is tightly connected to each of the profiles due to the presence of ridges. Aluminum profiles do not come into contact with each other, due to which thermal insulation is ensured. To make the profile even warmer, there may be several air chambers in the polyamide layer. The thermal break can be of different thicknesses, the choice depends on the climate, but for most regions of the country the minimum is 2.5 cm.

The advantages of this solution include:

light weight. A warm aluminum profile loads the balcony much less than PVC or wood, so in some cases this is the only option for warm glazing;
strength. The aluminum profile will withstand the weight of any double-glazed window and other loads associated with the operation of the glazing;
good thermal and sound insulation performance, which approaches the characteristics of plastic windows;
fire resistance;
resistance to various types of negative weather influences: sun rays, precipitation, temperature changes will not destroy the profile;
durability, which reaches 70-80 years;
the plasticity of the metal and polymer insert allows you to make windows of almost any shape, so if you have a bold design solution in mind, then using an aluminum profile it can be realized;
safety;
ease of maintenance and maintainability;
aesthetics. Not so long ago, this point would have raised eyebrows, because aluminum frames were boring, monotonous and clearly not suitable for living space. Now manufacturers have learned to coat the profile with powder paint, use anodizing, install decorative overlays, for example, made of wood, and ultimately get a pretty nice system.

minus :

high price but, in essence, we are paying for higher durability and other advantages.

No. 5. Characteristics of double-glazed windows

Although the profile is an important part of the glazing, the largest part is occupied by the glass unit, so its choice should be treated with even greater care. A modern double-glazed window consists of several glasses, which are united by a spacer frame. Thermal and sound insulation indicators depend on the number and type of glass, the type of filling of the chambers, the distance between the glasses and other parameters.

Practice shows that in most cases, double-chamber conventional or single-chamber energy-saving double-glazed windows are suitable for balconies. To ensure that the window company does not deceive you and impose unnecessary things on you, you need to be aware of the issue of the range of double-glazed windows:

the main parameter is the number of cameras . Not to be confused with cameras in a plastic profile! If there are two glasses, then one chamber is formed between them, if there are three, two chambers, etc. Air is an excellent heat insulator, and the more air chambers, the better the double-glazed window retains heat. The heat transfer resistance of a single-chamber double-glazed window is 0.3 m2K/W, a double-chamber one is 0.5 m2K/W, and a three-chamber one is 0.7 m2K/W. However, the more cameras, the heavier the structure, and we are dealing with a balcony that cannot be overloaded. Therefore, the maximum in most cases is a double-glazed window. You can also take a single-chamber one with low-emissivity glass - its thermal insulation properties are the same as a two-chamber one, it weighs less, but costs more;
type of glass. The simplest option is regular float glass with a thickness of 4-6 mm, with a thicker version intended for installation in noisy areas. There are glasses with a special coating that reflects heat rays. It turns out that in summer such a double-glazed window reflects the sun's rays, preventing overheating, and in winter it does not allow heat to escape from the apartment. Only one piece of glass in a double-glazed window is low-emissive. Thanks to this technology, the heat transfer resistance of a single-chamber double-glazed window can be increased to 0.56 m2K/W . Just what you need for your balcony! When it comes to warm glazing, thermal insulation properties come first, but do not forget that other problems can be solved with the help of a properly selected double-glazed window. So, for example, noise-protective double-glazed windows (made from triplex glass and special film) are intended for noisy areas; for southern balconies - sun-protective double-glazed windows that reflect part of the rays. There are also impact-resistant and fire-resistant double-glazed windows , and the top of progress is stain-resistant double-glazed windows, as well as heated double-glazed windows;
distance between glasses. The smaller it is, the more compact the glazing will be, and this is beneficial for us - the balcony is not rubber. On the other hand, the larger the air chambers, the better the soundproofing qualities of the double-glazed window. If the balcony faces a busy street, it is better to take a double-glazed window with different chamber thicknesses. Glass of different thicknesses works well in terms of sound insulation - all of these are noise barriers;
The glass chambers can be filled with air, but the structure will be much warmer if argon is used. This is what is used in low-emissivity i-glasses.

Double-glazed windows are often designated by formulas like 6M1-10-4M1-8Ar-4I, which means that you have a double-chamber double-glazed window with different glass thicknesses (6, 4 and 4 mm), one of the glasses is low-emission, one chamber is filled with argon. Before choosing, evaluate the climate of the region, your own requirements, the characteristics of the area, as well as the heat transfer resistance of different structures, and only then place an order.

Preparatory work

Since today the repair of a glazed loggia most often involves the installation of a PVC structure, let’s look at how it is carried out.

The first step is to dismantle the old glazing. The load-bearing capacity of the parapet and floor slabs should also be assessed. If necessary, they can be strengthened by creating a metal frame. Part of such a system is installed directly into the apartment.

When all the preparatory work is completed, you can begin ordering frames and double-glazed windows. Prepare tools and supplies in advance. Installation begins from the upper ebb. The canopy is mounted before the frames are installed. It is attached to the top floor slab using dowels. The place where the canopy adjoins the wall is filled with sealant. If you are glazing a balcony on the top floor, you should also think about installing a roof. It can be either an independent element or part of the glazing.

No. 6. Opening type

Warm glazing cannot be frameless, i.e. it will consist of several doors. As a rule, some of these sashes remain blind - this design is cheaper. Several doors must be opening, otherwise there will simply be a greenhouse on the balcony. The opening mechanism may be different:

a rotating sash is the simplest option, allowing you to fully open the sash, letting in as much air as possible. In addition, the sash can be washed on both sides, and you can even reach the adjacent blinds to put them in order. The downside is that it is impossible to open the window just slightly for ventilation, but for this purpose you can use special combs that allow you to fix the sash at a certain angle;
The flap is fixed and can be tilted to a certain angle into the room. It can be used to ventilate, but in terms of glass care this design is quite complicated;
the tilt-and-turn design is more expensive, but at the same time it is as functional as possible;
A transom is something like the good old vents; only the upper part of the sash is folded back, the lower part remains blank.

Sliding windows and warm glazing are incompatible things.

Loggia glazing options

Rice. 2. Cold and warm glazing.

Before you find out prices for windows from various companies and order double-glazed windows, ask yourself the question: “What do I want to get from the loggia?” This question will determine not only the cost that will need to be invested in repairs, but also the entire range of procedures that need to be done. If you answer that you need a balcony solely as a storage room, then a cold type of glazing, which does not involve any insulation, will be optimal for you. If you want to use the loggia space both in summer and winter, then in addition to insulating the walls, floor and ceiling, you will need to order a heat-saving solid double-glazed window. Let's take a closer look at what options are offered.

Warm type of loggia glazing

Rice. 3. Warm glazing.

As the name implies, this type is designed to retain heat in the room and prevent the penetration of cold air. This effect is achieved through the use of multi-chamber PVC windows, thanks to which a comfortable temperature is maintained in the room. By insulating the balcony area itself, with such glazing you will get a full-fledged warm additional area for your apartment.

In addition to PVC, metal or wood can be used; the glass unit design includes a thermal break, due to which excellent thermal insulation is achieved. A significant argument against this type of glazing can only be its heavy weight - if you are not sure that your loggia will withstand a heavy structure, then it is better to strengthen the balcony itself or prefer a lightweight option.

Cold type loggia glazing

Rice. 4. Cold glazing.

The cold type of glazing most often refers to a lightweight metal or aluminum sliding structure that helps rid the room of dust, dirt, rain and snow, and direct sunlight. This is the option that will be preferable if you are not interested in using the balcony as a living space. Often construction companies immediately install such glazing, so perhaps it will suit you.

The design of the double-glazed window in this case consists of one chamber; no thermal insulation materials are expected in it. It is lightweight and does not take up useful space.

Warm type of loggia glazing with a sliding structure

Rice. 5. Warm sliding glazing.

For those who want to combine the main advantages of cold and warm types of glazing, namely: space saving along with excellent thermal insulation, an option is suitable that is gradually entering the markets and winning the love of buyers thanks to its advantages.

Warm sliding glazing can be made of PVC, aluminum with a warm insert, or glass composite - this is a lightweight, but at the same time super-strong material that does not allow the cold to pass through even with one sash. The first two options are preferred, and the latter is just starting to gain popularity, being expensive and new.

No. 7. Accessories for balcony glazing

A properly selected glazing system will not only be warm, but also maximally functional. The structure can be equipped with the following accessories:

a ventilation valve can be installed on the top of one of the flaps, allowing for a flow of fresh air, but protecting the apartment from drafts, dust and noise;
a mosquito net is required for those doors that will open, otherwise you can go crazy fighting off hordes of mosquitoes, flies and other insects;
Lockable handles and child restraints will become an obstacle for a curious baby. He will be able to admire the view from the window, but tragic consequences will be avoided;
The comb limiter has already been mentioned. If you decide to save money and take a sash with only one swinging mechanism, then it is better to immediately order a comb;
if the balcony is located on the first or last floor, in a crime-ridden area, it is better to take care in advance of installing anti-burglary fittings . This is a whole system aimed at protecting the balcony from any actions of intruders - hacking, use of brute force, etc.

No. 8. Remote warm glazing

If the balcony is very small, then you can use one trick - install the glazing system not at the level of the parapet, but behind it. The extension can be from 15 to 35 cm, sometimes they make the extension up to 50 cm, but it is not safe to cross this line. The installation of such a system, as well as all calculations, should be performed only by professionals.

Advantages of remote glazing:

Frameless glazing of balconies and loggias Lumon

Long balcony with a transparent parapet on Komsomolsky Prospekt

From the narrow long balcony of the brick house there is an excellent view of the adjacent square and the city panorama. The balcony was in poor condition: rusty metal fencing, uneven floor with layers of screed. The owners of the apartment wanted to make glazing, but in such a way as to preserve as much as possible the advantages of the open balcony, the impression of open space, and the panoramic view.

Frameless Finnish glazing

Lumon 5 folding frameless glazing was installed on the balcony. This convenient Finnish design suited the task best. If desired, you can open one of the ends of the balcony, or both ends, for through ventilation. Or you can make the entire long balcony open by spreading the glazing on both sides. The view is so breathtaking. And all this can be combined, opening the balcony exactly as much as you want.

Transparent tempered glass parapet

We removed the old iron fence and installed a modern, reliable parapet made of 16 mm thick tempered glass. The use of a transparent parapet made it possible to make the balcony as light as possible. The glass panels of the parapet are fitted to each other with such precision that the joints are almost invisible and the parapet looks like a solid glass wall. The glass parapet of the balcony is also frameless: it is fixed in the upper and lower profile, there are no side frames.

Removal of glazing

In order to increase the area of the balcony, it was decided to extend the glazing from the base by 15 cm along the entire length of the balcony. This is a lot for a narrow balcony: it makes it possible to move around it quite comfortably. In order to install a new parapet and base for the glazing structures, our workers had to carefully remove almost a ton of layers of screed: they had to secure the structures to the balcony slab. A new good balcony floor made of modern materials was laid on top of the base.

The result is a balcony of European quality. Look at the photo from the outside: the balcony looks transparent, discreet, elegant and modern, the neighboring balconies seem to be from some other era. The owners were very pleased with the result.

Representatives of the Finnish glazing manufacturer Lumon liked the transparent balcony on Komsomolsky so much that they dedicated a separate article to it on their website.