How to choose a "liana" for drying clothes on the balcony and install it?

Liana for drying clothes on the balcony is still a necessary accessory for most people. When deciding where to hang such a device, you usually have to choose between wall and ceiling mounts, take into account the size of the ropes. Detailed instructions for installing the dryer with an overview of steps and mistakes will help you easily equip the balcony space with additional elements for hanging clothes for those who are faced with this task for the first time.

Liana for drying clothes on the balcony is a simple device that replaced the classic ropes stretched parallel to each other. In its modern design, this accessory looks like a stylish accessory that can be conveniently fixed at the desired height. Linen balcony dryer type "liana" has a number of obvious advantages.

• Withstands significant loads. The design features allow you to dry even heavy jackets, blankets, other items of clothing and household items.

• Ease of use. Both an elderly person and a child can cope with hanging clothes on the dryer.

• Aesthetic appearance. The dryer will harmoniously fit into the modern interior of the balcony, regardless of the choice of the type of finish for it.

• Ease of installation... To fasten the "liana" will have to make a minimum of effort. It is easy to assemble with a simple set of household tools at hand.

• Ease of height adjustment. The liana can be lowered when hanging things, and then raised so that they do not interfere with the passage. The desired level is selected for each rung.

• Good ventilation. This design of the dryer promotes air exchange. The laundry dries pretty quickly, no matter how much of it.

• Mobility... You can easily move the dryer, if necessary, take it with you when you move.

There are also disadvantages... "Liana" can only be fixed to the ceiling or wall. It has restrictions on the level of loads. This version of the dryer, with poor-quality performance, can rust if the anti-corrosion coating is applied incorrectly.

The dryer of the "liana" type is a construction with a tubular frame and an adjusting twine, the tension of which determines the lifting height of the horizontal elements. Depending on which layout option is chosen, there are 2 main types of such devices.

• Ceiling dryer. The most common design. Its load-bearing part is fixed to the ceiling, and the adjusting part is fixed to the wall surface. "Lianas" of this type have the greatest length, are easily adjustable at different heights.

• Wall dryer. It is used in cases where the ceiling finish is not capable of bearing significant loads. The base and the adjusting element are fixed to the same surface. The bracket in this case often has a scissor shape, and the dryer itself looks like a cobweb or an umbrella without a stretched cover.

The length of the tubes used in the dryer varies from 50 to 200 cm. Each element has hangers on the sides made of cord rope or twine.

And also emit dryers with stationary or removable mount. The first group is permanently mounted in one place. The second can be carried or dismantled literally in 1 touch.

And also "vines" are usually subdivided into categories according to the material of their manufacture. Depending on the type of dryer base, several types of dryers can be classified.

• Plastic... They are well suited for light duty use. Such dryers do not deteriorate from time to time, but can turn yellow in the sun. The load on such structures should not be exceeded. Polymer rods under the heavy weight of the linen deform and sometimes break, not suitable for open balconies.

• Steel with painting. This version of the product is durable, aesthetic, and can withstand significant loads. If the paint coating is damaged, the metal corrodes, it can quickly collapse under the influence of a humid environment. This type of dryer can be called a compromise between price and quality.

• Aluminum... Non-ferrous metal does not corrode and is lighter in weight than steel. But in the manufacture of horizontal slats from this material, the linen can be stained with traces of metal oxidation. Most often, steel dryers with aluminum brackets are chosen.

• Stainless steel... A high quality product option that combines corrosion resistance, aesthetics and durability. Such dryers can withstand maximum loads. Caring for the "vine" made of stainless steel is also simplified as much as possible, does not cause any difficulties.

This is the main classification used by dryer manufacturers. Depending on the type of design, they have different functionality and service life.

When choosing a "liana" one has to take into account not only the method of its installation. Other factors are also important. For example, the dimensions of the balcony itself - the dryer is selected based on the availability of free space, the height of the ceilings. Not on every loggia it will be possible to place a large-width multi-section "liana".

And also when choosing a dryer of the "liana" type, it is necessary to take into account a number of points.

• Maximum permissible loads... For a specific product, they are calculated based on the length and strength of the elements. The longest "vines" of 2 meters can withstand a total weight of 15 kg of linen.
• Manufacturing material. In a reliable dryer, all components, except for the plugs, will be metal. They are usually made of painted steel or aluminum. The second option is less preferable, as it can leave dark marks on the laundry you are hung. Stainless steel dryers are the most durable, but more expensive than others.
• Country of Origin. Despite the fact that the market is flooded with cheap Chinese "vines", it is not very advisable to choose them. Such products will not last long. It would be best to give preference to Russian dryers or goods from well-known European companies.
• Number of horizontal bars... The more of them, the easier it is to solve the problem of drying a significant amount of laundry. Models with 5-7 bars are used in families with children, where washing is frequent. Options for 3-4 horizontal slats will fit well into the everyday life of a small family or 1 person.
• Completeness... A high-quality dryer is supplied with all the necessary elements, including hardware for fastening the structure. It is imperative to check the package contents when making a purchase. It is worth making sure that the rollers do not show any signs of deformation, the cords are strong and strong enough.
• Design... Usually "vines" have a fairly simple appearance, but there are more advanced models on sale. For example, you can choose a dryer not in white or gray, but to match the finish of the balcony space. The brackets can be replaced with brass or chrome plated, which looks more respectable.

Following the recommendations, you can easily deal with the selection of high-quality "vines" for the balcony, avoiding the risk of purchasing low-quality goods.

It is recommended to hang the "liana" type dryer on the balcony according to the instructions supplied by the manufacturer. If it is missing, lost, or the product was purchased from hand, you can use general recommendations that are relevant for all types of structures.

When choosing a fixing point for a dryer, it is important to pay attention to how this place meets the requirements set by the manufacturer. On the balcony, you should find a section of space that is well lit, with intense air circulation.

It is also worth making sure that the dryer provides free opening of door and window sashes.

In order to properly hang the "vine", you will need to acquire a set of home tools. It is customary to fasten the structure with self-tapping screws or dowels, depending on the type of base. To drill concrete, you will need a hammer drill or impact drill with replaceable tips of the appropriate diameter. Screwdrivers, a hammer, measuring tools, and chalk or a marker may also come in handy.

The dryer is assembled from a specific set of components. It should include the following elements:

• brackets - 2 pcs.;
• tubes in an amount from 3 to 7;
• side panel;
• rope or cord for adjustment;
• caps-stubs.

To install a liana-type dryer with your own hands, you must first clear the free working space. Open the package with the details, check the completeness with the manufacturer's data. The ceiling and wall in the work area must be free of dirt. They should be damp cleaned.

For mounting at a height, you will need a special step ladder. With its help, it will be much more comfortable to work than from a stool or chair. After completing the preparation, you can go directly to work. Consider the order of actions according to the instructions.

• Marking the points of the brackets. They are applied to the ceiling or wall, marks are made with a marker. The distance between the brackets must match the length of the tubing included in the kit.
• Use a punch or drill to make a hole. You should take a drill of a slightly smaller diameter than the hardware, so that during installation it does not loosen in the prepared socket.
• Install supports with rollers in the selected places. It is better to screw in self-tapping screws with a screwdriver with a suitable bit. After installing the hardware, you can place the caps in their designated places.
• Install the retaining brackets. They can be positioned arbitrarily, choosing the most convenient point.
• Stretch the ropes... They are first pulled through the left bracket roller. The long part of the cord is fixed in the right. The action is repeated for each horizontal plank, then it remains to secure all the ropes with caps.

The assembled liana dryer must be adjusted. With the help of ropes and horizontal tubes, the desired height and tension of the structures are set.

Among the mistakes that can happen during the installation of the "liana" dryer, a number of the most common mistakes can be distinguished.

• Attempts to anchor the dryer to an unreliable base... It must not be hung on a stretch ceiling panel, foam or polymer panels.
• Calculation errors. Incorrectly selected dimensions will lead to the fact that the "liana" will not fit into the dimensions of the balcony space.
• Failure to comply with recommendations for choosing a location. In this case, when using the dryer, it will be difficult to open doors and windows.
• Fasteners of the wrong length or diameter. In this case, it will simply not be possible to secure the dryer.
• Use when installing dowel-nails. In this case, they are not the best choice - they quickly get loose in the nests.
• Excessively wide mounting hole... If you make a mistake in choosing the diameter of the drill or drill, the standard hardware simply cannot be put in place. A hammer drill or hammer drill that is too powerful can also smash the hole.

Taking into account possible mistakes in advance, paying great attention to the observance of the instructions, you can do without difficulties when installing dryers of the "liana" type on the ceiling and wall.