Aluminum sliding windows to the balcony and loggia
Nowadays, a glazed balcony has long ceased to be something extraordinary and has become a normal phenomenon in almost any apartment. Moreover, quite multifunctional rooms are now being made from a balcony or loggia, which, in principle, will be no worse than any room in the room. True, the dimensions of such rooms are small, which is why it is required to save free space as much as possible. One way you can do this is by installing aluminum sliding windows on the balcony.
This rather interesting solution will help to significantly save space on the balcony or loggia and will favorably distinguish it against the background of other structures of this type.
Peculiarities
Balcony sliding systems made of aluminum are designed to save space. This is achieved thanks to the opening mechanism. Such frames do not open on the street or inside the premises. They simply slide apart so that the profile sashes move in the same plane. By the way, the construction of this type itself has small mass, because of which its use will be especially justified in old buildings, where there is a need to strengthen the entire required area, but due to the high load, the building or its individual elements may not support the weight of the glazing.
And just in the case of aluminum balcony windows, this problem is solved 100%.
In addition, such systems often used for partitions in office buildings or verandas in summer cottages. There is even the possibility of attaching them to the door. This is extremely convenient and makes it possible to save part of the space.
If we talk more about the features of such systems, then they have rather long service life... Usually it is about 80 years. At the same time, despite their lightness, they have high strength and excellent durability. In addition, these types of balcony systems are coated with a special powder, which increases their resistance to dirt.
Species overview
Aluminum sliding windows come in different types. They are usually divided according to two criteria:
- by the opening mechanism;
- by profile type.
We will try to understand this issue in more detail.
By profile type
According to this criterion, aluminum windows are divided into the following criteria:
- cold;
- warm.
The first type of glazing is usually used for apartments that do not need protection from frost, cold and low temperatures. Warm glazing of balconies usually presupposes a special built-in type structure, which prevents cold air from entering the apartment.
By opening mechanism
If we talk about such a criterion as the opening mechanism, then there are 4 types of aluminum sliding windows.
- Sliding... In this case, the flaps move in the right direction. There is no need to remove things from the windowsill to open the sash.
- Parallel sliding type. This is the most common option, which makes it possible to move the sashes without touching the curtains.
- The so-called accordion... This option is often mounted in cottages, because opening and closing in this case is carried out according to the principle of an accordion. This makes it possible to ventilate the room by opening the sash slightly or closing it tightly to retain heat.
- Folding-sliding... It makes it possible to completely move the window leaf to one side and open the opening wide. Such systems are distinguished by their use in country houses. This allows for panoramic views of the rear terrace.With this type of layout, it becomes possible to get from the premises to the backyard.
Installation and adjustment
Now we will analyze what the installation scheme for such windows will be, and what is required for this. In principle, the installation process in this case will not differ much from the installation of plastic analogs. But here it should be understood that the mechanism of their work will still be different. So, first you need to prepare the premises and arm yourself with a certain list of tools, after which it will be possible to proceed with the installation. Note that during assembly and installation, in no case should any mistakes be made due to the fact that later it will be impossible to fix them. If we talk about the required tools, then you need to have at hand:
- level;
- polyurethane foam;
- chisel;
- hammer;
- electric drill.
At the preparatory stage of work, you will need to make measurements of the window opening. In the absence of experience, it would be better to turn to a professional measurer in this matter. Although most manufacturers immediately offer their customers the services of their own measurers. That is, when ordering aluminum sliding windows, it will be possible to call specialists who will correctly and most accurately determine the dimensions of the window opening and give recommendations which materials will be better to use in each specific case.
After that, you will need to prepare the room. To do this, you need to take out all the furniture from the neighboring rooms. Otherwise, it will become covered with dust and deteriorate. If it is not possible to take out the furniture for some reason, then you can cover it with foil.
In addition, you will need to prepare the window opening for installation. To do this, you need to clean it and check its level. In no case should the opening have any irregularities. Otherwise, this may lead to incorrect installation of windows and their incorrect operation in the future.
For the correct installation of such a design, you will need strictly follow a certain algorithm... After all, as already mentioned above, if any mistake is made, it will not be possible to correct it later. So, the installation process in this case will follow a certain algorithm.
- First, there must be some kind of foundation for the window frame. To create it, take a metal profile, which is attached with dowels. If we are talking about creating a loggia, then you can get by with a wooden base.
- At the next stage, the components are assembled into the frame according to the instructions. The product is usually supplied disassembled, but all parts are numbered, so assembly is not too difficult.
- Now you need to install the window sill. Usually it consists of one or more components, depending on the shape of the opening and its dimensions.
- To the window sill from the outside of the building is required fix the ebb.
- The sections are usually attached to the base, after which they are connected to each other.
- Only after that it is required attach the frame to the top of the opening. All gaps should be filled with polyurethane foam.
- They should also be treat with a sealant.
- It remains only to install the sashes... First, they are installed in the upper area of the opening, and then in the lower one.
When the installation is complete, you should install blinds and mosquito nets. It should also be said that it will be better to collect the entire structure not independently, but with an assistant. This will save you quite a lot of time.
Now let's talk about how to adjust all the elements so that the structure in question works flawlessly and performs its functions efficiently. If you decide to make the setting yourself, then it will consist of 2 stages:
- from the adjustment of the rollers;
- from the latch adjustment.
If we talk about the adjustment of the rollers, then the corresponding screws are located under the plates, which are black. They are usually found at both ends at the bottom of the window. To set them up, you will need to arm yourself with a 4 mm hexagon. It will take first, carefully lift the window by turning the key counterclockwise. Height adjustments must be made synchronously on both sides with the obligatory use of a level... Otherwise, the most common misalignment of the structure will occur. Often the cause of the failure of the rollers is an incorrectly supplied counter piece. To install it correctly, you need to take a key number 2.5 and twist it. The key is inserted into the central hole and the element is screwed in so that, before the bevel, the lower and upper parts are approximately at the same level.
Regarding the latch correction, there are usually 2 problems that can occur with this element:
- the plank and tongue will be at different levels;
- the tongue may start to sink into the frame.
If a person is faced with the first problem, then it is clear that there can be no talk of a connection between these elements. In this case, the part that got out of the structure should be returned to its place. To do this, unscrew the bar using a 2.5 mm hexagon. When the bar moves smoothly along the frame, it must be installed in such a way that so that the lower area of the striker in front of the bevel is at the same level with the upper part of the latching tongue before the bevel.
If a person is faced with the second problem, when the tongue sinks in the frame, then in this case it will be necessary to pull the lever that opens the window down and insert a 3 mm hex key into the hole that appeared, and then turn the fixing screw. The key should be turned in the opposite direction from the place where the fittings are located. That is, if the latch is located on the right end part of the sash, then the hexagon must be turned to the left, and vice versa. After loosening the screw, it becomes possible to tighten the tongue to the desired level. When this is done, all that remains is to tighten the locking screw again.
Repair Secrets
Such a task as the repair of aluminum windows would be best entrusted to specialists who have some experience in such matters.... For example, if they need to be removed because the window is broken, or the frame has some kind of defects.
But taking care of them is very simple. If you follow a few simple rules, then the performance of such windows and their pleasant appearance can be preserved for a long time.
First of all, windows of this type should keep away from dirt and dust. To do this, they need to be cleaned at least 2-3 times a year. In parallel, the sash should be checked for the formation of various kinds of defects. Due to dust, the mechanisms can move more difficult than before, or, in general, they can jam. Therefore, you should be careful.
If dust and dirt have caused cracks or even defects, then such problems can be solved exclusively by covering with correctors based on silicone or resin based on aluminum. With the constant use of such materials, the appearance of any serious defects can be avoided. And such windows are washed in the same way as wooden counterparts. In addition, it will not be superfluous to lubricate the window seals with silicone based oil. And to preserve the appearance of the windows, it would be better not to use very caustic detergents.
See the video for balcony glazing technology with sliding aluminum windows.