Sliding plastic windows to the balcony and loggia

A balcony is an additional space that can be turned into a garden, resting place or study. You will need to insulate the walls and insert windows to ensure a comfortable environment. One of the popular options for loggias and balconies is sliding plastic structures.

Classic windows are not the best solution in a limited space. Most apartments have balconies that are not very spacious, so an inward opening sash will only get in the way, especially if the owners plan to install furniture nearby. Sliding windows save space and do not take up valuable meters. They also have other benefits.

• You can choose any type of balcony glazing: panoramic or partial. Design features allow you to implement different ideas.
• The sliding system, like the classic one, provides good noise insulation, retains heat inside the room and does not let cold air pass through.
• The windows are easy to use and easy to care for.
• This design makes it possible to quickly ventilate the room - no need to remove objects from the windowsill to open the sash.

There are a number of disadvantages that you should know about before installing sliding plastic windows on the balcony:

• these products are heavier than usual, therefore, you may need to additionally strengthen the loggia, especially if you are planning panoramic glazing;
• if the installation is done incorrectly, moisture may accumulate in the lower part of the profile;
• sometimes additional structural adjustments may be required.

Window frames are made from different materials. Each has its own characteristics.

• PVC is the most popular option for glazing. Plastic products protect well from noise, cold and dust, serve for a long time, do not deform and retain an attractive appearance. However, such a structure can be quite heavy, and during installation, strengthening of the loggia will be required.
• Aluminum. It is much lighter, while also highly resistant to moisture, does not rust, and tolerates winter winds and frosts. The problem is that such windows do not keep heat, so they are suitable only for those who do not plan to make the balcony part of the living space.
• Wood. Safe and natural material, looks beautiful and does not lose its attractiveness for a long time. Its disadvantages are moisture intolerance and heavy weight.

When installing balcony windows, PVC is most often chosen - as the best option for all characteristics. However, if there is a need to lighten the structure, but thermal insulation properties are important, metal-plastic products can be considered. This material consists of layers of PVC and aluminum, combining the working qualities of both components. Sliding windows made of it will be lighter than plastic ones and will be able to provide protection from the cold.

Systems also differ in the type of mechanism responsible for opening the sash.

• Coupe. The simplest and most affordable option, in which the sash moves to the side. Most often, this mechanism is used in combination with aluminum profiles. Problems with sound insulation can arise if the fittings are of poor quality and do not provide sufficient fit.
• Retractable. It resembles the mechanisms responsible for opening doors on buses.The sash leans back, extends and moves to the side. Such a system is more expensive than a coupe, but it is more sealed and more reliable.
• English. It differs in that the sash does not move to the side, but rises up. This is an interesting option that is also suitable for a balcony, but in our country this configuration is less common than others.

The choice of material and opening mechanism depends on the characteristics of the balcony, goals and budget. In addition, there are some restrictions when installing sliding windows - it is not recommended to make a sash longer than 1.6 meters and to mount such structures on the last floors of high-rise buildings.

The first step is to calculate the maximum load. This is especially true for old houses. The optimal values ​​are 8 kg per 1 cm2, in this case, glazing can be safely performed. If stability raises concerns, then the loggia will have to be additionally strengthened or choose a lighter option from metal-plastic or aluminum.

It is also worth deciding on the goals of the repair - further actions depend on this:

• if you want to expand the room at the expense of the balcony or organize a garden there, then you need to make "warm" glazing;
• if the space will be used as a pantry or a place for drying clothes, then aluminum profiles can be dispensed with.

South-facing window owners should consider dimming frames so that too bright light doesn't bother you, especially in summer. However, this problem can also be solved with blinds or blackout curtains.

It is recommended to purchase a mosquito net from additional devices. It can also be installed on sliding windows and can be easily removed in cold weather. In addition, if there are small children in the house, for their safety, it is worth installing a special key that will not allow the child to accidentally open the window.

Sometimes, after installation, the owners notice that drafts appear in the room. This is due to incorrect adjustment. In such a situation, not only cold will be a problem, but also too rapid wear of fittings, deformation of the system. To avoid breakage and discomfort, you need to adjust the structure.

There are several common problems and solutions.

• Sagging sashesthat drop and dangle when opened. In this case, you need to move the decorative cover covering the mechanism and tighten the bolts tighter using a wrench of a suitable size.
• Latches and hinges do not work well, it takes an effort to open the window. Usually difficulties arise due to insufficient lubrication. Technical oil can be used to correct the problem with these mechanisms.
• The handle is broken. If it cannot be restored, you need to purchase a similar part in the store and replace it. This is not difficult to do. There are screws under the plastic cover that hold the handle. By unscrewing them, you can remove the old one and install a new one.

The window structure contains various parts that can fail over time. To avoid serious damage, it is recommended to regularly inspect all mechanisms, carry out adjustments, do not forget to lubricate the moving elements.

In addition, the windows need to be looked after, then they will retain their attractive appearance for a long time. It is better to clean glass with alcohol-based products, which are designed specifically for such surfaces. This will help avoid divorce. A microfiber rag is suitable as a tool - after it, no fibers and foreign particles remain on the glass.To clean the windows from the outside, you can use a special brush with an extended handle, or invite specialists from a cleaning company who carry out high-altitude cleaning.

With careful use, timely inspection and maintenance, windows can last 20-50 years without requiring replacement.