Glazing of the balcony in "Khrushchev"

Classic Soviet "Khrushchevs" can be found in the sleeping areas of almost all cities in the post-Soviet space. Such houses have a number of features that are important to consider when glazing balconies in them. It is very important to take the weight load into account, as over-stressing the balcony slab can have serious consequences.

The glazing of the balcony in "Khrushchev" can be cold or warm, depending on what material was taken for the profile. To choose the most suitable option, several factors should be considered:

• check the condition of the plate: if it is in a deplorable state, then it will be necessary to carry out preliminary repairs;
• loosened or rusted railings will need to be strengthened or replaced;
• on which floor the apartment is located;
• the size of the balcony, which can be increased if desired.

The glazing version, called cold, is made using an aluminum or wooden profile. Most often it is chosen to protect the balcony from rain, wind and dust. In the future, such a room can be used as a storage place for various things, a mini-office or a recreation room in the warmer months. It should be borne in mind that glazing of this type has single glasses, and it will not be possible to carry out high-quality insulation of the balcony space. Therefore, be prepared for low temperatures during the winter months.

The advantages of the cold version include easy installation of profiles and double-glazed windows, even with minimal experience. This has a positive effect on the cost of work. The low weight of the structure does not load the balcony ceilings, which is very important for Khrushchevs. Such glazing transmits a lot of light and looks aesthetically pleasing. Among the disadvantages, one of the main ones is the temperature, like outside.

For the manufacture of warm glazing, frames made of PVC, wood, aluminum with a polyurethane thermal insert are usually used. After this, the balcony is ready for year-round use. Currently, this glazing option is the most popular, as it allows you to increase the balcony area, turning it into a resting place, a winter garden or a workspace. Insulation can be done by sealing cracks, finishing walls and installing a warm floor.

The best solution would be PVC multi-chamber profiles. Thus, the temperature in the apartment will be kept at the same level, even with frequent use of the balcony. Drafts will also disappear, and the noise from the street will become much quieter or completely disappear. The reliability of warm glazing is guaranteed for many years.

However, it must be borne in mind that multi-chamber double-glazed windows weigh a lot, and you will have to carefully prepare before installing them in old houses. If we correctly take into account the load-bearing capacity of the balcony, then with the help of warm glazing it can be turned into a cozy place.

According to the design, glazing differs into two types:

• panoramic, when a continuous view opens;
• classic leaves only the upper part of the balcony with light transmission.

When choosing a material for glazing a balcony, the most important thing is not to get lost in their variety. Plastic frames are very popular in today's market. This profile allows you to make the balcony part of the room. The doors can be sliding or swinging. PVC frames are easy to maintain.At the same time, they have good thermal capacity, sound insulation and availability. However, with its aesthetics, PVC frames weigh a lot.

Wood frames were in high demand before plastic frames were on the market. The modern version of wood structures has become much more resistant to the intrigues of the weather. They also looked better. Of course, this type of frames is better because they can "breathe", due to which a favorable microclimate is maintained in the room. As a rule, wooden frames are made with hinged doors from environmentally friendly materials. Wood gives the structure a cozy aesthetic. With a low weight, wooden frames have good thermal insulation, they are resistant to temperature extremes.

Among the disadvantages of such a material, it is worth highlighting the high cost and the appearance of cracks on it over time. Periodically, it will be necessary to process the wood with special means, and then varnish it. It should also be taken into account that profiles with toning or staining can fade in the sun. Wooden frames become an excellent part of eco-style interiors. Even "Khrushchev" with the use of modern technologies can be made in this design. Partly from the glazed balcony, you can make a charming flower garden, complementing the eco-direction.

Aluminum deserves special attention for its reliability and durability. Most aluminum structures are sliding, which makes it possible to save space. Metal profiles are lightweight, resistant to corrosion and fire, and are environmentally friendly. The pleasant look of aluminum is complemented by a variety of colors.

This material is mainly suitable for cold glazing. This is due to the fact that for the warm version you will need an expensive kit with a thermal break. Among the disadvantages is the lack of sound insulation.

Different methods are used for glazing balconies in Khrushchevs. Each of them has its own characteristics that should be reckoned with.

With this glazing, the sashes are installed between the lower and upper guides. The balcony opens when they are folded together. This option is suitable if you need a reliable, well-lit, soundproofed balcony. With the frameless method, the sash can be of the following types:

• swing doors that can only be opened in one direction;
• pendulum work to open both outward and inward;
• sliding can be opened along the guide.

Glazing without frames looks original, has high light transmission and thick glass. This solution is equally well suited to both small balconies and spacious loggias in panel high-rise buildings. However, it will not allow you to install mosquito nets, will not save you from low temperatures and will not allow you to insulate the balcony. Excessive transparency of frameless glazing makes it impossible to install them on the lower floors.

Balconies with frameless glazing are suitable for arranging flower beds in the warm season or cozy places to relax. They have a particularly attractive view from the inside, as it does not hide either city landscapes or picturesque parks or forests.

The stained glass version looks like a glass gallery. In this case, the balcony will be completely with transparent walls. Such glazing is subdivided into frameless, warm with PVC frames, with aluminum structures. Lighting with this method will be as natural as possible. The advantages also include originality and the need for interior decoration only on the wall of the house.

Due to the transparency, the balcony space visually increases, which is especially important for the "Khrushchev" version. However, it is worth considering that the scorching sun can make the balcony too hot. You also need to take into account that the windows from the outside will have to be washed only with the use of special equipment.

Such glazing has many possibilities. It is especially valuable that it allows you to increase the area of ​​the balcony. At the initial stage of the repair, when the power frame is welded, a project of the outreach is made. The size of the latter can vary from 100 to 350 mm. Offset glazing is done in several ways.

• On the windowsill using metal structures you can install double-glazed windows outside the balcony, visually increasing its space. The resulting window sill can be used for flowers or various decor.
• Expanding the balcony on the floor is more time consuming and expensive. However, this makes it possible to really expand the balcony space.

The remote version is distinguished by good durability, increased illumination and an original look. At the same time, the supporting structures are strengthened. Consideration should be given to the complexity of the work and the increased noise in the rain.

Before glazing a balcony in an old housing stock, it is worth considering the desired result in advance. This is necessary in order to take into account numerous nuances depending on the material or installation method. For example, if you need to protect yourself from precipitation and sounds from the street, then there is no point in installing multi-chamber double-glazed windows.

It is also important to find out the bearing capacity of the balcony structure before starting the process. "Khrushchevs" quite often remain without major repairs, which leads to a deplorable state of take-offs. All strengthening work should be carried out only with the help of specialists. Moreover, it is better to choose those who, with high quality and in a short time, will do everything necessary with a balcony, as well as collect a full package of documentation in state organizations.

High-altitude work requires mandatory compliance with safety precautions. Also, do not install alone. This can cause the glass unit or frame to fall off the balcony. As a result, there will be unforeseen costs, and in the worst case, the falling structure can also harm random passers-by. When finishing a glazed balcony, it is important to consider how this was done. At the same time, it is necessary to carefully select materials so that they are resistant to both temperature extremes and the scorching sun.

When glazing loggias located on the first floor, you should protect the work area with red tape. Experts do not recommend installing at low temperatures, as well as in rainy periods. The glazing of the balconies on the last 5th floor also requires additional roofing work. Often there is no roof over the balcony space, as well as the top slab. The construct can be used dependent or independent. In the first case, which is easier to implement, the roof will need a galvanized corrugated coating. Any materials are suitable for an independent option, but its installation will be more difficult.

Another important point is the angle of inclination of the roof, which must be correct. You should also make sure that you have all the necessary permits for the reconstruction of the roof. Most often this is not a problem, since the "Khrushchevs" are not historically or architecturally valuable objects.