...

The choice of glazing and finishes for the balcony and loggia

This post provides an insight on glazing and finishing options for balconies and loggias. The glazing panels are designed to reduce energy consumption while providing a comfortable outdoor enclosure. There are a variety of finishes available, ranging from wood, aluminium, and glass to solid polycarbonate. Furthermore, each of these finishes can be combined with insulation to create an efficient thermal barrier. By choosing the right glazing and finish, one can create a timeless and distinctive outdoor space, while saving valuable energy.

Today we will talk about choosing the type of glazing and finishing of a balcony or loggia. The vast majority of owners are trying to make this part of the apartment more functional, get additional storage space and even a full room.

The choice of glazing and finishes for the balcony and loggia

Letโ€™s start with the types of glazing for balconies and loggias, because this is the first stage before finishing:

  1. Cold glazing balcony.

Pros โ€“ cold glazing of the balcony is the most inexpensive option. Such double-glazed windows are thin and lightweight, so they can be installed on balconies in old buildings without strengthening the concrete base slab โ€“ also savings.

Cons โ€“ the balcony and loggia will remain cold. Yes, they will be protected from snow, rain and wind, but in winter the balcony can only be used for drying clothes and storing supplies..

Cold glazing balcony

  1. Semi-warm glazing.

Pros โ€“ even in winter, the temperature on the balcony will not drop below zero, if, of course, the owners take additional care of the lower part insulation. The price is quite affordable.

Cons โ€“ you still canโ€™t turn a loggia and a balcony into a living space, and the cost is almost twice as much as in the case of cold glazing. That is why such an intermediate option is not in great demand..

Semi-warm balcony glazing

  1. Warm glazing.

Pros โ€“ having thoroughly insulated a balcony or loggia, they can be turned into a winter garden, an office, a mini-gym, a place for needlework or a home workshop. The owners get a complete space that can be used in different ways.

Cons โ€“ high cost and heavy weight of double-glazed windows. If the balcony is old, repair and reinforcement of the concrete base will be required, and this will lead to additional costs.

Warm glazing of the loggia

  1. Frameless glazing.

Pros โ€“ nothing prevents you from admiring the view from the window, if necessary, the glazing can be removed altogether by moving the entire structure. Very presentable appearance.

Cons โ€“ the thermal insulation is poor, in winter the balcony and loggia cannot be used. Quite high cost. Moreover, such windows do not protect against noise from the street..

Frameless balcony glazing

  1. Panoramic glazing.

Pros โ€“ floor windows let in a maximum of natural light, the room behind the balcony will also be well lit. Beautiful, you can admire nature without interference, looks stylish and modern.

Cons โ€“ the whole balcony is in plain sight, nothing to hide. You will have to think about curtains or blinds to the floor to protect yourself from the sunโ€™s rays in summer. High price. In addition, the area of โ€‹โ€‹the glass increases, which will have to be washed regularly..

Panoramic glazing of the loggia

  1. Wood glazing.

Pros โ€“ environmental friendliness and presentable appearance.

Cons โ€“ the price is high, the frames are heavy, you will need to regularly update the wood coating, protect it from external influences.

Wooden windows on the balcony

As for the manufacturers of glazing for balconies and loggias, the Rehau, Veka, KBE, Trocal windows remain the leaders in popularity..

After the glazing of the balcony and loggia has been selected, delivered and installed, itโ€™s time to move on to interior decoration. The most popular options in this area are:

  1. Plaster.

Pros โ€“ inexpensive, you can choose decorative options, it will not be difficult to update.

Cons โ€“ it is not always possible to use plaster. For example, the space under the glazing of the loggia and the balcony still needs to be sheathed with something.

Decorative plaster on the loggia

  1. Drywall plus wallpaper or painting.

Pros โ€“ quick finishing of the balcony, the walls are perfectly flat, you can choose either painting or wallpapering, that is, the design can be very different.

Cons โ€“ you need to choose a moisture-resistant drywall, and wallpaper and paint in conditions of temperature changes on an unheated balcony with cold glazing will not last long.

Balcony with painted walls

  1. Laminate.

Pros โ€“ it looks beautiful, lasts long enough, you can decorate the floor, walls, and ceiling with one material.

Cons โ€“ quite expensive, you need to choose a high-quality moisture-resistant laminate.

Finishing the loggia with laminate

  1. Wood cladding, lining is most often used.

Pros โ€“ beautiful, durable, no need to level the walls.

Cons โ€“ the useful area of โ€‹โ€‹the balcony or loggia decreases, the wood needs to be protected from high humidity.

Sheathing the walls of the loggia with clapboard

  1. Decorative brick.

Pros โ€“ Durability, stylish look, the ability to paint in the future to update the interior.

Cons โ€“ difficulties with styling, high cost.

Decorative brick on the balcony

  1. Decorative and artificial stone.

Pros โ€“ very beautiful, will last a long time, not afraid of moisture and temperature changes.

Cons โ€“ high price, it is difficult to do everything on your own, specialists are required.

Decorating the balcony with decorative stone

  1. PVC panels.

Pros โ€“ the most budgetary option, cheap, you can do everything yourself.

Cons โ€“ looks at its price, over time the plastic will fade and turn yellow in the sun, the coating is easy to damage.

Balcony decoration with PVC panels

To summarize: if you want the most budgetary option for glazing and finishing a balcony or loggia that will not be used in winter, cold glazing and finishing with plastic panels are suitable for you. If you are not going to save money and you have big plans for the balcony, you need warm glazing with wall insulation and high-quality finishes, for example, drywall, followed by painting. For those who want the most light and presentable balcony, panoramic French windows in combination with decorative brick or stone are a good choice..

Rate the article
( No ratings yet )
Recommender Great
Tips on any topic from experts
Comments: 2
  1. Mia Campbell

    What factors should be considered when choosing glazing and finishes for the balcony and loggia?

    Reply
    1. Ava Anderson

      When choosing glazing and finishes for the balcony and loggia, several factors should be considered. Firstly, the climate and weather conditions of the area play a significant role. If the location experiences extreme heat, cold, or heavy rainfall, it is crucial to select glazing that can withstand these conditions and provide insulation. Additionally, the orientation of the balcony and loggia should be considered, as this will determine the amount of sunlight and shade it receives. The desired level of privacy and noise control should also be taken into account. Furthermore, the overall aesthetics and design of the building should be considered, ensuring that the glazing and finishes complement the architectural style. Finally, the budget and maintenance requirements should be evaluated, as some glazing options may be more cost-effective or require less upkeep than others. Considering all these factors will help in choosing the most suitable glazing and finishes for the balcony and loggia.

      Reply
Add comments