Installation of Balconies and Loggias
In terms of structural design, frames can be swing-out, fixed, pivot, or sliding.
General information on balcony block installation
Installation of a balcony block made from such frames by oneself is unlikely to be possible, as the on-site installation process includes a series of operations requiring skilled use of specialized equipment.
In addition, such types of installation work, for example, installing a balcony roof if it is the top floor, can only be performed by people with appropriate permits for working at heights.
Photo 1 — In terms of structural design, frames can be swing-out, fixed, pivot, or sliding
When such installation of balconies and loggias is performed on the first floor, it is also possible to install grills, which in most cases is simply necessary.
An alternative to aluminum profiles can be the installation of glass units, but such an alternative is only possible where the balcony or loggia is relatively large or the building was constructed relatively recently.
In old buildings and where balconies cannot bear a significant permanent load, the use of glass units is not only forbidden but also dangerous. Installation of a balcony block (video for such variants is not always easy to find — old buildings are becoming fewer and fewer) from aluminum is always a viable solution.
Photo 2 — An alternative to aluminum profiles can be the installation of glass units
In this context, it is useful to know that the most popular brands in terms of aluminum structures are PROVEDAL and SLIDORS, which is roughly the same as KBE and REHAU in the world of plastic windows.
Balcony and Loggia Glazing: Video
Despite the fact that such balcony or loggia glazing is always considered "cold," installing a dryer or air conditioning unit in such a closed-off space from weather and dust is an optimal solution to many issues.
A separate question is the installation of roofs on balconies, as one side of the balcony does not necessarily need to be covered with aluminum, and on the other hand, this operation is not always necessary (most balconies are between floors where the installation of a canopy is more relevant).
Installation of aluminum profiles must be carried out on a prepared site; this means that metal railings or concrete parapets must be strong enough to support aluminum frames, and if necessary on the outside — siding.
If existing elements, their appearance, or a specialist's opinion raises doubts, then they must be fully replaced or at least repaired and properly protected against further deterioration.
Photo 3 — Installation of metal-plastic profiles
Installation of a balcony (video is best selected for viewing based on specific requirements and upcoming tasks) with the need to reinforce the existing structure can begin with installing a spacer between the floor and ceiling of the balcony, and at the rail level, an impost is placed which serves as the horizontal component of the entire structure.
Installation of Aluminum Frames
After that, the installation of aluminum frames begins. This stage is the most critical, as the correctness of its execution will determine the volume of all other works, which, if done correctly, will resemble assembling models from a children's construction set.
In general, the frame mounting should leave at least 5 mm on each side of the opening, and frame alignment must be done with wooden wedges, and it is highly desirable to avoid using any metal inserts (aluminum does not like being in close proximity to other metals).
Also, it should be remembered that frames cannot be bent (they can never be perfectly aligned later). Frames set with wooden wedges are foamed in two passes: first without removing the wedges, and then, about an hour later, after all wedges have been removed and remaining gaps filled.
Photo 4 — Fastener for metal-plastic windows and doors
Useless excess foam should be cut off, and seams should be sealed with a moisture-proof film. At this point, a drip edge must be installed, which should be mounted on the outside of the frame using self-tapping screws. External gaps near the drip edge can be filled with sealant.
Aluminum sills are also placed under the frame into a special groove, after which the surface is leveled and foamed. The jambs of aluminum frames can be painted in a matching color if the appearance of the structure leaves something to be desired.
Finally, glass units can be inserted, which are closed with clips and the sashes are mounted. For sliding sashes, special corner brackets are installed, into which the sashes are inserted.
High-quality aluminum profiles include the use of frost-resistant seals for all types of sashes regardless of their construction and degrees of freedom.
Finally, moving sashes can be secured with special brackets.
Installation of Balcony Blocks: Cost
At the bottom edge of prices in Moscow and Kyiv, installation of one balcony block will cost approximately:
- in Kyiv — from 2000 UAH;
- in Moscow — from 10000 RUB
Naturally, the list of supporting and necessary actions at all stages of preparation and installation of balcony blocks usually consists of several items. However, in any case, it is essential to realistically assess one's own capabilities and prefer experience and professionalism.