Types of loggias in brick houses. Designs of balconies, loggias, bay windows. Application of metal frames

The balcony is considered a useful addition to all the amenities of the apartment. But in most cases, when talking about a balcony, people mean a loggia. Often a person does not even think about what a balcony or loggia is, and what differences exist between them. Question: "Loggia and balcony: what is the difference between them?" - occurs only when buying real estate. Purchase and sale is carried out with a complete analysis of the design features of a house or apartment.

Depending on the type of this premises, the cost of the object you purchase directly depends. Therefore, it will be useful to analyze the concepts of "loggia" and "balcony". What is the difference between these designs?

Loggia VS balcony: basic concepts

The first balconies appeared in small Italian towns and were small ledges at the windows, on which one could freely go out and, while relaxing, enjoy the view of the city. At first they were not enclosed, but over time, the architects adopted this decision as a security measure. Forged rods were used for balcony railings, they were decorated with falling flower arrangements that were grown in pots.

If you look, then the loggia is a building that is structurally opposite to the balcony. It is a niche in the wall and, unlike a balcony, does not protrude, but is located inside the building: a house or an apartment.

What are the differences between a loggia and a balcony

If it is easy to identify what the design features between these elements are, then determining which is better is much more difficult. It is necessary to figure out what a loggia and a balcony are. What is the difference? SNiP - a system of regulations and rules, guided by which you can clearly define the features of construction, architectural and technical design, etc. A clearer difference between a balcony and a loggia is determined as follows.

Loggias and balconies as an element of decor

The design of buildings and structures in the 21st century is impossible without the use of external elements of decor, which helps to determine the individuality of not only the building, but also the architectural direction of the entire residential complex (mass).

As the main decor use:

  • balcony;
  • loggia;
  • terrace;
  • veranda;
  • observation deck.

And this is not a complete list of structural structures that adorn the facade of a modern new building.

It happens that apartment owners carry out unauthorized redesign or planning of their home, which can harm not only neighbors, but also lead to a violation of the stability of the house.

All kinds of redevelopment are regulated by law and are available only if they are consonant with the Housing Code of the Russian Federation and comply with the requirements of SNiP.

The concept of a loggia and a balcony according to SNiP

According to SNiP 31-01-2003 "Residential multi-apartment buildings (dated June 23, 2003 No. 109)", the term "loggia" means the structural part of the house that does not protrude beyond the facade of the building. This zone, which is a single whole with the main room, is fenced from 2 or 3 sides with walls, an upper ceiling with an open exit to the outer space. The loggia can be glazed.

The balcony is called a building addition, installed on a slab protruding from the plane of the wall - the base, enclosed by a barrier. In some cases, balconies are glazed according to the rules. These norms are specified in SNiP.

Distinctive features of balconies

Speaking of a balcony, they mean a fenced cantilever structure protruding from the plane of the facade. You can get to the balcony only from the side of the adjoining room. The bottom plate, adjacent to the facade, is fixed. Since the support area is small, the bearing capacity is not very high. Experts do not recommend overloading the balcony with bulky items and not doing insulation / glazing, if this is not provided for according to the plan.

So the loggia and the balcony are not very similar. What is the difference? Unlike the first design, the balcony is less functional. This factor can be called almost the main difference.

Open balconies were loved by residents of high-rise buildings in the last century. Modern time dictates its own rules, so today we meet more and more glazed balcony structures. Almost every second seeks to protect himself from the world, separating his personal space from others to the maximum.

A significant difference between a balcony and a loggia is in the footage of additional space, in which the second design loses.

Features characteristic of loggias

The main difference between a loggia and a balcony is the fencing system. Loggias have one side (outer), as a rule, open. Loggias are made small, this is determined by the norms of natural lighting in the premises.

The supporting structure of the loggia, unlike the balcony, rests on the semi-bearing or load-bearing wall of the building.

From the side of the facade, the loggia is necessarily framed by a parapet made of metal, concrete and metal, metal-plastic, glass, which is a prerequisite for design. The loggia, like the balcony, cannot be completely open and completely unprotected.

The difference between a balcony and a loggia (a photo of them can be seen in the article) is determined by their design features, but they also have one thing in common: the exit is carried out according to one principle: through a block window-door system.

The loggia differs from the balcony in the type of location inside the building. Literally from Italian, the loggia translates as "gazebo", and therefore it is a building framed by side walls and a ceiling.

Important! Unlike balcony structures, loggias can be placed one above the other, this will not affect the stability of a multi-storey building in any way.

Since the loggia is stable, it can be arranged in several types.

Lateral/corner arrangement implies the absence of one of the sides or front view. A functional feature of the loggia is to ensure a comfortable stay of the owners in the air.

Now you know what a balcony and a loggia are. The difference (photos of examples can be seen in the article) between these designs is immediately visible if you know what to look for.

What is better to choose: a loggia or a balcony?

  • method of adjoining to the facade of the building;
  • number of open sides;
  • general rules for arranging additional space;
  • average footage;
  • level of reliability.

If in the future you are planning a designer renovation that requires minimal redevelopment, please note that balcony structures are not amenable to such changes. And from the loggia you can create a full-fledged small room where you can place an office or workshop. Sometimes the owners go the other way and, by removing the partition between the main room and the loggia, they increase the full-fledged living space.

So, what is the difference between a balcony and a loggia, you already know, now it's up to you, because the choice of an apartment depends on the preferences of the future owner.

Do you still use your balcony to store old sleds, skis and all sorts of junk that no one will ever use? Given the constant rise in real estate prices, such a use of your square meters can hardly be called rational. How about getting rid of everything unnecessary and turning a balcony used as a smoking room or a place to dry clothes into a potential new space for an office, a home workshop, a place for short meals or even a summer bedroom? No matter what area our dwellings have, there is always not enough space. We bring to your attention a selection of interesting design projects for arranging balconies and loggias with a wide variety of functional purposes.

Where to begin?

Before turning a precious 2-5 square meters into a cozy corner that will become your pride, you need to develop a detailed plan of action. First of all, you need to decide whether your work on ennobling a balcony or loggia will be decorative (the structure remains open and only the facade is sheathed with finishing material) or constructive (the balcony must be glazed and insulated). The choice will depend on your personal preferences and expectations. Someone lives in the south of our country and has a magnificent view of the sea, opening directly from the balcony. It is enough to ennoble such a design and equip a place for meals with a gorgeous view of the seascape. And someone who does not have a glazed balcony will be littered with snow for most of the year and its improvement will require a considerable number of actions taken. But first things first.

Making an open balcony

Being able to be outdoors without leaving your own home is a great idea for those who live in the southern part of our country. From the point of view of the design of the facade of an open balcony, the owners do not have many options. In addition to the traditional sheathing of the fence, you can decorate the structure with original forging and live plants. It all depends on how the facade of your apartment building is designed and whether you want to join the existing design options for your own parapet or stand out from the crowd.

In modern apartment buildings, you can most often find a strong metal frame as a fence with inserts made of transparent, translucent or molded plastic of various colors (as a rule, the tone is selected to harmoniously combine with the color of the facade of the building). To create an original image of an open balcony, you can use a custom-made forged frame. In any case, before planning the reconstruction of the appearance of an open balcony, find out if the building has historical value and if residents are allowed to decorate the parapets at their discretion.

An excellent way to decorate a balcony in the case of an open structure can be the use of living plantings. In order to preserve as much as possible all the available interior space of the balcony for placing furniture, use the following plant placement devices:

  • flowers are located along the side of the railing;
  • live decor is located at the base of the fence;
  • at the end of the balcony, you can use a cascade or stepped arrangement;
  • for climbing plants, lattices that are attached to the walls on both sides of the doors will be an ideal option.

Obviously, the decorative approach to the design of the balcony is a seasonal event, designed for warm, dry weather. Therefore, all furnishings should be mobile, light and preferably foldable. Choose compact garden furniture that is not afraid of various exposures - from moisture to fading in the sun. And be prepared for the fact that in case of strong wind with rain, you will need to bring textile elements (pillows, removable seats, blankets, etc.) inside your home. In the design of a closed-type balcony, there are much more variations in design and functional content - we will dwell on them in more detail.

General list of works for a closed balcony

So, if you decide to transfer the outer part of your home into additional living space and have already decided on its functional purpose, then the following types of work await you:

  • mandatory assessment of the condition of the balcony - slabs and fences;
  • construction glazing;
  • insulation, waterproofing with preliminary elimination of all cracks;
  • in some cases, this is followed by the dismantling of the balcony block (depending on the reconstruction option);
  • work on laying electrical systems;
  • alignment (filling) of walls and floors (may be absent - it all depends on the types of finishing work);
  • execution of finishing;
  • arrangement of furniture and accessories;
  • decorating a new space.

Balcony glazing

There are two types of glazing: "cold and warm". The so-called "cold" glazing is used if the balcony or loggia simply needs to be protected from moisture and dust, but it is not provided to organize an additional room there to perform any functions. With this type of glazing, one of those options for the construction of transparent structures is usually used:

  • "frameless" method - the barrier looks like a solid glass sheet. In fact, parts of the transparent wall can move along horizontal guides to open and close windows;
  • wooden swing doors;
  • sliding or tilt-and-turn structures with a metal-plastic profile.

If you need to carry out "warm" glazing, then the option of using plastic double-glazed windows is the best way to create high-quality heat and sound insulation. Very often, in such cases, the reception of the removal of frames by 15-25 cm beyond the plane of the facade is used to slightly expand the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe balcony. The feeling of spaciousness and a fairly wide window sill that can be used as a work surface is a great bonus for the owners.

From the point of view of decor and bringing originality to the design of the balcony due to the glazing stage, you can use tinted glass, stained glass, products with laser engraving or photo printing. Depending on the design decisions, such decor can be used both fragmentarily and for the entire surface of the protective glass barrier. Modern double-glazed windows can be made with any color scheme of frames, imitate any type of wood. The original appearance of the glazing is the key to creating a non-trivial image of a balcony or loggia.

Installation of insulation and waterproofing

This stage of work must be taken with all responsibility - do not save on materials and the fee of specialists. Poor installation of heat and waterproofing can subsequently nullify all finishing work, lead to damage to the furniture and eventually return you to your original position with the need to redo the repair. Minor savings at this stage of work can result in significant costs for reconstruction and loss of time.

Styrofoam most often acts as a heater for floors, for walls and ceilings - polystyrene foam or technoplex. Any insulation is mounted only after all the cracks have been eliminated and processed. Recently, to create a vapor barrier, polyethylene foam is most often used, which is laid with the shiny side inside. Further on the surface it will be possible to mount the crate to create a surface finish.

The most effective way to insulate a loggia is to install a so-called "warm floor". One of the most affordable ways to install the system is an infrared film floor. In such a room it will be really warm and comfortable at any time of the year. Temperature control modes allow you to independently set the microclimate of an additional room.

Electric installation work

The amount of wiring work will depend on the estimated number of lighting sources and household appliances used on the territory of the balcony, the presence of "warm floors" and whether the loggia is being repaired in conjunction with the main alteration of the apartment or not. If the reconstruction touched only the balcony, then you can not complicate the process and limit yourself to the usual extension cable, having previously calculated the required cross section, taking into account the maximum load.

The number of light sources will directly depend on what you expect from the premises of the balcony or loggia. If this is a place for breakfasts and rare evening romantic dinners overlooking the cityscape, then one lamp or built-in lighting will be enough. If the additional room will be used as an office, workshop or children's play area, then one light source is indispensable. The number of lamps is also affected by the size of the balcony and its location relative to the cardinal points.

Finishing work

The choice of finishing materials directly depends on the general idea of ​​​​using the auxiliary premises. But, regardless of how you will use the balcony or loggia (create a winter garden or install exercise equipment), there is a list of the most popular finishes suitable for the special microclimate of the additional space:

  • MDF panels;
  • PVC finishing panels;
  • to eliminate irregularities and create sheathing, niches and other structures, moisture-resistant drywall is perfect;
  • cork coating (creates excellent heat and sound insulation);
  • decorative plaster;
  • fake diamond;
  • painting;
  • combining different materials to create an original and sustainable coating.

The choice of material for creating a floor covering is influenced by the presence of a "warm floor" system, but in general, any modern raw material can be used:

  • ceramic or stone tiles;
  • floor board (parquet);
  • laminate;
  • linoleum;
  • carpet.

If we talk about the choice of color palette, then it is obvious that in a modest room, light shades will look much more organic, allowing you to visually expand the space. But, on the other hand, if all your furniture and decor of the balcony (loggia) are made in light colors, then more colorful color schemes can be chosen for the background.

Examples of using a balcony for rooms for various purposes

Only at first glance it may seem that the limited space of the balcony significantly reduces the list of possible options for using this additional room. The modern owner has not used this utilitarian space as a pantry for a long time, but arranges there an office, a workshop, a greenhouse, a children's area, a playroom for adults with billiards, a gym, a hookah room, a place for meals and even a bedroom.

In order to place a complete and functional environment on several square meters with a specific geometry, it is necessary to resort to various design techniques. This is not only a visual expansion of space through the use of light finishes, mirror, glossy and glass surfaces, but also the installation of compact furniture (often custom-made according to individual sizes), the maximum release of the floor - folding furniture, shelving and consoles that are attached to walls.

A dining area is one of the most popular options for using a balcony or loggia. If your balcony offers a great view of the cityscape, or even better - you can see the sunrise or sunset from the windows, it would be unforgivable not to take advantage of such a wonderful opportunity. The width of some loggias allows you to install a compact dining table, while others have to be content with a bar counter or a narrow console (most often a continuation of the windowsill). Also, an effective technique can be the installation of a compact round (oval) table or a folding panel.

Another popular solution is to organize a corner for reading and relaxing on a balcony or loggia. It is logical to install shelving for a home library and organize a comfortable place to read books in a light-filled room. Even if the balcony glazing is framed, there will still be enough natural light for a comfortable stay. In this case, in addition to shelving with books, it will be necessary to install a pair of comfortable chairs or a compact sofa, an ottoman.

In order to organize a modern office, you need very little usable space. It is such a modest size that a balcony or loggia has. A small console can be used as a work surface (modern laptops or computer screens take up little space), a comfortable adjustable chair and a pair of hanging shelves for storing documents and stationery.

One of the most popular options for organizing storage systems in balcony spaces is the installation of shelving. Even a shallow rack, mounted from floor to ceiling, allows you to arrange a huge amount of household items. At the same time, the design does not look massive due to the lack of facades.

Equally popular are built-in wardrobes. But given that in a small area it is necessary to mount a floor-to-ceiling storage system, it is better to give preference to light wood species. It will not be superfluous to use glass and mirror surfaces - they will help to facilitate the image of the cabinet.

Even a small space under the window sill of the balcony can be used rationally. Shallow shelves hidden behind compartment doors can accommodate a large number of necessary little things.

It is effective to use corner sofas as seating areas, under the seats of which there are spacious storage systems. For balconies of small width, similar, but only linear models can be used.

The balcony is the perfect place to use handmade household items. For example, benches and sofas, tables and stands, shelving and other storage systems, even beds can be constructed from construction pallets. Thus, you can not only save a lot, but also create a truly unique image of an additional room.

But there are in modern design projects and completely unusual options for using the available square meters. A gym, or rather a mini-room, a laundry room, a Finnish bath or a Russian steam room is far from a complete list of creative ideas. But it is important to understand that organizing many of these original projects will require not only large resources, but also appropriate permissions.

https://www..jpg 1084 800 Dix https://www.pngDix 2016-11-30 10:25:16 2018-11-30 11:16:15 Design and repair of a balcony or loggia - 100 relevant ideas

Having completed the glazing of balconies, you can use additional meters of usable area. The Russian construction market offers consumers various efficient systems that differ in comfort, type and cost. But the main types of balconies glazing are cold and warm.

Let's try to understand the nuances of the operation, the pros and cons of different designs. But first, a few words about the legality of the procedure.

Any options for glazing balconies are considered redevelopment that affects the exterior of the building. Therefore, before starting work, you should obtain permits. For example, in new buildings there is standard documentation that allows for standard glazing. If it is not available for your home, you can order a project from a certified company.

Then you need:

  • Write an application to the management company;
  • Attach to the application his rights to the ownership of real estate;
  • Submit a project. Permission will be issued based on this..

Glazing will be banned if the building is a cultural monument, or the project violates the SNiP regulations.

Types and features of various glazing methods

As mentioned above, the main types of glazing of loggias are warm and cold. In the first case, wooden/plastic frames with multilayer bags are used. The main way to open the structure is hinged.

Projects with sliding aluminum systems are possible, in which the profile is insulated inside with an interframe insulation and a heat-insulating layer. However, for the improvement of balconies with loggias, this method of glazing is rarely used, because the cost of such a design is high.

In the cold version, sliding systems are more often used, and the glazing of the space can be aluminum or frameless. The advantage of the method is that there is no need to remake the parapet. These systems do not have a lot of weight, so the load on the balcony will be minimal. Cold glazing also includes the installation of wooden frames, complete with single glass. This design also does not provide heat in the balcony room at sub-zero temperatures.

The purpose of the glazing will influence the method.

The procedure for turning a balcony into a living space

If you are going to turn the balcony into a living space and attach it to the apartment, it is recommended to choose plastic / wooden windows. For their installation you will need:

  • Strengthen the plate;
  • build a parapet;
  • Carry out waterproofing of the room;
  • warm up the space;
  • Conduct electricity;
  • Arrange heating.

If it is necessary to protect the balcony from dust/precipitation, isolate it from street noise, or organize a summer vacation spot in a small space, the best option is an aluminum profile equipped with a sliding system.

If you want to increase the usable area, perform glazing with removal. It is necessary to hammer the channel into the wall and build up the slab with concrete. This option can be advised for owners of apartments with narrow balconies. When they are glazed, the usable area is reduced. That is, not only is the area small, but it also decreases. To prevent this inconvenience, they resort to expanding the balcony with remote glazing. Of course, you can increase the frame with subsequent construction, but this solution will cost more.

The location of the balcony structure will not change, but its glazed part will move outward relative to the fence. In order for the appearance of the balcony to be combined with the stability of the structure, an extension of up to 25 cm is recommended. This can be done along the perimeter of the front part of the balcony or the entire balcony space.

Now let's move on to the main systems.

Balcony glazing type: metal-plastic systems (PVC windows)

Perhaps the most popular options for glazing loggias are PVC windows, which have excellent thermal and sound insulation performance. The frame structure must be strong and rigid. The profile is reinforced, with good resistance to bending with wind loads. The standard thickness for glazing the loggia space is 58/64 mm. Improved version - 78 mm.

During the operation of windows, the entire load will fall on the fittings. Therefore, carefully choose hinges, locks and seals. Locks with hinges must be made of durable and wear-resistant metal, coated on top with an anti-corrosion compound. If there are children, install the system with a special lock. The tightness of the sash to the frame depends on the seals, so they must be flexible and of high quality. Otherwise, at high temperatures in summer and severe frost, the material will lose its function, which will lead to drafts on the balcony and dust.

For balconies, you can choose double-glazed windows:

  • Single chamber One 16mm interlayer with two 4mm panes;
  • Double chamber Two layers, in 9 and 10 mm, with three 4 mm panes.

Due to the lamination, metal-plastic windows can be easily matched to any design. In addition to white frames, you can order:

  • textured under the tree;
  • Colored products;
  • Different color for indoor/outdoor side.

Balcony glazing type: wooden frames

There are two options here. Classic frames made of pine (economy class) or expensive wood species. To create a warm balcony, you will have two rows with one glass. Modern types of balcony glazing are wooden frames inserted into a standard double-glazed window.

Modern technologies make it possible to create wooden structures for glazing different openings:

  • triangular;
  • Bay windows;
  • multifaceted;
  • rounded .

The disadvantages of such glazing are:

  • Labor-intensive preparation of the parapet Requires expansion and strengthening;
  • Significant weight;
  • The need for treatment with antifungal and fire-fighting compounds;
  • Cleaning and painting, occasionally.

However, wooden structures are covered with any color, so when changing the interior, this will be a huge plus. With plastic and aluminum, this cannot be done.

Balcony glazing type: aluminum systems

The design is durable and simple. Aluminum systems are stronger than wood and PVC counterparts. Usually aluminum glazing is cold. The high thermal conductivity of the material allows it to quickly heat up and cool down. In most cases, aluminum systems are equipped with a sliding mechanism. The weight of the structure is small, because one glass with a four-millimeter thickness (sometimes 5 or 8 mm) is inserted into it.

The most popular color is metallic grey. If you need to choose windows for a specific design solution, the system profile can be painted in the colors of the RAL palette with a special powder paint.

Balcony glazing type: frameless glazing

Fashionable and elegant are rapidly selected to three popular designs.

frameless balconies. Outwardly, everything looks like a glass wall without a frame and the balcony space visually increases. By sliding the glass window sections, you can fully open the balcony.

The design withstands severe static/wind loads. Frameless glazing is the best option for terraces and verandas.

Among the advantages can be noted:

  • No restrictions in balcony type, service life, shape;
  • Transparency This does not interfere with the design of the façade. For the first floor, this will be a disadvantage. It will not be possible to protect yourself from prying eyes if you do not use a curtain, blinds, etc .;
  • Use of tempered glass It is safe and impact resistant;
  • Easy to clean inside/outside as they move easily.

The main drawback of the design is the inability to insulate the balcony space. Another disadvantage is not complete tightness. Therefore, there will be no serious protection against cold, noise and moisture. But experts say that the main purpose of frameless glazing is not insulation, but an aesthetic decoration of the balcony.

Balcony glazing type: balcony glazing with roof

Derivatives of a steel sheet are applied to an external covering. Such is, for example, a thin metallized sheet having longitudinal recesses in the form of a wave. The building material is called laminated corrugated board and is covered with a zinc layer on top.

However, you can use an inexpensive, but sufficiently rigid profiled sheet that can withstand any load without changing its shape. The corrugated board performs the functions of a load-bearing roof, and the installation of additional brackets is eliminated. The disadvantage of the coating is the lack of sound insulation. Therefore, you will need to cover it with a soft roof. However, the installation of a rigid frame increases the cost of work.

If you want roof glazing, use double-glazed windows made of tempered glass or use cellular polycarbonate.

The cost of all options for glazing a balcony

It is impossible to say exactly how much the balcony glazing will cost. The amount is called by the master after carrying out the necessary measurements and based on the cost of the window material.

An approximate calculation of the glazing of balconies is as follows:

  • Three-meter: 15,000 - 20,000 rubles;
  • Four meters: 20,000 - 30,000 rubles;
  • Five-meter: 25,000 - 40,000 rubles;
  • Six-meter: 30,000 -45,000 rubles.

Today it is already difficult to imagine a modern building without a balcony or loggia. They shape and decorate the appearance of the whole house. In addition, their presence makes life more comfortable. This room can be used as a place to relax, store things, and many due to it increase the area of ​​​​the apartment. Moreover, in emergency situations, they can serve as a way to evacuate residents from the building. In this article we will tell you what a balcony and a loggia are, how they differ, and what types of balconies and loggias exist.

Types and types of balconies

A balcony is a platform that protrudes from the facade of the building at a certain distance and is fenced around the perimeter with a railing. Its standard depth is 1-1.6 meters, and the structure consists of a horizontal reinforced concrete slab, a fence and additional fasteners.

There are the following types of balconies, differing in design.

On cantilever beams

Used in old houses. The base slab is supported by reinforced concrete or metal cantilever beams embedded into the wall to a depth of at least 38 cm.

On a cantilever reinforced concrete slab

The design is very similar to the first option, differing only in that the role of the base plate is played by a cantilever-clamped plate. Usually they are installed in brick buildings, but for walls made of aerated concrete or ceramic blocks, this option is not suitable due to the excessive weight of the structure.

These two types of balcony structures can be installed on any floor, as they do not provide for additional supports.

With external supports

Such designs allow you to make larger balconies. Brackets or columns can serve as additional supports. However, columns have two drawbacks. Firstly, the impossibility of placing a balcony above the second floor. Secondly, there is a possibility that the foundation of the walls and columns will settle unevenly, which will lead to the curvature of the balcony structure.

Now, new designs of balconies have appeared on the modern construction market, which make it possible to install them on an already finished building.

There are three types of such balconies.

Attached

They are attached to the facade of the building with the help of side supports, and front racks are provided to reduce the load on the walls. A foundation is being built under the racks. For this type of balconies, a free area is needed under it.

Attached

Attached with support brackets. The design also relies on the front racks.

Mounted

They are "hung" on the facade of the house with the help of special fasteners in the wall.

Types and types of loggias

The loggia is a platform, on one side of which there is a fence, and on the other - walls. The main difference from the balcony is that it does not protrude beyond the walls of the building, but is built into it. Loggias differ in design and can be built-in or remote.

Embedded

They are formed by the outer load-bearing walls of the building, on which the floor slab rests.

Remote

The design consists of additional walls perpendicular to the facade of the building, the so-called "cheeks" of the loggia. The floor slab of these loggias rests on cantilever beams fixed in transverse internal walls.

loggia-balcony

A kind of hybrid of a loggia and a balcony. Part of the room is built into the building, and part protrudes beyond its walls. It can be open or glazed. Compared to an ordinary balcony, it is more protected from adverse climatic conditions, at the same time, unlike a regular loggia, it darkens the apartment less.

What is a French balcony?

The classic French balcony has a purely decorative function. It is not a room and has practically no area, at most it is a small area equal in width to the length of a human leg. The fence is installed directly in front of the doorway. You can enjoy a beautiful view from the window on it, but it does not have a place for walking and storing things.

In modern construction, the concept of "French balcony" has changed somewhat. Now this is an ordinary balcony, but instead of standard metal or reinforced concrete railings, double-glazed windows in aluminum or PVC structures are used.

No matter what type of balcony or loggia you have in your home, this corner can be turned into a wonderful place to relax. Thanks to modern materials and technologies, you can choose absolutely any type of exterior and interior decoration. It can be glazed or left open, while making a beautiful fence, decorate with flowers, then it will not only protect you from wind and precipitation during your vacation, but also decorate the whole appearance of the building.

It is almost impossible to imagine any building in the modern world without a loggia or a balcony. Even if they do not carry any economic function, they are necessarily an addition to the interior of the facade of the house.

In this case, the types of balconies play an important role. It is on how well it is selected that the aesthetics of the external appearance of the facade will depend. Therefore, it is necessary to understand this issue in detail.

Balconies by the way they are arranged

Types of balconies

By and large, a balcony is a platform, which consists of a concrete slab (base) and a fence. But the appearance of the balcony may differ depending on the way it is constructed.

  1. Console. Basically, such balconies can be found in residential buildings of the last century. The name comes from what is supported by special consoles fixed in the wall. Mounting depth at least 40 cm.
  2. Instead of attaching several consoles, a monolithic console plate is often used. That is, instead of a conventional slab, a cantilever slab is installed, which is pinched between the ceilings.
  3. On supports. Such designs are very interesting. They are equipped with the help of supports, deepened into the soil. It is thanks to them that you can significantly increase, and give the supports themselves an original design in the form of columns. But there are also disadvantages of this type of balcony. It cannot be equipped above the level of the second floor, since inconsistency may arise in the process of settling the foundation of the house and supports, which will lead to a skewing of the slab.
  4. Attached types of balconies are a more modern type, the fastening of which is carried out using special side supports. In order to reduce the load, additional racks are installed in front of the plate.
  5. Attached. Fastening is provided using basic consoles. In this case, there is also a need to equip the front racks.
  6. Mounted. The fastening device is carried out due to special metal structures, on which a balcony slab is hung.

A monolithic cantilever slab is not suitable for houses built from expanded clay, gas blocks or foam blocks. These types of materials are not able to withstand a significant lateral load.

Under the racks in the attached type, a foundation is necessarily made.

Balconies according to the method of their glazing

With the help of glazing of balconies, it is possible to organize not only their protection from climatic conditions and create coziness inside the room, but also to ensure the unique design of the balcony structure. Glazing types are classified very broadly, from the structure of the structure to the material used for these purposes.


For cold glazing, light double-glazed windows are used.

This type of glazing is used in cases where the balcony room must be closed from dust, wind, rain and snow. The elements of cold glazing are lightweight profiles with single-chamber double-glazed windows. Most often, wood or aluminum structures are used for profiles. Structures of this type benefit from the following parameters:

  • ease of installation;
  • small price;
  • low weight, which reduces the load on the floors;
  • a sufficiently high degree of illumination;
  • aesthetic appearance.

But, choosing this type of glazing, you should be aware of its disadvantages:

  • the temperature on the balcony with cold glazing is only a couple of degrees different from the street temperature;
  • in case of heat and direct sunlight, additional protection is required;
  • in some cases, the installation of mosquito nets is excluded.

Warm glazing


For this type of glazing, double or triple glazing is used.

The warm type of glazing of balconies has become very popular lately. This is due to the fact that, using this type of protection for a balcony room and after additional insulation of the fence and walls, it is possible to construct a full-fledged living room.

For its arrangement, aluminum profiles with built-in heat-insulating inserts and two- or three-chamber double-glazed windows are used.

The benefits include:

  • ensuring a comfortable temperature in winter;
  • reliable sound insulation;
  • protection against moisture ingress;
  • beautiful aesthetic design.

But still there is a serious drawback in this species. This type of glazing is heavy enough that it cannot be used for installation in every home.

french balcony

Very often we meet such a concept as a French-type balcony, while we understand little of its meaning. So, it is more of a design decision that has nothing to do with its practical application. About types, see this video:

There is no balcony space as such, its greatest width is a small ledge on which a person's foot can fit. The fence is most often metal, although wood is not excluded.

Settled right in front of the glazed part of the main room. From the French balcony you can admire the beauties of the area that are visible from your home.