Variants of French panoramic windows on the balcony in the apartment and their price

French panoramic windows make any apartment balcony feel more elegant and functional while also creating a roomy, light-filled space. The large glass panels that reach from the floor to the ceiling and offer unhindered views of the outside world are what distinguish these windows. They create a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor spaces by improving natural lighting inside the apartment in addition to improving the balcony’s aesthetic appeal.

French panoramic windows come in a number of variations made especially for apartment balconies. The sliding French window is one popular design that maximizes space and is simple to operate. These windows are perfect for balconies where there isn’t enough room for outward swinging doors because they slide horizontally along a track. An additional variation is the folding French window, sometimes referred to as bi-fold or accordion-style windows. When fully opened, these windows fold open like a concertina to maximize the opening width and offer a broad view.

There are a number of factors to consider when thinking about installing French panoramic windows on your balcony, as these can affect the installation’s appearance as well as its functionality. The choice of frame material—wood, uPVC, or aluminum—affects the window’s thermal insulation qualities in addition to its longevity. Furthermore, the kind of glass used—double- or triple-glazed, for example—affects energy efficiency and sound insulation, two important factors for urban apartments.

When installing French panoramic windows on a balcony, cost is an important factor to take into account, just like with any other home improvement project. The size of the window, the materials selected, and the difficulty of the installation are a few examples of the variables that can affect price. Larger windows and windows constructed of superior materials will usually cost more. Nonetheless, the investment frequently pays off in the form of higher living comfort, increased property value, and improved energy efficiency.

When can you do it?

When constructing multi-story buildings, the project encompasses not only the apartment layout but also the facade’s design.

A breach of the building’s aesthetic is indicated if the design documentation does not mention the possibility of panoramic glazing.

However, if the home is not situated in a historically significant area of the city and does not interfere with the architectural ensemble, panoramic glazing may still be installed.

You will need permission from the city’s architectural department, where all calculations must be submitted, in order to replace the slabs installed during construction.

Vital. The BTI stores the cadastral passport of housing, which also undergoes the corresponding modifications. Preparing construction documents follows the same process as renovating an apartment interior.

Legality of self-glazing in the floor

Building GOSTs and the housing code govern what is and is not legal when it comes to structural modification. In order to prevent severe repercussions, such as administrative or criminal penalties, you must be certain that the commission will not accept the balcony’s design:

• dangerous for operation;
• disturbing neighbors;
• violating the facade – common property.

Unauthorized glazing carries a 2,500 ruble fine, which is not very steep. However, the choice to enforce it also entails the obligation to restore the facade to its former state. This already poses a significant risk of financial loss. It is preferable to follow the specified redevelopment procedure and not ignore it.

Requirements

The requirements of over thirty standards and SNiP are systematized in GOST R 56926-2016 glazing of balconies and loggias. Balconies and loggias are regarded as structural components of residential premises in Section 5 of the technical rules. They must therefore have the exact appearance that is specified in the design documentation.

Norm:

1. The construction of loggias with panoramic glazing and “French” balconies is being negotiated.
2. A classification of balcony glazing is carried out according to types of material – main balcony blocks, burglar-resistant, panoramic. Each type of double-glazed windows is marked according to the scope of their application.
3. The requirements are set out to ensure the continuity of the thermal circuit, that is, all external elements of the facade must be uniform in appearance and selection of materials. The procedure for sealing seams is mandatory.
4. Formulations are laid down on the requirements regarding the possibility of evacuation, compliance with: temperature conditions and natural lighting; protection from noise and precipitation, wind loads.

Requirements for glazing structures and their manufacturers are included in this document. According to GOST, translucent structures that replace the entire wall along the width of the room and reach from floor to ceiling are examples of panoramic glazing.

A balcony panoramic block is a construction made up of two or more parallel-moving, rotary, inclined folding sashes that are nearly the same height as the floor’s premises.

A profile (a component of a frame, sash, or external balcony glazing) is the glass-bearing element (loggia). It absorbs the full weight of the glass.

Despite the definition of a panoramic glazing block, a combined finish—two different types of blocks—is frequently used to finish a "French" balcony. The upper sashes are frameless, while the lower sashes are framed.

Note: Side and bottom frosted glass may be used as a balcony screen.

A modern loggia does not incorporate a glass bottom into its design. The size of a loggia’s panoramic glazing blocks is determined by subtracting the space required for installing profile guides from the height of the room measured from the top of the concrete fence to the concrete floor above.

Kinds

The purpose of glazed balconies and loggias in the twenty-first century has shifted from seasonal storage of unsold items to adding extra square footage to the usable area of a room.

This small area can be used for various purposes such as workspace, lounging alone with a good book, or taking in the view.

You should select the appropriate kind of glazing for each task.

By design: frame and non -ramous sashes

Traditional glazing is found in windows with two panes of glass. The panorama is divided into equal parts by vertical elements, which is a drawback. However, the glass adds more weight to the frame. It is important to keep in mind that if you select heavy frames, the permitted load on the reinforcement that connects the balcony or loggia to the house’s other rooms may be exceeded.

A swivel mechanism on either kind of wing will make washing the glass easier. The purpose of impregnated sliding systems is typically to collect shots indoors in the form of book sheets. For the purpose of maintaining the double-glazed window and providing ventilation, the space is fully opened.

This is significant because optimizing the flow of daylight is the primary goal of panoramic glazing.

When more robust frame elements form a fence and support for frameless sashes, which are more prone to mechanical damage, optimal glazing can legitimately be referred to as complex.

Based on profile material

Aluminum and polyvinyl chloride make up the lightest frame components in terms of weight. Because frames made of these materials are less expensive than others, they are also more frequently used for glazing on loggias and balconies. In the event that the design’s quality satisfies all standards requirements for:

• reliability;
• service life;
• resistance to sunlight;
• heat saving.

Take note! Aluminum frames and PVC frames fall into different groups.

Glass fits more snugly in plastic frames because of the rubber seal used in their construction. The spontaneous exchange of indoor and outdoor air is excluded, and there are no longer any cold bridges.

Heat conservation is reduced in windows with brush seals and aluminum frames.

Although dust cannot enter the room through these frames, cold glazing will not significantly alter the temperature difference between the street and the loggia.

There’s a new aluminum profile that looks warm. It is not the same as the conventional seal type.

Wooden frames are still in demand even though metal and plastic frames can be laminated with PVC material beneath wood, stone, matte, or glossy paint.

Wooden frames have the benefit of having a daily natural air replacement rate of roughly 30% of the room’s total volume.

Because of the physical characteristics and design features of the material, hygroscopicity—the natural loss of moisture in heat and drought—and swelling during the rainy season, it is challenging to achieve the tightest fit possible when framing wood.

The principal drawback of these materials is that, when exposed to moisture, they become distorted, even when used to make frames for panoramic windows.

A quick note on the materials used for frames:

1. Polyvinyl chloride – low cost, long-term operation, has restrictions on the dimensions of the sash.
2. Wood – laminated veneer lumber with reduced hygroscopicity and is heavy.
3. Aluminum is strong, lightweight, durable, and when choosing the “warm aluminum” system, it is also expensive.

Aluminum and PVC frames are less prone to mechanical damage than steel frames. German technology is used to manufacture profiles made of steel and aluminum.

Double-glazed window frames are not only made of wood, but they are also sprayed with paint and dried at high temperatures in thermal chambers. This consistently prevents corrosion on the metal and prolongs the paint’s original appearance.

Warm or cold?

When installing a floor heating system, thermal convector, or extra insulation in the loggia, warm glazing becomes crucial.

There can be two or three glasses in a typical loggia double-glazed window.

A single chamber offers insulation against noise and cold, but a double-chamber window offers twice as much reliable protection against freezing.

The space between the upper floor and the outer edges of the concrete fencing panels is filled in by panoramic windows situated on the loggia.

Take note! Removing a window, relocating the battery outside the room, and tearing down the wall separating the room from the loggia are all forbidden actions unless approved by the city or microdistrict’s architectural department. These acts are the same as unapproved development.

Panoramic glazing at a reasonable price is a good choice for balconies and loggias where winter food is kept, such as sauerkraut, canned goods, and root vegetables. These double-glazed windows provide defense against snowdrifts, wind, dust, and rain. In cold glazing frames, glass no thicker than 6 mm is installed.

On a concrete base or fence, profile guides are installed for both warm and cold glazing systems. A 2.5 cm thick board is mounted on the slab in order to increase the support area during low tide. This is sufficient to install a window sill and a profile frame that will house three to four sliding sashes.

French-style balconies are predicated on:

• demolition of the old fence;
• strengthening the load-bearing slab;
• installation of low tide in the upper part;
• installation of warm double-glazed windows.

A "French" balcony is designed to let in light and provide a broad view of the street, rather than being used for storage. It is transparent all the way from the floor to the ceiling.

By glass type

Common glass is set into wooden frames that were manufactured with antiquated technology.

Panoramic glazing glass has a different thickness than windows; it can’t be any thinner than 6 mm.

Tempered glass and triplex are used to make panoramic glazing units.

Triplex is installed indoors because it fractures more easily than glass that has been hardened. When glass breaks, all of the pieces stay on the adhesive film that is sandwiched between the glued translucent multi-layer structures. The exterior of the glass unit contains the tempered glass. It crumbles into pieces, though breaking is very difficult.

Requirements for double-glazed windows with panoramic views:

• keeping warm in winter;
• protection against room overheating in hot summers;
• good light transmittance;
• resistance to destruction.

Panoramic glazing comes with specific glasses. Apart from glass and gas-filled chambers, double-glazed windows can be equipped with additional protective features that are sprayed onto panoramic blocks.

How to interpret glass panoramic glazing markings:

1. 3.1 or 4.4.1– designation of triplex – laminated laminated glass. Numbers 3 and 4 indicate the thickness of the glass glued together, between which there is a polyvinyl buteral film. It may be designated PVB or pvb. Multilayer triplex systems may include the same type of glass, for example, shockproof. Multi-format are called triplex systems consisting of glasses with different physical properties.
2. Letter N indicates that the glass is thermally insulating with energy saving properties. It is called i – glass and low-emission.It acquires its special qualities by sputtering silver oxide onto the surface. It is applied as the only element and together with others. Chemical compositions that increase the heat saving of ordinary and triplex double-glazed windows can be designated: CLGuN, Top-N, Top-N+, which depends on the composition of the spraying.
3. M.F – multi-format, with a symbiosis of energy saving and sun protection functions.
4. Z – tempered, shockproof glass.

Double-pane windows shield the space from the elements and noise. However, they also perform differently as a result of design elements or the use of inert gases, such as argon or krypton, inside sealed chambers.

For your knowledge. SPO has just one chamber, whereas SPD designates a double-glazed window with two chambers. SPD frames come in a variety of sizes, which improves the room’s heat retention and sound insulation.

The choice of glass in a panoramic design is determined by:

• climatic features of the region;
• wind loads;
• presence of children and pets.

Installing double-glazed windows with 6 mm glass is preferable when glazing loggias and balconies, though 4 mm will do if the height of the glass blocks is not more than 2 m.

The exterior should have anti-vandal, shatterproof glass, and the remaining glass needs to be chosen with consideration for the specific climate or living area features that have been identified. ideal pairings for impact-resistant glass designs that combine low-emission or multi-format glass.

By shape

Ancient buildings have stunning balconies. Their strange shapes don’t stop them from being insulated and modern.

Corner and radius balconies, as well as bay windows, can be covered with frameless glazing.

The appearance of lightness can only be attained by carefully choosing the materials to be installed.

The profile is fixed to the edge of a metal railing or slab of reinforced concrete. Actually, the profile’s width and that of its supports may be equal. The measurements should be more precise the more oddly shaped the balcony is.

Rollers that follow guides will be used to move the glass. To ensure that the broken lines of the bay window do not impede the free movement of three sashes along a given path, the width of each sash must be determined prior to installing balcony blocks. Anchor bolts are used to secure the profile in the concrete base. The "wall" of tempered glass appears monolithic from the exterior.

Worth keeping in mind. Up to two meters high, frameless glass sash are composed of 6 mm thick glass; for taller sashes, thicker tempered light-transmitting systems, with a thickness of 8 mm, are advised.

Even though this component is essentially undetectable from the exterior, a clear seal keeps the glass portions safe. The glass seal serves multiple purposes, including shielding the glass from chips and keeping out rain and snow.

Frameless glazing has the drawback of potentially allowing water to enter the room through the technological holes beneath the metal plates, which is not ideal prior to the arrival of frost.

Parts coated in powder shield the profile from freezing ice. Even in very cold temperatures, plastic parts maintain their elasticity. In areas where winter temperatures drop below zero, external glazing structures must comply with this requirement.

Traditional double-glazed windows set inside frames are used in corner and radius glazing, along with sashes that are not framed. They are also installed on the profile, and this is another situation in which the precision of the design calculations is crucial.

Swing doors are more advisable for balconies with small shapes. It is preferable to use a "book" or "accordion" system for lengthy texts.

With and without fencing

Relying entirely on the fence when installing panoramic glazing from high sashes is not a wise move.

Glass and forged metal ornamental elements go together like clockwork.

This design choice installs the glass block profile inside the fence, or as close to it as feasible.

Enough wind and rain protection will be provided inside, and there will be a lovely fence outside that doesn’t block the view.

If everything goes according to plan and there are only glass and lintels, then a combination glazing style will work best, with the bottom row of frames serving as the foundation for the profile of the movable upper section.

Note: Triplex is a better material for the bottom of the glazing because it can withstand more mechanical stress and, in the event that it is broken, does not break the glass—instead the film stays inside the frame. In other words, the fence won’t move until a new one is installed in its place.

Installation features

Panoramic glazing: The process of building a French-insulated balcony and choosing insulation materials is essentially the same as building a loggia. The primary source of cold in the loggia and balcony is a concrete slab that freezes in colder weather.

However, there are still disparities, and the GOST reflects this. The way the stove is fastened separates the lodge from the balcony. The console plate extends past the facade wall at the balcony. The load caused by the balcony’s weight is located on this wall.

The loading plate edge of the loggia extends slightly beyond the outer wall’s perimeter. The house’s unique structural features bear the brunt of the loggia’s weight distribution rather than the house’s carrying wall. The ability for lodges to be on the ground floor is explained by this feature. in structures where the second floor is where they start.

Balcony design

The balcony fence is an essential component of the building, but since it is not attached to the bearing wall and does not support any weight, it is easily disassembled and replaced.

The first step in utilizing French glazing on the balcony is to take down the fence, extend and widen the area, and add a protective covering to the edges. You will need metal corners for this; on them are laid a metal sheet, veneer, insulation, and decorative finishing material.

On the welded metal corners, a profile is put in place and covered in multiple layers of flooring material. Triplex glazing is present in the lower portion. The top is made of regular glass.

Note: It is acceptable to use high frameless glass for glazing on a "French" balcony design, provided that no opaque materials are visible from the exterior.

On the loggia

Because the slab’s dimensions are fixed on the sides by vertical load-bearing elements and it cannot protrude beyond the façade beyond the level specified by the project, expanding the space will not be possible when the loggia is panoramically glazed. Other than that, loggia and balcony glazing technologies are comparable.

Insulation

Glazing installation is just the beginning. Insulation work needs to be done so that the system functions year-round and the glass doesn’t get covered in ice or condensation.

When needed?

Further insulation is needed when installing cold glazing if the glass frames are not 80 mm thick. Because frameless glazing does not create an airtight seal, in the winter it will cool the room and cause the glass to ice up. What substances are able to

Insulation is appropriate for balconies and loggias.

• penoflex;
• foil penofol;
• moisture-resistant plywood;
• foamed polystyrene foam backing;
• laminate 31-33 class.

These materials are all used with panoramic glazing to provide floor insulation.

Where exactly?

Both the floor and the glass can be insulated. Glass heating radiators and air-warming convectors provide the majority of the heat on the balcony and loggia.

Instructions

Insulation of the floor happens right after the fence is taken down, during the balcony slab expansion stage.

It is constructed with channels that have anchor bolts fastened to the concrete. Cells for the purpose of laying insulation are created during the strengthening process.

The height of the metal corner’s side determines the insulation’s thickness.

Heat shielding materials are made of foil. The most important thing is to lay the working side up without making a mistake. Penofol can also be used to separate warmer, thinner materials from concrete.

Note: Walking noise is reduced and shock is absorbed by the polystyrene foam backing that sits between the laminate and the plywood. Air is retained by its porous structure, which also aids in heat retention.

Advantages and disadvantages

The view of the balcony or loggia from one side or from three at once is fully opened by panoramic glazing.

There are several drawbacks to having full balcony or loggia glazing, including:

1. The space will be seen entirely not only from the windows of the house opposite, but from the street curious passers -by will see everything from the lower point of view.
2. Glare glasses of the opposite building will cause discomfort in sunny weather. When installing the tint film, the level of passage of light will decrease.
3. The load on the stove and the supporting structures will increase.
4. The redevelopment will have to get permission.
5. Condensate on glasses.

You should think over the window with dry, warm air to prevent fogging the glass. Installing the floor convector is necessary to accomplish this. It is expensive, and its design obviously does not blend in with the French balcony’s interior.

Among the benefits of panoramic glazing are:

1. Additional place for growing decorative photophilous plants.
2. More natural light.
3. Additional protection of the room from warming up in the summer and flow of cold air in winter.
4. The cost of real estate with panoramic glazing is higher when renting and selling.

Note: If the windows on your balcony face an alley, park, river, lake, or pond rather than the house across from you, then you should get panoramic glazing.

How much do they cost in the Russian Federation??

Hinged panoramic glazing costs two to three times as much as sliding doors. Prices for glazing with profiles from the same manufacturer vary widely throughout Russia.

In the Russian Federation, sliding door panoramic systems cost the following:

1. Cold glazing Provedal – 4800 rub./m 2 .
2. Cold glazing Vidnal – 6500 rub./m 2 .
3. Warm glazing Veka – 9500 rub./m 2 .

In Russia, the average cost of cold swing glazing for loggias and balconies is 7,000 rubles per square meter, while the warm option costs 13,000 rubles per square meter. This represents the price of glazing alone, excluding insulation and other relevant services.

Not only does the total cost include glazing, but also:

• dismantling the old fence;
• strengthening the concrete slab;
• insulation;
• carrying out the screed;
• cost of building materials.

A 6-meter loggia’s inexpensive cold glazing will set you back roughly 50,000 rubles. You can install a warm profile light-transmitting structure on the balcony for this amount.

Photo

Interior panoramic windows on a loggia or balcony:

French panoramic windows, which provide both aesthetic appeal and practical advantages, are becoming a highly sought-after addition to apartment balconies in today’s urban living. This article examines several French panoramic window designs that are appropriate for apartment balconies, highlighting their distinctive features and the ways in which they improve living areas. It also offers information on the variables that affect their costs, assisting homeowners in making well-informed choices when contemplating these sophisticated window options for their home renovations.

Useful video

The loggia’s panoramic windows were installed correctly:

French Sliding Doors	From $1,500
Folding French Doors	From $2,000

Any apartment balcony would benefit from the chic and practical addition of French panoramic windows, which effortlessly combine indoor comfort with outdoor views. These windows optimize natural light and ventilation while also enhancing the aesthetic appeal of a space thanks to their large glass panels and simple framing.

There are various options available when thinking about French panoramic windows for your balcony, each catering to a different set of requirements and tastes. Fixed windows offer clear views and are the best option for rooms where ventilation isn’t a top priority. Conversely, French doors featuring tilt-and-turn mechanisms or side panels provide greater versatility and allow controlled airflow without compromising security.

French panoramic window installation costs can differ greatly depending on size, material choices, and extra features. Larger windows and those composed of premium materials, such as uPVC or aluminum, are typically more costly. Nonetheless, the long-term advantages of the investment may include increased durability and energy efficiency, making them a wise choice.

Prior to choosing a particular style of French panoramic window, it’s critical to evaluate the design of your apartment, the weather, and your personal tastes. Speaking with a respectable contractor or window specialist can help you make the best decisions for your balcony area by guaranteeing that the windows you choose will not only look great but will also perform as well as possible in terms of security and weather protection.

Video on the topic

SLIDING DOOR TO BALCONY. CONVENIENCE AND COMFORT

How to decorate a balcony or loggia? Top 5 interior ideas for balconies and loggias with examples

Installation of a modular balcony

Panoramic glazing of the balcony. OAKLAND