One of the most popular alternatives to the widespread metal-plastic glazing today are aluminum loggias. Glazing of loggias using an aluminum profile, although it loses in terms of energy saving, is still quite effective.

The advantages that aluminum loggias have, their disadvantages and installation features of such structures are the subject of this article.

Aluminum or "cold" glazing

Advantages of aluminum glazing

Glazing of loggias with an aluminum profile is very often called "cold" glazing, and this name is quite justified.

And indeed, if you need a loggia, the temperature at which is slightly different or equal to the temperature in the living room, then you will have to refuse.

Note!

“Warm” aluminum is also presented on the modern market - with polymer heat-insulating inserts.

Installation of aluminum loggias from a "warm" profile will cost you significantly more - but you will also save heat on such a loggia!

At the same time, aluminum glazing of loggias has an impressive list of advantages over wood or plastic:

• Most aluminum systems are produced in the form of sliding structures: opening sashes slide along the frame along special guides.
  The sliding aluminum glazing of the loggia, thus, significantly saves the already scarce space in this room.

• The next advantage that the aluminum loggia provides is the low weight of the glazing. Thanks to this, almost any loggia can be glazed with the help of aluminum structures, while there is no need to additionally strengthen the concrete parts.
• If you want to equip a loggia with a colored aluminum profile - glazing of loggias using "cold" technology is optimal. The thing is that most of the manufacturers of aluminum windows provide the service of painting aluminum with powder paints in almost any color. This will allow you to organically "fit" the glazing into almost any design scheme.

Disadvantages of aluminum structures

However, along with the advantages, the glazing of loggias with aluminum hides a number of disadvantages:

• The low heat-saving coefficient of aluminum structures (with the exception of a rather expensive "warm" profile with a thermal break) leads to the fact that it will be quite cold on such a loggia.
• In severe frosts, the metal parts of aluminum sliding systems that are used for icing.
  Naturally, this leads to the fact that you cannot open the window on the loggia without removing the ice.

Freezing "sliding"

• Well, and finally - aluminum structures are not tight enough, which has a detrimental effect on sound insulation. However, for loggias this is not so critical, since the balcony door still serves as the final noise barrier in this case.

However, despite these shortcomings, the installation of aluminum loggias is still quite popular. And if the characteristics of this type of glazing suit you, then below we will tell you how to make such glazing.

We glaze the balcony with aluminum

Preparatory work

Like any other type of glazing, the glazing of loggias using aluminum profile structures requires certain preparatory work.

And in many respects, the final result depends on the quality of this stage.

So even work that is not directly related to glazing must be approached responsibly:

Note!

In order not to damage the base or the concrete fence of the loggia when dismantling the wooden frames, force should be applied in the plane of the window, and not perpendicular to it.

So fasteners (and most often these are nails) will easily come out of the concrete.

• We remove fragments of concrete from the railing of the loggia, fragments of frames remaining after dismantling, fasteners.
• If necessary, we repair the fence of the loggia. In this case, the work on glazing should be postponed for at least a day - until the solution hardens.
• Also, to ensure a more reliable installation of the frames and create a heat-insulating gasket between the aluminum frames and concrete, you can fix a wooden beam 50x50 mm on the railing of the loggia.

After the loggia is prepared and the glazing opening is leveled, you can proceed directly to the glazing.

It is advisable that by this time aluminum window structures, made to the size of your loggia, have been delivered to your apartment.

Below we will tell you how to glaze a loggia with aluminum without attracting third-party masters.

Installation of structures from an aluminum profile on a loggia

Before installing the purchased structures, you need to do a few simple operations.

They will facilitate our work in the future, and our aluminum loggia will be installed quickly and efficiently!

• We remove the opening elements of aluminum structures in order to facilitate manipulation with the frames.
• We remove the glazing from the "blind" parts - this way we will not damage it during installation.
• We attach the mounting plates to the frames. The step of fixing structures made of aluminum profiles is at least 700 mm. Mounting plates are attached to the profile with self-tapping screws for metal.

We lift the structure prepared in this way (here we need a second pair of hands, so the participation of an assistant is desirable), and install it in the opening of the loggia.

Then:

• Use wedges to align the frame vertically, horizontally and flat.
• Then we fix the mounting plates to the walls and ceiling using dowels - we drive them into the holes pre-drilled in the concrete.

Foreword

The fashion for gazebos made of aluminum profiles is growing along with the number of purchased suburban areas. The practicality of this material is justified by various characteristics and the ability to do all the assembly work with your own hands.

Aluminum profile in the construction of gazebos

It would seem that the cost of this material should scare away buyers. Why spend money if you can make a beautiful gazebo, for example, out of wood? The following qualities justify the choice of an aluminum profile:

• the versatility of the alloy (allows you to embody various design ideas);
• ease of decoration (use of any paints and decoration for every taste);
• the possibility of making collapsible arbors;
• corrosion resistance (affects the service life of such structures).

Aluminum profile gazebos are available in various versions. It can be either an ordinary square structure or a non-standard octagonal structure. Photos of various gazebos, if desired, can be found on various resources.

Metal profile gazebos form a healthy competition for aluminum structures. As you can see in the photo, in terms of performance and design quality, they are practically not inferior to aluminum ones. Due to the possibility of embodying various creative ideas and carrying out assembly work with your own hands, gazebos from a metal profile are also in great demand today. This type of material is represented by a hollow tube of square, rectangular or circular cross section. And, despite the thin wall, such pipes are quite capable of withstanding significant loads.

The gazebo starts from the foundation

The first step is to decide on the location of the gazebo. After that, proceed with the preparation of the foundation. Depending on the choice of material for the building frame, the type of base is also selected. If the gazebo is made of an aluminum profile, then a shallow strip foundation... Photos of his device are in other sections of the site. To do this, at its location, soil is removed to a depth of 20-30 cm, the bottom is leveled and compacted. After that, a sandy "pillow" is poured and poured with cement mortar with gravel, having previously installed a light reinforcement cage.

At the corners of the foundation, before pouring it, you need to install metal pipe... This is necessary to secure the frame of the building.

Heavier structures, as well as unstable soil, will require large-sized or columnar foundations. Pits for such a foundation are dug at least a meter deep. After that, it is necessary to install a reinforcing cage in them and pour concrete mixture. Or you can make a columnar foundation from asbestos-cement pipes, having previously concreted them.

However, when using any type of foundation in the process of concreting, it is necessary to install embedded parts, to which the arbor frame will subsequently be attached, whether it is made of aluminum or a metal profile. In most cases, such gazebos do not require such a powerful foundation and you can completely do with a shallow foundation.

We build a metal gazebo

The first stage is the installation of the frame of the gazebo. First you need to make a strapping. It is mounted to the support pipes previously poured into the foundation. As a strapping, exactly the same material is used as for the frame of the building. It is fastened using a bolted connection or welding. The second option will be more reliable. When fastening the lower and upper harness belts, make sure that they are located strictly horizontally. Otherwise, the structure will "stand" unevenly and subsequently from the wind load can take the shape of a rhombus, from which the walls and windows of the building will become unusable.

Then a profile, aluminum or metal, is attached to the upper and lower straps. First, horizontal strips are mounted on all sides, and then, using special corner joints, vertical and diagonal ones. The latter are responsible for the stability of the structure, and if you have chosen a small gazebo, then they may not be useful. After assembling the frame, check it for strength and tighten all fasteners.

The assembly of the roof structure deserves special attention. If you have chosen a non-separable version of the gazebo, and besides, in winter you are not often out of town, then you need to make sure that the snow on the roof does not linger. If you are not an expert in roofing, then you will hardly be able to make a high-quality roof with your own hands. You'd better entrust it to specialists.

Most importantly, you need to correctly calculate the angle of inclination of the slopes, it must be at least 15 degrees. To prevent the structure from bending under the snow, it is better to make the rafter system from a profile pipe with a cross section of 40x40 mm, with an interval of laying rafters from 30 to 40 cm.For covering, a professional sheet or polycarbonate is usually used, the color of which can be selected from the photo. An important point is the fastening of the rafters. In addition, you need to take care of their safety by treating them with protective compounds: powder paint or primer.

Glazing of gazebos - what to choose?

Glazing of gazebos with an aluminum profile for the above construction options will be the best solution. Depending on your plans for the use of these buildings, manufacturers offer two types of glazing: cold and warm. Both options differ in their functionality, while it is possible to assemble window structures with your own hands.

The cold version of glazing, based on the use of aluminum profiles without installing an internal thermostat, allows the gazebo to be protected from noise, rain and wind. And nothing more. Therefore, at low temperatures outside, the air inside will be no more than 10 degrees higher. However, this type of aluminum glazing will greatly appreciate its cost. Therefore, if you do not plan to use the gazebo in cold weather, then this option will definitely suit you.

Warm window designs for glazing not only protect the interior from rain, dust and noise, but also are able to maintain a comfortable temperature in the room. These are special multi-channel profile systems with an additional heat-insulating insert inside them and multi-layer glazing. If this option is used in the heated gazebo shown in the photo, then in cold weather the temperature in it will be as comfortable as in the house.

Window frames for gazebos made of aluminum profiles have some distinctive features... Due to the natural lightness of the alloy itself, various designs are produced in production that have enough high level strength, several times higher than the characteristics of similar products from other materials. They can be used not only in aluminum profile gazebos. Today they are widely used for glazing buildings made of metal, wood and even stone.

In general, this is the right solution for creating a cozy corner in the country. A variety of designs, finishes and the ability to carry out all assembly work with your own hands attract many owners of suburban areas and make you think about their construction.

If you decide to install aluminum windows, then in the process of carrying out the work the same technology should be used as when manipulating other types of windows. However, there are still some peculiarities. Compliance with the technology will ensure durable and reliable operation of aluminum systems. They are chosen for their durability, because the service life of such systems exceeds 50 years. Repair of aluminum windows during this time is not required.

They are lightweight and highly reliable. These performance characteristics are due to design features. In the production of frames, a complex of window profiles is used, which includes a shtulpovy profile, a glazing bead, a profile for sashes, as well as an impost profile. This set allows you to get windows, not only different in configuration, but also with a different opening method. When choosing aluminum windows, you can opt for a tilt, swing or tilt-and-turn system. The latter is the most common for ease of use. Fixed windows that do not have opening sashes can also be installed. When glazing loggias, multi-sash windows are used, in which it is possible to combine frame-type sashes. The production of aluminum windows provides for this. If you have to work with limited space, then it is best to prefer sliding systems. Aluminum window profiles are produced in the form of a warm profile and a cold one. The first has thermal insulating inserts, while the second is devoid of them.

Preparation before installing the aluminum profile

If you decide to install aluminum windows, you first need to make a preparatory stage. Before installing the window, you should dismantle the old structure, and then prepare the window opening.

Preparation of materials and tools

When removing the old frame, you may need to use an electric jigsaw, chisel, and hammer. But during installation, you will need a hammer drill, metal drills, a screwdriver, a drill, a construction knife, a building level, wooden blades, as well as dowel-nails.

Dismantling the old frame

Before installing aluminum windows, you will most likely have to dismantle the old wooden structure, while you can use a saw or an electric jigsaw, using one of these tools you will have to saw the frame in several places, which will make it easier to remove the box from the window opening. In the place where the cut is carried out, you need to pry the frame with a crowbar, and then carefully remove it. When carrying out this work, it is preferable to start from the bottom of the window.

After the old window is removed, it is necessary to remove the window sill, for this it is most convenient to use a hammer and chisel. After dismantling the old structure, it is necessary to prepare the window opening; carrying out this work involves the removal of fasteners, as well as concrete fragments that remain from the old frame. If the opening has been damaged or has irregularities, then it must be leveled using a traditional mortar. In this case, the installation of the aluminum profile is postponed for 2 days until the solution completely hardens. If you decide to install new windows, an aluminum profile is perfect for this. Before starting, it is advisable to moisten the opening with water and cover with a primer. In order to exclude damage to the window opening during dismantling, the force must be applied in the window area, and not in the perpendicular direction. Under such an effect, fasteners in the form of nails will be quite easily removed from the concrete.

Installation of the aluminum frame

Manufacturing of aluminum windows is carried out according to the latest technologies, which ensures their high reliability and durability. However, in order for the structure to serve for a long time, it must be properly installed. The window structure is realized in a partially disassembled state, so it is important to know how to carry out the work. The process begins with the installation of the frame, if the window arrived assembled, then you need to free the frame from the sashes and glass unit. This element must be installed in the opening, and then aligned with wedges. The position of the structures must be checked using a building level. Holes should be made around the perimeter of the frame and wall to accommodate the fasteners. should be strengthened using dowel nails. Using one self-tapping screw through the holes in the plate, it is necessary to fix the structure to the wall, while the second self-tapping screw is used to attach it to the frame, which occurs through the second hole.

Assembly seam

The assembly seam must be formed in two stages, the first involves sawing the frame around the entire perimeter, then it is important to wait for an interval, the period of which is 2 hours, only after that you can remove the wooden wedges used to level the frame. The holes formed must be treated with construction foam. After the joint hardens, excess construction foam must be removed.

If you decide to install windows, an aluminum profile is a great solution. The most suitable distance from the frame to the side walls of the openings is 5 millimeters. If this distance is increased, which may be necessary to level the frame, then additional plates should be used.

and low tide

Along the lower perimeter of the frame, you need to fix a vapor-permeable film that is able to pass air and retain moisture. To the bottom of the aluminum frame from the outside, you need to fix the ebb using self-tapping screws. The gaps that are obtained between the ebb and the frame must be filled with construction foam. The excess must be cut off, and the joint area must be covered with a layer of sealant. The window sill is wound under the frame, and then inserted into a special groove. In the next step, you can align the location of the sill horizontally. It is installed at the interface between the window sill and the frame must be treated with a sealant. If you install a window sill with a slight slope, then this will protect against moisture penetration.

Installation of a double-glazed window and adjusting fittings

When installing aluminum windows, at the last stage it is necessary to install double-glazed windows, as well as sashes. At the same stage, window fittings are adjusted. The inserts must be placed around the perimeter of the frame, and then the double-glazed windows must be installed. The latter is fixed with glazing beads. It is important to hammer them in with a rubber mallet. It is quite difficult to mount a double-glazed window, therefore it is recommended to entrust this process to professionals. Before installing the sashes, it is necessary to check the availability of a set of fittings, after which the handle on the sash is set to a horizontal position. The sash is put on the bottom hinge.

A corner loop must be inserted into the upper loop. After that, everything is fixed with a pin and pushed until the latch is triggered. In order not to need premature repair of aluminum windows, it is important to correctly adjust the fittings, for this tighten or loosen the fixing screws.

Features of installing sliding windows

On the top and bottom of the frame, it will be necessary to drill holes at a distance of 30 cm. The rails are fixed with screws to the frame. The glass unit is installed in the sash. Installation of aluminum windows of this design requires the installation of two rollers in the lower part of the sash, they must be located on both sides. The step from the rollers to the edge of the sash should be 5 cm.

Installation of aluminum windows involves ensuring the distance from the outer edge of the frame to the rail within 5 centimeters, otherwise everything will freeze during the cold season.

Conclusion

Before proceeding with the installation of the window, it is necessary to check it for defects such as scratches, distortions and cracks. It is not permissible to use steel plates to adjust such windows. It is necessary to align the location of the window using wooden and plastic wedges. The manufacture of aluminum windows involves the use of the latest technologies, however, during transportation, the structure may be damaged, this must be identified at the initial stage.

Closing the loggia with glass is an opportunity to get additional living space. And if you use an aluminum profile, this is a transformation without a radical change in the room. For those who want cheap, but beautifully glazed loggia, this option is perfect.

What gives a loggia an aluminum profile

Glazing is:

• various colors,
• beautiful appearance,
• reliable protection against noise, dust and weather conditions,
• lightness of designs,
• noiselessness and smooth running,
• various design options,
• additional sound insulation,
• use of the loggia all year round,
• fire safety,
• exclusion of garbage from neighbors from the upper floors,
• burglary protection by installing special glass and locks in the handles,
• easy movement of blinds or curtains,
• additional room for work and rest.

Opening sliding systems

The straight part of the structure can consist of several blocks, which, depending on your wishes, can be folded like compartment doors or open inside the room.

Functionality

They transmit light well and perfectly protect from atmospheric precipitation. This method does not take up extra space, which is important for those who want to use the loggia not only for relaxation. But also as an auxiliary room for various needs. For example, in early spring, the air temperature will already be high enough to take out boxes with seedlings for summer cottages and indoor flowers. In the summer, you can grow a small vegetable garden: cucumbers, tomatoes, herbs.

Seedlings on the windowsill

Tomatoes and cucumbers on the loggia

There are two options: swing and sliding. Swing glazing is more common, but structurally more complicated, so it is always more expensive than sliding glazing.

Glazing using an aluminum profile is seven times stronger than a wooden one and 2.3 times stronger than PVC. It is fireproof, it does not curl, does not crack, does not oxidize.

It uses "cold" frames. For this, a profile is taken without the use of insulating gaskets at the joints of the sash and single glass. This type is called "cold aluminum", which is installed in those cases when only protection from atmospheric phenomena is needed: precipitation, wind, and thermal insulation is not required.

The use of sliding doors on the loggia visually increases the area of ​​the room, creates the impression of spaciousness, which favorably affects not only the illumination of the loggia itself, but also the room adjacent to it.

Sliding doors give room

They do not require painting, which is a very important point in the operation of the premises. Aluminum is many times more durable than wood. He is not afraid of acid rain, temperature changes, and modern technologies provide high sound-absorbing properties.

In the standard version, the profile is produced white... The paint, in the form of powder enamel, is applied at the factory. In fact, the profile can be painted in any of 300 colors. At the request of the customer, the paint can be applied on one side, on both sides, or paint each side in its own color.

Depending on your desire, you can order any combination of opening the sash. With a sliding opening method, the number of leaves will vary from two to eight. Special latches ensure that the sash closes in such a way that it is impossible to get inside the room. All sorts of options provide for its connection at different angles. Along the entire perimeter of the profile, various silicone, rubber and pile seals are used to improve sound insulation and a tighter adjoining of glass.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXMLMhRCd14 Video can "t be loaded: Installation of the loggia was done by aluminum (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXMLMhRCd14)

The movement of the leaves along the guides is ensured by the installation of special rollers in the hidden technical groove. Silent and soft rolling of the flaps is carried out with the help of ball bearings.

On the market today building materials two types of aluminum profiles are widely used: Krauss and Provedal. Let's consider each of them.

Krauss profiles. Design features

Krauss aluminum profiles

Krauss aluminum profiles

Krauss aluminum profiles are equipped with rubber seals, thanks to which the glass is securely fixed in the sash. Another feature is the presence of felt fillers that run along the entire perimeter of the profile. This method of sealing protects the loggia from dirt, dust and moisture.

Krauss frames have an interesting design and excellent transparency. Their design is such that they provide good protection from the cold and maintain natural ventilation.

Of all the variety of profiles, designs based on the C-640 profile have proven themselves the best. It allows you to glaze the loggias of the most complex design.

In typical residential complexes, constructions of the R-400 series are used. The doors of this series are made in different versions: blind, fixed, swing. Most often, the alternation of blind and hinged sections is used. Fixed windows are cheaper than swing windows and are easier to maintain.

Systems S-640 and R-400 refer to "cold" glazing and the construction is made in one glass.

Glazing of loggias with Provedal profile

The Provedal profile system came to Russia from Spanish manufacturers who have been designing aluminum profiles for over 20 years.

The system is suitable for all types and sizes of loggias. If desired, you can choose any shade of profile color. Including under the "tree". Additionally, glass tinting is possible.

Profile system Provedal wood

The Provedal profile is available in both “cold” and “warm” versions. The "cold" profile practically does not differ from the Krauss system and exists in three types: С-640, С-643 and Р-400.

For the warm version, a design with a thermal insert is used. A warm system is chosen if you plan to use the loggia in winter. In this case, it will be possible to create a small winter garden or greenhouse indoors. If your dream is to combine a room with a loggia, making a single complex. Warming becomes necessary. This option also applies in that case. If for technical reasons it is not possible to use PVC frames for such work. It is likely that an aluminum loggia will be the best solution from a design point of view. Don't forget to install shelves. After all, many different things can be placed on them.

Greenhouse structures in last years have become widespread. Despite the significant number modern materials for the manufacture of such structures, aluminum greenhouses are especially popular.

A modern greenhouse made of aluminum profiles compares favorably with similar structures with a large number of advantages. It is such a greenhouse or greenhouse that can be seen in many household plots of our country, and the ability to assemble a frame based on an aluminum pipe at home and with your own hands makes them very promising.

general characteristics

The modern market for frame greenhouse structures in abundance offers gardeners and summer residents constructions made on the basis of a frame made of galvanized or painted steel and a profile, as well as made using an aluminum profile or pipe. The aluminum profile for modern greenhouses has good quality characteristics.

A high-quality greenhouse should not only be characterized by maximum functionality, but also have a completely modern and aesthetic appearance.

Greenhouses made of high quality aluminum are a stylish element that can decorate a modern country estate. This design is characterized not only by the variety of shapes of the greenhouse frame, but also by the coating material.

In addition, aluminum framed greenhouses have installation design and performance features. Most pipe-based aluminum frames are easy to assemble by hand.

An aluminum summer cottage can have several frame forms:

• with the arrangement of a pitched roof, which is easy to do-it-yourself installation and an insufficient degree of illumination;
• with the arrangement of a gable roof, which is characterized by practicality and versatility, as well as the ability to use the lightest pipes possible;
• arched type with increased resistance to snow loads and a good degree of illumination;
• multifaceted aluminum greenhouses made of pipes, which are in great demand among flower growers;
• greenhouses made of luxury aluminum;
• aluminum greenhouses with a domed roof.

In addition to these forms, there are other, but less common options. The most popular aluminum structures are arched and gable, the height of which depends on the type of vegetable, berry or flower crops grown. The shape of the aluminum greenhouse affects the appearance and aesthetics of the entire backyard, which should be taken into account when installing with your own hands.

Installation of aluminum structures (video)

Advantages and disadvantages

Aluminum tube greenhouse structures have many obvious advantages, the most important of which are the following:

• an aluminum greenhouse can be easily installed with your own hands and can be made at home;
• the low weight of the aluminum pipe facilitates all stages of installation;
• the aluminum type of profile belongs to the category of ergonomic structures that can withstand fairly heavy loads, including high temperatures, high humidity and severe frost;
• aluminum structures allow using not only sheet polycarbonate as a coating, but also ordinary glass;
• the aluminum type of greenhouse can be used as a glazed winter garden, since the pipes that such a greenhouse possesses are resistant to rust, and the glass retains heat well and has excellent light transmittance.

Tools, materials and drawings

How to bend an aluminum profile correctly

The main advantage of the aluminum pipe and profile is its exceptionally good and easy workability at home. This material can be bent, sawn and welded. Despite the fact that there is an opinion about the need to use special professional equipment, this welding option is a clear delusion. Today there is a wide selection of welding inverters that are widely used at home and allow you to do your own welding.

The roll-formed profile is used in luxury greenhouses. In addition, the profile will need to be bent when building a multifunctional type.

In order to correctly and efficiently bend an aluminum profile, you will need to use a ruler, a bending machine, shaped tube, grinder, marker and welding. One of the possible methods of profile bending of a profile is represented by the use of a fire source, which can be a propane torch, an acetylene torch or a blowtorch. In addition, an aluminum greenhouse is very often made of pipes bent with a pipe bender.

Installation steps

A greenhouse based on an aluminum profile or pipe is installed quite easily and quickly. The whole process of work is carried out in several sequential actions, the quality of which will determine the durability of the greenhouse structure.

• Competently choose and properly level the site for an aluminum greenhouse structure. The site should be as open as possible, without shading from residential buildings, outbuildings and plants.
• For the foundation, you can use high-quality concrete fill or a frame made of wooden beams. The use of a brick base is allowed. The concrete version of the foundation depends on the dimensions of the greenhouse structure and can be shallow or shallow.
• At the next stage, the installation of a profile frame based on aluminum is carried out or the assembly of a factory-made structure according to the attached instructions.
• Covering the frame structure with a covering material.

A greenhouse or greenhouse based on an aluminum frame is different maximum strength, durability, reliability and high quality. The main attention should be paid to the care of such a structure. The greenhouse should be regularly ventilated, as well as pre-sowing treatment with various disinfectants, including sulfur or naphthalene.

Garden aluminum greenhouse (video)

Aluminum greenhouse structures are easy enough to clean with alkaline solutions based on ordinary soda. Correct care not only extend the operational life of the greenhouse, but also allow you to get the highest quality harvest.