Which balcony door is better. Balcony doors

Structurally, a window with a door to the balcony can be from any Rehau profile: Blitz, Euro, Estet, Sib, Delight, Brillant, Geneo or Edinburgh. When choosing, the parameters of the room are taken into account, for example, if the room is dark, and you want to increase the light transmittance of the windows, then you can stop at Rehau Delight. Or, for example, if the balcony is not glazed, and you need to make the room as warm as possible (nursery, bedroom), then the Rehau Sib profile is suitable for a combined window structure.
Double-glazed windows, which are equipped with a window structure, can be one- or two-chamber, energy-saving or with special properties (shockproof, sun-reflecting, self-cleaning, etc.), described in the section Double-glazed windows.
Door leaf filling is performed in three versions: double-glazed unit + sandwich panel (in the lower part - the most common option), solid glass unit (completely transparent door leaf), two double-glazed windows with a horizontal lintel.
A mechanism responsible for micro-ventilation can be installed on the door leaf - when the handle is vertical, the door will not open, but will swing back from above (according to the transom principle). However, it is more practical to equip the sash of the window located to the right or left of the door with a swing-out mechanism.
A balcony block with a window can be decorated in various ways: choose a color scheme, texture, stained glass or decorative layout on the transparent part.
Keep in mind that slopes and thresholds can be made on the day of installation of the window structure! It is enough to discuss this moment when measuring the opening, and our specialists will trim the slopes with sandwich panels after the main installation work.
Ease of maintenance is a distinctive feature of plastic windows overlooking the balcony. Usually, care comes down to removing dirt as needed with traditional alkali-free formulations.

The vast majority of modern apartments are equipped with such an important architectural element as a balcony. This small space serves many functional tasks - it serves as a resting place, a home greenhouse or additional storage space.

For any use of the balcony, a properly designed balcony door plays a very important role. In addition to its main task, a properly selected and high-quality design will protect the rest of the room from cold air, moisture and noise coming from the street, and will also provide an optimal ventilation mode.

Types of doors by materials

Several types of material are standard for the manufacture of a balcony door, each of which has a number of its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.

Wooden doors

The classic version, which has been installed in our homes and apartments for decades, regains its "second wind" after a short break. Made from different types of natural wood, these doors are considered the most environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing. However, there are a number of disadvantages, the main of which is their high cost. If you choose cheap wooden models, there is a risk of acquiring a low-quality product and then the balcony door may dry out or crack under the influence of moisture and temperature differences.

Aluminum doors

Aluminum profile doors are not as popular as PVC designs, although many buyers prefer just such models. This is mainly due to their external characteristics - such doors look more modern and stylish. Durable and durable aluminum makes it possible to manufacture doors of non-standard shapes and sizes. However, aluminum models still have more disadvantages than the usual plastic. And the main one is a low degree of noise and thermal insulation. The minor disadvantages include the susceptibility of aluminum profiles to mechanical deformation. If scratches appear on this material, it will be almost impossible to remove them.

Glass doors

A rather rarely used model, consisting of double-glazed windows and hardware guides. There is no frame for such products, which gives the doors an airy, weightless look, provides a full view and visually enlarges the room. Since the glass in such blocks is used of increased density and only tempered, it is quite difficult to break the doors, because of the increased weight, the sash can be skewed and poor insulation. The main advantage of glass balcony partitions can only be called aesthetic features and the unusualness of the model. In terms of other characteristics, they are inferior to blocks made of other materials.

PVC doors (plastic)

Plastic is the first most popular material for the manufacture of frames, doors and balcony blocks. Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC for short, is exactly the option in which a maximum of advantages with a minimum of disadvantages converged. Plastic doors are reliable, have excellent noise and thermal insulation characteristics, are not subject to temperature and moisture, are lightweight and have a long service life. In addition, they do not require special care, and the price of such products is quite democratic, which is an undoubted advantage. When choosing a plastic balcony door, special attention should be paid to the quality and reliability of the fittings, since it is the breakdown of the opening mechanisms or the failure of the handles that is the most common defect of this type of construction.

Types of PVC profiles

Each company engaged in the production of plastic window or balcony blocks can use its own classification of PVC profiles. But three types are generally accepted:

Economy (class C)- balcony blocks, which are installed in new buildings, when the house is delivered on a turnkey basis. The main advantage of this type of profile is their low cost. For the rest of the characteristics, such doors do not meet high quality standards.
Standard (class B)- the thickness of the outer wall is at least 2.5 mm, the inner wall is from 2.0 mm. Such profiles provide a high degree of thermal insulation and soundproofing. Optimal price-quality ratio.
Elite (class A)- the most expensive models considered to be of the highest quality. They have outer walls from 2.8 mm thick, and inner walls from 2.5 mm thick. By all indicators (including environmental safety) they are in the first place, respectively, and the price of doors from this type of profile is several times higher than that of other similar products.

Also, the PVC profile differs in the number of internal chambers (there can be two, three or more) and in the finish (painted and laminated).

Types of doors by opening method

Modern balcony doors have several varieties according to the opening method, which allows you to choose the best option for each individual installation case.

Swing doors are traditional doors that, with the help of a pivoting mechanism, are able to open in one or both directions.
Tilt-and-turn - allow the door to be used both for access to the balcony and for ventilation. The most convenient and most common option in city apartments and other residential premises.
Sliding (compartment) - the canvas is placed on special guides, with the help of which it travels along the wall. A similar mechanism is used in wardrobes - a compartment, hence its second name. The design saves space and is installed only inside the room, since it is impossible to completely seal the opening with its help. Read more about :
Double-leaf shtulpovye - an excellent choice for private houses and cottages, where it is possible to install a balcony opening of a larger size than the standard one. Such doors consist of two parts - a "working" door on a pivot mechanism and a sash fixed at the top and bottom. Shtulp models are equipped with more reliable locking mechanisms, they are more difficult to break, therefore such a product can be successfully used as a partition between the room and the street.
Accordion (book) is a modern design of canvases, which, when opened, fold in the form of an accordion, while not taking up extra space. The "accordions" with full glazing, installed on the terraces of country houses, look very impressive. This type of door provides a panoramic view and allows maximum sunlight to pass through.

Types of doors by type of filling

By filling is meant an element that is located inside the outline of the balcony door frame. It can be a double-glazed window, an opaque material, or a combined version.

By the type of filling, the door leaf is divided into several types:

sandwich panels - a three-layer element consisting of two layers of plastic and insulation material (expanded polystyrene) inside. Such models are usually made in combination with a glass unit;
fully glazed - a double-glazed unit or tempered sheet glass is installed. For better heat and sound insulation, structures can contain from one to four sheets. The space between them is called the "camera". Depending on the number of glasses, one, two or three-chamber double-glazed windows are distinguished;
light - the bottom is made of an opaque canvas, and the top is glass. In such structures, glazing usually occupies up to 50% of the total area;
a glass door with an impost is a door with a glass unit and a transverse beam (impost), which is a frame for the frame and plays an important role in strengthening the overall structure of the door. The downside of this model is the possibility of condensation on the bottom of the glass unit in cold and humid seasons.

Read more: .

Design features of the balcony block

Today there are two main types of balcony door designs:

Freestanding door - not connected to the window unit. This model is especially relevant for rooms with a small area. It can be made with different types of filling - completely transparent or half glazed. The double-glazed door option may not be suitable for all situations. For example, if the family has small children, such a door can be traumatic.
Combined - is a one-piece unit consisting of a door and a window. The most common design option, suitable for any type of room.

Combined units provide for the presence of one or more double-glazed windows, depending on the location of which they are divided into:

with a window to the right of the door;
with a window to the left of the door;
with windows on both sides.

A feature of the balcony door as part of the block is that in the presence of a horizontal impost, it is always installed at the level of the window sill.

Balcony door fittings

The selection of the right fittings is very important for high-quality installation and long-term operation of the balcony door.

The required fittings include:

locking mechanisms;
loops;
mechanisms for opening and closing doors;
closers;
pens;
clamps;
balcony latches.

Additional elements include those elements that are installed inside or outside the product and provide protection against accidental opening of the doors, or vice versa, simplify the process of opening and closing doors:

Protection against opening by children - limiters and blockers, the use of which does not allow opening a door or window more than the permissible value.
The double-sided (double) handle is a very convenient design that is located on both sides of the frame and is equipped with a locking mechanism. In this case, the risk of accidentally slamming the door and staying outside disappears.
Smoker's handle - equipped with a magnetic mechanism. Allows you to close the sash tightly without locking the doors. This model is convenient for families where there is a frequent need to go to the balcony (for example, to smoke). At the same time, the locking mechanism is not used, which increases the period of its use. However, where there are small children, such fittings cannot be installed.

Adjustment

After some time, an imbalance may occur in the mechanisms of the balcony door, as a result of which they will need to be adjusted. If this trouble occurs during the warranty period, then the question of repair can be entrusted to the company that installs the doors. If you do not have such an opportunity or defects in work appeared much later, you can cope with the problem yourself. Recommended to read : .

There are several reasons why the balcony door ceases to meet its functional tasks:

purchase and installation of a low-quality block;
low indicators of the material of the fittings;
incorrect installation, carried out in violation of the necessary technical conditions;
incorrect operation.

In order to identify possible defects in time, it is necessary to check the condition of the door in a timely manner.

It is very simple to do this: take a regular sheet of paper, insert it between the sash and the frame, and close the balcony door tightly. Now try to draw out the sheet. If the paper yields easily and effortlessly, then a gap begins to form in this place. A well-assembled door should hold the sheet tightly. Repeat the test at several points around the perimeter of the frame, and you will find out if there is a need for preventive adjustments.

Causes and options for breakdowns and methods of solving them

In what cases it may be necessary to overhaul the balcony door, and when is it possible to cope with the problem on your own?

First, let's consider the most common causes of breakdowns and how to solve them at home:

When opening, the canvas touches the lower part of the frame - this means that the structure begins to sag under its own weight. Apparently, the initial weight calculation was incorrect. It is necessary to pay special attention to the quality of the fittings and the density of the material from which they are made. If possible, replace it with more durable parts.
The door touches the middle part of the frame - deformation has occurred due to the influence of a temperature drop or mechanical stress. In this case, it may be enough to simply tighten the hinges to move the sash towards them. Then the door will fit more tightly.
A gap has formed between the sash and the frame, through which cold air enters the room - most likely the reason is the wear of the locking mechanisms. Check the handle and, if necessary, tighten the retaining screws with a screwdriver.
A wooden door can swell over time, especially if it is installed on an unglazed loggia or balcony. In this case, you need to remove the canvas from the hinges and leave it under the sun until it dries completely. After that, put in place, close tightly and leave in this position for a few more days.
The seal is frayed or deformed. You can replace it yourself, simply by changing the leaky part to a new one with the help of improvised tools and be sure to "plant" it at the corners with construction glue.
The door makes an unpleasant creak. It's time to lubricate the fittings with special technical oil and adjust the mechanisms. For prevention, you can use a little trick and put a small piece of graphite under the hinges.

Read more: .

In addition to minor repairs, a balcony door can have more serious malfunctions, which will be extremely difficult to eliminate with your own hands.

The glass is cracked - a complete replacement of the glass unit is required, carried out by a qualified employee of the glazing company.
The fittings were completely destroyed.
The welded seams of the structure parted.
The door was ripped from its hinges.

To solve these breakdowns, a complete dismantling of the door and professional assistance will be required, so it is better to contact a specialized organization that is engaged in such repair work.

Insulation of a balcony door

If you live in an environment where the temperature outside the window stays at the minus mark for a rather long time, the standard insulation of the balcony door may not be enough to maintain comfortable conditions in the room.

There are several ways to add additional thermal insulation to a balcony door:

Cover the door with insulation. It is important to choose a modern material that will not absorb moisture from the street.
If you have a double wooden door, insulate the space between the doors.
Insert additional glass if possible.
Cover with construction foam all the gaps formed after the installation of the block.
Adjust the fittings and replace the seal in order to achieve the most snug fit of the sash to the frame.

When choosing the most effective option with insulation, keep in mind that in this case you will need to completely dismantle the doors and perform all work on a horizontal surface.

Decorating

A properly installed modern balcony unit looks neat and well maintained. However, to protect from excessive sunlight and additional heat and sound insulation, and just for decoration, even a new door needs decoration.

There are several options to protect a balcony door, add functionality and personalize its appearance.

Fabric curtains are a classic option for decorating a balcony group, often incompatible with modern design solutions in the room.
Roman blinds are an elegant way to decorate a balcony door, but it is not always convenient, since in the open form, the collected folds that form can interfere with the use of the door.
Blinds are easy to operate, protect well from external influences, but give the home a standard official look.
- combine all the advantages of fabric curtains and blinds. The variety of materials and colors allows you to choose roller blinds for your interior in any style. The canvas in such structures is wound on a shaft installed directly on the frame, does not take up extra space and does not create any obstacles.
Decorative protective film is a rarely applicable option, since it completely covers the transparent part of the door and can leave traces of glue on the glass.
Seasonal mosquito and insect net. Convenient to use, attach and maintain.

When choosing a way to decorate a balcony block, pay attention not only to aesthetic advantages, but also to the degree of opacity of the selected material. Modern models make it possible to change the throughput of curtains at will, which means that the room will always have comfortable lighting for your eyes. Read more: .

Balcony door care

If you have chosen a wooden balcony block, maintaining a well-groomed appearance in this case is a rather laborious process. In this matter, plastic structures are much more convenient. They are easier to maintain and keep clean.

PVC doors do not need to be painted, the structure of the material is not porous, which means it perfectly tolerates wet cleaning, plastic does not crack, withstands environmental influences well, does not deform and is difficult to scratch. In addition, many specialized liquids are produced to remove dirt from the plastic surface, and if it is impossible to purchase them, you can easily prepare the solution yourself.

Let's make a small overview of detergents used to clean balcony doors with a glass unit or completely made of opaque material.

To effectively clean the surface of a glass unit from dirt, dust or traces of repair work, you can use any commercial glass cleaner. The main thing is that it does not contain alkaline oxidants. If you want to use "homemade" - use a mild vinegar solution. The main condition is to carry out cleaning on cloudy days, otherwise the bright sunlight will quickly dry the glass and a film from chemical reagents may remain on the surface.
It is recommended to wash plastic profiles with products that do not contain acids and household solvents. On sale you can find ready-made kits for cleaning plastic doors and windows, consisting of a special spray, oil for lubricating fittings and grease for the seal. Also proven to be excellent:

spray LUXUS for cleaning glass and plastic surfaces;
means for cleaning plastic windows Help (Help) Orange;
3ton plastic cleaner;
ecological cleaner L.O.C. the Amway trademark.

The choice of products for washing plastic at home is quite wide. It is optimal to choose liquid and gel cleaners, or in the form of a spray. Abrasive substances must be excluded so as not to scratch the door leaf.

Stoppers for doors

Stoppers, latches or, in other words, latches for a balcony door, prevent spontaneous opening and closing of the sash, hold the door in the required position, without using locking mechanisms.
The clamps are not included in the basic set of fittings, therefore they are often installed independently, after the final assembly of the block.

According to the mechanism of action, three types of retainers are distinguished:

The latch on the magnet is an elementary structure, consisting of two strips, metal and magnetic, which are attached at the same level on both sides of the frame.
Roller retainer - a metal roller, which is inserted into the groove by means of a spring and keeps the door closed.
Fale mechanism - the principle of operation is similar to a roller mechanism, but instead of a roller, a spring-loaded valve is used. To operate this type of latch, it is necessary to additionally install a handle with a twist mechanism, since the latch in the opposite direction does not open on its own.

When choosing a stopper for a door, you need to pay attention to the fact that when using a shed and roller structure, you will have to carefully monitor the state of the door, since with any distortion of the sash, the latches are displaced and stop functioning correctly. The magnetic latch is less sensitive to its position and works without generating additional noise.

Door mats

Doormat dirt-repellent rugs are most often seen in the hallway, in front of the front door to the house. However, if, for any reason, you need to put a rug in front of the balcony door, you need to know the nuances of choosing this product.

Fleecy rugs. Due to the soft pile, they have a more attractive appearance. They have low dirt-repellent qualities, poorly absorb moisture, and are intended mainly for churning dust and small dirt.
Made of foamed PVC. They do not get wet or rot, but they can break or crack during prolonged use.
Rubber mats are the most functional models. Wear-resistant, non-slip, absorb dirt and moisture well, easy to clean.

The more synthetic component in the mat, the stronger its material, color-fast and has increased antistatic characteristics. But, taking into account that the rug will be used indoors, you can choose a product with a natural texture. The main thing is to select a rug of such density that its dimensions do not interfere with the free opening of the sash. Take a closer look at woven rugs made from bamboo, straw, or sisal. Such mats keep dirt well and serve as an additional decorative element, and they are also quite thin, which means they will not interfere with the correct operation of the balcony door.

Hanger on the balcony door

The overhead hanger is not very common in our homes, but it is a real find for a small apartment, where every centimeter of free space is appreciated.

The hanger is fixed directly to the door frame using special brackets.

The main advantage of this modern design is its ease of installation, since it does not require the use of special tools or equipment.

Such a hanger:

allows you to use space rationally;
mobile, that is, it can be removed at any time and moved to another place;
to install it, you do not need to spoil walls or other surfaces;
does not scratch the door material;
it is compact;
is inexpensive.

Choosing a hanger for a balcony door, you should correctly measure the dimensions of the installed unit. If you have a heavy door with a glass unit from several chambers, the use of a door hanger can further increase the total weight of the structure, which means that there will be a risk of the leaf sagging. It is also necessary to know in advance the thickness of the hinged brackets so that they do not interfere with the airtight closing of the sash. If the material of the balcony block is PVC, it is better to choose a plastic hanger, as the metal model can scratch the canvas. And, of course, it is irrational to install a hanger on a completely transparent door, because in this case the biggest advantage of a glass door is lost - its aesthetic appeal.

For reading 8 min.

A window and a door facing the balcony room form a balcony block. Structural parts are tightly connected to each other with a special profile. In addition to providing free access to the balcony and back to the living space, the balcony door must remain a reliable hermetic protection of the house or apartment from cold, dust and noise. Its high-quality functioning is ensured by the correct selection, installation, setting of mandatory and additional accessories.

Mandatory door hardware

Hinges

Upper hinge for PVC doors

This is the most loaded structural element. The hinges ensure the reliability of fastening the door leaf to the frame, the sufficiency of the swing of the hinged sash when it is opened. The door and the openable window sash in metal-plastic structures differ in size, but they perform the same tasks. Therefore, for balcony doors, standard anti-corrosion (zinc-aluminum-magnesium alloy) hinges are used, which are also suitable for windows. They can withstand loads of up to 80-130 kg.

Bottom hinge for balcony door

The frame box and the door leaf are connected with hinges during the production of a balcony block according to individual dimensions at the manufacturer. Therefore, you will not have to install the hinges yourself and adjust the door operation during installation. If during operation after the warranty period it becomes necessary to adjust the door, the following knowledge will help:

Important! If the warranty period of the company that carried out the installation and adjustment of the balcony block has not yet passed - do not engage in self-tuning and, moreover, replace any structural elements.

Sealant

The use of an expensive multi-chamber profile and special energy-saving double-glazed windows is not a guarantee of the compliance of the declared operational characteristics of the door with the real ones. For the correct "work" of the metal-plastic structure, the role of a conventional sealant is invaluable - an elastic band with a relief section profile, which is fixed in special recesses along the perimeter of the plastic profile of the door. When the door is closed, the seal is firmly pressed against the frame and performs the following functions:

insulates the room from noise, drafts, moisture, odors, dust;
protects the room from cold and heat, helps to maintain a comfortable microclimate in it;
saves metal fittings from dangerous condensation.

Modern materials of seals are non-toxic, suitable for long-term operation, resistant to deformation loads, maintain performance in a wide temperature range and are almost not afraid of ultraviolet radiation. Polyvinyl chloride, ethylene propylene rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, vulcanized rubber (classic rubber), silicone are used for the production of seals.

Seals are available in a variety of materials and shapes.

You need to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of various materials and select the necessary sealant at the stage of ordering a balcony block or before replacing the old material yourself. Drafts, increased street noise, noticeable cracks and other mechanical damage to the sealing material, the appearance of condensation, fungus or mold on the seal will prevent the need for replacement. Sometimes the problems are eliminated by adjusting the position of the sash and the force of its pressing against the frame. In other cases, the seal is changed.

Self-replacement of worn-out material does not cause difficulties and is performed in the following order:

The replaceable rubber band is pushed on and removed from the groove in the profile along the perimeter of the door leaf.
The groove is cleared of dust.
In the corners of the frame, glue is applied to the groove to securely fix the seal.
Along the entire perimeter, a new sealing cord is inserted into the groove, its excess is cut off.
The joint of the sealant (preferably located in any corner of the perimeter) is carefully glued.

Door knob

Double sided balcony handle

A force, sometimes excessive, is constantly applied to this element of the door structure to influence other mechanisms. The handle will work correctly and reliably with careful use and timely elimination of emerging problems, which are easily solved by a caring home craftsman on their own:

Fittings

Fittings are located along the perimeter of the door leaf. Its task is to transfer mechanical force from the handle to the pins, which will block the door in the "closed" position. If necessary, the strapping includes "scissors", with the help of which the function of folding the door to the "airing" position is realized. Replacing the fittings is extremely rare and, as a rule, is entrusted to the specialists of the specialized company. But the sequence of actions to dismantle old hardware is useful to know in order to understand the principle of its functioning:

The plastic cover is removed from the upper hinge.
The handle is placed on "closed" so that the door does not fall down in the future. Using the mounting handle, the pin is removed from the upper hinge.
The handle turns to "open". Holding the door leaf, we tilt it towards ourselves and raise it to the exit from the lower canopy.
The removed door is placed on the floor (the handle is located at the top). The handle is removed first.
All screws are unscrewed around the perimeter.
The central lock, in which the handle was fixed, is dismantled.
Then, at the bottom and at the top of the sash, the middle constipation is removed.
Angle gears are removed last.

The bodywork of the door leaf with new fittings is carried out in the reverse order.

Additional accessories for the balcony door

The presence of these fittings is optional. The decision on their need to increase the functionality of the door structure is made by the owners of the house or apartment.

Opening limiters

These popular accessories can be classified into three groups:

Accessories for organizing micro-ventilation

Micro-ventilation mechanisms

The transition from wooden structures to metal-plastic structures is natural. Tightness and high thermal insulation properties of plastic windows and doors are the main criteria that determine their choice by consumers. These same qualities become an obstacle to the flow of fresh air into living quarters.

Remember! High humidity in the absence of a change in air leads to a feeling of general discomfort, reduces the body's defenses, and becomes the cause of lethargy. In such a microclimate, ideal conditions are created for the reproduction of viruses, bacteria, fungi.

Micro-ventilation mechanisms provide the supply of fresh air at a convenient time and in the required volume.

Multistage micro-ventilation system

Thanks to special fittings, slot micro-ventilation is organized. When the handle is fixed between the vertical and horizontal position, a ventilation gap of several millimeters is obtained at the top of the hinged door (adjustable by the position of the handle).

Another option is to install a climate valve. It can be installed in the door profile at the stage of production of the balcony block or on the profile of a ready-made operating structure. Such ventilation mechanisms are controlled manually or automatically. They are able to regulate the supply air volume.

Air damper for micro ventilation

Any fittings require careful use, regular maintenance, correct settings and further adjustments. This will increase the durability of the entire metal-plastic structure and the period of its trouble-free operation.

If you have any problems with the balcony door fittings, watch our video:

Balcony doors separate the loggia or balcony space from the rest of the room. Thanks to them, protection against the penetration of cold air into the house is provided. In addition, the doors let light into the room, since, in the overwhelming majority of cases, they are transparent. If the door is convenient and functional, it is always pleasant and comfortable to use it. As a glazing of structures, standard glass and double-glazed windows are used, the same as for windows.

Types of balcony doors

Depending on the combination with windows, doors to the balcony are divided into the following types:

Freestanding doors.
Combined with a window... These are the so-called balcony blocks:
- windows are on both sides of the door;
- the window is to the left of the door;
- the window is to the right of the door.

Depending on the opening mechanism, the door can be:

swivel;
swing-out (like the previous version, it can be with left or right opening);
sliding,
deaf.

Depending on the design, the doors are:

monocots with one valve;
dicotyledonous, which have 2 valves.

Doorways have certain standards. So, the width of a swing balcony door can be in the range of 70-90 cm. Its height is 200-210 cm. In private houses and in apartment buildings of an old building, the height of the balcony doors can reach 280 cm, and the width - up to 130 cm. projects can be used and more dimensional structures that occupy the entire wall.

Balcony door modifications

The exit to the balcony can be decorated in different ways. No matter what material modern balcony doors are made of, their glazing is chosen by the owners at their discretion.

The main modifications look like this:

The door is completely transparent. The only large glass unit is inserted into it. This is the most popular type of doors to the loggia, allowing more light to enter the room;
... It is a double door, each half of which is glazed. The amount of transmitted light in the room is maximum;
The balcony door is divided into 2 parts, each of which is glazed. In the design of such a door, a lintel is provided, which can be located at different heights;
The same 2 parts (or one), but only the lower part is closed with a sandwich (plastic doors to the balcony) or a wooden panel (if the doors are made of wood). This is the most economical option.

Design features of balcony doors

Before replacing old balcony doors or redevelopment, the question often arises — What are the best balcony doors? It depends mostly on the features of the balcony opening, its size, your preferences and capabilities. By their design, balcony doors are divided into several varieties, each of which has the right to exist:

1. Standard swing doors to the balcony. This is the most popular and inexpensive design, often part of a balcony block. The door opens into the room to one side.

In the photo there is a plastic PVC balcony door with a swing type with tilt-and-turn fittings

2. Double doors, where one of the valves is blind, and the other is opening. This is a fairly economical option. The fixed sash is used as an additional window. You can wash it by going out onto the balcony. This design is often used in the case of a wide doorway.

3. Double doors with impost... Both sashes can open, but between them there is a fixed rigid insert - impost. Thanks to him, the sash is fixed in the closed position.

Tip: If possible, do not purchase such doors, since a fixed impost creates an obstacle when moving to the balcony and back.

4. . It consists of two parts, one of which is fixed at the bottom and at the top for the frame. If necessary, the shtulp opens, as a result of which both doors swing open. This is a very popular type of balcony door, although it is quite expensive.

5. Sliding doors on the balcony. Their characteristic difference is the ability to move the sash along the guide rails. This is a fairly large category, which includes the following types of doors:

Materials for the balcony door

Balcony doors can be made from several materials. How not to be mistaken with the choice? To do this, you need to study the features of each material.

PVC doors

This is the most common type of balcony doors, characterized by reliability and reasonable cost (for a plastic balcony door, the price, as well as for doors made of other materials, depends on many parameters, such as size, method of opening, modification, fittings, etc.).

Metal-plastic doors to the balcony have the following advantages:

extraordinary durability;
high degree of heat and sound insulation;
they are not affected by temperature fluctuations and changes in humidity;
doors can be laminated by changing their color;
environmental friendliness is within the normal range.

Disadvantages of PVC doors:

conservative appearance;
the need for regular maintenance of fittings and seals.

Aluminum doors

More and more often, structures with an aluminum profile are used as balcony doors. Moreover, warm doors from such a profile are no longer a rarity.

Advantages of aluminum doors:

light weight;
acceptable cost;
Fire safety;
the ability to manufacture doors of any size and shape;
absolute environmental friendliness;
durability, calculated in tens of years;

Disadvantages of aluminum doors:

insufficient sound insulation of the room;
even warm doors are inferior in terms of heat saving to PVC structures;
the door surface is at risk of scratches that are difficult to remove.

Wooden doors

Unlike old door structures, which were subject to deformation from excessive humidity and temperature extremes, modern wooden balcony doors are almost an ideal choice. Such doors are made of laminated veneer lumber, which prevents them from warping and damage. Usually wooden doors have panels made of wood or MDF, or double-glazed windows.

Their advantages:

they are environmentally friendly;
the kind of natural wood contributes to pacification and harmony in the house;
convenient control, as the doors are equipped with modern high-quality fittings;
noble appearance;
high thermal insulation qualities of wood make the doors extremely comfortable at any time of the year.

Disadvantages of wooden doors:

if the balcony is not glazed from the outside, then moisture penetrating from the street affects the door. This leads to a loss of its attractiveness, swelling and difficulties in opening and closing it;
high price, much higher than the cost of PVC structures.

Glass doors

Such doors are chosen by creative people. The glass doors to the balcony have no frame at all. They consist of double-glazed windows (glass) and control fittings. Double-glazed windows use thick (about 1 cm) tempered glass or triplex. It is extremely difficult to break such glass.

Advantages of glass doors:

the use of glass doors allows you to fill the room with light as much as possible;
the room visually becomes larger;
the appearance of such doors is so unusual that it attracts the attention of guests of the house;
the doors are environmentally friendly and safe to use.

Disadvantages of glass doors:

the cost of such structures is very high due to the use of expensive glass;
doors are heavy;
low thermal insulation and tightness, so it can only be used on a glazed and insulated balcony or loggia;
requires very precise installation by specialists. Otherwise, a slight bias can disrupt the perfect fit of the flaps.

Hardware for doors

Doors for a loggia or balcony must be completed with fittings, thanks to which they can be locked and opened, as well as ventilated. High-quality fittings will make the door clamp as tight as possible along its entire perimeter. Door fittings are subdivided into internal and external. The interior is similar in design. The structure of external fittings includes the following elements:

Door swing handle. It can be one-sided or two-sided. In the latter case, the door can open in both directions. Handles are often fitted with locks to prevent children from accidentally opening them;
Fixed handle located on the door from the balcony side. With its help, the door is covered by a person on the balcony;
Balcony latch. It is a spring mechanism designed to keep the door closed without using the swing handle. It is very useful when you need to go to the balcony, closing the door tightly behind you;
Decorative overlays that cover the metal parts of the door;

Tip: If the balcony is not glazed, then it is advisable to install a mosquito net in the doorway.

Sections of the article:

Most people live in old multi-storey buildings and in the process of improving their homes, many people replace balcony doors. Currently, the best alternative to a worn-out wooden structure is a plastic balcony door.

Types of plastic balcony doors

The appearance of the doors and the entire room depends a lot on the type of the structure itself. So, a plastic door to the balcony can be:

Single leaf;
Bivalve;
Sliding;
Folding.

Single leaf

It is the most popular model. Such a door has the highest rates of sound insulation and heat saving. Often it is not necessary to open the sash completely to ventilate the room. Due to the functionality of the fittings installed on the door, most of the leaves have the function of opening in the window mode.

For high-quality protection from the cold, especially with an unglazed balcony, it is recommended to use a structure with a combination of double-glazed windows and a sandwich panel. However, in view of the possibility of making doors to order, if the client wishes, it is permissible to install glasses both above and below the canvas. But it is worth remembering that such a solution will significantly reduce the thermal insulation of the room.

Bivalve

Double-leaf plastic balcony doors are considered more convenient to use than single-leaf ones. First of all, this is due to the fact that the dimensions of the structure make it possible to easily move bulky items, which are quite often stored on balconies.

Due to the large area occupied by the shutters of the structure, the ventilation of the room is carried out several times faster and more efficiently.

Sliding

The sliding balcony door is an excellent solution for apartments with limited free space. The advantages of the products include the possibility of installing large sashes.

A plastic door leaf of this type is manufactured both as a glass element with a sandwich panel and as a solid glass unit. At the same time, the use of full glazing of the door will make the room very bright due to the penetration of more sunlight.

Folding

The design of such a plastic balcony door, when opened, looks like an accordion. However, despite this, the product has high tightness rates. This is ensured by the presence of special seals and high-quality fittings of the original design.

But of course, the main advantages of this type of product are its quiet appearance and significant space savings during the opening process.

Features of plastic door designs

The main feature of these balcony doors is their versatility. Bright and at the same time harmonious appearance, as well as a wide range of colors will allow the door to be easily combined with any interior.

One of the main advantages of plastic balcony doors is their tightness and, as a result, high-quality thermal insulation and sound absorption. Despite the rather large construction area, heat is very efficiently retained in the room. In addition, in fact, the only requirement for door maintenance is periodic lubrication of the hinge mechanisms.

A balcony door made of plastic perfectly resists high levels of humidity and changes in temperature regimes, therefore it is suitable even for non-glazed balconies. To clean the canvas itself, no special means are required, ordinary household detergents are enough. At the same time, in comparison with wooden structures, PVC balcony doors are much cheaper.

Due to the wide distribution of plastic products, components for them are available in huge quantities on the free market. Based on this, the selection of fittings or the search for replacement parts will not be difficult.

Standard sizes of balcony doors

The most common single door block doors have a very specific size range. So, the width of the PVC balcony door is from 70 to 90 cm. The height of the leaf can be from 200 to 210 cm. In this case, the lower sandwich panel, in most cases, has a height of 70 cm.

Even with individual production, plastic doors to the balcony very rarely have dimensions that are not included in this range. This tendency is due to the fact that with excessive deviations from the standard parameters, deformation of the structure occurs very quickly.

The width of the plastic door depends on the overall size of the room, so in a room with a large area, according to engineering calculations, a large door will be installed. These norms are spelled out in the document GOST 11214-86 and 23166-99.

A significant increase in the balcony door is possible with the permission of the architectural commission, since the wall with the balcony is always load-bearing. For expansion, you can reduce or remove the window opening, which in most cases is present next to a single-leaf door. Subsequently, it is permissible to install a double-leaf or sliding plastic door.

Selection of fittings and profiles

When choosing fittings for PVC balcony doors, you should not save money, since the efficiency and durability of the entire system directly depends on its quality. The safest way is to opt for products from well-known manufacturers who give a guarantee of product quality. In addition, it is important for fittings to have various options and their appropriateness in each specific case.

When choosing a profile, you should also pay attention to the manufacturer. A well-known brand always values its reputation and will not produce low-quality goods. Before buying, you must read the instructions and pay attention to the depth of the profile. This parameter affects the ability to install various double-glazed windows, differing in the degree of noise absorption and thermal insulation.

Replacing the door

To replace the old balcony door, it is necessary to dismantle the leaf and frame using a carpentry tool. The vacated opening must be cleaned of dust and debris.

When making measurements for ordering a plastic door, it is necessary to take into account not only the necessary gaps, the dimensions of which should be minimal, but also measure the diagonals. These measures will avoid skewing the frame and the entire structure.

When installing a new frame in a balcony doorway, the process of the appearance of gaps should be monitored. When they are formed, the space is filled with polyurethane foam.

Troubleshooting

Correct alignment is essential for the structure to work effectively and lastingly. If you have quality fittings, the procedure is quite simple. Adjustment along the contact plane is necessary to ensure protection against the penetration of cold air and is carried out first.

Checking and replacing the seal

When examining the door leaf, in case of detection of deformation of the seal strip, the door must be kept open for a couple of hours. If the seal is not aligned, then it needs to be replaced. The installation procedure is as follows:

The old sealing tape is removed;
The new seal has adhesive tape on both sides. The gluing is performed first from one side, downwards from the top of the plastic balcony doors;
The second side is glued according to the same principle.

In the case of simultaneous gluing of the seal on both sides, the tape will take on the shape of an accordion and become unusable. In this case, it will be necessary to purchase a new seal.

Fittings adjustment

Elements of fittings for plastic doors on the balcony allow adjustment with curtains. The canvas can move both along and across. For this purpose, hexagon # 4 is used, after which the protective cap is removed from the curtain. In the case of using a perpendicular screw, the blade will be displaced vertically. Using a socket screw will allow the door to move horizontally.

It is important to remember that during the adjustment process it is necessary to ensure that the door closes under the force of its own weight. Tight closure contributes to the rapid failure of the hardware elements.

The adjustment of the locking mechanism depends on its type of construction. The magnetic device is secured by matching the axis of the elements. Mechanical locking implies the primary fixing of the handle, and after the latch. In this case, the latch part must be located in the axis of the clamps. This will ensure that the plastic door can be easily closed by its own weight.