Many owners of apartments (especially small ones) increase living space by adding loggias and balconies. If you correctly glaze and insulate the balcony, you can save the required heat. However, people who implement such an idea are wondering - what is the best way to sheathe a balcony inside? There are several options, with their help you can not only arrange a place to relax, but also organize, for example, a summer garden, a full-fledged office or even a small gym.
When choosing a specific finishing material, it is necessary to take into account, first of all, the functionality of the future premises; in addition, you need to do the following:
- objectively assess the strengths and weaknesses suitable materials;
- determine how appropriate the finish is in terms of care and practicality;
- find out if it will be possible to make repairs yourself if necessary.
Also, do not forget that the balcony is located closer to the street than the rest of the apartment. Hence, finishing material will be more affected by negative factors. Therefore, the chosen option must be durable, resistant to temperature extremes, humidity and ultraviolet radiation.
Today we will look at possible options, and comparison of those. characteristics will help to find out which one is better to use when sheathing.
Recently wooden lining was practically the only material that was used to decorate the described premises. People liked (and still like) the aesthetics and attractiveness of these products. Clapboarded walls create the feeling that you are somewhere on the terrace country house, and city dwellers, as you know, are more than favorable to such things.
Main characteristics
Let's start with a distinction between the two concepts. The lining is planed boards with natural moisture, but the eurolining is dry. In addition, eurolining is of higher quality, has a more complicated profile, an increased requirement for the level of humidity, and it also has ventilation channels. Despite significant differences, both materials are similar in their technical characteristics.
Let's get acquainted with the main advantages of lining.
- Good insulation. Yes, the described material belongs to the finishing, but it has excellent thermal and sound insulation characteristics.
- Environmental Safety. Clapboard is natural material without any harmful properties.
- Easy to install, quality connections. Using this material, you can create simple, but extremely reliable designs.
- Durability. If all operational requirements are met, the lining (euro lining) will last from 15 to 20 years.
We also note that some types of material are inexpensive, which today can be called one of the main advantages. But in order for the lining to last as long as possible, it is better to give preference to pine profile boards - they are somewhat more expensive than, for example, linden, but of better quality. For eurolining, selected expensive types of wood are generally used, which, after drying, are treated with special antiseptics and flame retardants.
Lining wooden - types
Important information! Product labeling is equally important. Almost all lining goes through the same production cycle, and sorting is carried out already at the exit during molding. It is at this stage that the material is checked for quality and grouped (one of three classifications is assigned - “A”, “B”, “C”). The higher the class, the higher the quality of the products.
Class "C" material is, in fact, ordinary waste. You can work with such a lining, but you should not expect a good result.
Lining grade "EXTRA"
Mounting Features
Both lining and eurolining are mounted using the same technology.
Stage 1. First you need to prepare the walls. All work surfaces are thoroughly cleaned, leveled and prepared for the installation of the crate.
Stage 3 . The last stage is the sheathing itself, which can be done in one of the following ways:
- hidden;
- open.
Eurolining panels, for example, can be connected using the tenon-groove method using kleimers (these are special brackets). As for the usual lining, it can also be attached to the kleimers. This method is called hidden. At open method screws and nails are used for installation.
The installation procedure itself is quick and easy, but, importantly, lining is recommended for use on well-insulated balconies.
Video - How to sheathe a balcony with clapboard
Option number 2. MDF panels
They are medium density fibreboards. Such products can be of several types - from flat panels covered with veneer or polymer film, to elements with embossed patterns.
Material advantages
The main advantages of MDF panels include:
- excellent operational properties;
- variety of textures and colors;
- ease of installation (and the panels can be mounted in any direction);
- the possibility of laying a heat insulator or wiring in the under-panel space;
- no need to prepare the walls (this does not affect the quality of the installation).
Mounting Features
The procedure for sheathing a balcony with MDF panels is approximately as follows.
Stage 1 . As we just noted, it is not necessary to prepare the walls, however, the crate will still have to be installed, since the sheathing material will be attached to it.
Stage 2. The launch panel is placed in the corner of the constructed crate, after which it is fixed with a special glue.
Stage 3 . The remaining panels are mounted in the same way and are additionally attached to each other by means of grooves.
Stage 4. The last panel is cut to the required size, fastened with glue and snapped into place with the next one.
As you can see, even a novice can use this material to cover it, because it will not take much effort or time for installation.
Option number 3. Drywall
The following material is also popular, and many are interested in whether it can be used for cladding a balcony. Immediately make a reservation that drywall is fragile, it is quite difficult to clean it, and original view it loses quickly, but at the same time it has its merits.
These include:
- ease of installation;
- the possibility of implementing various design solutions;
- low cost.
Important information! Drywall can only be used as an initial layer, that is, another finishing material is mounted on top of it. Even drywall (GK) is fragile (if we talk about it as a sheathing), and it is suitable for a balcony only if it is carefully insulated.
Now let's get acquainted with the installation technology.
Table. We sheathe the balcony with drywall
| Stages, No. | Brief description of actions | Photo |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | First you need to build an iron crate on which the GKL will be installed. |
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| Stage 2 | Then (if necessary) insulating material is placed in the cells of the crate. All formed gaps and joints are filled mounting foam or sealant. |
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| Stage 3 | After that, the installation of drywall begins directly. The sheets are attached to the metal crate with self-tapping screws, while the latter should be screwed in with the utmost care to avoid deformation. |
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| Stage 4 | At the end are performed Finishing work. A layer of putty or any other material of a similar purpose is applied on top of the drywall. |
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When all work is completed, the walls can be painted to make the material look neater.
Option number 4. Siding
As a rule, siding panels are used for exterior decoration of buildings, but they can also be successfully used for internal works. In the manufacture of vinyl panels, a special technology is used, thanks to which the material has several significant advantages.
- It is reasonably resistant to almost all types of weathering.
- If the surface is damaged, then instead of a costly full-fledged repair, you just need to change the damaged panel (or panels).
- Siding is environmentally friendly, it does not contain any combustible or harmful substances.
- The material described is also heat-resistant, so it can be mounted under any temperature conditions.
- Finally, siding allows you to create "breathing" walls.
Installation Features
The technology of cladding a balcony with siding panels is also nothing complicated and consists of three main stages.
Stage 1. The first thing to do is to install the crate, on top of which the entire installation structure will be fixed.
Stage 2. Using self-tapping screws, fixing profiles are fixed (special, intended for siding). First, the starting bar is mounted in the lower part, and then the profiles themselves (H- or J-shaped) are installed. It all ends with the installation of the finishing bar.
Stage 3. At the end, siding is installed directly on the fixed profiles. What is characteristic, this needs to be done only from the bottom up.
Option number 5. PVC panels
The material is similar in its characteristics to the one described above. vinyl siding, but differs, first of all, in that it is intended exclusively for internal work. You can learn more about the installation process from the video below.
Video - We ennoble the balcony with PVC panels
Option number 6. Sandwich panels
Such panels consist of three layers - a pair of sheets of durable material and a heat insulator between them. For this reason, sandwich panels can be considered one of the most preferred cladding materials.
Among the advantages are:
- resistance to biological irritants (for example, to mold, fungus);
- safety;
- no need for additional finishing;
- environmental friendliness;
- light weight;
- excellent thermal and sound insulation properties.
As for the installation process, it should look like this.
Stage 1. Special fittings are being built (outer and inner corners, as well as final details).
Stage 2. The start panel is mounted (its narrow part is placed in the corresponding groove), after which the installation accuracy is checked using the building level.
Stage 3. To fix the wide part of the panel, self-tapping screws or staples are used.
Stage 4. The second panel is connected to the starting one by mounting the narrow part and further fixing it. All subsequent panels are mounted in the same way.
So what to choose?
Be that as it may, everyone must decide for himself which finishing material suits him best. But if you do not have the appropriate skills, then it is advisable to buy either siding or lining. If the main goal of the work is high-quality insulation, then preference should be given to sandwich panels. And the features of each material described above with the installation rules will help you make the right choice.
Conclusion. Ceiling and floor
Ceilings are often sheathed with the same material as the walls, which ensures the integrity of the room. You can combine different textures to hide the flaws of the balcony. There is, for example, one old method to help raise the ceiling. This method consists in the use of materials that contrast in color.
Important information! When sheathing the ceiling, it should be remembered that lighting devices will be placed on it (if provided).
The floor is usually covered with linoleum, but in Lately several alternatives having the same performance characteristics but looking much better. The floor on the balcony can be covered, for example, with a laminate (necessarily moisture resistant) or ceramic tiles.
Video - Do-it-yourself balcony cladding
The balcony has long ceased to be a storage for pickles or unnecessary things. Now many want it to turn into an area for rest and relaxation. It is quite possible to make a room out of a balcony, so if you are still thinking about it, then use the tips below and proceed.
photos
It all starts with windows
If you are determined to combine a room with a balcony, then the first thing you need to do is change the windows. As a rule, even in new houses, the windows are not of very high quality, they quickly become unusable, the paint crumbles from them, and they do not protect from the cold at all. In addition, the frames themselves do not begin to open very well, but this is important with your idea.
The most ideal way is to put plastic windows. They protect well from the cold and almost do not let in noise from the street. It is recommended not to install them yourself, but to invite a master who is specially trained in this. It is necessary to install double-glazed windows on bricks or blocks, about one hundred to one hundred and five centimeters high.
Warming
Next to connect living room with a balcony, you have to do the insulation. And here is the good news - you can do everything yourself, without resorting to the help of a master. So, after installing the windows, you need to very carefully inspect the balcony for cracks and close them with foam. An important note: do not save on foam and buy only high-quality foam, otherwise it will not cope with temperature changes and you will have to redo everything.
It is also necessary to remove the layers of the old insulation, and then apply sealant to the seams.
How to properly fix the insulation?
- first you glue one layer of insulation to the fence;
- make a crate consisting of wooden bars;
- fasten it to the floor and ceiling on metal corners;
- fasten another layer of insulation between the crate;
- at the final stage, finish the balcony the way you like best - with plastic or clapboard.
The floor is insulated in the same way as the walls. If you want even more comfort and warmth, it makes sense to think about installing a warm floor, but it all depends on the purpose for which you decide to combine a room with a balcony. Whether it will be a nursery, an office, a living room - now it all depends on you and your desire.
What's next?
After the balcony is insulated and has already turned into a continuation of the room, it can and should be decorated. Unfortunately, it will not work to completely demolish the partition that separates the balcony and the room, since this is prohibited by law and is very dangerous, because there is a huge load on the walls. But even without this, you can quite easily remake the balcony into a room, you just have to show your imagination.
The balcony space can be expanded with internal windows. If you remove them, only a piece of the wall and a battery remain. The wall, if it is not too high, is suitable for creating an original table or bar counter.
Children's room
Also, the balcony can be turned into a children's room. But here it is necessary to take care not only of additional insulation, but also of safety. First, you need to make an additional crate. Secondly, call the masters to install a warm floor. Doing this yourself is not worth it, because if installed incorrectly, problems may arise that can only be solved by dismantling flooring- partially or completely.
When the preparation is completed, you need to choose the colors in which the room will be. Light expands the space well, so it is recommended to use it. In addition, the nature of the child should be taken into account. For children with a calm disposition, it is advised to choose brighter colors in the interior, as this increases activity. And for little fidgets, on the contrary, calm pastel colors. It would be useful to ask the child himself what he wants.
Children really love it when a room turns into something themed - their favorite book or movie. So that you can decorate the room yourself and arrange a surprise for the child. For teenagers, it is better not to make surprises, but to be attentive to what he wants from this room.
Bedroom or office
If you decide to turn the balcony into a bedroom or an office, then here you also need to take into account some of the nuances. For example, a closet with clothes should not let in light, otherwise your things will quickly burn out in the sun. The same applies to the computer. Try to place the monitor so that the sun does not fall on it, otherwise it will be inconvenient to work, not to mention harm to the eyes.
If the side is sunny, you will most likely need to hang thick dark curtains so as not to be under the sun all the time.
A double bed will fit on a small balcony, and if there is no room for a closet, you can always think of and install drawers under the bed. If the cabinet still fits, then it is better to make its doors mirrored - this will greatly expand the space, as well as bright or light colors in the interior.
Continuation of the room
If you want to use the balcony as an extension of the room, then you have several options. Either the balcony becomes a separate room, with a slightly different interior and purpose, or a room with a balcony is connected together.
The first case is suitable for large apartments. Here you can share a balcony with a room with something like a panel or curtains, as well as come up with a different, but complementary interior for them.
In the case of a combination, it is best to make a common floor covering. And add a step if you decide to keep all the bumps between the room and the balcony. It is also best to choose the same wallpaper and furniture. In the event that you do not like the opening between the balcony and the room, you can close it by making something out of drywall.
In the event that the room next to the balcony is a bedroom, it is recommended to decorate it in light pastel colors. It also looks great with a large bed with a TV opposite it. The bedside tables on both sides of the bed also look good, they can store personal items, for example. It is better to make shelves hanging - so they do not take up space and look beautiful and stylish.
Although, of course, rules are made to be broken, and you can decorate things in completely different ways.
Many owners of apartments with a balcony are wondering whether to equip a separate room there, or attach the structure to the room. This problem is especially relevant in small apartments whose inhabitants suffer from lack of space. This is a great way to expand your living space by combining it with a balcony.
In this article you will find the answer to the question of how to correctly combine a balcony with a room, photos of various combined balconies are shown in our gallery.
Attaching a balcony to a room is an event that requires compliance with a certain technology for performing work. Following our recommendations, you will combine the rooms efficiently and correctly, getting a new comfortable space.
The procedure for attaching a balcony to a room
Legalization of the combined design
The redevelopment of a balcony into a room often involves the complete or partial demolition of the dividing wall, the installation of heating appliances, and therefore requires the preparation and coordination of the project.
Insulation of the attached structure
After all the documents for the unification of the premises have been submitted and permission from the BTI has been received, you can begin to combine the balcony with the room. Since one of the attached rooms is warm and the other is cold, the balcony structure must be insulated. The protection of the combined room from dust, noise and cold will be provided by high-quality double-glazed windows.
Consolidation of premises: dismantling works
Connecting a balcony to a room can be done in two ways:
- without demolishing the dividing wall. In this case, when joining, along with the insulation and glazing of the structure, the balcony block is dismantled, without affecting the dividing wall. This combination option is suitable if an increase in area is not required;
An example of how easy it is to connect a balcony to a room, photo
- complex combination - redevelopment with complete or partial demolition of the wall. This combination option allows you to significantly increase the living space, but requires the coordination of most processes.
Difficult combination, a technique for strengthening the opening at the junction of the combined rooms
How to remove the opening in the wall when attaching a balcony
Free access to the combined balcony room will ensure the dismantling of the window sill. Using this architectural technique, you can combine a loggia with a kitchen, living room, bedroom ...
The complexity of such an accession lies in the fact that there is an unspoken ban on combining warm and cold rooms. Housing inspections require that they be separated by a glass door.
What is needed for such a combination? First, you should get advice from a housing inspectorate specialist about the possibility of cutting off the window sill in your apartment when combining. The dismantling of the window sill must meet certain building requirements and all connection work must be carried out by certified specialists.
It may not be possible to remove a balcony wall when combined if:
- the side walls of the structure are load-bearing;
- the structure is used as part of the floor slab.
The dismantling of the window sill zone when combining the premises is carried out using a perforator, mount, and a jackhammer.
Demolition of concrete blocks is carried out with electric saws with a diamond blade
On a note: it is not worth demolishing the window sill when attaching a balcony without agreement. If violations are detected, you may be fined and required to restore the original structure.When dismantling the window sill wall in the process of combining rooms, a number of rules should be followed:
- removal of central heating to the attached loggia is undesirable, since it requires permission and can reduce the pressure in the pipe. Alternatively, when combined, you can transfer the battery to an adjacent wall;
- by law, when combining rooms, warm and cold zones should be separated by a glass partition or doors;
- when joining, it is forbidden to remove the threshold if it holds the balcony slab;
- if the wall panel is a carrier, then when attaching a loggia, it is impossible to demolish the overhead lintel and side walls;
- the demolition of the window sill is preceded by the glazing of the balcony, as well as the insulation of the structure;
- it is also forbidden to carry out a warm water floor to the loggia when joining. Easier to install electric floor heating.
If it is impossible to remove the wall under the window during the unification process, then with the help of design techniques it can be turned into an original element of the interior.
Window sill design - a balcony combined with a room (photo)
Advice: repair work to combine the loggia and the living space, it is better to carry out in the warm season - this way the surfaces will dry out faster.Heating of the joint premises
The main problem when attaching a balcony to a room is the organization of heating. Most often in the living room, the battery is located under the balcony window. If this part of the wall is to be demolished, then it becomes necessary to transfer the heating battery to the balcony. These actions are also considered redevelopment, so a complex combination option requires legalization.
Advice: the design of the attached balcony should be in harmony with the design of the combined room.
Heating radiators on the attached loggia can be hidden behind decorative grilles
Arrangement of the floor when combining the loggia
When increasing the room due to the balcony, it is necessary to equip the floor on the attached structure. It can be leveled on the same level with the floor of the combined room, or you can emphasize the multi-level coverage with the help of a podium.
The podium will become the center of the joint space
Conducting electricity to the combined structure
If, after joining, it is planned to actively use the balcony extension of the room, then it is necessary to organize full-fledged lighting there.
It is forbidden to lay electrical wiring on the combined loggia, but you can use an extension cord.
Finishing a combined room
After completing the rough work on attaching the structure, they begin to finish the room.
Advice: the main drawback of the combined space is the presence of unsightly ledges that are not allowed to be dismantled. But they can be beaten with the help of various design techniques.Combination options
The loggia can be combined with the following rooms:
- living room;
- kitchen;
- bedroom
- children's.
Joining the loggia to the living room
V small apartment with a small living room, a balcony is often combined with a hall. Thanks to this alteration of the design (attachment), an additional functional area appears that can be used for gatherings with friends, reading, and relaxing.
Cozy combined living room with a balcony
Kitchen combined with a loggia
Many design options can be made a reality when attaching a balcony to the kitchen. The advantage of this combination is that even a very small balcony can be combined with the kitchen, and it will look harmonious.
Bright and spacious kitchen connected to a balcony - photo
The loggia, as a continuation of the kitchen, allows the preservation of the window sill wall, it can be turned into a spectacular bar counter, or used as a countertop. A simple connection option will not harm the integrity of the house and will allow you to implement various design solutions.
Simple redevelopment of the kitchen with a balcony, photo
On the attached structure, you can place dinner table, or household appliances, as well as cabinets for storing various utensils. This combination option will unload a small kitchen space.
Takeaway example household appliances when combining a kitchen with a balcony, photo
When combining a loggia with a kitchen with a takeaway working area to the territory of the construction, problems may arise with the legalization of the transfer gas stove and sinks on the balcony room.
Sometimes moving the stove to the attached balcony is the only way to expand the kitchen.
Combining the design with the bedroom
If you connect the bedroom and the loggia together, then this additional space can be filled with shelves, cabinets for storing things, put there dressing table. A comfortable stay on the attached structure will provide a warm floor.
Bedroom combined with a balcony (photo)
Advice: when combining a loggia with a room, you should not burden the attached space with large and bulky furniture.Attaching the structure to the nursery
If a nursery is adjacent to the balcony, these rooms can be combined during the reconstruction of the balcony. With this combination on the space of the loggia, you can make a play area, an office, install sleeping place for a child.
An example of a successful combination, the balcony design is part of the nursery
Outcome
Work on joining, combining a balcony with a room requires time and effort, but it can significantly expand the living space, give housing greater functionality, comfort and coziness.
Apartments in typical houses often do not differ in the convenience of layouts and a large area, so the owners go to combine the balcony with the living area. Combining a balcony with a room, the photo below shows one of the options for joining, which will allow not only to increase the area, but also to implement a unique design project in your home.
This article will discuss how to correctly combine the space and carry out the alteration. What can be placed on the combined balcony, and what is not and how to use the window sill after joining the balcony to the room.
Combined living room with balcony in Provence style
Balcony as an extension of the room
How to attach a balcony to a room:
- Dismantling the window structure with simultaneous glazing and insulation of the balcony, resulting in a comfortable combined space.
- Dismantling the wall - will allow you to make a significant increase in the room by combining with a balcony. Connection requires the transfer of heating devices. Therefore, it is better to entrust such an association to specialists who will calculate the loads and prepare the project.
Combining a balcony with a room, especially the demolition of a wall, is a complex redevelopment; in order to carry out the connection, it is necessary to coordinate the work in the relevant authorities. Getting permission to combine a balcony is not so easy: collecting the necessary documents can take a lot of time. Many do not consider it necessary to apply for it. But in this case, the combination of a balcony with a room is carried out at your own peril and risk, and the consequences may be different. Do not neglect permission to join.
Combining is not agreed - the radiator cannot be taken out
Preparatory work for joining a balcony
Before combining, you need to take care of the frame of the balcony. It is better to give preference to a welded structure with an offset, this will increase wind resistance and increase the internal combined space. External cladding it is desirable to perform siding, it has low thermal conductivity and is resistant to temperature extremes.
Regardless of the type of association chosen, the balcony must be glazed and insulated.
Metal-plastic windows with two- or three-chamber double-glazed windows will help to avoid large heat losses in the attached area.
Important: It is possible to avoid excessive wind pressure when combining by providing only one opening window in the middle. It is advisable to sheathe the side sections with siding and insulate - so the attached balcony will be most protected from external factors.All surfaces, except for the wall between the room and the attached balcony, should be insulated. Simultaneously with the insulation, it is necessary to carry out hydro and vapor barrier work. The extension of central heating pipes to a combined balcony is not allowed, therefore it is especially important to approach the choice of thermal insulation of the attached room. As a heater on the combined area, you can use Penofol, Penoplex.
Combining with a loggia begins with insulation
Materials are attached to surfaces with dowels or gluing. The gaps are filled with mounting foam. Installation of Penofol is carried out with the foil side inward, and the joints are glued with aluminum tape. For optimal comfort, it is worth installing a warm floor on the combined balcony, and increasing the number of batteries in the combined room.
Important: When installing a warm floor on a combined balcony, a special elastic mixture is used to make a screed that can withstand temperature changes, and all wiring is carefully insulated.Dismantling the opening to attach the balcony
When dismantling window openings or parts of the wall for alignment, it is important to remember that in panel houses the balcony partition cannot be completely removed, since outer wall as a rule, load-bearing and joining work can harm the integrity of the building. In a brick house, when combining rooms, you can remove the opening along with the window sill, but in some cases additional structural reinforcement will be required.
You can connect the balcony to the room, the photo below shows this, without removing the entire wall.
Consolidation due to the dismantled window unit
If only removed window block, from the tools you will need a hacksaw and a hammer. Glasses are taken out, and cuts are made along the perimeter of the frame and knocked out.
When dismantling the wall, you need a puncher and a grinder. With their help, brick and concrete sections are removed. With this combination option, it is necessary to move the radiator. It is necessary to cut down the existing one, having previously blocked the water, and reinstall it. When combined, the room will increase its volume - additional batteries should be added.
After removing all construction debris, you can start finishing the slopes. They should be carefully plastered and leveled with putty or plasterboard. Exterior decoration of the attached premises is carried out in the same style as the room combined with the balcony. The balcony, combined with the room, the photo below, will successfully complement even the nursery.
Workplace on the combined balcony in the nursery
Threshold on attached balcony
Many people want to get one floor level when combining a balcony with a living room. But it is not always possible to remove the attached threshold. V brick houses this element is part of the supporting structure that supports the balcony slab, and in panel panels, its removal will lead to freezing of the floor and reduce the rigidity of the entire structure. The height difference when combined can be beaten by arranging steps or a ramp. It is possible to raise the floor level to the desired threshold height, but these works are more costly and not always desirable when combined.
Advantages and disadvantages of association
The advantages of combining a balcony and a living room are:
- Increase in living space. This is true in small one- and two-room apartments.
- The expansion of the area will have a positive impact not only on the comfort of residents, but also on the market value of the apartment.
- The connection will provide additional natural light.
- Unique design. The living room will be complemented by a cozy library; in the nursery, you can make a dressing room or a playroom, and a bedroom combined with a balcony, the photo below shows this, will get an additional place for relaxation and other things - there are many options, it all depends on the needs and imagination of the owner.
The attached balcony is a great place for a dressing table
But such a reconstruction has its drawbacks:
- A long and complicated process of coordinating work on joining a balcony, requiring the preparation of a project and the collection of documents.
- It is not always possible to remove the entire wall - the threshold and window sill often remain.
- Preparation before joining the balcony and dismantling of structures require special skills.
Combining a balcony with a kitchen
Typical apartments do not differ in large area, and kitchens can accommodate only the necessary equipment and furniture. Redevelopment of the kitchen with a balcony, the photo below shows this, can change the interior both visually and functionally.
Balcony as a continuation of the kitchen - the result of a successful combination
To carry out the attachment of a balcony to the kitchen, it is enough to confine ourselves to dismantling the window block. The remaining combined section of the wall can be used as:
- Table
- bar counter
- Cabinets
- Countertops under hob etc.
Combining a kitchen with a balcony, the photo below shows this, will help you rationally use the new area.
Combining the work area and window sill
The attached space of the former loggia can be turned into a dining room or pantry, and if the area allows, then the working area can be transferred to the balcony. When combined with the work area, it is important to consider several factors:
- The balcony is a hinged structure and it cannot be heavily overloaded, therefore, before taking out heavy furniture and appliances, it is worth calculating the loads to the attached space.
- Independent wiring and sockets on the balcony are not allowed, electrical appliances are connected to the network located in the kitchen itself. This can be done with an extension cord by hiding the wires in a special box or pipe.
Kitchen connected to the balcony in the photo, with a remote working area
To make the new attached zone warm, you should take care of heating. Since when combining pipes, it is impossible to output to the balcony, best solution for the combined space there will be an installation of a warm floor or electric radiators.
The amount of furniture and equipment that can be transferred to a combined balcony depends on the area of the room and the bearing capacity of the balcony slab, which is determined on the basis of an engineering load calculation.
On a small attached balcony, you can take out a refrigerator or equip a cooking area (stove and hood). The addition of a large loggia will allow the area to be used as part of the working area where equipment is placed, wall cabinets, countertop, sink. Almost any combined balcony can be used as a dining room, placing a table and chairs on it. A sofa and armchairs will complement the place of rest when united, and family members will be able to spend time without disturbing the hostess.
The type of association and the future interior depend on the individual needs and characteristics of the balcony itself.
Registration of the threshold in the kitchen, combined with a balcony (photo)
The idea to combine a balcony and a room is quite interesting. After all, this allows you to increase the existing living space by several meters, which is valuable and relevant for owners of small apartments. But first you need to ask yourself: how legal is such a redevelopment, and whether you will have to face any problems in the future due to the alignment of the balcony with the room.
Is it possible to attach a balcony to a room
There are significant differences between what you decide to combine: a balcony or a loggia. The fact is that often the loggia is called a balcony. Meanwhile, from the point of view of building and housing standards, these concepts are different.
A balcony is a fenced structure protruding beyond the facade of a building. The entrance to the balcony is usually carried out from the side of the apartment through the door, which is connected to the window into a single balcony block.
The balcony slab is attached to the wall from the entrance side and has a low bearing capacity. According to technical standards, balcony slabs are able to withstand weight up to 200 kg/sq.m. But the statutory load rate is only 112 kg/m2. And given that modern housing stock(including balcony slabs) is very worn out, it is strongly not recommended to overload the balcony with bulky structures and heavy materials due to the risk of its collapse.
A loggia is a non-residential premises built into a building. At least the side railings are the wall of the house. The concrete base rests on semi-supporting or bearing walls building. Of course, compared to a balcony, a loggia can withstand much greater weight loads and is more stable.
Differences between a balcony and a loggia in a schematic representation 
What is the difference between a balcony and a loggia: an example in the photo. Both the balcony and the loggia are unheated rooms and it is forbidden to transfer batteries to these rooms.
So, if you are the owner of a balcony, and not a loggia, then, unfortunately, there are no legal possibilities for combining a balcony and a room by dismantling a balcony block. The current legislation directly prohibits the reconstruction of the building (namely, this is how the courts regard the demolition of the balcony block) by residents. If such cases are identified, violators will be required to return the balcony block at their own expense, and possibly also pay a fine (by court order).
What if you really want to expand the area of \u200b\u200bthe apartment due to the balcony, but according to the law, combining a balcony with a room is prohibited?
How to combine a balcony with a room
The easiest and most economical option for combining a balcony and a room is to replace the balcony door with a fully glass sliding partition (from floor to ceiling). In this case, the dismantling of the balcony block, and hence the reconstruction of the building, does not occur.
To bypass the prohibition of combining a balcony with a room, replace the balcony door with glass partition.
Such a glass partition can be kept mostly open, and if necessary, quickly returned to its place, closing the opening between the balcony and the room.
Unfortunately, as already mentioned, it is impossible to completely remove the balcony window and door, as well as the wall between the balcony and the room. In this regard, the owners of loggias are more fortunate, since they have such an opportunity.
Glazing and insulation of a balcony attached to a room
There are not as many options for insulating a balcony as there are loggias, due to the limitations of the weight load on the balcony slab. Perhaps the most optimal and not very expensive way would be to perform warm glazing with an aluminum profile, close up all the cracks and install a warm floor. These measures should be enough to keep a comfortable temperature on the balcony during the cold season.
If you want to additionally heat the balcony room, then use portable heating appliances, such as a convector or an oil cooler.
It is better to entrust the work on glazing the balcony to a specialized company. The thickness of the double-glazed window must be at least 2-chamber. You can also add a heat-saving coating to the double-glazed window, which will save up to 30% of heat. Such a double-glazed window differs from the usual one in that it has a high ability to reflect ultraviolet, transmits a lot of daylight (which means you can save on electricity for lighting the room), and also protects the glass from mechanical damage.
Pay attention to the accessories used. She must be good quality from trusted manufacturers. Poor fittings are often the cause of fogging windows and poor sound insulation.
The last step in the insulation of the balcony in order to attach it to the room will be the installation of a warm floor. Most often, on balconies and loggias, an electric heated floor is used, which is cable, frosted and infrared. There is also a water heated floor, but its use in apartments is prohibited by law, therefore it will not be considered in this article. Let us dwell in more detail on the features, main advantages and disadvantages of each type.
Cable floor heating- as heating element an electrical cable is used, which is connected to the mains. The electrical cable is laid over the entire surface of the balcony floor, a concrete screed is required on top. Then put flooring which can be laminate, tile or linoleum.
The advantages of cable underfloor heating include: uniform air heating, lower power consumption compared to thermal radiators and convectors, prevention of heat loss.
The disadvantages of cable underfloor heating are: slow heating (from 30 minutes), the creation of an electromagnetic field (albeit small, less than from mobile phone), the need for a concrete screed. It is also not recommended to install voluminous furniture, because. on the floor in these places darkening may form from overheating.
matte floor- here the cable is fixed on a special grid, which greatly simplifies its installation. Concrete screed under it is not required. Ideal to use under tile, as well as porcelain stoneware, laminate, parquet, linoleum, carpet.
Infrared heated floors Much better than cable
- provide a higher degree of heating of the balcony (at the ceiling level, the air temperature will be about 200С, and not 150С-180С as with cable and water heated floors);
- energy savings up to 20%;
- the room warms up faster in time;
- safe to use (does not shock, does not burn or freeze), electromagnetic radiation is less;
- installation does not require coordination with housing and communal services;
- easy and quick installation, the ability to remove or re-lay to another place.
The disadvantages of an infrared floor include the fact that a preliminary leveling of the floor is required, and it is more difficult to connect electricity to it.
However, given the numerous advantages, we would recommend that you make a choice in favor of infrared floor heating for heating a balcony or loggia.
How to use the balcony attached to the room
So, all the main work on attaching the balcony to the room has been completed and you have become the owner of additional square meters your apartment. How now to use them with maximum benefit?
We offer you some practical ideas for using the balcony space.
Balcony as a workplace or office
A very popular option for those who work from home and are simply necessary. Agree, it is very convenient when there is such a corner in the apartment where you can work quietly in relative silence, admiring the view from the window.
An office on the balcony is an up-to-date and fashionable solution! Dressing room on the balcony
Another attractive option is to arrange a dressing room on the former balcony. There you can arrange hangers with clothes, arrange shoes. This will help not only free up space in the cabinets, but also make the process of collecting somewhere more convenient.
Greenhouse on the balcony
If you like to grow crops, and all the window sills are already full flower pots, then the balcony area will help you or even a mini-garden.
Game room on the balcony
This great option for families with children, especially large families. Balcony can be game room where children can play in their free time. You can also store toys, construction sets, etc. there, freeing up space in the children's room.
Balcony guest room
If you decide to implement the idea of combining balconies and rooms, share your experience in the comments. You can also ask your questions on this topic.
