In a private house      06/23/2020

How to insulate a balcony with wooden windows. How to insulate a balcony with your own hands: step-by-step photos, instructions, choice of materials. How to avoid mistakes when insulating a balcony

Independent connection and insulation of the loggia is a whole story with additional construction, complex technologies and a sea of ​​paperwork. And with an unpredictable result: it happens that after all the work, the insulated wall sticks out from under the glazing, the window handles are too high, and condensation drips from the ceiling. We will tell you how to make a loggia a full-fledged part of the apartment and not regret it!

Mistake 1: reconstruction and redevelopment without permission

Even if you do not want to demolish the wall between the apartment and the loggia, but only want to insulate the space outside the window, it is better to notify the BTI representative of your intentions - so that later you do not have problems, for example, with selling the apartment if there are inconsistencies in the technical passport of the housing.

InMyRoom tip: glaze the balcony using sliding double-glazed windows aluminum profile– and thus equip a summer unheated loggia. This measure will still add space (for example, for storage), and there will be significantly fewer drafts from the balcony. No permit is required for such glazing.

Error 2: moving the radiator to the loggia

If you have received permission to rebuild, then you are unlikely to plan to pull off such a trick. But in any case, be aware that it is not allowed to extend the pipes for the radiator and the battery itself outside the outer wall of the building. The heat loss on the loggia is too great; if the pipes are not insulated correctly, they can freeze, and accidents are possible; For the heat supply of recently uninhabited meters, one would have to pay an additional significant amount after individual recalculation. One way or another, the batteries are not transferred to the loggia - remember this at the design stage of the insulated balcony.

InMyRoom tip: An electric floor heating system will help you or oil radiator– it can be attached to the wall in the same way as a regular battery.

Mistake 3: installing frameless glazing

Frameless doors look great - when closed they are smooth surface, sometimes not disturbed even by edges. In addition, the doors are conveniently assembled “into an accordion” without taking up the space of the loggia. However, this solution is not suitable for an insulated balcony: single glazing and gaps between the panels cannot protect against the cold. In addition, dirt and dust quickly accumulate on them, fingerprints remain and the mosquito net does not attach.

InMyRoom tip: take a closer look at the latest developments– for example, to thermally insulated tilt-and-slide windows. But best choice for glazing warm balcony remain PVC double glazed windows with good old swing doors. In fact, they do not take up much space - they can only be opened for ventilation, and opened twice a year to wash the glass outside.

Error 4: remote glazing on brackets

In an effort to increase the area, or more precisely, the volume of the attached loggia, apartment owners build a frame for glazing with a projection of several tens of centimeters. A wide canopy appears along the upper perimeter, on which snow constantly accumulates, and in the off-season rain loudly beats on it. The most important thing is that a glass growth appears on the facade, which spoils the appearance of the building.

InMyRoom tip: an alternative is possible only within the framework of façade uniformity. If your house is completely open balconies(or they should, in fact, be so) – it’s worth parting with the idea of ​​joining or even just glazing. And improve the loggia with green plants.

Mistake 5: insulation in one layer

To create an insulated loggia, the parapet and walls are duplicated with masonry made of foam blocks 70–100 millimeters thick - this material has excellent thermal insulation properties and frost resistance, so some believe that there is no need to additionally insulate the walls and parapet lined with foam blocks from the inside. In fact, masonry of this thickness can freeze.

InMyRoom tip: add either extruded polystyrene foam panels or stone wool slabs to the insulation cake.

Mistake 6: neglecting vapor barrier

It is especially dangerous if you use mineral wool as insulation - without a vapor barrier material it will become damp and ruin the walls and floor on the balcony, and neighbors may find condensation on the ceiling of their loggia. Inside an outdoor building room connected without a vapor barrier, condensation will certainly appear instantly.

InMyRoom tip: even if you only use polystyrene foam or other foam materials for insulation, nothing will stop you from adding a thin layer of vapor barrier film to them. For mineral wool, such an additive is an absolute must-have!

Mistake 7: Overusing sealant without protection

Seams with bubbling foam are a perfectionist's nightmare. Aesthetically unattractive, they also threaten to ruin the climate in the apartment: the fact is that foam polyurethane sealants does not tolerate direct sunlight and exposure to moisture. And without proper protection, it quickly collapses, opening previously sealed gaps and cracks to drafts and street noise.

InMyRoom tip: carefully treat the “foamed” seams - cut off excess sealant, sand the material with a fine sandpaper and cover with putty or acrylate paint (it is better to use both options). If you don’t have putty or paint on hand, take special mounting tape - but keep in mind that paint will not adhere well to such seams.

Mistake 8: Improper floor design

Do not try to make the floor perfectly flat using a thick sand-concrete screed, on which a solid layer of tile adhesive will subsequently fall, and then ceramic cladding. It is dangerous to overload the ceiling. It’s better to insulate the floor using ultra-light materials (let’s immediately agree that in this example we are not talking about a heated floor system).

InMyRoom tip: There are many recipes for insulating a loggia floor, but they all essentially boil down to using soft insulation directly on top of concrete slabs (you can take penoplex or mineral wool). Then it is recommended to put a second layer of insulation - and be sure to apply waterproofing (lay hydroglass insulation with an overlap of more than 15 centimeters). You can make a thin screed on top - and many craftsmen simply lay plywood if there is no significant slope on the balcony: the plywood is thin, light, smooth, and on top of it, in a warm and moisture-protected loggia, you can lay both carpet and laminate. Error 10: inattention to the little things

This error occurs normally in absolutely everyone. But the most common punctures can be eliminated in the bud:

  • when glazing, plan and discuss the height of the handles, as well as the material, thickness and method of installation of the window sill board (if you decide to add a window sill to the frames);
  • figure out whether a mosquito net is needed and how it will be attached;
  • the gaps between the parapet and the floor slab that do not reach the ceiling or the glazing plane of the wall will need to be filled and completed. Determine what materials and tools will be needed - and carry out the work before insulation begins.

InMyRoom tip: If the insulation pie on the walls turns out to be quite thick, take care of additional profile extenders so that the wall does not protrude far from under the glazing.

Balcony operation all year round will increase the usable area of ​​the apartment. Creating a comfortable microclimate is possible if you take into account the rules and recommendations of experts on insulating a balcony with your own hands. In our article we will look at the repair using the example of a loggia with the following dimensions: 7.5 m in length, 1.16 in width and 2.9 in height. Step-by-step instructions and photographs in progress. The renovation took 2 weeks, the budget was 40 thousand rubles, the year of construction was 2013.

  • Using the example of Moscow
  • . The most useful things from youtube

Necessary tool

  • Screwdriver and electric drill;
  • Construction stapler, level;
  • Scissors, knife;
  • Marker, laser tape measure;
  • Hammer;
  • Putty knife;
  • Gas-burner;
  • A special gun for glue or polyurethane foam;
  • Containers for mixing components;
  • Scotch tape (painting and reinforced);
  • Rags, sponges, etc.;
  • Drill attachments that can be used to stir construction mixtures.

Materials (what to buy)

  • Structures for glazing of premises;
  • Material for organizing the waterproofing layer (foamed polyethylene);
  • Insulation ( mineral wool 70 mm thick);
  • Wooden logs to level the floor and create a reliable foundation (50x50);
  • Sheets of plywood (10 mm);
  • Glue, metal tape;
  • Tile for wall cladding in two shades;
  • Laminate (thickness 12 mm).

Insulation instructions using a live example

Let's consider a simple repair option that most apartment owners resort to:

1. Preparing the balcony before renovation

On the eve of glazing, you need to carefully check the space and eliminate chips, cracks and gaps.

Depending on the size of the flaw, polyurethane mastic, polyurethane foam, and sealants are used. To organize a convenient seal, use a special gun designed for applying polyurethane foam.

The space is insulated with double-glazed windows made from PVC profiles.

Glazing a loggia, or replacing old windows with new double-glazed windows is a mandatory stage of work to protect the space from heat loss.

Other materials for glazing are also used: wood, aluminum and metal-plastic. Elements of window frames must be treated with paint and antiseptic substances. Wooden structure windows are not airtight, have low level thermal insulation and an inconvenient opening mechanism. Aluminum windows are a durable option, they are comfortable and reliable, but the level of heat loss is quite high.

It is better to give preference to window PVC frames, which also contain aluminum, but the internal formwork does not consist of metal.

PVC windows are resistant to moisture and sudden temperature changes. Such frames are easy to use, sealed and have a low level of thermal conductivity.

Masking cables in the wall for connecting an air conditioner.

2. Raising the floor level and thermal insulation

Waterproofing the floor with penofol.

Most often, the materials at the base of the floor and walls are concrete and brick, which strongly absorb moisture and vapor. In order for the heat insulator to retain its properties, a waterproofing layer should be installed. Instead of penofol for waterproofing, you can choose roofing felt or special impregnation. Penofol is laid overlapping, the sheets are connected to each other using a gas burner.

Creating a frame from slats (50x50).

Floor lathing for subsequent installation of mineral wool.

For the construction of the sheathing they use wooden joists. The frame elements are fixed together with self-tapping screws using a screwdriver. The pitch of the slats directly depends on the thermal insulation material.

Typically, the distance between the slats is 50 cm, however, to lay a soft heat insulator, the pitch of the frame elements should be reduced.

In order to eliminate cold bridges in the structure, you need to carefully organize thermal insulation around the perimeter. We place mineral wool between the elements of the mounted frame. We fill the joints with scraps of heat insulation and polyurethane foam.

Mineral wool laid in the cells of the sheathing on the floor.

During the work, a mistake was made - due to the different dimensions of the heat insulator (70 mm) and the height of the bars (50 mm), spacers had to be made.

Raising the floor to the threshold level - 20 cm.

Installation of plywood sheets on the sheathing frame.

When laying, the plywood sagged 10 mm, so it is better to choose more durable sheets, for example 20 mm chipboard or OSB.

3. Insulation of walls and installation of window sills

We begin the construction of a frame to create a window sill from metal elements. This frame will allow you to insulate a parapet made of gas blocks.

We do the electrical installation for lamps and other devices in advance.

We fill the metal frame with insulation, after which we sheathe the gypsum board structure.

Proper insulation of the parapet on the advice of experts:

  • Impregnation with special hydrophobic solutions;
  • Fixing penofol using construction stapler, aluminum tape or glue;
  • Filling joints;
  • Installation of the second layer of thermal insulation;
  • Vapor barrier. A special membrane is suitable for organizing the layer.

Then we protect the other walls of the room from body loss. For creating reliable design glazing the loggia, insulating the parapet and floor are not enough. Basically, a balcony parapet is made from a material with good strength and thermal insulation (foam blocks, gas blocks), but such a fence does not protect the insulation from moisture.

Mineral wool was also chosen for thermal insulation of other walls.

In addition to mineral wool, other types of insulation will also fit in its place: extruded polystyrene foam (penoplex), foil-coated polyethylene (penofol), polystyrene foam or polyurethane foam (PPU). The basis of all of the listed heat insulators are polymers, which are treated with foam compounds.

The insulated parapet is sheathed with gypsum boards.

Covering the gypsum board base with ceramic tiles.

We ensure the evenness of the tile laying using special elements - crosses.

Alternative types of finishing are: PVC panels, wooden lining, wallpaper, block house.

In this example, the ceiling surface was not insulated. On the one hand, the apartment is located on an intermediate floor (11 out of 19) and there is no direct threat of exposure to precipitation, however, heat loss will occur through the floor slab, even if the neighbors above have a well-insulated floor.

If we are talking about insulating the loggia of the upper floor, in this case the ceiling slab can be protected by installing a roof. The canopy is constructed with a slope to allow rainwater and snow to drain away.

4. Installation and connection of sockets

We install a socket with a light control function.

To install a socket in the wall, you need to drill a hole.

5. Finishing the room

We cover the floor with laminate and the walls with tiles. Flush joining was not successful as a result of the work.

In order to compensate for the deflection thin plywood, choose a laminate with a thickness of 12 mm.

Repair shortcomings in real example- lack of finishing coating.

A small piece of ceramic tile is missing.

There were also not enough tiles.

In this corner with finishing flaws, a cabinet is planned, which should hide most visible defects.

In order to avoid a shortage of material, you should think about everything in as much detail as possible on the eve of work, drawing up a diagram based on the actual dimensions of the room. It is better to purchase the material with some reserve.

We decorate the window sill with ceramic tiles.

Installation of plinth on the loggia.

Trimming the threshold with tiles.

When raising the floor to the level of the threshold, it is better to use one material in the finishing, so the surfaces will be more harmoniously combined with each other.

During the repair process, a gap formed between the window sill and the glazing structure, to eliminate which it is necessary to use special internal corners.

The photo shows a sample outer corner, which was purchased by mistake.

The result of masking the gap with the outer corner.

The room after laying tiles, laminate and creating stretch ceiling black with five spotlights.

In the future, a cabinet will be installed in this part of the balcony.

1. Advice from an experienced specialist

A range of insulators used to create a warm space on the balcony. Features of various insulation materials. Practical recommendations to create a reliable design.

2. Master class on installing a waterproofing layer

Details of installing waterproofing on the balcony. Laying ceramic tiles.

.

The first association that arises when we hear the word balcony is cold small space outside the window, where we take out everything that seems to be unnecessary, but it’s a shame to throw it away. This is not surprising. More recently, the balcony was invented as an additional room to the apartment for drying clothes and storing vegetables. But in last years the situation has changed dramatically, and now the balcony is becoming part of the interior of the entire apartment, and can perform several useful functions both in summer and winter. "But how is this possible?" - you say. Very simple. Nowadays, balconies are insulated, sheathed, energy-saving windows are installed, and even heated.

Let's consider the best way to insulate the balcony of an ordinary apartment

There are two options for insulating balconies: outside and inside. Both of these methods are radically different from each other. If in the first case the balcony is insulated without affecting the internal space of the already small balcony, then in the second, its usable area is reduced by at least 30-40 cm. For large balconies this is hardly noticeable, but for loggias with small dimensions this technique insulation is not entirely suitable. "So what's the deal! – you say, “let’s insulate all the balconies from the outside.” The idea, of course, is good, but there is one “but” in it.

What is the best way to insulate a balcony? What methods and types of materials for insulating balconies exist in general, and how to properly carry out insulation. Our experts will try to answer these questions.

You can only insulate a balcony from the outside with your own hands if it is located no further than the second floor. To work at higher altitudes, you need to resort to the help of professionals, which will cost a pretty penny. Therefore, it is cheaper, after all, to insulate the balcony with inside. Moreover, many special materials are sold for this.

Materials that are suitable for insulating balconies inside:

  • Styrofoam;
  • Penoplex;
  • Penofol;
  • Mineral wool;
  • Expanded clay;
  • Izolon;
  • Polyurethane foam.

Each of the materials has its pros and cons, but they are all excellent for insulating balconies and loggias from the inside.

You can learn about the characteristics of other materials, as well as the stages of insulating a balcony, from our article: https://homeli.ru/komnaty/balkon/uteplenie-balkona.

The best way to insulate a balcony inside: finishing methods

There are many ways to insulate a balcony. When choosing your option, be guided by your personal plans. Based on what functions you want to provide your additional living space in the future. Modern technologies now make it possible to install energy-intensive windows, insulate facades and walls with such materials that the cold will not penetrate into the room at all, and heat will not be able to escape outside.

The better to insulate the balcony inside, if you do major renovation? Based on your financial capabilities. Of the budget materials, the most popular for insulating a balcony is polystyrene foam. It is lightweight, fully meets the requirements for insulation and does not deteriorate for a long time.

The quality of insulation, for the most part, is not affected by the material you plan to insulate with. balcony structure, and the method of its insulation. The more part of the structure you insulate, the better the thermal insulation will be, and the warmer the balcony space will be in winter. If it is additionally equipped with heating, then such a balcony can be used all year round without feeling the cold outside the door.

What methods can you use to insulate a balcony from the inside:

  • Insulate the walls;
  • Cover the floor with insulation;
  • Lay insulation on the ceiling as well;
  • Line the entire perimeter of the balcony with insulation;
  • Add floor heating to a fully insulated balcony.

In addition, while performing work, you can add additional ways insulation as a gasket made of foil sheet, or a wind barrier made of polyethylene film.

Let's find out how to install insulation for a balcony indoors

After we have decided on the material for insulating the walls and the method of performing the work, we need to draw up a plan for subsequent actions. It should consist of construction stages and task completion periods. Once again, evaluate the capabilities of your balcony. If you are not yet equipped with energy-saving windows, now is the time to install them. You are doing a major overhaul of the casing, and later it will be difficult to return to it, and installing plastic windows will require strengthening the positions that support them.

Insulation for the balcony inside the space must be prepared in advance. Try to calculate the quantity correctly consumables. This is not difficult to do; you just need to carefully calculate the area of ​​the insulated planes.

Next, step by step, according to your own plan and studying reviews from experts, move forward. Immediately think about how you will decorate the walls of your balcony. The method of laying insulating material during further cladding of the balcony with clapboard or plastic differs from insulating a balcony without further cladding.

Step-by-step instructions for insulating a balcony:

  1. If you already have windows installed, then we start by sealing cracks, cracks and damage. Wood paneling check for rotten boards and fungi. If they exist, then take measures to eliminate them. If there are no plastic windows, then you need to install them.
  2. If you will later cover the balcony with clapboard (which is done very often), then you need to start arranging the sheathing.
  3. Think about electrical wiring. Do the wiring in advance so you don’t have to mess up the repair later.
  4. We begin the insulation process. Place insulation in the space between the sheathing beams, attaching it in accordance with the type of material.
  5. Seal the gaps between the insulation if it is solid.
  6. Seal the joints with mounting tape.
  7. For greater thermal insulation, place a layer of foam foam on top.
  8. Level the surfaces.
  9. Cover the walls with finishing material.

When carrying out work on the balcony, one rule should be taken into account - to repair the balcony, choose the lightest Decoration Materials. The balcony is a special design and should not be overloaded.

Practice shows that it is best to insulate balconies from the inside with penoplex and penofol. It is better not to use mineral wool for this. Although it is soft and comfortable, it does not like dampness. And temperature changes on the balcony are inevitable, therefore condensation is also inevitable.

What is the best way to insulate a balcony from the inside if you don’t have a lot of money? Use foam. It is not expensive, but quite practical material. A balcony properly insulated with it will serve you for a long time and reliably.

Foam plastic, 4-5 cm thick, will be quite enough to insulate the walls of the balcony. Use liquid nails or special glue as an adhesive material. Do not use heavy mixtures for gluing. To ensure that the repair progresses in stages and the finishing materials do not interfere with each other, perform the work in a certain sequence.

Stages of work on insulating a balcony:

  • Install plastic windows;
  • It is best to start insulating a balcony from the ceiling;
  • Having finished it, go to the floor.
  • Lastly, the walls are insulated.

If you do everything correctly, then in the end your renovation will come together into one harmonious idea.

Insulating a balcony with penofol (video)

When the repair work on the balcony is completed, you can begin to arrange it. If this part is on the sunny side, it is necessary to hang curtains. You will find options and solutions in our next material: https://homeli.ru/dekor/shtory/shtory-na-balkon-idei-i-foto.

What your balcony will look like after insulation depends only on you. Apply maximum skill, patience and time, and you will equip yourself a wonderful room where it will not be hot in summer and cold in winter.

We choose modern materials that are suitable for insulating the loggia from the inside

To create a comfortable functional room in the loggia, it is necessary to carry out work on its high-quality insulation. On the market today there are the most different materials, therefore, it is possible to insulate the loggia with mineral wool, expanded polystyrene, polystyrene foam and other types of insulation. The choice of insulation depends on many factors. It is very good if you have the opportunity to consult with specialists on this matter.

Mineral wool

Insulation with mineral wool is the traditional and most common option.

This material can provide a fairly high level of thermal insulation and sound insulation.

At the same time, it is recommended to use mineral wool for insulation only if there is no load on the insulation. In addition, the insulation material must be protected as best as possible from exposure to moisture and the formation of condensation on it.

Mineral wool insulation work is carried out in the following sequence:

  1. First, all surfaces insulated from the inside are waterproofed. This stage is preliminary. To create a high-quality waterproofing layer before insulating the inside with mineral wool, it is best to use special insulating impregnations. They can be bitumen and polyurethane mastic, special paints and varnishes. In addition, rolled polyethylene materials are often used as an insulator (sold in any hardware store). What kind of insulator will be used is not particularly important.
  2. Then you need to install the sheathing. The installation step of the wooden blocks should be approximately 1 cm less than the width of the mineral wool sheets. In addition, you need to select the bars so that their thickness is slightly greater than the thickness of the slab of heat-insulating material. The sheathing elements can be fastened to rough surfaces using dowels and self-tapping screws.
  3. To install mineral wool slabs, you need to select and dilute a suitable adhesive composition (which one is not important). It is applied to the surface of the slab from the inside, after which it is placed in the cell formed by the sheathing. The slabs need to be adjusted so that they are slightly larger in size than the dimensions of the cell. This will avoid unnecessary voids.
  4. As soon as the adhesive composition has dried, it is recommended to additionally secure the heat-insulating material with your own hands using mushroom dowels.
  5. Surface finishing can be done using any suitable materials. Any type of finishing that will not create a large load is suitable for this - plastic panels, plywood sheets, lining...
  6. Finally, the surfaces are cleaned and decorative works. In this case, the work can be done with any finish.

ISOVER material gives good results and reviews.

Expanded polystyrene

Insulating your loggia inside with polystyrene foam gives fairly good results. This material is produced by mixing polystyrene and special foaming components. The mixture is heated and subjected to high blood pressure, after which they foam and add carbon dioxide.

To insulate a loggia with polystyrene foam, slabs 45-50 mm thick are perfect.

  1. They are fastened using dowels, double-sided tape and glue (which type of fastening to choose depends on the material of the walls). When insulating a loggia from the inside with polystyrene foam, it is best to place the material slabs in a checkerboard pattern so that they do not move under their own weight during operation.
  2. To prevent the occurrence of cold bridges, seams, gaps and joining areas must be filled with your own hands. construction foam(when insulating with expanded polystyrene and polystyrene foam, the problem of cold bridges is especially relevant).
  3. As soon as polyurethane foam When it dries, you need to cut off the excess with your own hands.
  4. To provide additional insulation, which is required when insulating with expanded polystyrene and polystyrene foam, it is imperative to lay a layer of special foamed polyethylene 5-8 mm thick. In this case, the layer with foil should be located inside the loggia. This approach will allow you to create a high-quality vapor barrier layer with your own hands and ensure heat reflection. The seams must be taped with construction tape yourself.
  5. You can attach a wooden sheathing to the heat-insulating layer (for this it is better to use small-sized bars that have been pre-treated with antiseptic compounds). In addition, instead of lathing from the inside, the loggia is often finished with plasterboard sheets.
  6. On wooden sheathing or plasterboard sheets, you can apply any finishing materials yourself.

You can do without sheathing and use mesh for reinforcement, under finishing.

Penoplex and penofol

Very often, penoplex and penofol for insulation are used in one insulation system.

One of the best materials.

These are high quality insulating materials, which have a lot of positive performance and technical characteristics. Many experts recommend using them specifically for insulating loggias from the inside. Using such insulation for a loggia will create a comfortable environment inside the room and maintain an optimal microclimate on the coldest days.

Penofol for loggia.

Insulation work using these materials is carried out in the following sequence:

  1. First, you prepare all insulated surfaces with your own hands: floor, ceiling, walls, parapet. The old finishing material is completely removed, all traces and debris are removed. After this, you need to carefully check the integrity of the structures from the inside to ensure that there are no cracks, holes or other defects through which cold air can penetrate into the room. It is important that the loggia is completely sealed on all sides.
  2. Then, vertical logs are installed. The material must be secured with a certain step, the size of which will depend on the thickness of the insulation used.
  3. Next, penofol is attached directly to the joists. For this you can use any suitable adhesive compositions, which are suitable for indoor use. During the installation of the initial layer of penofol, it is necessary to direct the foil outward.
  4. After this, penoplex is installed (the best option for a loggia is material with a thickness of 20 - 25 mm). Laying slabs from the inside of the loggia can be done independently - there is nothing complicated in this process.
  5. Finally, you need to glue another layer of penofol. In this case, the material must be positioned so that the foil layer is directed inward. As a result, we will get a kind of pie in which the main thermal insulation material (penoplex) will be protected by penofol on both sides.
  6. All the joints that arose during the process installation work from the inside of the loggia, it is necessary to glue it with construction adhesive tape.

What thermal insulation material should I choose to insulate my loggia?

You need to understand that work on insulating a loggia with your own hands can be done from the inside and outside. Of course, it is much easier to do insulation inside the loggia. For this purpose, a variety of different thermal insulation materials. Their choice will depend on the design features, operating conditions, and the nuances of installation work, so in each case the choice of insulation should be given Special attention.

It will not always be justified to purchase the most expensive insulation on the market.

For example, if the loggia has high-quality glazing, high-quality construction, and no defects are observed, then you can use the most simple materials. In addition, the choice of insulation for the loggia will depend on whether heating is planned.

The best way to insulate a balcony inside: what materials to choose

If your apartment or house has a balcony, then you should definitely use it, since it is an additional, and sometimes simply necessary, area. If you approach the issue with imagination and think through all the nuances, you can end up with a small but very cozy room. In order for a balcony to serve as a room, it must be insulated. How to insulate the balcony inside is decided by each owner independently, taking into account his financial capabilities and urgent needs. But a few words should be said about the nuances of the process and the materials used to insulate the balcony. You need to choose these materials very carefully and pay attention to all the characteristics.

Where to begin

You need to start mastering any balcony with an objective assessment of its condition. If the apartment is located in a new building that has recently been handed over to residents, then you need to pay attention to the material from which the balcony structure is made. Also, in new houses, you need to pay attention to what the neighbors’ balconies are decorated with. Often in such houses neighbors try to adhere to the same style.

We make masonry from foam blocks

But if the balcony is far from new apartment and it has always been used as an open space, then the work will have to start with strengthening the balcony. Strengthening includes both the reconstruction of the concrete balcony platform and the strengthening of the metal handrail. Also, this process may include such an event as strengthening the lower part of the upper balcony; this must also be taken into account. After addressing all these issues and choosing the material for external cladding loggia (balcony), you can move on to interior decoration. To simplify this stage, you can lay a wall of bricks or foam blocks up to half of the balcony, directly to the double-glazed windows. This will save on insulation.

Advice: If all stages of insulation are carried out at the same time, then it is better to immediately install double glass in the windows, since one glass gives 70% more heat loss in cold weather.

Preparing for insulation

To begin insulating the inside of the balcony with any materials, you need to make preparations. Having chosen the material for insulation, you need to create a special wooden sheathing under it, on which it will then be attached. The exception is rolled materials, which can be mounted under the sheathing. This frame is made from beams with a cross-section of about 4-5 cm. Transverse and perpendicular beams must be fastened so that squares of 50 by 50 cm are obtained. The sheathing can also be made from metal profile, but this material is somewhat more expensive than wooden blocks. Main advantages metal frame is ease of design and ease of use.

Note: When calculating necessary insulation for a balcony inside, you need to take into account not only the dimensions of the walls, but the floor and ceiling, since these two positions also need insulation.

Material selection

Insulation is placed in the sheathing on the inside of the balcony, which can be:

Foam insulation is one of the most common methods of thermal insulation of balconies and loggias

Styrofoam. The cheapest of these materials is simple white foam, 5 cm thick. If you are insulating a room in cold latitudes, you can take thicker foam plastic; it can reach a thickness of up to 10 cm. It can be easily cut into the required number of parts, and you can not additionally reinforce it with anything, but immediately lay it in the cells of the sheathing under the finishing materials. The material is absolutely safe both when working with it and during subsequent use. The insulation is completely odorless and does not emit toxic substances, and styrene vapors in small quantities do not affect human health. Installation of the material occurs without the formation of dust.

Insulation with mineral wool

Mineral wool. Mineral wool is a little more expensive, but its sound insulation properties are much higher, so if you need to get rid of extraneous sounds, it is better to use it. This material is completely natural and completely fireproof. The combustion temperature of mineral wool starts from a thousand degrees. The inconvenience of laying mineral wool briquettes lies in the mandatory compliance with safety precautions. The material contains small glass particles that cause itching of the skin. Installation must be carried out in protected special clothing, safety glasses and a respirator.

Expanded clay. The material is an environmentally friendly insulation. The word "expanded clay" is translated from Greek language like "baked clay". The material is often used for insulation of floors and ceilings. It is not entirely profitable for them to insulate the walls, since they additionally need to prepare a metal mesh as a support.

More information on how to insulate a balcony here. Tips from the experts and step-by-step instructions.

After insulation, you will need to move on to the interior decoration of the balcony. Plastic panels are well suited for these purposes. Read more about them and their differences in this article.

Installation of high-quality double-glazed windows plays a big role in insulating a balcony or loggia. Which window profile choose? - you will find the answer here.

Penofol. This material is one of the thermal insulation products that has a reflective effect. It is a layer of foamed self-extinguishing polyethylene with closed air pores. Coated with high quality aluminum, 14 microns thick and 99.4% pure on one or both sides. Penofol is a universal material with steam, hydro, wind and sound insulation properties. The material has the appearance of a thin, flexible, light and environmentally friendly structure. Foiled penofol can be used as an additional vapor barrier; it is very convenient to work with, since it is sold in rolls and is easy to cut even with ordinary scissors. This material protects the room from external moisture and eliminates condensation from the room.

Penoplex. It is a new material specially designed for room insulation. The material is very convenient to install due to its light weight, so its use on the balcony is now relevant. It is produced in the form of rectangular slabs of different thicknesses, which are easily cut with a stationery knife. It is also possible to produce “sandwich panels” using the casting method. Insulation with a rough surface makes it easy to attach and glue them to other materials.

Izolon

Izolon. It is also a universal material in terms of use. Confirmed safety for use as insulation and vapor barrier element. Excellent soundproofing characteristics.

The degree of thermal conductivity compares:

  • with 15 cm brickwork
  • with 4.5 cm wood
  • with 4.5 cm mineral wool
  • with 1.2 cm polystyrene foam

Reduces noise by at least 18 dB.

These are the main materials for creating an insulating layer, which are now easy to find in any hardware store. We hope you now have more information about How can you insulate a balcony from the inside?, and then we’ll look at how to do this.

How to insulate

One of the optimal methods for laying insulation is layer-by-layer laying:

  • First, the surface is waterproofed
  • The next layer is the selected insulating material, which is also secured with appropriate fasteners. These can be nails, screws, plastic fasteners with wide heads.
  • Then a vapor barrier is laid, which is secured with a construction stapler.
  • On final stage, finishing material is attached to the sheathing using special fastening materials

Sheets of foam plastic are installed in the sheathing, and the joints are covered with polyurethane foam

The result should be a layer approximately 60 - 70 mm thick, this is the distance from the outer layer to the finishing layer. Depending on climatic conditions, this size may vary. You must understand that any layer of insulation requires financial costs and labor, so it is better to immediately build a balcony conscientiously and not try to save on trifles.

In a situation with insulating the floor on the balcony the sequence is also the same. If it is decided to fill the floor with concrete, then expanded clay is laid first and the solution is distributed on top of it. Concrete mortar you need to carefully distribute it using a special rule and try to make the surface as smooth as possible. Then on such a surface you can lay ceramic tiles or other finishing materials. Rolled heated floors can be laid under the final finishing, and this will provide additional insulation of the room.

Find out more about how to raise the floor on a balcony with your own hands and what materials you can use to do this.

Read about how to choose an electric heated floor. Features of different models.

If you choose the option of a wooden floor, then guide logs are first laid, between which the insulation is laid. Then a finishing board or chipboard is laid on the logs. Laying chipboard is necessary if laminate or linoleum will be installed further. It is also worth noting that under the laminate it is necessary to lay special substrate, which will provide additional thermal insulation. When the finishing of the walls and floors is completed, skirting boards are installed to hide the joints of the finishing.

In the complex of works on insulating a balcony, it is necessary to pay attention to the ceiling. The insulation process is carried out according to the same scheme as walls and floors. The task will be complicated when the balcony or loggia is on the top floor and there is no ceiling. In this case, you need to take into account the additional costs of installing the ceiling and roof.

When working on insulating a balcony, you should not fuss and rush, this can lead to unreasonably high consumption of material. If you approach the matter carefully and carry out constant calculations, you can acquire a full-fledged additional room for little money.

How to insulate a balcony from the inside video

We invite you to watch a video on the topic of our article “Insulation for a balcony inside - choosing materials,” which shows in detail the entire process of insulating a balcony using penoplex and penofol.

How to insulate a balcony with your own hands: from a refrigerator to a warm island

To begin with, it’s worth saying that there are two ways to insulate a balcony – from the inside and the outside. External insulation, of course, is more convenient - precious centimeters of space are not “eaten up”, and the cladding of the balcony facade becomes more pleasant. But this is a labor-intensive process that requires the involvement of a construction team and industrial climbers. Therefore, in this article we will focus on how to properly insulate a balcony in an apartment from the inside - you can do this yourself.

To insulate the inside of the balcony, you first need to carry out preparatory work. They include several important steps:

  • Where to start insulating a loggia or balcony? Free up space from everything unnecessary. It’s best if the balcony is completely empty: it’s much easier to work this way. Also, get rid of old trim in advance.
  • Seal all the cracks - a lot of heat escapes through them. For small gaps, a weather-resistant sealant is suitable; fill larger ones with mounting foam - it will not only fill the voids, but will also serve as an additional heat insulator.
  • To make it easier for you to carry out insulation work, it is important to smooth out cracks and irregularities in the walls and ceiling using cement mortar.
  • If you plan to place light bulbs or lighting, it is worth taking care of the wiring in advance. To hide unsightly cables, place them in plastic boxes.
  • Before starting work, cover the opening between the balcony and the adjacent room with film so that construction dust and other pollutants did not enter the apartment.

Is it possible to insulate a balcony in winter? Yes, you can. Only when carrying out work in winter is it necessary to choose frost-resistant materials, in particular polyurethane foam.

How to insulate a balcony: what materials are best to choose

To understand how to insulate a loggia or balcony, let’s first figure out what properties the materials should have:

  • high strength;
  • fire safety;
  • water resistance;
  • environmental friendliness;
  • relatively low cost;
  • ease of installation (if we want to do all the work ourselves).

Most often, mineral wool, polystyrene foam, polystyrene foam, etc. are used for insulation. Sometimes several of these materials are combined. We have reflected the pros and cons of each heat insulator in the table:

Which insulation for a balcony is better? The answer to this question depends on your preferences and financial capabilities. You can read more about the characteristics of insulation materials, as well as about insulating an apartment in general, in our blog.

The balcony is the most vulnerable room in an apartment, which often suffers from severe frost and wind. And if earlier it often served as a kind of storage room, storing all the necessary (and often even unnecessary) things, now many people turn the loggia into a full-fledged room.

The only difficulty that residents face is that in winter it is almost impossible to be on the balcony - frost and strong wind create a beautiful picture outside the window, but a cold atmosphere on the loggia. However, today it is possible to prevent this problem. A huge amount of thermal insulation materials make it easy and quick to insulate a balcony with your own hands.

Preparing for insulation of the balcony

In any repair or construction process, everything begins with the preparation of surfaces and territory. Therefore, before how to insulate a balcony with your own hands, you will have to get rid of all the junk that is there. By the way, things that you plan to leave later also need to be moved to another room.

After the balcony is completely cleared of unnecessary things, you need to completely inspect the room. Firstly, it is important to understand which parts of the loggia require more thorough insulation. In addition, you need to pay attention to cracks and chips that allow cold air to pass through.

Important! Some balconies have a rather small area. And the thermal insulation material takes up space in the room. In this case, it is better to immediately determine the so-called “cold” and “warm” zones of the loggia and insulate only those that are more susceptible to frost and wind.

The balcony parapet especially needs insulation

Right now it is desirable to get rid of significant defects on surfaces. Large cracks can be sealed with putty or foam.

At the same stage, you should decide on the type of insulation for the balcony and stock up on all necessary tools. We'll talk about thermal insulation materials a little later. Now let's look at what tools you will need to insulate your balcony.

Tools for insulating a balcony

Insulating a balcony with your own hands is a fairly simple and straightforward process. The main thing is to understand the sequence of work and stock up on the necessary tools. These include the following basic materials:

  1. Insulation in required quantity(calculation takes place in accordance with the number of layers and the area of ​​the balcony).
  2. Cladding material for exterior finishing.
  3. Polyurethane foam.
  4. Waterproofing materials.
  5. Adhesive mixtures.
  6. Wooden or metal beams(for the frame).
  7. Dowels, screws, nails of different sizes.
  8. Metallized tape for sealing seams.

In some specific cases you may also need:

  • drill;
  • perforator;
  • scissors;
  • hammer;
  • building level;
  • rollers;
  • spatulas, etc.

Here everything will depend on finishing loggias.


Limitations when insulating a balcony

Since the process of insulating a balcony is highly complex, in order to carry it out, you will need to obtain permission from certain authorities. After all, some methods can greatly increase the load on the building itself. As a rule, to obtain confirmation, you should contact government agencies dealing with housing redevelopment issues.

Also, do not forget that insulating a loggia is a rather noisy process. Therefore, it is better to warn your neighbors about upcoming repair work. This will help avoid many misunderstandings in the future.

However, even after obtaining permission, you cannot dispose of the balcony as you wish. There are some prohibitions that also apply to insulating a loggia. So, for example, you can't:

  1. Take away load-bearing walls and partitions.
  2. Install water heating on the balcony.
  3. Convert the balcony into a bathroom (due to the lack of necessary pipes in the loggia). Organizing a kitchen on the balcony is a more realistic solution. However, it requires additional permits.
  4. Change the ceiling height on the balcony.
  5. Disturb the original architectural appearance of the building.

The best way to insulate a balcony: basic materials for insulation

Today, there are a huge number of options for how to insulate a balcony from the inside. The choice of one option or another may depend on many factors:

  1. The amount you are willing to spend on insulation.
  2. Climate.
  3. Type of construction.
  4. Your personal preferences.
  5. Resistance of the material to frost, wind, moisture.

One way or another, before you start insulating the loggia, it is important to study in detail all the popular materials. This is the only way you can choose the option that suits you perfectly. We invite you to familiarize yourself with the most common insulation materials.

It is made of clay, therefore it is considered an environmentally friendly and safe material. Expanded clay is small and light porous granules. Such weight and structure of the material can be achieved thanks to a special clay firing technology. The raw materials are first heated to approximately 1000 degrees, as a result of which voids are formed inside, providing heat and sound insulation. Expanded clay is used to insulate walls, floors, ceilings or even the foundation of a country house.

Mineral wool

The most common insulation for walls and floors. Outwardly, it resembles a thick canvas, which consists of many molecules chaotically intertwined. The raw materials for mineral wool are glass, rocks or slag. In order for the fibers to be reliably connected to each other, they are impregnated with special mixtures based on oils and alcohol. Mineral wool itself is divided into several other types:

  • glass wool (consists of glass, stove and limestone);
  • stone wool (made from basalt rocks);
  • slag wool (made from blast furnace slag).

Styrofoam

Perhaps the lightest thermal insulation material. It is a foamed mass that is more than 90% filled with air. It is thanks to such technology that it is possible to achieve good result and qualitatively insulate the balcony. The popularity of polystyrene foam as insulation is also due to the large selection of materials. It is divided into the following categories:

  • sheet;
  • foam in balls;
  • extruded polystyrene foam (which we will talk about a little later);
  • liquid foam;
  • foam formwork.

Extruded polystyrene foam

Today, many people prefer to insulate their balcony with polystyrene foam. This material is a subtype of polystyrene foam and is also characterized by its low weight and good thermal insulation properties. Comparing polystyrene foam and expanded polystyrene, it can be noted that the materials have both common features and some differences. For example, the texture of the latter is not granular, but more even.

Polyurethane foam

The basis for polyurethane foam is a subtype of plastic that has a foamed structure. Like some previous insulation materials, this material consists of 90% of a gaseous substance with which all its cells are filled. Usage various technologies helped create several types of polyurethane:

  1. Elastic (in other words, foam rubber), which fills sofas and armchairs, and is also used to make washcloths, shoe linings, etc.
  2. Hard – actively used for heat and sound insulation of a house.

Penofol

It is one of the most innovative insulation materials for balconies. This material consists of several layers:

  1. Self-extinguishing polyethylene foam.
  2. Aluminum foil.

Unlike previous insulation materials, penofol is not able to absorb heat. Thanks to the foil, it works on a different principle, namely, it reflects thermal radiation. The material, in turn, is divided into several types:

  1. Type “A” - the foil is located on one side of the insulation.
  2. Type “B” – with foil on both sides.
  3. Type “C” – with a special self-adhesive insert.

Insulation for balconies - comparison table

As you can see, there are a lot of materials for insulating a balcony. To determine which option is right for you, we recommend comparing all of the above categories:

TYPE OF INSULATION ADVANTAGES FLAWS

Affordable price.

Long service life.

Resistant to mold and mildew.

Ability to take the required form.

Light weight.

Increased degree of moisture permeability.

Quite a complicated installation of the material.

Expanded clay is used primarily for floor insulation and is not suitable for other surfaces.

Minvata

Low level of thermal conductivity.

Compliance with all regulations fire safety.

Unaffected (deformed) by sudden temperature changes, heating and cooling.

Resistance to chemical and mechanical damage.

Vapor permeability.

Easy to install.

Moisture permeability (which can be reduced using special water-repellent agents).

Heavy weight.

Styrofoam

Low cost compared to other insulation materials.

Light weight material.

Good thermal insulation properties allowing the use of a thinner layer of insulation.

Versatility (suitable for insulating floors, ceilings and walls).

Long service life (up to 30 years).

Resistance to the appearance of harmful microorganisms.

Easy to install.

Release of toxic substances during combustion.

Poor vapor barrier.

Selection harmful substances even with high temperatures(applies to cheaper options).

Absorbs moisture.

Unresistant to mechanical and chemical damage.

Attracts rodents (some even make burrows in the foam).

Expanded polystyrene

Low degree of vapor permeability.

Strength of the material.

Lack of water absorption, which allows the use of polystyrene foam without prior waterproofing.

Low degree of thermal conductivity.

Compliance with all fire safety requirements (non-flammability).

Resistant to high and low temperatures.

Environmental friendliness.

Easy to install.

Resistance to mechanical damage.

Poor vapor barrier.

High cost of material.

Instability to action sun rays(being corrected special treatment material).

Additional costs for arranging the frame or purchasing glue.

Polyurethane foam

Mounted on any material (concrete, metal, glass, wood, brick, etc.).

Light weight that does not weigh down the surface.

Can significantly strengthen the surface.

Resistant to sudden temperature changes, extreme heat and frost.

Compliance with all fire safety requirements.

Thanks to the one-piece design, there are no seams or joints on the surface.

Not resistant to sunlight.

Although the material does not burn, it begins to smolder strongly in an open fire. Therefore, you should not install polyurethane foam in rooms with a high risk of overheating or fire.

Penofol

Versatility. The material is used to insulate the walls of the floor and ceiling of the balcony. In addition, it is great for both interior and exterior decoration.

Low level of vapor permeability.

Provides high-quality sound insulation.

Light weight and fine structure.

Easy to install.

Environmental friendliness.

Compliance with all fire safety standards.

Resistance to rodents.

Due to its high softness, penofol is not used when insulating walls under plaster.

Some types of penofol require fastening with special glue.

It cannot protect against severe frosts and is installed primarily as additional insulation.

Ceiling insulation

If you are planning to insulate a balcony with your own hands, then it is best to start from the ceiling and move further from top to bottom. Of course, if the ceiling of your loggia is the floor of your neighbors, then the process of protecting the room from frost and wind is much simpler. However, if the roof is independent, then a little effort should be made to insulate it.

To best protect your balcony from cold and wind, we recommend performing the work in the following sequence:

  1. Spraying or special film for sound insulation.
  2. Waterproofing the ceiling on the balcony. In this case, the most popular materials are polyvinyl chloride or polyester.
  3. A special membrane that protects from wind. It freely allows steam to pass through, which is released from the insulation, but helps to completely isolate the ceiling from wind and drops that can enter the room along with it.
  4. Anti-condensation material that protects the insulation from the formation of water droplets.
  5. Frame (metal or wood of your choice). The sheathing is an optional element. The insulation can be installed using special glue. The main thing is to make sure that the mixture does not contain toluene. For greater reliability when fastening sheets, use dowels.
  6. Insulation for balcony ceiling. We recommend that you use polystyrene foam, polystyrene foam or mineral wool. They provide good protection from the cold and are easy to install, which is especially important when insulating a balcony ceiling.
  7. Vapor barrier for insulation. It does not allow water vapor to pass inside, which significantly increases the thermal insulation properties of the material.

We insulate the floor on the balcony

The initial stage of insulating the balcony floor is installing waterproofing on the surface. Polyethylene or penofol will do this role perfectly. Be sure to hide all seams between sheets with tape. This way you can be sure that the balcony is protected as much as possible from dampness.

Advice: If you use one-sided penofol (type “A”), install it with the reflective layer facing down.

Another popular option for waterproofing the floor on the balcony is bitumen mastic. However, do not forget that such material dries for about 24 hours.

After waterproofing, you should install a frame or, in other words, logs. For this, wood or metal is used. The main thing is to choose the highest quality material that can last for many years.

Advice: If you are installing wooden beams, make sure that the moisture content does not exceed 12%. Also for that. To prevent the appearance of fungus, we recommend that you treat the beams with an antiseptic or a special primer.

The beams are laid at a distance equal to the width of one sheet of insulation. As for the height of the beams, it is usually 10-15 cm. To prevent gaps that appear between the logs and the balcony wall, ordinary polyurethane foam is used.

After installing the logs, you can proceed directly to installing the insulation. Make sure that there are no even the smallest gaps between the sheets (or slabs) and the frame. Otherwise, your work will not bring the desired result. In some cases, the insulation is laid in several layers (for greater protection). Then it is important that the seams between the plates are not in the same place. That is, the material needs to be laid with a slight offset.

Wall insulation

In the process of insulating the floor on the balcony, it will not be superfluous to immediately take care of the walls. So, for example, when creating a waterproofing layer, line it around the entire perimeter of the room. This will make your future work much easier.

  1. Create a sheathing from wooden beams. The distance between them and the width of each beam should correspond to the dimensions of the insulation.
  2. Install thermal insulation material. For walls, traditional options are most often chosen - mineral wool (or glass wool), polystyrene foam, polyurethane foam, penofol (or isolon). For greater reliability, we recommend combining several thermal insulation materials (for example, polystyrene foam and mineral wool).
  3. If there are cracks and large seams, polyurethane foam is used. With its help you can reliably protect your balcony from cold and wind.
  4. Don't forget to install a vapor barrier layer on the insulation.

Important! Most often, the wall that connects the balcony and the room (living room, kitchen, etc.) is insulated with one layer. While on external walls You should install at least two layers of insulation or use a denser thermal insulator.

How to insulate windows on a balcony?

If you want to insulate the balcony from the inside as efficiently as possible, in no case should you forget about windows. After all, even the highest quality thermal insulation materials for walls, ceilings and floors will not bring any benefit if the wind breaks through the cracks in the window opening.

If your balcony has not been glazed all this time, you should pay special attention to the wall that protects it from the street. The parapet (that’s what this wall is called) must be strong enough to support the frames and double-glazed windows. In some cases, it is better to further strengthen this part of the loggia. There are two options for strengthening the parapet:

  1. Brick. The simplest method, which, however, is not particularly reliable and durable.
  2. Reinforcement with steel rods. Use thick iron bars and cement. This method is a little more complicated than the previous one, but several times more reliable.

Before glazing a balcony, you need to select the material from which it will be made. window frames. Of course, the most popular today are PVC structures. However, some modern manufacturers produce wooden or aluminum frames, which are in no way inferior to plastic ones (except that they are more expensive).

Classic wooden frames practically not airtight. Therefore, it will be impossible to insulate the balcony with their help. Therefore, it is better to use them in areas with a warmer climate.

As for aluminum structures, then they are able to retain heat much better than wood. In addition, they are also resistant to rust and corrosive processes. However, most the best option(if price-quality ratio is considered a criterion) are plastic windows. They are not afraid of high humidity and temperature changes. In addition, such structures have good thermal conductivity. Therefore, if you want to insulate your balcony, choose PVC windows. The most common types of structures today are:

  • casement windows;
  • double sash windows;
  • extended profiles.

Panoramic PVC windows

Advice: If you do not have the time or financial opportunity to update the balcony glazing, you can try to insulate the opening using special materials (spray foam, foam rubber, etc.).

Additional methods of insulating a balcony

If you live in an area with a cold climate, insulation alone on the balcony may not be enough. After all, even the highest quality heat insulators are sometimes unable to protect against severe frosts. Therefore, on cold winter days, you can organize additional insulation of the balcony.

For example, install an ordinary electric heater. For greater effect, it should be placed near the wall connecting the balcony and the apartment itself.

Important! Never place the heater near windows. The condensation that will be released during the process can greatly damage the glass unit.

If you do not want to install additional heating devices, and installing central heating on the balcony is strictly prohibited, you can install a “warm floor” system on the loggia. It will last for decades, creating comfortable temperature even in the cold season. In addition, today many such systems are equipped with a special thermostat that helps you choose the most optimal mode.

Another option for additional insulation is air conditioning. In addition to the fact that it will heat the loggia in winter, it will also be able to cool the air on summer days. However, using an air conditioner has one rather important disadvantage - it will not be able to properly warm the floor on the balcony. Therefore, the warm floor still wins.

Advice: Installation of heated floors is another expense item. You should not rely only on your own strength, since installing the system is a rather complicated process. It is better to entrust the work to professionals.

When protecting the room from cold air and strong wind, do not forget that it is also important to organize good ventilation. With hermetically sealed cracks this will be a little more difficult. Therefore, we recommend that you periodically ventilate the loggia for a more comfortable stay on it.

If you live in a cold climate, pay attention to the “breezer” type ventilation system, which supplies purified air from the street, preheating it to the temperature you need.


Common mistakes when insulating a balcony

When organizing balcony insulation yourself, you may not take into account many important nuances. As a rule, people make fairly predictable and common mistakes, including:



How much will it cost to insulate a balcony?

It is quite difficult to calculate in detail the cost of insulating a balcony. Because this process includes many stages. Moreover, today, with rather unstable exchange rates, prices for materials and work of craftsmen are constantly changing.

But in any case, you can figure out the approximate cost of insulating the loggia. The main thing to remember is that the final amount can change in any direction (although, as a rule, it only increases during the course of work). Therefore, when allocating money from the family budget, it is better to take a little more than is written in the estimate.

total cost internal insulation balcony consists of the following individual expense items:

  1. Glazing of the loggia. Most often it makes up the largest percentage of the total amount. High-quality double-glazed windows and their installation will be quite expensive. But the effect from them will be much more noticeable than when using cheap options.
  2. The cost of insulation.
  3. Price of others building materials(wood for joists, polyurethane foam, glue, etc.).
  4. The cost of professional work (if you plan to order the services of specialists).
  5. The cost of finishing and filling the balcony (finishing materials, furniture, etc.).

When insulating a balcony, it is better to choose only quality materials and use the services of glazing specialists you trust (regardless of the cost of their services). The only expense item on which you can save is the services of loggia insulation specialists. If the room is fully glazed, you can cover the balcony with insulation yourself. And since the work of craftsmen is expensive, you can save from 5000 hryvnia or more.

Insulating a balcony with your own hands is a rather labor-intensive process. However, with a little practice, you can do all the work without the help of professionals. In this way, you will be able to save an impressive amount and at the same time make the loggia warmer and, as a result, more comfortable.

A loggia is a part of the apartment that requires high-quality insulation. If you leave it in its original state, then in winter the cold will penetrate into the rest of the rooms, and this will mean extra money spent on heating. Owners who do not know how or how to insulate a balcony on their own invite workers, whose services cost a lot of money. And it’s good if the hired craftsmen turn out to be professionals, because contractors with a lack of qualifications often come to the call.

    Show all

    If we take professionals as an example, they first visually assess the condition of the balcony and take into account what year it was built apartment house. Then they pay attention to the frame (whether it is metal or wood) and evaluate the dilapidation of the cladding. Lastly, experienced workers compare neighboring loggias and can suggest that the owner make a structure in the same style.

    Because of the old-style balconies, all work becomes more complicated, especially if this building is not closed, but open type. In this case, the craftsmen are engaged in additional strengthening of the structure and replacement of rotten parts: they cut off the rusted metal elements of the frame and reconstruct the concrete platform. The upper and lower parts of the balcony must be strengthened.

    how to insulate a balcony with your own hands

    It is after the measures to restore the structure that specialists are engaged in cladding and internal thermal insulation premises. Often, owners prefer to equip their balconies with foam blocks and double-glazed windows. The stones are laid out at half the total height of the loggia, and the open space is covered with windows. The result is not only an attractive appearance of the building, but also significantly increases its strength. By the way, a double-glazed window will significantly insulate the room.

    If the owner of an apartment replaces the windows with plastic ones, then it is advisable for him to purchase products with double glass, since single glass retains heat by only 30% in the cold season.

    Without preparing the balcony you cannot take the next drastic steps. Before purchasing materials for insulating a loggia, specialists carry out the following work indoors:

    The interior arrangement of the loggia concerns not only the ceiling and walls. It is equally important to insulate the floor, for example, with penofol.

    Expanded polystyrene is widely used for internal insulation of almost all structures. Its low cost does not affect its quality. It is sold in the form of slabs 5 cm thick or more. If the apartment is located in the north, then it is better to use sheets 15 cm thick. To install polystyrene foam, a sheathing with identical cells is made. Expanded polystyrene is convenient in that it can be easily cut with an ordinary knife.

    The positive aspects of this insulation are that it is odorless, does not emit harmful substances, is environmentally friendly and does not affect human health. Sheets are usually fixed with special “umbrellas” or construction glue. To save money, it is better to insulate the balcony inside with it.

    Mineral wool is also quite popular. Such insulation is slightly more expensive than polystyrene foam, but this is due to the additional sound insulation that the material has. Therefore, by using mineral wool, you can not only efficiently insulate the structure, but also eliminate street noise. It is sold in the form of yellow rolls.

    Insulation of the loggia Secrets of craftsmanship from Alexey Zemskov

    The fire safety of this insulation is at high level, and the absence of a specific odor makes mineral wool one of the most popular. The material begins to melt at a temperature of 1000 degrees. It is also necessary to make a sheathing for such rolls. Another plus is that it is easy to cut. The disadvantage is due to the composition, which includes powdered glass, which penetrates into the skin during operation and causes itching and redness.

    Penoplex is a new insulation material that appeared on the building materials market relatively recently and has already become popular. It is lightweight, making it easy to work with. Penoplex is produced in the form of rectangular sheets, which can be cut even with a stationery knife. According to the method of fastening, it is similar to foam plastic, which is glued or fixed with fasteners. The surface of the material is rough, so it does not slip in your hands.

    Granulated expanded clay is often laid on the floor. This kind of insulation for a balcony inside has a porous structure and consists of baked clay, so it is environmentally friendly. Builders use it to insulate floors and ceilings.

    The work process is simple, just create a layer of expanded clay and pour liquid cement so that the granules are held together. But we must take into account that such material will take away 15-20 cm of height from floor to ceiling. In addition, a thin-layer screed will have to be poured over the expanded clay, because the relief surface will not be suitable for laying, for example, parquet or laminate.

    Another insulation option - penofol. It is made from foamed polyethylene. The material is especially suitable for water-heated floors, as it has a foil coating with a heat-reflecting effect. This insulation has 4 advantages: it does not allow wind to pass through, retains heat, prevents the penetration of water and has vapor barrier properties. Penofol is flexible and easy to cut, and environmentally friendly substances do not harm human health. The insulation is produced in the form of rolls, therefore, it is convenient to work with it. The installation process takes no more than 1 hour.

    Insulation of balconies and loggias: eight mistakes of finishers

    As previously mentioned, polystyrene foam is cheap, but nevertheless it is practical, and many builders use it. What is the best way to insulate a balcony from the inside with polystyrene foam:

    Wall thickness from edge interior decoration to the outside, taking into account the foam block, should be 30 cm. This is enough to retain heat and prevent cold from penetrating into the room.

    Pouring concrete, expanded clay layer and similar methods cost a lot of money. You can do similar insulation, but at the same time save money. An option for cheap wood and foam finishing could be like this:

    How to insulate a balcony? Choice of insulation.

    Specialists always start finishing the walls and ceiling, and finish with the floor. If you do everything the other way around, the base will be damaged and the front surface will be scratched.

    It is very difficult to calculate the total amount as there are many factors that influence it. Firstly, you must first decide whether the loggia will be a living room. If yes, then you will have to spend money on double-glazed windows. Secondly, prices for insulation change almost every day. Thirdly, you need to decide what kind of furniture the room will be furnished with. Therefore, you should not allocate a strictly fixed amount for such an event; it is better to prepare additional funds just in case in case unforeseen expenses arise.

    It is also recommended to prepare an estimate in advance and find a cheaper source of sales for the material, for example, not through intermediaries, but directly buy building materials at the base. If you turn to specialists for help, they will take into account the following points:

    You may also have to spend money on furniture and other interior items.

    Arranging a loggia with the help of specialists will cost a large amount, which will significantly hit your wallet. But if you insulate the balcony inside with your own hands, the final cost will be approximately 10 thousand rubles.