Modern housing should be multifunctional and well-planned. One way to rationalize space is to create a French balcony. Similar view glazing implies the presence of windows and doors and the absence of an impost.

In this case, the glass is installed from the ceiling to the floor. French loggia can become a decoration for your apartment and a place where you can enjoy your vacation.

What is French glazing

This type of glazing is being chosen by an increasing number of people. French windows to the balcony are ceiling-to-floor structures and contribute to maximum illumination of the space. Thanks to such windows you can achieve visual expansion apartment space.

Especially often, doors to the loggia are installed by apartment owners in top floors, as this allows you to observe the surroundings. If you want to install French windows, it is not necessary to destroy the load-bearing wall; it is enough to install a similar structure on the balcony.

Benefits of glazing

As a result of this type of glazing, not only does the appearance of the balcony improve, but it also creates more comfortable conditions. The described products are created in plastic or wooden frame. Most often, such products are installed in private houses or on the loggias of apartments located on the top floors. It is worth remembering that French glazing of a balcony can be either cold or warm.

Moreover, such windows look harmonious almost everywhere. After installing the windows, the loggia turns into a more comfortable place to relax, which resembles a small terrace. This type of glazing refers to modern methods premises equipment.

To install the structures described, old windows and fences are first dismantled. Many apartment owners install the upper part of the loggia clear glass, and the lower one is equipped in one of several ways. An example is the matte French glazing of a balcony. Transparent double-glazed windows are also often installed.

By installing glass, you can make a French balcony more attractive on both sides. In addition, the described type of glazing has a number of advantages:

1. Installing the described type of windows allows you to make the room more illuminated. Thanks to this, you can save on electricity. But what's more important is daylight more comfortable for human eyes, so the likelihood of vision impairment is reduced.
2. Visual expansion of space. Thanks to this, the room becomes more comfortable.
3. Increase usable area premises. This is due to the fact that during the installation of glass there is no upholstery and fastening of the thermal insulation material.
4. Saving on finishing materials.

Disadvantages of glazing

By installing products from trusted manufacturers, you can make your French balcony not only more beautiful, but also comfortable, since, if desired, you can install insulated double-glazed windows. But, despite these advantages, this type of glazing has several disadvantages:

1. The cost of installing windows is high. This is explained by the fact that the installation of such structures involves the implementation of complex installation work. It is also worth noting that the price of windows of the described design is quite high.
2. Overheating in summer time and hypothermia in winter. Because of large quantity Windows in the summer season on the loggia are quite hot. At the same time, in winter the temperature in the room drops. To protect yourself from the cold, you should only purchase quality products. If desired, you can purchase glass that does not allow some radiation to pass through, which helps maintain room temperature.
3. Frequent cleaning. To keep your French balcony cozy, you need to wash it weekly on the outside. If this is not done, a lot of dust will accumulate on the glass.
4. Restricting the installation of windows. The described type of product cannot be installed on some loggias, as they have heavy weight. Before purchasing windows, you should find out how much weight your balcony can support.

Installing french doors on the balcony you can be sure of their safety if you have children and pets at home. Reviews of the described products confirm that they look great on any loggia.

Warm and cold glazing

To choose specific option, it is worth deciding in advance exactly how the French balcony will be used. Cold option involves the use of an aluminum profile. Such products reliably protect against precipitation and provide some sound insulation. But it is worth remembering that when using such windows in the winter, the French balcony will be cold.

This option is chosen by people who want to spend less money on installing glass. Also, similar windows are installed by owners of apartments and houses in the southern regions.

Warm French glazing of a balcony involves the use of PVC double-glazed windows. Before purchasing such structures, it is worth accurately calculating the load on the loggia and determining whether it can withstand such an amount of glass. If necessary, the structure can be strengthened.

In some cases, it is necessary to move the glass a short distance so as not to reduce the area of ​​the room. A wrought iron French balcony can be a place where you can enjoy panoramic views.

Legal aspects of window installation

Before you begin French glazing of a loggia with the products described, you should contact the authorities that can approve the implementation of such work. An example is a situation in which the balcony is located on the front side. In this case, you must obtain permission.

If permission is not obtained, work is prohibited. Installation of the described products in some buildings may not be possible, since the dismantling of some concrete fences will not be possible.

Design reliability

When glazing a loggia, you don’t have to worry about the safety of the entire structure, since polyvinyl chloride, which is the main material when creating double-glazed windows, is strong enough to withstand heavy loads. In addition, such products are made from environmentally friendly materials.

French is a balcony that performs a purely decorative function. Because of the very small area It is impossible to arrange a storage room on it. There is no point in glazing it, much less adding it to the room. Essentially, a French balcony is a door in the wall with decorative fencing, protruding 20-30 cm from the wall.

It is sometimes difficult to even place a chair on such a balcony. You can only go out onto a narrow platform with a cup of tea. Sometimes the depth of the balcony is increased using a curved lattice. In the photo, French balconies are almost always decorated with fresh flowers in pots. The facade of the building only benefits from this design and looks stylish and noble.

Features of a French balcony

Owners of French balconies have mixed feelings about this design. Some see a lot of advantages in it, others see only disadvantages. The main advantage is that there is no need to spend money on its glazing and cladding. In addition, he:

• visually expands the space;
• does not interfere with the penetration of sunlight into the apartment;
• makes it possible to implement a lot of decorating ideas. In other words, a French balcony is needed solely as an aesthetic and even romantic element.

People who are far from romantic think that they are unlucky with a balcony. Among its shortcomings they note:

• lack of space to store household belongings;
• inability to use it for drying clothes;
• a panoramic window in summer is more of a disadvantage than an advantage, since the sun's rays provide even more heat, requiring the installation of an air conditioner or fan;
• the lattice sometimes requires additional strengthening so that you can safely go out onto the balcony and lean on it.

French balconies differ from each other in grate height, depth, width, presence or absence mosquito net, the material from which the grille is made, and other characteristics. The fencing of a French balcony can be cast iron, aluminum, plastic, etc.

The choice of material depends on whether or not it is necessary to lighten the structure. Aluminum and metal-plastic are used for this purpose. The latter is cheaper, but superior to aluminum in soundproofing properties.

The width of the balcony depends on the width of the panoramic window. The doors to the balcony may have different designs, from ordinary hinged to rising or sliding.

What are French balconies?

The classic design of a French balcony is enclosing it with a convex lattice of elegant forging. There is also a decorative cornice along the bottom to strengthen the structure. modern version It is much simpler in design and is a box made of double-glazed windows with a small protrusion outward.

Decoration of the balcony located on brick facade, serves as a relief arch made of the same brick, framing top part window, and sometimes extending into a frame around the entire window.

Modern design is close to high-tech style: a metal rectangular grille made of straight elements without any smooth bends and in the complete absence decorative elements. The window in a strict frame of a metallic shade also corresponds to it. Exactly modern design allows full glazing, unlike a wrought-iron balcony, on which the glazing looks ridiculous.

Although today French balcony glazing is increasingly used, when the structure has a minimum of frames and looks quite light due to the large amount of glass.

It is used not only for narrow, but also for ordinary balconies and loggias. However, you need to understand that you can no longer arrange a warehouse of things on it, since it will be on public display. French glazing should be accompanied by a stylish design.

Today, glass with one-sided transparency is at the peak of popularity. From inside the apartment through it is provided good review streets. But when you look from the outside, you don’t even suspect that the owner of the apartment might be looking at you, since the glass seems opaque.

If space allows, you can install a small bench and table on the balcony to drink tea and survey the surroundings. The main thing is not to allow any clutter.

Even though French balconies are not at the peak of popularity today, the number of their fans is increasing every year. And if there are enough other places in the house where you can store things, why not make a piece of space that unites the inner and outer worlds a relaxation corner?

Photos of French balconies

Initially, the name French balcony was used for small space, where only one person could fit - without its own balcony area. Today, such balconies are often called panoramic, because they are windows that extend from floor to ceiling and may have a projection. The fence is made of lattice - for a romantic touch, so to speak.

Design Features

Our glazing technique is rightfully considered one of the most sophisticated in terms of balcony improvement. Transparent design, which does not have a parapet, is fenced around the perimeter with window systems from floor to ceiling. Thanks to high windows the balcony or loggia becomes elegant stylish look. “Glass” from floor to ceiling is beautiful and practical, because more light enters the room and a wonderful panoramic view opens from the window.

However, the practicality is low: in good weather you cannot install a chair on it to enjoy reading; You won’t leave things that are rarely used in everyday life. The design also resembles some kind of bent basket, which does not satisfy the aesthetic taste of everyone.

Read more about the advantages and disadvantages

The design is extremely popular in large cities, although it is not without a number of disadvantages, which, of course, need to be familiarized with first. How have you decided to transform your living space?.

The advantages of a French balcony are:

As you can see, the arguments “For” are weighty. Now let's list the disadvantages:

Comparison of regular and French balconies

Imagine an ordinary site in a Khrushchev building: fences, sometimes slate outside. You can complain about the following:

• Unaesthetic view from the street.
• Fences prevent the amount of light from entering the room.
• There are often cracks through which cold air passes.
• Lack of sound insulation.

That’s why the residents of Khrushchevkas are thinking about building French version, considering this solution elegant and noting that modern materials will significantly improve the appearance of their home from the street.

Facts from history

A French balcony appeared due to the peculiarities of the traditional French architecture. In large cities of this country, in houses on narrow streets, balconies were so small that there was only enough space for flowers. climbing plants rose to the ceiling of the upper floor, and at the same time a “closed” space was formed. The French also made windows and exits to the balcony as large as possible in order to let maximum light into the home.

Balconies of this type not uncommon in Spain and Italy. Occasionally, this architectural technique was resorted to in the USSR. In our modern new buildings it can be found if they belong to the “comfort” class or higher.

When it comes about home exterior decor, every detail matters: the shape of the windows, the color of the walls, other elements of the exterior. What can we say about such a noticeable structure like ours. This is one of the best ways giving your home an elegant look and increasing the amount of natural light entering the interior. In France, this architectural solution has been familiar since the 7th century, and today it finds many admirers among our citizens.

A French balcony will serve you well for decades, and you will only need to spend money on it once. If you divide the cost of the structure by the number of years it will last without repair, you will see that the price is quite low.

Among different options installation of a balcony in an apartment and a private house, the French balcony occupies a separate place. This design will fill the room with light, and the façade of the building will look more refined and light.

Let's look at the French balcony from all sides, what it is, what types and design types there are, how it differs from ordinary balconies, what pros and cons are inherent, whether a building permit is required (glazing), and what the price is made up of.

French balcony - wrought iron balcony french style

The history of the French balcony

There are two interesting facts origin of the name.

The first version is beautiful and romantic

Associated with Romeo and Juliet, the phrase “juliet balconies” uttered in Shakespeare’s tragedy implies a balcony “that you cannot go out onto.” In modern interpretation, this stable word form in English stands for "French balcony".

The second version is dirty and obscene

In the XII-XIII centuries. there were no toilets in the Louvre, so the nobles relieved themselves wherever they had to, and in particular, on the balconies or right in open window, to whom they sat with their backs. Because climbing onto the window sill was not very convenient, someone came up with the idea of ​​increasing the height of the window, making it to the floor, for a more comfortable “landing”. To prevent a person from falling into such a “portal”, a fence was added. By the way, the fence curved towards the bottom is made for comfortable squatting, with your back to the world. This is the story of the appearance of a forged basket under the window, which was called a French balcony.

What is a French balcony?

Classic French balcony- this is a balcony without a balcony platform, having a fence installed directly in the opening outside the window or door. Some designs provide a small platform, 30-40 cm wide.

In simple words, this is french window- a door with a fence, usually in the form artistic forging. Material for the site www.moydomik.net

French-style balcony features big windows(to the height of the entire opening), in front of which a small fence is installed. Exactly wrought iron fence is the defining feature of a French balcony - business card. In addition to its decorative function, the fence serves as a safe barrier aimed at minimizing any risks associated with the design of the balcony or double-glazed windows.

Currently, the designation of a modern French balcony has been transformed and any balcony that has panoramic glazing.

French loggia- this is a loggia that does not have a parapet, and the entire opening has floor glazing (French or panoramic glazing).

French glazing of a balcony is a translucent structure, glazed around the perimeter with double-glazed windows from floor to ceiling. You could say that this is modern interpretation French balcony, may have a forged fence or be without it.

French balcony - photos inside and outside

French balcony in a brick house

French balconies in the apartment

French balcony in the bedroom, view from inside

French balcony in country house, photo inside the living room

Wrought iron fencing for French balconies

French style balcony in the house

French balcony style

Glass fencing for French balcony

Types of French balconies

There are two types of French-style balconies according to the type of construction:

Wrought iron French balcony

As defined above, this is classic balcony in French, which does not have its own platform. In fact, this is only a fence in the window/door balcony opening.

Sometimes the balcony has a small platform on which, perhaps, an adult’s foot can fit. Decorative wrought iron fencing performs protective function, and the large area of ​​glass allows you to let a lot of light into the room. daylight.

Wrought iron French balcony

Wrought iron fencing for a balcony in a French style in a private house

Modern French balcony with platform

This is a familiar balcony or loggia, which is glazed from floor to ceiling. Those. This is a balcony with French glazing.

French glazing of a balcony in a house

French glazing of a balcony in an apartment

What is the difference between a French balcony and a regular one?

The difference with the traditional one lies in the design and parameters:

• a specific configuration of a window block, which consists in the absence of an impost (a vertical lintel to which the sashes are adjacent when closed), which allows for a panoramic view and a spacious exit to the balcony. At wide opening sliding window systems are used;

• absence of necessity interior decoration balcony Of course, any type of cold glazing does not require finishing. But from an aesthetic point of view, the balcony will look unfinished, so minimal work is still being done. In the case of a French balcony, the owner will simply have no walls left that need finishing; they will be covered with double-glazed windows;

• A feature of French balconies in our region is the replacement of solid double-glazed windows with segmental ones, which allows for ventilation on the balcony, as well as the use of tinted glass or sandwich panels in the lower part of the balcony glazing;

• size (dimensions). The dimensions of the French balcony are slightly larger than the usual ones, due to the fact that there is no massive parapet on which it is installed metal carcass. In addition, parapets are mainly insulated, and this also takes 10-15 cm from the width of the balcony;

• doorway from the room to the balcony. There is no point in installing a French balcony and not being able to enjoy its benefits. Therefore, owners of apartments and houses often dismantle balcony block with a partial change in the geometry of the opening (for which permission is required) and install French windows instead of a balcony block.

French balcony - pros and cons

Installing a French balcony is largely a tribute to fashion, but it is distinguished by a number of advantages and disadvantages unique to this type of glazing. Let's look at the pros and cons.

Advantages of a French balcony

• design, appearance. Since such glazing is still new in the domestic construction market- then the balcony looks unusual, attracting the glances of passers-by and making the owner proud;

• high level of light transmission. Due to the large glass area, more daylight penetrates into the room. It is also healthier and helps you save on electricity;

• illusion of open space. Due to the absence of a parapet at the balcony with French glazing, it seems that the floor slab is hanging in the air. This blurs the boundaries between the room and the surrounding landscape. This is especially evident in low-rise private houses or Khrushchev-era buildings, which are surrounded by plantings;

• a balcony with French glazing warms up well in the off-season, which allows it to be used as a living space, with a slight increase in heating costs;

• the usable space of the balcony or loggia increases;

• good sound insulation. Achieved by using warm systems glazing made of PVC profile or insulated aluminum profile with a thermal bridge (thermal break);

• no need for interior finishing of a balcony or loggia;

• there is no need to strengthen the parapet to install French glazing.

Disadvantages of a French balcony

This type of glazing also has disadvantages that may become an obstacle to its installation in a particular apartment (house):

• high price due to the objective factor of greater material consumption due to the larger glazing area;

• additional costs for the purchase of functional options: frames, heat-reflecting (heat-saving) film, energy-saving double-glazed windows, laminated profiles, metal fence(forging), clamps for sashes, etc.;

• significant cost of installation work. Installation of a French balcony requires preliminary dismantling of the parapet, which cannot be done independently due to its significant weight and dimensions. In addition, the old parapet needs to be disposed of;

• the difficulty of window maintenance associated with an increase in glazing area. This is the paradox of the French window. Traditionally, French windows were installed on the first or second floor of the house to combine the window and the passage. Therefore, these windows are also called window-door or “portal”.

  Modern French glazed balcony panoramic windows, That's why door block naturally absent, and the glass area, on the contrary, increases. And access to them, especially to the lower sections, is difficult. Therefore, to care for a French balcony with a large number of blind sashes it becomes more difficult, sometimes requiring the involvement of industrial climbers;

• heat loss through a double-glazed window is higher than through an insulated wall;

• in summer, a steam room effect is possible due to the strong heating of glass surfaces;

• problems in people prone to acrophobia (fear of heights) or agoraphobia (fear of open space). The effect of the absence of boundaries, for which French balconies are actually loved, can cause a feeling of discomfort in some people;

• openness interior spaces. Big square glazing allows you to see what is happening inside the house if a French window is installed between the balcony and the room, as well as if the apartment is located on the lower floors. This effect is more pronounced in the dark (aquarium effect). Therefore, if you are not ready to share your personal life with others, the French balcony should be decorated with curtains, blinds or decorative screens. Or order tinted or mirror glass in double glazed windows for your balcony in advance.

French balcony safety

The space, open from ceiling to floor, is captivating, but it also carries risks. For safety, the French balcony has a fence on the outside, in the form of a small wrought-iron balcony, or a railing on the inside.

Subject to competent design, accurate calculations and correct installation- using the French balcony for its intended purpose is absolutely safe.

Permit for construction/glazing of a French balcony

Due to the design of the French balcony, its installation involves changing the geometry of the opening (if the balcony block also changes), which in some cases ( multi-storey building, load-bearing walls) requires approval from the relevant authorities, i.e. Documentary support is required.

Approval will also be required to change an element of the building's façade if the building is of architectural or historical value, or is located in a historical district of the city. Moreover, the documents should be received before the French balcony is installed, and not after.

Illegal installation is fraught with heavy fines, if not immediately, then later. Those. people have been living with such redevelopment for years, and when the need arises to sell or buy an apartment, they cannot do without legalization, otherwise it will not be possible to re-register the property.

Cost of a French balcony

The price of a French balcony consists of several components:

1. view window profile: aluminum, wood, plastic, metal-plastic or fiberglass;
2. thermal insulation characteristics of the profile (number of chambers, presence of thermal break, etc.). For wooden frame- type of wood;
3. type of glass: tempered, regular, energy-saving, triplex;
4. number of double-glazed windows;
5. quality of fittings;
6. additional options;
7. dimensions;
8. order volume (partial, wholesale, turnkey).

The price of installation work is influenced by:

• altitude;
• the cost of dismantling and disposal of construction waste;
• balcony configuration.

The estimated cost of a French balcony, loggia (Rehau profile, Germany) is shown in the table:

Material prepared for the website www.moydomik.net

How to save on French glazing of a balcony

• select profile domestic production. Its functional and quality characteristics are not much inferior to imported analogues, but the price is lower due to the absence of transport costs. In addition, global brands often locate production on the territory of neighboring countries and control the quality of adherence to technology;

• buy out of season. Glazing can be considered a seasonal service, and demand for it increases with the onset of cold weather (autumn). If you place an order in the summer or late spring you can get a big discount on your purchase;

• change several windows at once. In this case, you can count on discounts for bulk orders. For example, in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other large cities there is a lot of competition, so companies offer profitable promotions;

• selection of energy-saving double-glazed windows. Their cost is only 3-5% higher than the cost of a standard double-glazed window, but the efficiency is much higher, which will allow you to save on heating the balcony in the future. This factor is especially important for those who plan to use the balcony as a living space;

• choosing the “zero loan” program. Purchasing a French balcony on credit can hardly be considered as a way to save money; rather, it is an opportunity to divide the cost into several payments. And if the manufacturer is willing to provide credit to the buyer, the overall purchasing burden can be reduced.

Thus, we figured out what a French balcony is, what advantages and disadvantages this type of glazing has, and also how much such an extraordinary renovation of the interior and exterior design of a private house or apartment in a Khrushchev-era building (or in a new building) will cost.

Often, when asked what a French balcony looks like, not everyone can answer.

However, almost everyone has seen it at least once.

Translated from French literally the name sounds like “a door with a window.” In fact, this is what it looks like.

And with an ordinary door and window, a similar design differs in the presence of a forged lattice instead of a parapet.

Previously, the French balcony was the name given to all balconies that were a narrow protruding area for one person with a wrought-iron parapet. Usually they had the function of ventilating the apartment.

Let's consider modern balconies French type in more detail, let's talk about their positive and negative qualities, as well as the nuances that need to be considered when installing such a balcony.

What are balconies of this type?

Let's first deal with appearance these atypical designs.

Nowadays, French balconies are mainly called balconies, glazed with panoramic windows from top to bottom with a transition to a small ledge with a fence in the form of a lattice, most often forged. Externally, such balconies have a slightly curved shape.

Such a structure does not have any specific tasks.

French balconies

Since the site is small in size, the balcony is not used as a storage room or for the purpose of arranging a living area. But such a balcony looks very original and will decorate the building well.

And if you love houseplants, then you are doubly lucky - here they can be placed in huge numbers, which will also decorate the building and allow you to enjoy a pleasant evening in this small greenhouse.

Positive and negative traits

Like all balconies, a French-type balcony has its advantages and disadvantages.

Most often, its advantages are considered:

1) not required additional expenses for installation of railings, Finishing work and strengthening works;

2) not required exterior decoration balcony;

3) no insulation required and interior lining balcony;

4) visual expansion of the balcony space with the achievement of its maximum illumination;

5) a panoramic window is created;

6) no need for welding work during installation;

7) budget savings when purchasing finishing materials;

8) a lot of design options.

But there are also disadvantages:

1) the design does not provide for the presence of a window sill;

2) reinforcement of the concrete slab is required;

3) required additional ventilation in summer and additional heating in winter;

4) high cost;

5) difficulty of care, because necessary wet cleaning large glass surface.

Parameters of French balconies

The main parameters are the width and height of the balcony, the presence of a mosquito net, drainage, and so on.

In addition, it is important to take into account the material from which the balcony is made, its quality, properties and color.

To reduce the weight of the balcony, they are most often used aluminum profiles. True, they are more expensive than other options, and their thermal and noise insulation rates are much lower. One of the main characteristics of glazing is the number of sashes in the windows, depending on the measurements and the required final result.

Glazing sashes can be hinged (opening outwards), blind (do not open at all) and partially opening.

The choice depends on you and on the structure of the double-glazed windows. Also take into account the finish of the facade on which the balcony will be installed and the installation height.

Variety of types

French-type balconies come in different types.

Most often there is a balcony in the form glazed door with a fence outside or inside it. Another option is a balcony with a small concrete overhang, most often supported by a decorative cornice. This is the traditional option.

Balconies also differ in how they are connected to the load-bearing wall.

Fastenings can be point-based (with little use metal parts), using a pipe profile and using a metal profile fixed directly to the load-bearing wall.

In any case, what your balcony will look like depends only on you. You can install additional handrails or a wrought-iron parapet, or you can simply choose panoramic glazing across the entire wall.

Installation of a French balcony

Installing a balcony of this type is not an easy process, so it is better to entrust it to specialists.

The installation process itself takes place in several steps.

If the installation is taking place for the first time, then first of all you need to measure the installation site and inspect the finishing elements. Installing such a balcony will take less time than installing a traditional balcony, especially since welding and finishing work is not required.

To install a French balcony you will have to, along with metal-plastic construction install a reinforcing profile and reinforcement elements. Such balconies have reliable fastenings thanks to special technology installation

In addition, you can regular balcony convert to French.

To do this, you need to remove the concrete parapet or metal fence.

It is preferable to choose aluminum profiles, as they have sliding doors, which is very convenient.

True, such glazing costs much more than metal-plastic. Choose 2-chamber double-glazed windows with energy-saving glass to improve the thermal insulation of the room.

Moreover, there is a lot of glass in this design, so the balcony will need good insulation.

It is also possible to install balconies with partial glazing, in which glazing is installed at the top of the balcony and sandwich panels at the bottom. This design does not require insulation or finishing.

It is better to choose double-glazed windows of maximum strength. This design is more practical and safe, especially if you have children in your family.

An excellent choice would be glazing that is transparent only on the inside. It will perfectly hide everything that happens in the room from prying eyes.

French balconies are becoming more and more popular. If you like to admire the beautiful view directly from the apartment, then this type of balconies is just for you.

A French balcony will emphasize your sense of taste and add elegance and aesthetics to the apartment.

They are even suitable for private homes and decorate them perfectly.

So add a balcony with a wrought-iron parapet to the facade, and then decorate it with a small flower garden and get a chic decor for the whole house, accessible to many and at a low cost.

Video - wrought iron French balcony