When building their own home, every future homeowner considers many layout options. As a rule, many of them are thinking about whether to arrange a balcony in a wooden house, especially if the future building will consist of two floors. Let's try to understand what kind of balcony structures are in wooden houses and what you need to know in order to build it.
Types of balconies
For the most part, country houses are built on the basis of standard projects. And it's no secret that many future owners are trying to make some differences in the project, which will give its future home individuality. Many future owners choose a balcony as such an addition. In addition, it will become a certain decoration and certain functions are assigned to it. The balcony structure can become a canopy over the lower floor, under it you can arrange a platform for the whole family to relax. In addition, this structure significantly increases the living area of the building. The main thing is that it harmoniously fits into the architectural decisions made during the construction of the building, and then a wooden house with a balcony will look like a completely finished structure.
In a log house, perhaps, the arrangement of two options for this design - external and internal, sometimes it is called built-in. Accordingly, they are built according to different methods:
- on racks;
- on releases.
Both of these types have a number of advantages:
- Aesthetics. A properly designed balcony structure becomes a real decoration of the building as a whole.
- Additional area. On it you can arrange a kind of additional place intended for leisure activities.
- Safety. Through it, you can leave the building on fire or, in extreme cases, give an alarm.
At the same time, it is necessary to take into account the fact that its presence causes certain inconveniences:
- The appearance of extra points of heat loss. Often this is facilitated by the presence of a door structure. This defect is typical for cantilever structures.
- Difficulties in carrying out calculations and in the construction of this structure.
- Extra expenses. It should be understood that the construction of an additional structure is a source of unnecessary costs associated with the complication of calculations and additional construction work.
This type of balcony extends beyond the perimeter of the main building. To install it, you may need to install additional supports under the front of the base.
A balcony of this type is placed directly under the roof of the building and the walls and ceiling beams act as the base of this structure.
A balcony in a private house is a room that can have a different functional purpose. Subject to a number of conditions, it is possible to organize a playground on it.
waterproofing layer
Hydraulic isolation must be carried out in any case. Water will be absorbed into the floor, as a result of which the slab may begin to collapse if the base is made of concrete or mold if the balcony structure is made of wood.
A balcony built in a wooden house needs more hydraulic insulation than its stone (concrete) counterparts. This is due to the fact that wood is subject to the destructive action of atmospheric phenomena. In addition, it is subject to biological contamination. All of these factors lead to the rapid destruction of the structure.
When performing hydraulic isolation of an open type structure, it is important to ensure that it slopes towards the street. This will help to avoid the accumulation of excess moisture on its surface. The slope of the base from the wall to the edge can be 40 mm. In addition, this solution avoids the destruction of the laid insulation.
The most important role is played by the waterproofing of the balcony in a wooden house. There are many materials intended for its arrangement. This list includes roll materials, mastics, membranes, etc.
The quality of the insulation largely depends on when it is performed. Of course, its quality will be higher if it is completed at the stage of its construction.
If it has already been built, then the most inexpensive way would be to lay a concrete screed on top, a liquid mixture, which includes liquid rubber. Perhaps the use of special sheets that can be laid as the base of the flooring.
Waterproofing, made on the basis of liquid rubber, shows good results in protecting the balcony structure from the action of water. It is applied to the surface of the wood with a sprayer. But the use of this technology requires the use of specialized technological equipment, which is operated only by craftsmen who perform hydraulic isolation work.
Waterproofing of a closed balcony
The methods of hydraulic isolation of a closed structure are not much different from those used in the protection of an open structure. The only thing to remember is that, in addition to the floor, on a closed structure, it is necessary to insulate the walls and ceiling.
Balconies from various materials
Concrete balconies
Often, homeowners arrange a balcony, at the base of which lies a concrete slab. It can be purchased at the nearest precast concrete plant. When creating such a structure, it is necessary to carry out work to strengthen the structure of the house as a whole and distribute the load arising from the installation of this plate.
Wooden balconies
In wooden houses, they are made mainly from wood. Beams with a section of 100x150 or 150x150 mm are used as carriers. The creation of such a balcony structure implies that work will be carried out on the hydraulic isolation of the base.
A balcony in a wooden house can be equipped during the construction of the house, or it can be attached after the construction of the building is completed. Before attaching a balcony to a wooden house, it is necessary to assess the feasibility of the building structure in terms of distributing the resulting load from the attached structure.
Wrought iron balconies
When talking about wrought iron balconies, they mean wrought iron railings that can be installed. When deciding to install a fence of this type, it is necessary to take into account the fact that a parapet of this type creates an additional load. That is, it will be necessary to carry out additional work to strengthen the balcony.
French balcony in a private house
Ideally, a French balcony is a small platform that protrudes beyond the facade of the building for a long distance. Forged or welded grating is used as a fence.
Balconies with canopies are used quite often. To organize a canopy, different materials are used, for example, ondulin or slate. But polycarbonate can be considered optimal for forming a canopy. To fix it, there is no need to perform complex operations, in addition, it provides protection from ultraviolet radiation.
The balcony can be placed both on the front side and on the back side. This allows, if necessary, to retire from neighbors. Such a balcony can be built on the roof of the veranda. As a rule, the existing supporting pillars for the veranda are sufficient to withstand the loads that will arise during the construction of the balcony.
The beams from which the base of the frame house is assembled are highly durable, but at the same time they are flexible and resilient. The design of the balcony must have sufficient rigidity for normal operation. The load created by it must be evenly distributed between all elements of the frame. This is necessary to reduce the likely deformation of the floors installed between floors.
In frame houses, two versions of balcony structures are used. In one case, wall panels are used, which include elongated beams. In another case, ceilings can become the basis for the observation deck. To increase the reliability of this design, struts are used. These are beams, which at one end rest against the facade, the other end supports the edge of the balcony base.
To create a flooring on the balcony, boards made of pine or larch are used. Before laying, they must be treated with antiseptic and water-repellent compounds. After laying them on their surface, it is necessary to apply a topcoat, but understand that it must be updated periodically.
There are no restrictions on the use of different types of fences. That is, which parapet will be installed on the balcony depends entirely on the taste of the owner and his financial capabilities.
SNiPs for balconies
Before starting work on the construction of this structure, it makes sense to familiarize yourself with the following documents
SNiP 11-25-80 - Wooden structures.
SNiP 31-01-2003 - Residential multi-apartment buildings.
Related video balcony in a wooden house
1 Balcony waterproofing
3 wooden house with a balcony
Usually private houses do not imply the mandatory presence of a balcony. Someone will find this architectural element redundant even for a two-story house, someone will be stopped by certain difficulties in its construction and decoration, someone will find this idea too expensive. As a rule, a balcony in a private house is replaced by spacious terraces or verandas.
However, many owners of country mansions and cottages still prefer open and closed balconies as a cozy place to relax, sleep or work.
Pros and cons
A balcony, like any other architectural structure, of course, has a number of certain advantages and disadvantages, which must be weighed at the design stage of the future home.
The advantages of a balcony include the following points:
- The possibility of using the balcony area as additional residential meters;
- Attractive appearance, beautiful decoration of the facade;
- Free access to the street. It is always good to spend time outdoors with a pleasant conversation or a cup of coffee. In addition, fresh air in the immediate vicinity of the living space can be a real salvation for people with disabilities;
- Depending on the design features, a balcony can serve as part of a porch, roof or veranda;
- In the event of a critical situation, the balcony can always be used as an emergency exit to the street.
In addition to the advantages, a balcony in a private house has its drawbacks. Among them:
- Adding a balcony to an existing house is always financially very costly;
- The attached balcony is a high-risk structure. Incorrect calculation or installation error can lead to the collapse of the structure;
- The balcony door leads to significant heat loss in the room. Unless we are talking about a completely isolated extension.
Kinds
Balconies can be closed or open. An open structure is a base plate with a fence. A closed balcony implies mandatory glazing of the territory.
Open
Most often, private houses are decorated with open balconies. This design is used as a decorative element, so the choice of finishing materials and the design of the fences are of particular importance. One of the most beautiful and stylish options, which is gaining more and more popularity in recent years, is the use of wrought iron fencing.
In addition to the unconditional external attractiveness, forged fencing has its own characteristics:
- its size should not exceed the size of the carrier plate and the balcony opening;
- before installation, it is necessary to carefully assess the condition of the plate, because the metal structure will add a lot of unnecessary load to it;
- it is necessary to proceed with the installation of a metal grating or other metal structure only after the complete restoration of the reinforced concrete slab (eliminating cracks and chips, leveling).
Closed
Glazing significantly increases the functionality of the room, allowing you to use the balcony not only as a place to relax, but also as one of the living rooms.
Glass protects the balcony space from cold wind and precipitation, birds and annoying insects, and excessive noise. An enclosed balcony is a great place to grow heat-loving plants that love excess sunlight.
Various glazing options (panoramic, partial, using stained-glass windows) provide new opportunities for original and aesthetically attractive facade design.
Material
Durable and durable materials are used for the manufacture of balconies. Most often it is concrete and wood.
concrete balcony
Such an architectural structure has its own characteristics:
- load-bearing structures are recessed into the wall. The reliability of the structure depends on the thickness of the wall, if it is not very strong, then additional supports are used;
- balcony departure is at least 1 meter in length;
- if the house is brick, then the base plate is inserted into the wall in full length;
- the top level of the slab starts 5-8 cm below the expected level of the floor covering;
- the concrete base must be carefully waterproofed;
- The height of balcony railings should not be less than 1 m.
wooden balcony
Usually inferior to concrete in size and reliability, but superior in decorative terms. Outwardly, the balcony resembles a cozy wooden house or hut. Wood is a material that has many advantages. First of all, it is the atmosphere of comfort that natural wood creates, its smell and appearance. The tree is perfectly combined with different finishing materials.
Features of the wooden balcony device:
- for the manufacture of load-bearing structures, beams with a section of 10 * 20 cm are used;
- the minimum depth of beams in the stone facade should not be less than 25 cm;
- the beams are fastened to the walls with bolts or metal corners;
- vertical racks (boards 4 * 10 cm) and longitudinal (5 * 10 cm) are attached to the console;
- flooring and handrails are installed;
- all elements made of wood and metal are treated with oil paint, gratings and handrails are covered with frost-resistant and waterproof varnish.
The gaps between the bars of the lattice for any structure should not be wider than 10-12 cm.
Balcony in a wooden house
Most often, balconies are arranged directly in the roof. It can be gable, roof structures or balconies-windows. Gable and roof structures can protrude beyond the facade of the house or be recessed.
If the project plans to create a gable balcony, then in the process of construction work one of the gables is made deeper to the width of the future structure. The basis for the roof will be a hanging rafter system.
The base plate of the future structure is covered with insulation and a layer of waterproofing, a screed is arranged on top. The next step is the installation of a metal, brick or wooden fence.
How to independently install a balcony in a private house in the video below.
Construction types
Regardless of the appearance and size, all balconies have mandatory structural elements. Among them:
- base plate, which accounts for the main load;
- fence (parapet);
- additional elements (visor, wind screen).
The main structural element is a slab, which is made of reinforced concrete or wood. The first option is applicable only for buildings built of durable materials (stone, brick, reinforced concrete blocks). The wooden plate has a low weight, so it can be installed on the facade of any building.
According to the method of fixing the plate to the wall, balconies can be:
- with a cantilever beam pinched in the wall (reinforced concrete slab is recessed into the wall at the construction stage, and the overhang of the structure cannot exceed 1 m);
- with a cantilever slab and support on beams (beams are recessed into the wall, on which a reinforced concrete or wooden slab is placed on top, while the width of the balcony can reach 1.2 m);
- with a slab resting on triangular brackets (this option is used when the balcony is attached to an already standing building);
- with a slab on supports (an attached balcony rests on columns, walls, beams standing near the facade).
The French balcony also belongs to the category of balconies, although, in fact, it is just a beautiful window opening fencing.
Location options
Design projects may include different locations of balconies, for example, above a veranda or open terrace, above a bay window or porch.
Most often, the balcony adorns the central part of the facade of the building and is located under a common roof with the house. E This option is ideal for small buildings. This balcony is a great place to relax in both sunny and rainy weather. A fairly spacious room allows you to bring a small table, a couple of chairs or even a sofa to the balcony.
A log triangular balcony under the roof looks very interesting and unusual.. Glazing allows you to use such a room as a winter garden.
A balcony above any structure (porch, veranda or bay window) usually performs not only a decorative, but also a purely practical function. Such structures require a roof, and the balcony slab just plays its role. A practical option that significantly reduces the cost of construction.
If there is no such need, then the balcony can be located on either side of the building, usually on the second or last floor.
If in apartment buildings they often try to turn balconies into living quarters, then with private ones the opposite is true: balconies are specially designed there, although the presence of this element is not at all mandatory. As for wooden houses, finishing, waterproofing, design are quite complicated, if only because of the absence of any interdependent structural elements, and in fact most apartment buildings are simply devoid of such shortcomings.
It is clear that the presence of a loggia significantly complicates the design of a house. This can be attributed to the disadvantages of such a room. Yes, and the presence of stairs to the balcony also does not simplify the task. Finishing, design, waterproofing of the structure, construction of a staircase - even a seemingly completely simple wooden balcony will require all this.
What are the advantages of this room in a private house? There are two very important advantages. Firstly, the presence of a balcony is an extremely important advantage in terms of fire safety.
An example of a diagram of a balcony floor device By the way, the French balcony is gaining popularity among homeowners again. True, its design and finish, as well as waterproofing, are significantly difficult. Yes, and stairs to bring to it is more difficult. By the way, on the balcony you can easily make a wardrobe with your own hands.
Types of balconies
If we consider the two types of balconies listed above, then experts give the advantage to the adjoining ones. But if we are talking not about private, but about apartment buildings, then the advantage here will be for the cantilever, since they have a more durable type of construction.
Although waterproofing, finishing, design and addition of stairs to such a room, as noted above, is a rather difficult task.
Scheme for the construction of a balcony in a wooden private house Technical requirements
Regardless of its location and type, any balcony must comply with a number of important safety rules:
The minimum slope of the balcony slab must be at least 2°!
Materials and construction technology
Balconies with a pinched slab are the most reliable, but they are used exclusively in brick and other houses where there is a possibility of a heavy load. Moreover, high-quality vapor barrier of the structure will be required, finishing and design will be difficult (everything is easier with adjoining).
As for the stairs, in this case it will be somewhat easier to attach it - this is true. Such balconies are erected exclusively at the stage of construction of a private house, so the owner does not have much opportunity to change the design already during the start of operation.
Scheme of the external balcony device With adjoining, everything is much easier. They can be built after the house has entered service. Yes, and make them easier.
For the construction, you will need special brackets on which the load-bearing beams will be fixed. The vapor barrier of such a design must be reliable, otherwise the brackets will rust over time and there will be a risk of falling beams and, accordingly, the balcony itself.
By the way, the beams themselves can be easily made right on the spot, right next to the walls of the house itself. Interestingly, wooden beams can also be used for a wooden balcony.
The scheme of the extension of the balcony to the house The construction technology itself is really extremely simple and it simply does not make any sense to consider it in more detail.
The cost of the adjoining, it is worth recalling, is several times higher than the cost of the console. Well, the advantages and disadvantages of these two types have already been mentioned above. Finishing is carried out with any materials, except for natural stone - it is too heavy.
Make it easy enough. It is possible to glaze a balcony in a private house, but this is not always advisable. Terrace - the essence is the same balcony, only the ledge is wider, as a rule. In general, a terrace is that architectural detail that has always been inherent in the Russian architectural tradition.
Adjoining balconies in brick houses cannot be erected, since the walls will strongly press down the balcony slab.
Such structures are in demand among building owners to this day, as well as beautiful adjoining stairs. Projects of houses today can be ordered in one of the many architectural bureaus.
You can give some advice to those who want to build a house with a balcony:
- It is better to prefer an adjoining balcony instead of a wall-mounted one, even if it costs more. The only exception is if the house is made of brick, because the load on the entire structure will be quite large in this case;
- Today, not only French, but also Russian style of decoration is popular, with wooden tiles and other national decor elements.
Video
You can watch a video on how to properly build a hinged balcony in a private house.
How to make a balcony in a private house, how to properly equip its fence, floor and canopy - you will learn about all this from our article.
Many people like balconies, they give the facade a complete and harmonious look. But in addition to aesthetics, such an architectural design increases the comfort of living in the house. It makes it possible to go outside, to fresh air, while not leaving the cottage. Often, cozy corners are arranged on the balconies for the whole family to relax. If you wish, you can make a small winter garden there. Also, balconies are used to put some things that do not fit in the house or need to be stored in a cool place.
The balcony is able to increase the natural light of the room many times over. That is why they are often made in houses with an attic. Such an architectural structure can be placed on top of the terrace or veranda, which are located on the ground floor. This is also a great cost savings, since in this case the floor of the balcony will also be the roof for the veranda.
What should be the balcony, where to place it?
Do-it-yourself balcony in a private house it is quite possible to do, but it will take quite a lot of time and money. Remember that this design should turn out not only beautiful, but also safe so that it can withstand the weight of several people who will stand on it. So that financial costs and labor are not in vain, you need to think very carefully about where to place the balcony so that you really enjoyed. It is not uncommon for such a design to be unnecessary simply because it was made in the wrong place. For example, tenants only after the construction of the house and its intro for exploitation realized that the balcony, for example, is located on the side of the neighbor’s yard, and you don’t want to relax there with your family at all, so that all the neighbors can see you. There are times when a balcony is located on the front side of the cottage, which overlooks a noisy road. Therefore, residents practically do not use it, because they do not want to relax, sitting above the highway.
In a word, you need to think very well where the balcony would be appropriate in your house, on which side to place it, so that it really becomes a cozy relaxation area, and not just an additional place to store things. A balcony can be made between the two walls of the house that form right angle. In this case, you get a really very cozy corner, if such a balcony is glazed and heating is installed there, it will be possible to relax on it even in winter.
Think about what exactly you want to do do-it-yourself balcony in a private house. If it will be used, for example, as a smoking area so as not to go out into the courtyard every time, or if it will first of all be just a decorative element of the building, it can be made small with a ledge from the wall of 70-100 cm. If you want a balcony to do for relaxation, keep in mind that there you will need to place a small table, chairs. The protrusion of such a balcony should be at least 1.5 meters. In this case, from below it must necessarily be supported by racks, without this the structure will be dangerous.
Be sure to consider what material your house is built from. Wooden balconies look amazing, the weight of the wood is very light, it will not add a significant load to the cottage foundation. But far from always a balcony made of such building materials will be appropriate, for example, if the building is built of brick or modern aerated concrete blocks in some fashionable loft, hi-tech or techno style. In this case, the balcony must be made of reinforced concrete with metal railings.
How to make a frame for a future balcony?
Do-it-yourself balconies in private houses are most often made of wood. Heavy reinforced concrete structures require special equipment for their installation. If a wooden balcony is being made during the construction of the cottage, then the floor beams will become an excellent basis for it. In the place where the balcony is planned, the beams are made long and released outside the wall to such a distance as the future balcony structure should be. So that the frame does not deform and collapse, it is necessary to use beams with a section of 150x80 mm for these purposes. The width of such a wooden balcony can be up to 2 meters.
If the interfloor ceilings in the house are made of reinforced concrete, it will not work to take out such beams. In this case, the balcony structure is made on special supports. To do this, it is necessary to fix a beam on the wall, the cross section of which must be at least 150x50 mm. Fasten it with galvanized metal anchors or consoles. The method of mounting the beam is chosen depending on what the walls of the house are made of.
After that, a cross beam is attached to the wooden balcony posts. It is on it that all load-bearing beams will rely. The design will turn out to be reliable and strong, if the transverse beam rests on top of the columns, you should not screw it overlay. Please note that it should be installed slightly lower than the wall support beam. This is done in order to get a slope of 2-3 degrees from the wall of the house, this will prevent the accumulation of moisture. The balcony area should be located 50 cm lower than the floor in the second floor room. This will prevent moisture from melting snow from entering the house. After that, it is necessary to attach balcony beams, the cross section of which is 150x50 mm, to the support bars using galvanized metal corner consoles. In this case, the step should be within 500-700 mm.
How to make struts and columns of a balcony?
If desired do-it-yourself balconies in private houses you can make not only small ones, but also large ones, where a table and chairs will fit. But such a design must be fixed with the help of special struts that reinforce the base. We are talking about balconies that will protrude significantly from the wall. Such a brace can be made from a durable beam, which must be cut into the extreme beams and made to rest against the embedded elements of the wall. The brace is made of wood in the form of a right triangle. At the same time, one of its legs will be located on the facade of the house, it is attached with anchors, and the other must be securely screwed to the beams of the balcony area. Forged metal struts are very durable and beautiful. They are perfect for almost any wooden balcony design.
If you want to make a large balcony according to the beam-rack system, its outer part must be supported with pillars. Like struts, there should be at least two such pillars. But if the design of the balcony is overall, they are made even larger to make it safe and strong. The columns supporting the large balcony must be placed on a columnar foundation. Only in this case it is possible to prevent their subsidence. Ideally, if such a base for the columns is poured simultaneously with the foundation structure of the entire building. She must be one with her. Only in this case will any distortions be completely excluded.
If you want to learn how to make a balcony in a private house that is built of wood, remember that the best option is to build a balcony structure and the entire cottage at the same time. Wood shrinks significantly, if you first remove the walls, the roof, and then start attaching a balcony to the house, which rests on columns, there is a high probability that the whole structure will warp due to shrinkage, gaps will form between the wall and the balcony.
To make strong wooden columns, you need a dry beam, the section of which is 100x100 mm. Fix them strictly vertically. To do this, you can use auxiliary struts, which are removed after the balcony frame is fully assembled. You can attach wooden columns to the foundation using box-shaped consoles for mounting racks, which were previously walled up in concrete. You can also use corners for secure fastening. But the best way is still box-shaped consoles, their size is chosen depending on the section of the beam. To completely eliminate the lateral vibrations of the columns, you can make inclined braces that will support them. Such additional fasteners are necessary if the balcony is very large and heavy.
What to make a durable balcony floor?
Terraced board is very popular now. This modern material is made from wood fiber and plastic. It looks exactly like a tree. Such a board is easily and quickly cut and processed. The surface of this material is polished and imitates beautiful wood species. It is best to purchase a terrace board that has hidden fasteners, in which case the floor will be perfectly flat and aesthetic.
Such a board is good because it is not afraid of moisture at all, it will never crack, bark beetles or mold will not start in it. It does not need to be covered with varnish, paint or antifungal treatment. But it is quite possible to make flooring from ordinary wooden boards. In order for them to serve for a long time, they must be pre-treated with antifungal impregnations, and then hidden with varnish or paint. Please note that these materials must be designed for outdoor use and for use in high humidity conditions.
How to make a balcony railing?
Balcony railings are not just decoration, they must be very reliable, strong so that you can lean on them without fear of falling. If the entire balcony is made of wood, then the fence is most often also made of wood, but in some cases forged metal is quite suitable. Remember that the balcony railing must be combined with the overall architecture of the building. For example, a carved wooden fence will look out of place in a house whose facade is sheathed with plastic panels, or when the cottage is built in a modern minimalist, high-tech style or the like. The best option for such houses would be fences made of metal.
If you are interested in how to make a balcony in a private house with wooden railings, you will learn more about this later in our article. The railing posts are attached to the load-bearing beams with a spiked connection. You can also use self-tapping studs. To securely attach all the balustrade posts, angles, metal struts, brackets are used. Safety standards require that the balcony railings can withstand a horizontal load of 100 kg / m. To do this, the distance between the posts and other elements of the railing is made at least 10-12 cm, so that even small children cannot climb through them. Regardless of the material from which the balcony railing is made, its height should be at least 1 meter, and even better though would be 1.2 meters. Only such railings will be truly reliable.
How to make a good canopy for a balcony?
This design is optional, some customers in the development individual house project on the contrary, they ask that the balcony be made completely open without a canopy. But if you want to relax there in any weather, even on a hot summer day, it is better to make a canopy after all. In this case, you will be able to be on the balcony, even if it is raining outside without strong wind. The canopy will close the furniture that you put on the balcony from the shower, snow, the scorching rays of the sun. Thanks to this design, it will be possible to dry things there on a rainy day, when it is impossible to do it in the yard. In a word, the canopy will make the balcony even more comfortable and functional.
Often they make a balcony right under the roof of the house, in which case it will be a canopy. If you are wondering how to make just such a balcony with your own hands in a private house, the photo will help you figure it out.
But it is quite possible to make a canopy independent of the roof. To do this, a support board is attached to the load-bearing wall, to which the rafters are mounted. The front of the canopy must be supported by struts that go from the wall. You can also rely on pillars, which can be columns of a balcony that protrude beyond the level of the site.
It is desirable to cover the balcony canopy with the same roofing material as the roof of the building. In this case, the general view will be really harmonious. It is quite possible to do without installing a solid canopy. There are fabric or PVC awnings, they require a light frame. There are summer models of such canopies, they need to be removed for the winter so that they do not tear from strong winds and heavy snow.
How to choose a protective coating for balcony structures?
In order for all structural elements of your balcony to serve for many years and retain their aesthetic appearance, they must be protected from the effects of climatic factors. Remember that the balcony is outside, so it must withstand showers, hail, snowfall, strong winds and the scorching sun, while remaining durable, reliable and beautiful. For outdoor use, alkyd-urethane varnishes are currently considered the best. When they harden, an elastic heavy-duty film is obtained, which is resistant to absolutely any atmospheric influences.
Remember that varnish or paint, as well as impregnation, a primer, must be selected from one manufacturer so that their composition is compatible with each other. The wooden structures of the balcony are treated with putty, sealing all cracks. After it dries, the layer is polished, making it perfectly even. After that, a special primer is applied, which will ensure excellent adhesion of the subsequent layer of material. There are tinting impregnations that can make a tree darker, emphasize its beauty. They are used if a special varnish is applied on top instead of paint.
Finishing of all wooden structures of the balcony is carried out in several stages. To begin with, using a sprayer or brush, the first coat of paint or varnish is applied. After it dries, it must be sanded using a fine abrasive. After that, a second layer is applied, which, thanks to grinding, will look perfectly even, the color will turn out to be saturated. Metal structures also need to be coated with a special paint, which is designed specifically for this material and for outdoor work. They are pre-treated with primers that prevent the formation of rust and provide excellent adhesion of the paint layer and metal.
Wooden balconies and loggias adorn boring typical building facades. They have vertical or cantilevered special supports. Although, such special supports for wooden balconies do not always fit into the interior of the house and it may be difficult to install the foundation for vertical supports.
In these cases, the load-bearing base of the wooden balcony is made as a direct continuation of the floor beams. The main principles of the design of protruding wooden balconies in a frame house are the same in all cases, which will be discussed in more detail below.
Design flaws
Before proceeding with the design and installation of a wooden balcony on the protruding beams of the interfloor floor, evaluate all the shortcomings of this constructive choice:
1) The protrusion of these wooden balconies is quite small: from 0.6 to 2.2 m. The length of the balcony will depend on the section and spacing of the beams, a certain type of balcony floor and weather conditions.
2) For exposed wooden balconies, all beams pass through the damp-proofing materials of the outer walls. And this will lead to damage caused by abundant accumulation of moisture and depressurization of all enclosing structures of the balcony. That is why it is important enough that the waterproofing around all balcony beams is done with high quality and reliability.
3) Wooden balconies with a ledge are not suitable for facades that are often exposed to the external influence of strong gusty winds that direct heavy rain in a strictly horizontal direction.
4) For the construction of protruding wooden balconies, special knowledge and skills are required, and additional time and effort are also required.
Wooden balconies with a base from the continuation of floor beams between floors
Wooden balcony in a frame house
We will understand in detail the technology of building a wooden balcony in a frame house with our own hands. The construction of the balcony itself consists of the main frame, floor, canopy and protective fence. The wooden balcony is supported by outrigger beams and support posts.
Consider the options for building balconies in a frame house:
During the construction of a balcony for the base of the frame, floor beams are used, which are released beyond the plane of the wall. Wooden beams with a section of 150 by 150 mm will be enough for a platform about two meters wide. The outriggers must be rigidly fixed in the wall, and they will form a single monolithic structure with it, which will not involve any repairs in the future, and will not need to control the shrinkage of the house. The ends of the bars are connected by a special crossbar, which will serve as a finishing floor. The bearing capacity of the balcony can be increased by installing wooden struts in the form of a triangle, resting with one leg on the embedded parts in the wall.
When it is not possible to use all the elements and details of the ceiling as a base or a remote platform, an independent wooden balcony structure on bearing racks is used. This construction will require additional financial costs, but there is no size limit, and space is created for a frame house with a terrace, utility room or car parking. In addition to wood, metal, silicate brick or reinforced concrete are used for supporting columns. Racks are located on both sides of the balcony or under its outer edge, the inside, resting on a wooden beam fixed along the wall.
Balcony decking
The columns of a wooden balcony are connected by a transverse beam laid on top of them, and placed slightly below the wall beam. The resulting slope of about 2 ° will ensure that all the water drains from the wall. Between the beams of the wooden frame, logs are installed in increments of 70 cm, which are fixed with special galvanized corners on the beam. The final coating is produced from planed wooden boards (thickness 50 mm), screwing all the details and elements on the sides with hidden fasteners with a gap of 7 mm. The best material for the floor on a wooden balcony will be a deck board with a special corrugated surface, made from hardwood or wood-polymer composite.
balcony railing
The height of the railing on the balcony should not be less than 120 cm. Railings are assembled from carved or turned wooden blanks. The fence posts are attached to the load-bearing parts of the wooden frame using a tongue-and-groove connection, brackets and double-sided studs. On longer wooden balconies, it is customary to install intermediate balusters.
Canopy device
The roof on a wooden balcony comes in two main types:
The common roof with the house, for this they simply lengthen the line of the ridge or increase the rafter legs.
Canopy independent of the main roof, based on a load-bearing wall through special props or on poles around the entire outer perimeter of a wooden balcony.
But the simplest and most effective solution would be to use a lightweight structure covered with plastic, fabric or polycarbonate.
Wood protection
It is customary to cover all wooden balcony elements and parts with special paint and varnish mixtures and impregnations that are resistant to fading and fluctuations in external temperatures. High-quality and reliable wood processing is performed by a whole range of the following operations: priming, impregnation and painting.
Do-it-yourself installation and installation of a frame balcony requires great physical effort and financial costs, depending on the final dimensions of the building, the complexity of the entire structure and the specifics of building materials. But for the sake of comfort and coziness, it is worth trying hard and making a more comfortable place for your rest and work in the fresh air.
How to make a frame balcony in the house with your own hands
Building a house and want to have a balcony in the house? This article will help you make a frame balcony in the house with your own hands, let's talk about types, device + photo!
Wooden house with a balcony: features of the work. Floor device. Creating a canopy. Fence Installation
Increasingly, in suburban areas you can see wooden houses with a bay window and a balcony, as they combine high aesthetic characteristics and direct functionality. Such designs allow you to increase the usable area of \u200b\u200bthe dwelling. At the same time, they can act as decorative elements of the facade.
The photo shows an example of a wooden house with a balcony.
Pros and cons of buildings with balconies
This type of objects deserve special attention, due to the presence of a structure protruding from the plane of the facade. Most often, such structures are fenced areas used as terraces, but if desired, they can be converted into premises for another purpose.
Main advantages
- High decorative qualities provide an opportunity to build attractive buildings. The balcony above the veranda in a wooden house looks especially elegant.
- This extension allows you to get additional space. It can accommodate both a regular recreation area and a children's playroom, a study or a greenhouse.
- When getting rid of the walls, this design allows you to expand the living room. However, this option is not feasible in all cases. It all depends on the design solution.
The location of the structure above the input block.
Some disadvantages
- Buildings with a balcony have a rather complicated construction technology, so in most cases it is very difficult to carry out construction with your own hands.
- The final price of real estate with a separate site of this type increases slightly. This is due to the acquisition of additional materials for construction.
- During the construction process, high requirements are placed on safety, since the structure will protrude outward from the walls. If the basic rules are not followed, there is a risk of collapse.
Note! If an individual developer is more interested in the decorative qualities of the structure, then you can create a false balcony in a wooden house, which will serve as a rather attractive decoration.
Features of the work
Before making a balcony in a wooden house with your own hands, you need to familiarize yourself with some of the nuances. They will help to build an aesthetically attractive and at the same time safe structure of an open or closed type. Most often, for residential buildings, the first option is used with the ability to be in the fresh air.
Option for cutting the main bars.
Preparatory activities
At the initial stage, a plan is drawn up, which reflects the location of all premises, regardless of the functions performed. For permanent residence, it is worth considering the project of a 9x9 wooden house with a balcony. Such sizes are considered the most optimal today.
Bearing part of the structure
A variety of parts can be used as a supporting frame. The final choice depends on the operating conditions and the stage of construction. If the arrangement of a balcony in a wooden house was planned in advance, then properly prepared floor beams can act as load-bearing elements.
An example of a construction on wooden struts.
The support is very often served by poles installed vertically. Strapping bars are usually laid on them. Thus, a rather stable and attractive design is obtained.
Sometimes it is not possible to install such supports. In this case, special struts are used.
In terms of rigidity, the structure is inferior to analogues with the lower position of the pillars, but it looks very impressive. With this option, excessive loads are not allowed.
The methods discussed above make it possible to understand how to attach a balcony to a wooden house.
Floor device
Logs from a bar with a section of 100 × 50 mm are laid directly on the strapping in increments of no more than 40 cm. Fixation to the supporting part is carried out using nails with a length of at least 120 mm. You can also use special fasteners made of metal.
To the lags are fastened tongue-and-groove boards with a thickness of at least 35 mm. Nails are driven into the inside of the groove so that they are not visible.
The covering from similar boards does not need additional finishing. It is enough to treat the surface with moisture-resistant paint.
If the room is below, then thermal insulation is performed according to this scheme.
Waterproofing an open balcony in a wooden house is carried out if the space under it is used for any room. In this case, heat-insulating material can be laid between the lags, which is covered from above with rolled materials like glassine or roofing material.
When waterproofing a balcony in a wooden house with your own hands, the canvases are spread on the floor logs, after which wooden slats 50 × 40 mm are attached to provide space for ventilation.
Creating a canopy
The roof over this design is not always arranged. If it is supposed to spend time outdoors even in inclement weather, then this should be taken care of in advance.
First, a frame is made from 100 × 50 mm bars with a distance between the elements of not more than 40 cm. Its dimensions must match the dimensions of the manufactured platform.
Waterproofing is laid on top of it. Additional wooden blocks 50 × 40 mm are installed directly on the rafters.
This is how the canopy is created.
A crate of edged boards is attached to the control rails. The step between the main elements will depend on the type of roofing. If profiled sheets are used, then the distance should be no more than 30 cm.
Such a canopy can be held on support posts or struts. The choice of a specific option is made taking into account the dimensions of the structure.
Fence Installation
Support posts can be load-bearing poles to support the roof or individual pedestals made of beams with an increased cross section. In the latter case, the elements are installed using metal studs.
Balusters are also installed using metal rods, but with a reduced cross section. A special rail is attached to them, on which a convenient handrail is put on.
Some types of balusters are shown.
Attention! Choosing wooden railings for a balcony in a country house or residential building should be based on the overall design of the building, otherwise they may not look very appropriate.
In conclusion
Unlike the device of a conventional terrace, the construction of this structure is carried out without creating a foundation, since it is suspended. In this regard, special attention must be paid to the bearing part in order to achieve a high level of safety. As for the rest of the points, the structures are very similar.
Wooden house with a balcony above the veranda and a 9x9 bay window: do-it-yourself video installation instructions, how to attach, device, waterproofing, project, photo and price
Wooden house with a balcony above the veranda and a 9x9 bay window: do-it-yourself video installation instructions, how to attach, device, waterproofing, project, photo and price
How to make a wooden house balcony
A balcony in a wooden house will help to give a country house a special beauty and attractiveness. . Sometimes this design is an important element that decorates the whole house, but such construction requires considerable effort. For this reason, it is necessary to determine in advance what functions it will perform.
Preparatory stage
At this stage of construction, it is important to determine how to make a balcony and will it serve as a decorative structure? If yes, then it will be enough to install only one door. If linen is dried there and leisure time is spent, then it can be made with large sizes. To do this, you should move it a little forward and take into account that additional support posts will still be needed.
Wood is the best option for this design, as it is an excellent heat insulator. The main elements that are used in the construction of a balcony are:
Frame and flooring
The basis of the structure under study will be considered to be the floors between the floors. Only used beams should be pushed forward by the required amount. When a reinforced concrete floor is being installed, then the balcony should be installed on several supports. A wooden beam is attached to the wall, and then a transverse console is mounted to the racks. It must be laid exactly horizontally and carefully sanded beforehand. Place the platform below the floor in the room so that water does not get into it. Such a platform will be clearly visible from below, so the frame must be mounted very carefully.
The floor is usually made of pine boards or larch. If there is no terrace under the balcony, it is necessary to lay boards with a gap of 5 mm so that water does not collect, but can drain beyond it. Wood must be treated with special protective compounds: varnish, paint, etc.
If the house with a balcony is wooden, then the boards are mounted on the support beams, the main thing is that they have sufficient thickness and the correct step of the supports is observed.
They can also be fixed to a wooden structure if the supports are wide. When the balcony serves as a canopy over the veranda, then the flooring must be protected from precipitation. To do this, perform waterproofing on the balcony.
waterproofing layer
First, on top of the bars fixed on the frame, make a solid flooring from the boards. They should be laid at a slight slope to drain water. Then lay a layer of waterproofing: membrane or roll. On top of it, install the battens of the crate, adhering to the gap between the boards of about 7 mm. Roofing steel can be used instead of waterproofing material. In this case, to drain the water, use gutters and pipes.
Waterproofing for an open balcony
When performing such an element in a wooden house, a slight slope should be maintained to avoid the accumulation of water on the surface. Absorbing moisture, the wooden floor will gradually collapse. The slope must be maintained within 4 cm to avoid damage to the waterproofing.
The waterproofing layer itself is carried out with liquid, film or roll, as well as membrane materials. When carrying out this process, you should pay attention to the design of the balcony and what stage of implementation it is in: ready or initial. If the balcony is already ready, the best option would be to use a concrete screed, which is mixed with liquid rubber. Or use special waterproofing plates installed under the floor covering.
Liquid rubber is a great option for waterproofing
An excellent option for waterproofing is pouring liquid rubber onto a tree using a special sprayer. Before using this material, all existing gaps between the boards should be sealed with ordinary mastic. The disadvantage of this method is the need to purchase expensive equipment that only specialists can have.
Waterproofing of a closed balcony
The waterproofing technique is practically no different from the process for an open balcony. It is only necessary to take into account that the closed type has a ceiling and walls, which also need to be paid attention.
Special impregnation of polyurethane will help to perform excellent waterproofing of the ceiling.
If it is possible to get to the outside of the ceiling, then waterproofing can be performed, similarly to the floor. In this way, a reliable coating will be obtained.
Wall waterproofing
The process of waterproofing the surface of the walls of the completed balcony can be done by the following methods:
- Painting. The most common but expensive option. Protective agents are applied to the surface: varnishes with rubber additives, which need to be updated regularly.
- Okleyechny. Such materials can be glued due to exposure to high temperatures or self-adhesive. The most common material is ruberoid. But, the process of working with this material is laborious.
- Powder. It includes the usual cement mixture to which liquid rubber is added, some types of plaster or tile adhesive. The disadvantage of this method is the low strength and resistance to mechanical damage.
- Water repellents. They are ready-made mixtures with excellent water-repellent properties, providing protection from high humidity. The disadvantage is the rapid destruction from direct sunlight.
This method should only be used for hydraulic internal insulation.
fencing
For a balcony, it is important that there are railings, as they will combine strength and attractive appearance. In order for them to decorate the house, it is necessary to review the options for existing projects in advance to select the most optimal one. Railings are most often made of wood: chiseled or carved. Metal designs do not look bad, which harmonizes perfectly with the general background.
Racks are firmly attached to the installed supports with tongue-and-groove joints. Figured columns are mounted using brackets, as well as various corners. They are fixed directly to the walls of a wooden house.
Canopy device
When a project is created for a balcony, a canopy is not always provided. But, such an additional design will make leisure more enjoyable and comfortable. From an economic point of view, the most optimal solution would be to make a canopy as a continuation of the roof. In this case, it is necessary to firmly fix the base board, and attach the rafters to it. From bad weather, protect with PVC film or an awning made of dense fabric. These are affordable and lightweight materials.
Balcony in a wooden house: how to make
A balcony in a wooden house will help to give a country house a special beauty and attractiveness. Often this design is an important element that decorates the whole house as a whole.
How to attach a wooden balcony to a wooden house
When deciding to build a house or a summer house, it is unlikely that any of the owners wants it to look like a neighboring house. A cozy, beautiful and at the same time functional wooden balcony in a wooden house will not only be an interesting design solution, but will also add additional space in the house for relaxation and tea drinking in a pleasant company. And additional elements of a wooden balcony will give the wooden house a very attractive finished architectural look.
The functionality of the balcony of a country cottage is varied. This can be the role of a visor over the entrance area to the premises or a favorite vacation spot for the whole family, from where it is pleasant to observe the beauties of the landscape. But it must be noted that the opportunity to fully use the balcony without additional insulation will be only in the spring and summer, and the rest of the time it will have to be freed from snow and leaves. But these are minor trifles, in comparison with how the balcony will decorate the exterior of the house.
So, let's analyze the main stages of building a wooden balcony in a wooden house.
Balcony frame formation
This stage of construction is very important, it requires great diligence and accuracy.
Wood is also used to build the frame of a wooden balcony. Firstly, in order to maintain a unified architectural style, and secondly, wood is a valuable heat-insulating building material.
We begin the construction of a balcony in a private house with the creation of a frame.
It is best to think over the shape, size and purpose of the balcony in advance.
Balconies in wooden buildings differ in the materials of the enclosing structures. They can be internal or external.
Sometimes the balcony is located between the corner walls of the house, which ensures high reliability of fastenings. In addition, its base can simultaneously serve as an overlap under the veranda.
If you plan to build a balcony only as an element of decor, then only one door is enough. But if the balcony will still carry some load (for example, drying clothes, evening gatherings or smoke breaks), then, depending on the size, support posts are installed.
When building a two- or three-story cottage, you can use wooden interfloor ceilings as the basis for a balcony. It is enough to release the beams 1.5-2 m beyond the plane of the building. If the floors are made of reinforced concrete, then for the construction of a wooden loggia, it is necessary to install supports. To do this, a beam is attached to the wall of the house, and a transverse beam is laid strictly horizontally on top of it. Moreover, it is desirable to build a platform for a balcony slightly below the floor level of the room, in order to exclude the possibility of moisture accumulation.
Also, pay attention to one point. The balcony platform is always clearly visible from below, so all work on the installation of the frame must be done very carefully and accurately.
The main ways to build a balcony
For buildings built from logs or timber, the technology for building a balcony is similar. It differs only in the way of support. Supports can be made:
- beam-cantilever method;
- beam-support.
Scheme of types of balconies according to the method of construction in a private house.
In the first option, cantilever beams (logs) or simply outlets are located on the lower crowns of logs and are elements of continuation of internal or external load-bearing walls. Among other things, such bars additionally decorate the facade of the house.
The cantilever method involves another option, in which the elongated beams of the interfloor floor, protruding to the desired length beyond the facade, serve as supports for the balcony. But many experts believe that this method does not meet building codes and requirements, since moisture can get on the support beams, which will eventually lead to rotting of wooden elements.
With the beam-support method of construction, the balcony is located above the veranda or terrace and is a roof for them. This option is much more often used in the construction of country wooden cottages.
The internal balcony is built mainly according to the French type, when it is arranged as a full-height window frame. That is, it is a small fenced area located immediately outside the door.
Let's look at each method in detail.
Console way
When using beam-cantilever technology, it is necessary to determine the location and height of the loggia during the preparation of the project in order to release the beams in this place during construction. For greater reliability, the other end of the beam should be attached to the main wall of the house. The fastening must be rigid.
Construction of a balcony in a private house on consoles.
The release of beams is usually done at 1.5-2 m. The beams themselves can be made of round logs or profiled timber. It is important that the outlet beams form a monolithic structure with the wall. If the width of the balcony is greater, then additional support pillars are erected. At the same time, a special screw mechanism is placed in the pillars to reduce the height of the supporting element by the size of the draft of the structure.
For additional reinforcement of the console, wooden or metal slopes are installed. The latter, made with the help of forging, can serve as an additional element of facade decor. To strengthen the fastening of beams resting on walls, battens are used.
The consoles, which are the basis of the design of a classic rectangular loggia, are connected by one beam, then a rough flooring is made and a finishing floor is laid on top of it. The extreme floor beams are securely fastened to the horizontal frame racks of the wall, and the rest to the battens.
The canopy over the loggia is carried out separately, or is a continuation of the roof of the cottage.
If the balcony is purely decorative and has a width of no more than 1 m, then in this case wooden trusses can be used as a support. They are attached to the wall with special brackets. But there is a significant drawback. Over time, the mount loses its appearance under the influence of precipitation and dirty rust spots appear in the mounts.
Building a balcony on racks
Owners of country cottages most often prefer to build balconies on racks that rest against the base of the veranda or terrace. At the same time, the base of the balcony serves as a roof for them.
This method is used when the balcony is large, or it is not possible to use the ceiling under the base of the loggia. Of course, this option will require more significant costs, but the size of the balcony and, accordingly, the terraces under it can be any. You can place a parking lot under the balcony.
Attach a balcony to a private house using a beam-support method.
Support posts with this method can be wooden, metal or brick. They are usually located along the outer edge or on both sides of the loggia. The inner part of the racks rests on a beam, which is rigidly attached to the wall.
Support posts are installed in accordance with the following technologies:
- Logs are taken a little smaller than required. Initially, bars are placed under them, and after the house shrinks, they are removed, thus leveling the loggia. But, nevertheless, there should be a slope outward of about 2% so that the water does not stagnate, but flows freely.
- Racks are installed on jacks, and then twisted as necessary.
- Bars or logs are set strictly in size, and when the building shrinks, they are simply filed.
Arrangement of a wooden balcony
For the construction of the floor on the balcony, planed boards 40 mm thick are used. To prevent the accumulation of water on the floor, it is better to lay boards with a gap of at least 2 mm. You can use well-established decking boards for the floor. They have great strength, but at the same time they are easily drilled for fasteners, and in addition they have a corrugated surface.
The structure of the wooden floor for a balcony in a private house
Of great importance when arranging a balcony is a fence. When performing railings, you need to consider some rules:
- the height of the fence must be at least 100 cm;
- the distance between the balusters is made no more than 10 cm;
- railings must withstand a horizontal load of at least 100 kg / m;
- the surface of the railing should be smooth, without notches and burrs.
In addition to reliability and durability, the balcony railing should have an attractive appearance that will be combined with the general style of the house. Balusters made of chiseled or carved wood will decorate the facade of the house. Forged metal railings will also not spoil the appearance of the cottage.
We must not forget about the protection of all wooden elements of the balcony from the weather and insects. We recommend taking comprehensive protection measures. They include treatment with primers, antiseptic impregnations and the application of a layer of a special lacquer that is resistant to fading.
Be sure to perform work to protect the wooden elements of the balcony from the sun, moisture and insects.
It is not always planned to create a canopy during the construction of a balcony, but practice shows that such an element will give more comfort. The easiest option is to use fabric awnings or PVC film. But it is better if the canopy is part of the roof of the house.
Whatever way you choose to build a wooden balcony in a wooden house, the main thing is that it be a reliable, durable and comfortable structure. At the same time, if it adds some element of architectural sophistication to your home, it will also not be superfluous. Let rest on the balcony of your wooden house please your whole family on quiet summer evenings.
Balcony in a wooden house: we build it ourselves
A balcony in a wooden house can play not only an aesthetic, but also a functional role. Learn how to build a balcony in a wooden house yourself.