Many residents of apartment buildings face the problem of lack of square meters. An excellent solution to this issue can be self-insulation of the loggia. This is a painstaking task, requiring certain construction skills and time from the performer. However, the end result is worth it. A warm balcony expands the possibilities of using the space, “ennobles” the living space and can become the pride of the home master.
The need for insulation of the loggia
Each apartment owner decides for himself how to use the additional square meters of the loggia. Some equip a pantry or workshop on the balcony, others operate the premises more rationally - they create a "winter garden" or a separate room. The insulated loggia can be converted into a cozy place to relax, work, a compact gym or an area for children's creativity.
In addition, the insulated balcony solves a number of problems:
- the heat loss of the room and the cost of heating the apartment are reduced;
- reduces the risk of mold on the walls of the balcony.
You can perform external or internal insulation. Obvious advantages of the external method:
- the usable area is not “eaten up”;
- simplification of interior wall decoration.
A significant advantage of internal insulation is the ability to perform work independently without hiring workers.
The choice of thermal insulation material
As a heater, various thermal insulation materials are used, ranging from traditional, inexpensive, to modern high-tech ones. To insulate the loggia from the inside, it is better to use thin, lightweight materials. Thanks to their small width, it will save usable space.
Consider the characteristics of the main heat-insulating materials for warming the loggia / balcony.
Foil polyethylene foam - a layer of foil is applied on one side of the polyethylene, which reflects the IF radiation and “throws” heat flows back. Insulation characteristics:
- roll width - 1 m, thickness - 2-5 cm;
- ease of installation - the polyethylene foam sheet is easily cut with a knife;
- laying method - end-to-end or overlap;
- the efficiency of thermal insulation is almost doubled;
- the material is used to insulate the ceiling and walls.
Loggia insulation: step by step instructions. The use of penofol
Mineral wool has good thermal insulation qualities and affordable cost. However, experts do not recommend using this material for warming the loggia for a number of reasons:
- poor moisture resistance - mineral wool absorbs liquid, so you will have to further strengthen the waterproofing;
- when using mineral wool, natural ventilation is required - a gap must be left above the insulation, which “hides” the balcony area a little;
- for facing the loggia, it will be necessary to reinforce the wall and carry out additional measures.
Styrofoam - foamed plastic of various densities. The bulk of the material is gas. Polyfoam has the following characteristics:
- plate size - 1 * 1 m;
- insulation thickness 2-10 cm;
- foam density - 15 or 25 kg / sq. cm;
- durability.
Extruded polystyrene foam (penoplex) is a modern heat insulator that resembles polystyrene, but has a stronger structure and functionality. Expanded polystyrene properties:
- rectangular slabs 1200*600 mm;
- thickness - 2-10 cm;
- foam density - 35-45 kg / sq. cm;
- vapor tightness;
- frost resistance;
- plates have a chamfer for more dense laying;
- light weight and easy installation;
- flammability class - G-1;
- the material is not used in open places where UV rays penetrate.
Do-it-yourself loggia insulation: step by step instructions. Photo of installation of penoplex
Methods for fixing insulation
The choice of insulation method, first of all, depends on the heat-insulating material used and the further wall decoration.
Insulation under putty and plaster is suitable when using foam or polystyrene foam. Thermal insulation panels are glued to the base with tile adhesive. Plates are additionally fixed with dowel fungi. You can start plastering / puttying the walls or ceiling one day after the installation of the insulation.
Foiled polyethylene foam is laid under the base of the frame. It does not matter how the profiles are attached - to the wall or by means of U-shaped fasteners. Penofol sheets are applied to the ceiling / wall of the loggia and fixed with rails. In this case, overlapping is acceptable, and the connecting strip can be glued with adhesive tape.
Insulation under the base of the frame is possible only when using a thin insulation up to 20 mm thick. Pressing a thicker heat insulator will affect the stiffness of the rails and fasteners
If it is planned to line the balcony with plasterboard or PVC, MDF panels, then it is advisable to lay the heat-insulating material in the frame cells. 15th density foam or mineral wool is used as a heater. The disadvantage of this technology is an increase in the thickness of the heat-insulating "pie".
Options for arranging a "warm" floor
The technology of floor insulation on the loggia is somewhat different from the thermal insulation of hay and the ceiling. Excessive requirements are imposed on this element of the balcony.
There are several basic options for arranging a "warm floor":
Do-it-yourself loggia insulation: step by step instructions
Below is a step-by-step instruction for warming the loggia with penoplex.
Tools and materials
For work you will need:
- foam boards;
- building level, clerical knife, marker;
- PVC pipes for cable laying;
- capacity for mixing glue;
- construction mixer;
- trowel;
- polyurethane foam;
- mounting gun;
- grater for grinding heat-insulating sheets;
- plastic smooth grater for grouting the floor;
- metal grid;
- sand concrete M300 coarse-grained;
- polyurethane adhesive.
Loggia insulation: step by step instructions. Photo - diagram of the heat-insulating "pie".
Preparatory work
First of all, it is necessary to install energy-saving plastic windows on the loggia. It is not worth saving on glazing - it is better to choose double-glazed windows and fittings from firms that have proven themselves in the "window" market.
If high-quality windows are already installed on the balcony, then you can proceed to the insulation of the balcony.
Preparatory activities:
Ceiling insulation
Installation of heat insulator on walls and parapet
Insulation of the loggia floor with penoplex: step by step instructions
Consider the stages of creating a "warm floor" using foam and cement-sand screed:
- If it is necessary to install a supporting frame, it is better to use a galvanized metal profile. Unlike wood, it does not rot and is not heavy.
- Thermal insulation work should be carried out in dry weather. Many adhesive mixtures and primers have features of application in conditions of high humidity.
- Slots on the loggia are treated with foam that is resistant to low temperatures.
- The wood used must be dried, and then treated with means against fire and decay.
Do-it-yourself loggia insulation: step by step instructions. Video.
The loggia is a part of the apartment that requires high-quality insulation. If you leave it in its original state, then in winter the cold will penetrate into the rest of the premises, and this is an extra cash cost for heating. Owners who do not know how and with what to insulate the balcony on their own invite workers whose services cost a lot of money. And it’s good if hired craftsmen turn out to be professionals, because contractors with a lack of qualification often come to the call.
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If we take professionals as an example, they first visually assess the condition of the balcony and take into account the year in which the apartment building was built. Then they pay attention to the frame (metal or wooden) and evaluate the dilapidation of the skin. Last but not least, experienced workers compare neighboring loggias and can offer the owner to make a design in the same style as them.
Because of the old-style balconies, all the work becomes more complicated, especially if this building is not closed, but open. In this case, the craftsmen are engaged in additional strengthening of the structure and replacing rotten parts: they cut off the rusted metal elements of the frame and reconstruct the concrete site. The upper and lower parts of the balcony are reinforced without fail.
how to insulate a balcony with your own hands
It is after the measures to restore the structure that the specialists are engaged in facing and internal thermal insulation of the room. Often, owners prefer to equip their balconies with foam blocks and double-glazed windows. The stones are laid out at half the total height of the loggia, and the open space is closed with windows. As a result, not only an attractive appearance of the building is created, but also its strength is significantly increased. By the way, a double-glazed window will significantly warm the room.
If the owner of the apartment changes the windows to plastic ones, then it is advisable for him to purchase products with double glass, since single ones retain heat by only 30% in the cold season.
Without preparing the balcony, one cannot approach subsequent cardinal actions. Before purchasing materials for warming the loggia, inside the premises, specialists carry out the following work:
The interior arrangement of the loggia concerns not only the ceiling and walls. It is equally important to insulate the floor, for example, with penofol.
For internal insulation of almost all structures, expanded polystyrene is very widely used. Its low cost does not affect the quality. It is sold in the form of plates with a thickness of 5 cm or more. If the apartment is located in the conditions of the north, then it is better to use sheets 15 cm thick. For the installation of foam, they make a crate with the same cells. Expanded polystyrene is convenient in that it can be easily cut with an ordinary knife.
The positive aspects of this insulation are that it is odorless, does not emit harmful substances, is environmentally friendly and does not affect human health. Sheets, as a rule, are fixed on special "umbrellas" or building glue. As a savings, it is better to insulate the balcony inside it.
Mineral wool is also quite popular. Such insulation is slightly more expensive than foam plastic, but this is due to the additional sound insulation that the material has. Therefore, using mineral wool, you can not only insulate the structure with high quality, but also eliminate street noise. It is sold in the form of yellow rolls.
Insulation of the loggia Secrets of skill from Alexei Zemskov
The fire safety of this insulation is at a high level, and the absence of a specific smell makes mineral wool one of the most popular. The material begins to melt at a temperature of 1000 degrees. Under such rolls, it is also necessary to make a crate. Another plus is easy cutting. The disadvantage is due to the composition, which includes powdered glass, which sticks into the skin when working and causes itching and redness.
Penoplex is a new insulation that has appeared on the building materials market relatively recently and has already become popular. It has a low weight, due to which it is convenient to work with it. Penoplex is produced in the form of rectangular sheets, the cutting of which is possible even with a clerical knife. According to the method of attachment, it is similar to foam, which is glued or fixed with fasteners. The surface of the material is rough, so it does not slip in the hands.
Granular expanded clay is often laid on the floor. Such insulation for a balcony inside has a porous structure and consists of baked clay, so it is environmentally friendly. Builders use it to insulate floors and ceilings.
The work process is simple, it is enough to create a layer of expanded clay and spill it with liquid cement so that the granules are held together. But keep in mind that such material will take 15-20 cm of height from floor to ceiling. In addition, a thin-layer screed will have to be poured over the expanded clay, because the relief surface will not be suitable for laying, for example, the same parquet or laminate.
Another option for insulation - penofol. It is made from polyethylene foam. The material is especially suitable for water-heated floors, as it has a foil coating with a heat-reflecting effect. This insulation has 4 advantages: it does not let the wind through, retains heat, prevents the penetration of water and has vapor barrier properties. Penofol is flexible and easy to cut, and environmentally friendly substances do not harm human health. They produce insulation in the form of rolls, therefore, it is convenient to work with it. The installation process takes no more than 1 hour.
Insulation of balconies and loggias: eight mistakes of finishers
As previously mentioned, foam plastic is cheap, but nevertheless it is practical, many builders use it. What is the best way to insulate a balcony from the inside with polystyrene foam:
The thickness of the wall from the edge of the interior finish to the exterior, taking into account the foam block, should be 30 cm. This is enough to retain heat and prevent the penetration of cold into the room.
Pouring concrete, expanded clay layer and similar methods cost a lot of money. You can make a similar insulation, but at the same time save money. An option for a cheap finish made of wood and foam can be like this:
How to insulate a balcony? Choice of heater.
Specialists always start finishing from the walls and ceiling, and at the end they deal with the floor. If everything is done the other way around, then the base will be damaged, and the front surface will be scratched.
It is very difficult to calculate the final amount, because many factors affect it. First, you must first decide whether the loggia will be a living room. If yes, then you will have to spend money on double-glazed windows. Secondly, the prices for heaters change almost every day. Thirdly, you need to decide what kind of furniture the room will be furnished with. Therefore, you should not allocate a strictly fixed amount for such an event; it is better to prepare additional finance just in case in case unforeseen expenses arise.
It is also recommended to prepare an estimate in advance and find a cheaper source for selling the material, for example, not through intermediaries, but directly buy building materials at the base. If you turn to specialists for help, they will take into account the following points:
Also, you may have to spend money on furniture and other interior items.
Arranging a loggia with the help of specialists will cost a large amount, which will significantly hit the wallet. But if you insulate the balcony inside with your own hands, then the final expense will be approximately 10 thousand rubles.
Until recently, balconies were used to store unnecessary things, conservation, etc.
Now, many are trying to make a living room or study out of the balcony.
But to implement this idea, it is necessary to insulate the balcony well. Let's consider this process in more detail.
What should you pay attention to?
Warming the balcony will not only increase the usable space in the apartment, but also reduce its heat loss, because it is through the balcony that a large amount of it leaves. In order for the insulation to be of high quality, you need to do it correctly and know the sequence of work.
So you need to draw up a detailed work plan, which will look like this:
- - preparation and selection of thermal insulation;
- - installation of glazing;
- - installation of thermal insulation;
- - installation of finishing;
- - installation of the heating system (if necessary).
Insulation on the balcony can be installed both inside and outside. But since you will be doing the work without the help of professionals, it is better to use internal insulation.
Step one. The best insulation for the balcony from the inside
Now on sale you can find a lot of different types of thermal insulation. The most suitable for a balcony are:
- - Styrofoam,
- - EPPS,
- - mineral wool,
- - expanded clay.
Polyfoam and XPS are mounted almost the same, more precisely, with one difference - XPS plates are connected to each other with grooves.
It is better to refuse the use of mineral wool, since its installation is laborious, and condensation periodically forms on the balcony, which will eventually ruin the material. Expanded clay is used only for the floor.
Among other things, it is necessary to take into account the load on the balcony, so it is better to choose polystyrene with a layer of 4-5 cm, the more it is cheaper than polystyrene foam and mineral wool.
Step two. Glazing installation
If glazing is already installed on your balcony, then this step is skipped.
The entire glazing installation process depends on the railings already on the balcony.
If an iron grate is installed as a railing, then it must be built up with the help of foam blocks or ceramic bricks.
It is necessary that the walls become more than 2 cm thick. If the parapet is made of reinforced concrete, then glazing can begin.
Now many people are opting for environmentally friendly wooden frames. But before installation, do not forget to treat the frames with an antiseptic and paint (painting must be repeated periodically).
Despite the advantages of wooden frames, many choose PVC windows.
The best option would be a profile with increased rigidity and high strength and thermal insulation.
In addition, there are a few more elements that must be present in PVC windows:
- - profile of 5 cameras;
- - double-glazed windows from 2 chambers (for the middle lane) or from 3 chambers (for cold regions);
- - reinforced reinforcement.
Glazing is ordered according to pre-measured dimensions. It is better to entrust its installation to professionals. Then you can start warming.
Step three. Floor insulation installation
Consider the installation of insulation on the floor of the balcony using the example of polystyrene foam (or expanded polystyrene).
1) First, prepare the work surfaces - fill all cracks in concrete and joints between the slabs and the wall with mounting foam.
2) Make a marking on the floor for laying the crate. The step between the bars of the crate should be approximately 1 cm more than the width of the foam sheets.
3) Lay out the rails with a cross section equal to the thickness of the insulation according to the marking. Lay the first and last bars at a distance of 5-10 cm from the walls. Connect the bars with self-tapping screws.
4) Between the bars of the crate, install foam sheets, on which apply liquid nails or special glue in advance. Fill all joints with mounting foam.
5) Lay a layer of vapor barrier on top of the foam to improve thermal insulation and prevent condensation. When using PET film, it must not be laid on the "cold" side of the insulator. If using a foil vapor barrier, lay it with foil on top of the foam.
7) And finally, you can install a decorative coating (for example, linoleum or carpet).
You can insulate the floor with foam plastic in another way: clean the work surface, lay foam plastic on it, which you pour with a thin screed from a pre-prepared dry mix solution.
After the screed has dried, install a decorative coating - ceramic tiles.
There is another option for floor insulation - using ceramite. This is a relatively cheap material, and working with it is quite simple.
Let's look at this process in more detail:
1) First, lay waterproofing on the floor, capturing 10 cm of walls.
2) Install beacons around the perimeter of the floor every 25 cm, but do not lean them too much against the walls.
3) Spread ceramite on the floor with a layer of 15 cm, evenly distributing it using the rule.
4) Spill the insulation with an aqueous solution of cement.
6) Allow the screed to dry completely, and then you can install the decorative coating.
Step four. Installation of insulation on the walls
The walls are insulated similarly to the floor. Do the work as follows:
1) Make a marking for the battens of the crate (as well as on the floor)
2) Fasten the bars according to the markup.
3) Apply mounting foam to the walls using wave-like movements. Also make holes for the dowels.
4) Fix the foam with mushroom dowels.
5) Fill all cracks with mounting foam, and then seal with construction tape.
7) Glue all joints with foil tape.
8) Install another row of battens over the waterproofing and install the trim.
Step five. Ceiling insulation
The ceiling is also insulated like walls and floors, but there are slight differences.
1) First of all, make a markup, according to which you will then install the suspensions under the guides.
3) In the right places, make cutouts for suspensions in the foam.
4) Now attach the insulation with foam. If the insulation is heavy, then fix it with dowels.
Fill all gaps with mounting foam. All other points are performed in the same way as in the previous stages.
Finishing
Most often, lining or a profile is used for finishing, but drywall, which can be pasted over with wallpaper, or PVC panels, is also suitable. It is better to entrust the exterior decoration of the balcony to specialists, especially if the apartment is located above the first floor.
It is impossible to conduct heating on the balcony, so if you plan to use it all the time, then equip the heating in the form of infrared floors, for example. Or you can install an electrical outlet on the balcony to connect the heater - this is the most budget option. Moreover, the balcony has a small area, so it will heat up quickly enough.
Also, keep in mind that glazing is heavy, so everything else should be light weight. So it is better to choose EPS or polystyrene as insulation.
In this article, we have pointed out the main points that need to be considered when warming and finishing a balcony.
So you can start work, knowing how to do it right, you can easily cope with this process and eventually get a full-fledged residential balcony with a lot of advantages.
Video: How to insulate a balcony from the inside with your own hands video
How to properly insulate a balcony from the inside with my own hands - I had to ask myself such a question when the idea came to my mind to turn our ownerless balcony into a home one. As it turned out, sewing in a room that is a nursery is not at all comfortable for me. I wanted solitude and silence in order to be completely focused on work, and I also interfered with children's study and recreation.
In this article I will talk about how we carried out repairs to turn our cold and ventilated loggia into a living room, or rather into my office, and at what price it cost us. And I will also give valuable advice that will help you avoid mistakes and save your nerves and money)
- Balcony window replacement
- Balcony (loggia) plastering
- Costings. How much money did it take us to insulate the balcony (loggia)
- A few tips for those who are going to insulate the balcony with their own hands
How to insulate a balcony from the inside with your own hands
What I had to face and what our loggia looked like before insulation
When I told my friends about my idea, at first everyone laughed at me. They began to talk about how little space there was, and they were frightened by the cold of the unheated room - after all, our loggia was essentially an outdoor space. In order for you to imagine what I had to face, I am attaching a plan of the balcony. I had to turn three and a half squares of usable area into a full-fledged study, where my two sewing machines with a table, a cutting table, and an ironing board could fit.
The first window with a balcony door and access to the kitchen. This wall is the main one - it is already warm, so you can not sheathe it. Subsequently, we refused to cover it with plaster, since the brick itself looks quite interesting in the interior. We only cleaned its surface with a sandpaper from dirt.
The second window is located on the wall of the loggia; it required a complete replacement and touched the stained-glass windows. The photo was taken after the installation of a new double-glazed window.
Balcony window replacement
The first thing my story with a balcony began with was the replacement of an existing double-glazed window. When we moved into our new building, we saw that on the loggia (unlike other rooms) the developer installed the windows in one layer of glass. Of course, it was a summer version, they let the cold through with might and main. There was no talk of replacing the double-glazed window, because I also wanted to change the shape of the frame, make an opening sash of other sizes. I don’t know how the project of our house was made, but the architect obviously did not try for the convenience of the residents. Therefore, first of all, I found a company that made a solid two-chamber window according to our sizes. As stated by the window makers, such a window provides 25% more heat retention in the room than the one that was from the developer.
When ordering a new window, there was one small fad that significantly increased the amount of our expenses - this is lamination. That is, from the street side, all the window frames of our house are dark burgundy, wood-like. Therefore, we also had to fit in with the overall picture and make a window in the overall color scheme. For lamination, companies involved in the manufacture of windows ask from 20% of the total cost.
The price for a window measuring 2580 * 1520 cm with a burgundy frame, with installation and delivery, amounted to 20,700 rubles. And we profitably sold the dismantled old window to the Avito website.
Important (!)- if you are going to insulate the balcony and increase the ceiling after installing the window, then tell the window makers about it. They will put extensions on the top of the window so that later your extended ceiling does not close the shutters and you can hang curtains.
Loggia heating, which method to choose
The loggia usually has walls in one layer of bricks, the worst option is a corrugated balcony. Therefore, in order to feel comfortable in this room during the cold season, a heater is needed.
There are two options for how to make the loggia warm. The first is to open the balcony door so that it heats up at the expense of the adjoining room. The second is to install electric "warm" floors or buy oil radiators.
I will say right away from our experience that one heater was not enough for us, and we decided to install a warm floor. Despite the fact that the walls of our loggia were insulated, it was cold from the neighbors above and below - after all, their balconies remained uninsulated.
The choice of material for warming the loggia (balcony)
At the very beginning, my husband was advised to do the insulation of the balcony with his own hands, in general, he is handy with me - he can put a laminate and glue the tiles. But in the case of the balcony, I did not have time to wait until he finds free time, here I needed the work of a professional, since correcting mistakes would cost more. So we found a master who is engaged in this business and watched his work from the side. I found him through Avito, which I first of all paid attention to - real photos and accommodation in our area (so that he has the opportunity to go for lunch, I don’t spend a lot of time).
I wanted not just to panel the balcony, but to make walls that could later be wallpapered, so we chose drywall for the interior cladding. Finding a good specialist who would work with drywall and mount the wiring (after all, I still needed sockets and lighting) turned out to be not an easy task. But I was lucky and found a good specialist who promised me to bring my idea to life! On his advice, after taking all the measurements, we purchased for the insulation of our loggia:
- drywall - for walls and ceilings
- plywood - for the floor
- technonicol rocklite - for flooring
- technonikol technoplex - for walls and ceilings
- isolar - reflective metallized substrate
- bars
The most important thing on this list is insulation. It is due to him that you get a full-fledged living room. We have chosen two types of insulation:
The first type, for floor insulation, is technonicol rocklite. It is a rectangular slab, pressed from basalt fibers, in the common people it is called mineral wool. Do not be afraid that it can have an adverse effect on the air in the room (many write about harmful fumes, etc.), on the contrary, due to the ability to pass moisture, and not retain it, it is widely used for warming damp rooms, where there is a possibility of mold and fungus . According to the TechnoNIKOL company, its plates do not burn and do not absorb moisture, therefore today they are recognized as the best heaters on the market. In order to cover the floors of the loggia with an area of 3.8 m2 in two layers, we needed 1 pack of technonicol rocklite, in which there were 12 slabs.
The second insulation we used is technoplex technoplex for interior wall cladding. As I mentioned above, the developer built our loggia in one layer of brick, due to this, it blew from every corner. In addition, uncomfortable stained-glass windows were installed in the loggia on the sides of the window, which gave the house a businesslike look from the outside, and served as a source of constant drafts and moisture for the residents inside. This type of insulation is made of nanographite, due to which it has an unsightly gray color. Although in terms of weight and appearance, it reminded me more of polystyrene, but despite its lightness, it has excellent thermal insulation characteristics. After our balcony ceased to resemble a bamboo hut, I began to think about how to use these magic tiles to make soundproofing from neighbors in the living room)
The third type of insulation- it rather goes as an addition to the first two, it metallized substrate isolon or isolar. We all know that a shiny surface reflects well. It is this ability of the metallized surface of the substrate that allows you to redirect heat into the room, as if reflecting it and preventing it from escaping outside.
As a result, I can say that all the heaters coped with their tasks with a bang, they really keep warm, like a thermos. But at the same time, they allow excess moisture to pass through, preventing the formation of mold.
How to insulate a balcony with your own hands step by step photo
1. We cleared the balcony of everything superfluous. Before the arrival of the master, we cleaned our balcony of rubbish and debris, a window had already been installed and heating radiators had been installed.
2. Patching the "holes" of stained-glass windows with the help of technonicol technoplex insulation boards. This did not affect the exterior of the house, but for us the problem of eternal drafts was solved. The slabs were laid in two layers, all the cracks were filled with mounting foam.
Cutting the plates after taking measurements is carried out using a jigsaw and a hacksaw for metal.
3. Bringing electrical wiring to the balcony. In my workshop, it was planned to install three outlets for sewing machines and a laptop, the wires were pulled from the nearest outlet from the kitchen.
4. Floor insulation with beams and technonicol rocklite insulation (mineral wool). According to the reviews of our master, he most of all likes to work with this type of insulation. Since when placed between the bars, it expands on its own and does not leave any gaps, which means it does not require the use of mounting foam.
Although basalt wool and glass wool are two different things, I still played it safe and diligently closed the door to the balcony while he laid the floors. And then for an hour I vacuumed all the walls. Of course, our master laughed for a long time when he saw me walking in a medical mask and gloves. For me, any mention of glass wool is a fear from childhood, when we ran around a construction site and accidentally touched glass wool, any of us got a burn, after which it itched and burned for a long time.
A frame or so-called formwork for the future floor and walls is first assembled from wooden bars. Between themselves, the rails are fastened with metal corners using dowels and a screwdriver.
If the frame is laid on concrete, then first, holes are drilled on the concrete floor at the attachment points using an impact drill. Then, dowels are inserted into the wooden logs, applied to the attachment points and the screws are driven in with a hammer.
Mineral wool mats can be laid immediately on a concrete screed, in a wooden frame between the joists. It does not shrink at all, therefore it is used even on surfaces with high traffic.
To give the floor additional thermal insulation properties - on top of the first layer of basalt wool insulation, you can build a second frame of the crate and lay another layer of rocklite technonicol in the same way. In this case, wooden bars are fastened with a screwdriver to self-tapping screws.
Next, an isolar layer is used - this is a metallized substrate that reflects heat and protects against moisture, and is widely used to create a warm balcony (loggia). After laying all the layers of building materials, we reached the same floor level as the room without thresholds and steps.
Important (!)- the metallized substrate is laid with the reflecting surface upwards.
5. Ceiling insulation with technoplex insulation. In our ceiling, two wires for ceiling lights were installed. Therefore, before proceeding with the installation of the ceiling, electrical wiring was brought out under the wooden beams. I really like this method - it looks neat, without unnecessary wires. Electricians from have a lot to learn from the Bashkir masters)
6. Wall insulation with technoplex technoplex insulation.
The main difference between nanographite and basalt wool insulation is that it is not elastic. Therefore, when installing it into the crate, gaps remain, which then need to be filled with mounting foam.
After all the joints have been processed, a metallized isolar substrate is applied over the insulation. It is attached to the crate using a stapler and a special adhesive tape (connecting tape) - isospan.
After sheathing the entire surface with a metallized substrate, drywall sheets are attached to the wooden crate using self-tapping screws and a screwdriver from above.
Do-it-yourself plastering of a balcony (loggia)
After the balcony was completely sheathed with drywall sheets, including the ceiling, we had to plaster the walls. You can’t glue wallpaper on bare drywall, because its top layer consists of paper and can come off when wet. Additional surface treatment of sheets includes a primer and putty.
At this stage of work, our master left us, since he was only engaged in insulation, and the work of a plasterer as a painter was not part of his duties. We were faced with a choice - either to find a new employee, or to pick up a spatula ourselves. A significant role in the choice was played by the amount that the plasterers asked for - professionals for processing our small area.
Therefore, my friends, for the first time in my life I picked up a spatula and plastered my balcony myself (I posted a photo with the result a little lower). But I will say right away that I liked plastering, as it turned out, working with a gypsum mixture is not at all difficult, and if you are not particularly picky about your walls, feel free to pick up a trowel and master a new type of activity! Later (as experienced craftsmen scared me) after drying, nothing fell off, and the loggia became even warmer - after all, I responsibly covered all the cracks and joints.
So, to plaster a balcony lined with drywall sheets, I needed:
- gypsum plaster "Volma layer"
- deep penetration drywall primer
- serpyanka tape for joints
- putty knife
- container for diluting plaster
- drill with nozzle mixer for mixing the solution
- oilcloth to protect the surface from dirt (floor and brick wall)
1. First, I went over the walls with a primer to improve the adhesion to the top coat. Waited 40 minutes for it to dry completely.
2. I sealed all the joints on the drywall with tape - sickle. It forms a strong bond with the binder mixture, which is especially important at seams and corners.
3. Prepare the solution. I first diluted everything according to the instructions, and then mixed the plaster with water by eye. For the second time, you already know exactly what consistency the solution should be. I applied two coats of plaster. It took me four hours to get to work. I concluded that you can cope and learn how to work with a spatula even if you are a beginner. What happened to me you can judge from the photo. The color of the Volma layer plaster after drying becomes not white, but gray, so the ceiling had to be whitewashed with water-based paint.
How much money did it take us to insulate the balcony with our own hands
- Two-chamber window with lamination (assembly, installation) – 20.700
- Nails, switches, sockets, cable, polyurethane foam, sealant - 4.800
- Insulation, bars, drywall, plywood - 11.600
- Window sills, braids, laminate, wallpaper, lamps – 4.000
- Master's work - 10.000
Total for our loggia with an area of 3.43 sq.m. it took us 51.100 rubles. The amount of expenses depends on the size of the area to be insulated and what materials will be used for this. As you understand, insulating a balcony in Khrushchev will cost much less than insulating a large balcony with panoramic windows.
1. Mentally prepare for the fact that it will be necessary to allocate temporary space for building materials. All these heaters, drywall sheets and wooden blocks are impressive in size and occupied our entire entrance hall of 13 sq.m. It was especially hard for me with small children, who cannot be kept in place and I had to constantly make sure that they did not stumble and carry dirt around the apartment.
2. Separately, it is worth mentioning garbage and dust. Despite the fact that all the dirty work was carried out on the loggia, the builder still had to walk between the balcony and the hallway for materials and tools. Therefore, the entire floor was strewn with shavings and debris. Every time after his work, I had to carry out wet cleaning in the house with a rag and a vacuum cleaner. This is an important reason - why I quickly wanted to finish with the insulation of the loggia.
3. The amount that we were initially agreed on for the purchase of building materials was approximate. That is, in the process, you still had to buy something.
4. One person cannot do all the work for sure. There are two ways out: to find a company doing turnkey repairs, the prices of which start from 50 thousand rubles. Or, as we did, we separately looked for a master for each option. As a result, for the whole process of warming our loggia, we needed: specialists in the manufacture and installation of windows, a plumber, a master in warming and cladding balconies, a plasterer-painter. It turned out cheaper than ordering from the organization, but I also had to spend time searching.
5. Keep in mind, if you still decide to insulate the balcony with your own hands without the help of a specialist, then you should have the tool necessary for the job at hand. These are a jigsaw and files, a drill, a hammer, a screwdriver, a sealant gun, a puncher, a construction ruler with a level, a drywall assembly construction knife, a construction stapler.
6. Do not throw away checks, they may come in handy when repairs are completed and unused building materials remain. Within 14 days from the date of purchase, you can return them to the store and get your money back, provided that the package remains unopened.
7. It is better to make purchases in large chain stores. For example, Leroy Merlin gives buyers the opportunity to return an unused item for repair within 100 days after the purchase. I did not have any difficulty in returning the extra rolls of wallpaper, glue and cornices that did not fit in height.
Conclusion
I hope our experience helped you on how to properly insulate a balcony from the inside with your own hands with a step-by-step photo. Many complain that after warming the loggia still remains cold. We specifically measured the temperature on the balcony, with minus outside. She remained as warm and comfortable as in the apartment.
Work on the insulation of the balcony is of course difficult and dirty. But how much joy I now have in my own workshop. I have my own little corner where I can work quietly without disturbing my loved ones, create in my personal space. So if you have an idea to make yourself an office, but there is no place in the apartment, pay attention to the balcony or loggia. Good luck everyone, bye!
In this article, we will talk about how to protect the walls of the loggia from the penetration of cold, and also give advice on what tools and materials will be useful to you for this purpose. But first I would like to dwell on those problems that will have to be overcome in the process of work.
Common Mistakes
A serious problem is created by condensate, which forms from the inside on the cold surface of the walls and ceiling. As a result, damp areas appear, which very quickly become covered with a layer of mold. This happens due to poor ventilation, improper insulation and heating systems.
When the ventilation of the room does not work correctly, the air quickly moves from the warm part of the apartment to the cold, i.e. to the loggia. There, excess moisture settles on the coldest surfaces. Ordinary doors help to avoid such a negative effect, which separate rooms with different temperature conditions, and, consequently, with different humidity.
Insulation systems also cause a lot of trouble. If, for example, the insulation of the walls and floor was done incorrectly, then moisture will certainly leave its marks on the problem areas of the loggia.
If you decide to save on foam, and instead sealed the seams between the plates with a putty mixture, then condensation is very likely to settle in these places with all the ensuing consequences. It is better not to make such mistakes at all, since it will be very difficult to eliminate them. Therefore, it is very important to adhere to the technology of all insulation processes.
Often the problem is a poor-quality loggia heating system. If this process occurs only due to warm air from the next room, then mold will certainly form in the cold corners of the outdoor room. Therefore, it is advisable to start wall insulation with floor insulation on the loggia.
This is also important in order to comply with building codes, because the installation of water heating on balconies is prohibited. A well-equipped warm floor is sensitive to temperature changes in its various areas and automatically eliminates this imbalance.
Silence
Insulation of walls, in addition to its main purpose, has other positive effects. It becomes much quieter on the loggia, which means that the noise level is significantly reduced in the rest of the room.
After all, it is the loggia that is exposed to numerous noise influences from the outside.
Material selection
The modern market of thermal insulation materials provides customers with a huge choice, which is quite difficult for a beginner to understand, so it is better to seek advice from specialists. Many of them are advised to opt for extruded polystyrene foam or, as it is called in everyday life, penoplex.
This material has excellent heat-saving properties, high strength and low hygroscopicity. In addition, it is easy to process, featuring high environmental standards and chemical neutrality.
Other types of foam are widely used as a heater, however, unlike foam plastic, they have more modest thermal insulation characteristics. Penofol and mineral wool are often used to insulate balconies and loggias.
Wall insulation
Insulation of the walls of the balcony consists of several stages. Let's consider each of them in detail.
It is possible to successfully insulate a wall only if the corresponding preparatory work was initially carried out on the loggia. Do not be too lazy to spend time preparing, this will provide an excellent result.
First of all, thoroughly clean the walls of the old coating. It is good if, before warming, you replace outdated window structures with double-glazed windows, and also remove the old mounting foam from the frames.
For this, it is best to use a clerical knife. If there are significant mold formations on the inside of the walls, they must be eliminated. In this case, a fungicide spray will do.
Then you should carefully mark the lines for fixing the foam sheets.
Laying the insulating layer
Direct insulation of the walls of the loggia begins with the laying of a layer of foil polystyrene foam. The sheets must be cut in advance, and then securely fixed with special dowels and polyurethane glue.
On top of the heat-reflecting layer, metal suspensions are attached, which act as an additional fixator. All seams and openings should be carefully insulated with special aluminum tape.
Laying the main layer of insulation
At the next stage, the main layer of foam insulation is laid. Remember that in the sheets you must first make holes for aluminum hangers. The gaps between the plates should be minimal.
Penoplex plates should be securely fixed with glue and fixing materials, and each joint should be carefully sealed with mounting foam. Also pay attention to suspensions. For better sealing after removing excess foam, you can use the same metal tape.
Next, you should insulate the outer wall of the loggia with a layer of foil foam. Try to carefully seal all seams and holes with metal tape.
Should all walls be insulated?
The fact is that the walls of the loggia from the inside insulate the warm air of the next room quite well. However, many experts believe that interior walls also require insulation. True, from the inside you can limit yourself to only two layers of foil foam and extruded thick polystyrene foam.
Insulation around windows
A rather laborious process is the insulation of walls near the windows. In this area, the sealing of all cracks, joints and seams should be carried out especially carefully and accurately.
We recommend using mounting foam and metal tape without fail. Do not forget that the foam should be given some time to dry. After that, be sure to remove any excess with a construction knife, and then seal the seams with aluminum tape.
At the final stage of applying the mounting foam, you will need a special solvent, which is designed to instantly remove its residues. This is an important procedure, because if the foam has time to harden, it will be quite difficult to remove it.
Finishing
After completing the thermal insulation of the loggia, it is worth thinking about finishing work, which also affects the degree of thermal insulation in the room. When all layers are laid and sealed, metal hangers must be returned to their original position, and then aluminum profiles must be attached to them.
It is convenient to attach almost any of the materials available on the modern construction market to these profiles. As a finishing material for the walls of the loggia, wooden, cork and metal slatted panels, PVC structures, siding and many other options are perfect.
Moisture-resistant drywall has proven itself quite well. The advantages of this material lie in the lightness of the structure, which "breathes" perfectly. Drywall is very affordable in terms of price, and it is also easy to process, paint, fix, stick wallpaper on its surface.
At first, warming a loggia may seem like a rather complicated and time-consuming process. However, if you decide to try, you will quickly realize that there are no particular difficulties here. All operations are quickly mastered and do not require special construction skills.
From the balcony it will also be possible to make a comfortable and useful room. For example, equip it with an office, a workshop, a small sports area or a comfortable rest room.