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How to properly insulate a loggia and a balcony: tips
The loggia has long ceased to be a warehouse for unnecessary things and has turned into a part of a room or a full-fledged office, where many arrange a working corner. We will tell you how to properly insulate this part of the apartment so that you do not have to redo everything again.
If you are determined to attach a loggia and insulate it yourself, then immediately get ready for the fact that this is a whole story, in which creative ideas cannot always be embodied due to complex technologies or paperwork. In addition, often the result is not at all what you expected. To avoid, say, bulging of the insulated wall from under the glazing, dripping condensation from the ceiling, inconvenient positioning of window handles and other troubles – study the list of common mistakes that are best not to make.
It would seem that everyone has known for a long time that it is not worthwhile to carry out the reconstruction and redevelopment of any room (kitchen, bathroom, room, loggia, etc.), because you can face a number of problems that then threaten to turn into a significant fine.
If you suddenly decided to demolish the wall between, say, the living room and the loggia (while you only plan to insulate the latter), then, of course, you should inform the BTI representatives about your ideas. Otherwise, later, when selling an apartment, you may encounter problems, especially if there are inconsistencies in the technical passport of the given housing.
But if you only plan to glaze the balcony using sliding glass units with an aluminum profile and equip, say, an unheated summer version of the office, then you may not receive a special permit.
Additional insulation of the wall between the loggia and the room
In the event that you nevertheless attach the loggia to the main room, then this wall becomes internal, accordingly, it makes no sense to additionally revet it with all kinds of heat-insulating materials. After all, this will not make the apartment warmer or cooler, but will only be a waste of money.
Installing a radiator on a loggia
What could be more logical than bringing a radiator to the loggia, thus creating a comfortable microclimate in this room? But, unfortunately, not everything is so simple! If you were given permission to redevelop, then perhaps you will not even have such a thought. And if not? It is just worth remembering that it is categorically impossible to lead the pipes or the battery itself beyond the outer wall. Indeed, with improper insulation, pipes can freeze, which will entail serious accidents and discontent of other residents. Instead, look for an electric underfloor heating or oil radiator that can be easily attached to the wall.
Incorrect floor construction
Speaking of the flooring! Do not use a thick layer of sand-concrete screed, which will subsequently be covered with a solid layer of tile adhesive, and then ceramic cladding, in order to achieve a perfectly flat floor. After all, overloading the floor is dangerous! It is much wiser to use ultralight materials for insulation. For example, it is recommended to lay a soft insulation directly on top of concrete slabs, then another insulation can be used as a second layer, not forgetting about waterproofing, and a thin screed can be made on top of this layer.
To create a comfortable microclimate on the loggia, it is recommended to use foam blocks for the parapet and walls (at least 70-100 ml thick). Experts pay attention that this material has excellent thermal insulation properties and frost resistance, therefore it will definitely save you in the cold season. In addition, stone wool can be added to the panel of extruded polystyrene foam or slab for additional frost protection.
In fact, many experts recommend taking a closer look at the frameless doors, which, when closed, look like a smooth surface and are very convenient to assemble (“accordion”) without eating up the space of the room. But this option will be good only if you are not going to insulate your loggia. Otherwise, single glazing and gaps between the canvases will not be able to protect you in the cold season and will collect dirt, dust and fingerprints. Therefore, you can replace them with thermally insulated lift-and-slide windows or the same PVC double-glazed windows with standard hinged doors.
By the way, many apartment owners, trying to increase their space, go even further and build a frame for glazing with an extension on the loggias (which often protrudes by several tens of centimeters). This is not the best solution, because in this case, snow and water constantly accumulate at the top of the visor, and a glass build-up appears on the facade, spoiling the whole appearance of the house. Therefore, if, say, in your house, according to the design idea, there should be only open balconies (entwined with a beautiful wrought-iron fence, for example), then you should not stand out and glass / attach your own. In this case, you can take a closer look at large green plants that will close you from prying eyes.
In no case should you neglect this point, especially if you use mineral wool as a heater. Without a vapor barrier material, it will simply damp, ruining the walls and floor on your loggia, and condensation will appear on the ceiling of the neighbors below.
Many people believe that if they use polystyrene or other foam material for insulation, then in this case they can do without vapor barrier. But this is not entirely true. It is better to add a thin layer of this material too, than to regret later that this moment was missed.
Using a sealant without protection
In fact, abuse of the sealant can lead to the appearance of bubbling polyurethane foam seams. And this will not please anyone, especially the avid perfectionist. In addition to aesthetic unattractiveness, they can spoil the climate in the apartment, because the foam of polyurethane sealants is afraid of direct sunlight and moisture. Therefore, without proper protection, it can quickly deteriorate, which, in turn, will lead to cracks, drafts and cause street noise.