Questions
Frequently asked questions
Here are the questions balcony and loggia owners ask most often. The answers are short and general: if a question concerns your balcony's structure, heating or wiring, the final answer comes from a professional who sees it in person, and on approvals from the local authority. The legal points below describe Russian rules; other countries have their own, so check local regulations.
If you are not sure whether you need approval, ask before the work starts. Finding out in advance is almost always easier than fixing things later.
About this guide
Do you sell glazing, furniture or plants?
No. This guide sells nothing and takes no orders. We do not publish advertising for glazing, furniture, shops or tradespeople, and we name no brands.
Do you do work on balconies?
No. We are neither an installation nor a property management company. We explain general principles; inspections, repairs and glazing are done by professionals you choose yourself.
Why does the guide have this name?
The name came with the domain and has nothing to do with the content. The site works as an independent reference guide to balconies and loggias.
Where does your information come from?
Specific requirements are taken from Russian rules: the Housing Code of the Russian Federation and the Fire Safety Regulations of the Russian Federation. Everything else is general practical advice without figures or calculations. In other countries, check local building and fire rules.
Renovation and rules
Does joining a loggia to a room need approval?
Yes, in Russia. It is replanning or re-equipment, and under Art. 26 of the Housing Code of the Russian Federation such work in an apartment building requires approval by the local authority. The same applies to moving a radiator onto the loggia. Elsewhere, check with your local authority or a qualified professional.
Does glazing a balcony need approval?
It may. Glazing changes the look of the facade, and the rules depend on the building and the region. Check them with the building management and the local authority before ordering any work.
Can I remove the ladder between balconies?
No. The Fire Safety Regulations of the Russian Federation prohibit removing the ladders between balconies, as well as blocking balcony emergency hatches and passages to adjacent balconies. Other countries have their own fire rules, so check locally.
What should I do if there is a fire on the balcony?
Move away from the fire, close the door behind you and call 112 or 101 (or your local emergency number). If the way through the flat is cut off, use the emergency hatch or the passage to the next balcony; that is exactly why they must be kept clear.
Storage and plants
What should not be stored on a balcony?
Do not keep anything flammable on the balcony: paints, solvents, gas canisters, petrol, or large amounts of old newspapers and cardboard. Do not put things on the emergency hatch or by the ladder between balconies, and keep anything a child could climb on away from the railing.
How do I store things without turning the balcony into a storeroom?
Decide what really needs to be kept here and move the rest elsewhere. Closed cabinets along a solid wall, labelled boxes and a regular clear-out at each change of season help you avoid hoarding.
How do I water plants without flooding the neighbours?
Put trays under the boxes, water a little at a time close to the soil and make sure the water does not spill over the edge. Keep the boxes on the inside of the railing.
Which plants should I choose for a balcony?
Look at which way the balcony faces: a sunny one suits plants that love warmth and light, a shady one suits undemanding greens and herbs. Light boxes and shallow pots are more practical than large containers.
See also
- Planning
How to plan a balcony makeover: inspection, goals, what needs approval, which professionals to call and in what order to do the work.
- Care
Glass and frames, drainage, seals, plants, railing checks and a clear emergency hatch: care through the seasons.
- How-to
How to clear out a balcony in a weekend and hang flower boxes securely. Plus the jobs you should never do yourself.
Sources
- Housing Code of the Russian Federation, Art. 26
- Fire Safety Regulations of the Russian Federation (Government Decree No. 1479 of 16 September 2020)
Specific requirements are summarised in general terms from Russian rules: the Housing Code of the Russian Federation and the Fire Safety Regulations of the Russian Federation. Other countries have their own building and fire rules. The condition of the slab, railing and glazing is assessed by professionals, and the approval procedure for your building is confirmed with the local authority and the building management.