An independent reference guide to balconies and loggias. It sells nothing, is not an installation or property management company and is not connected with the previous website on this domain.
Materials
A balcony lives in special conditions: in summer the sun heats it, in winter the wind blows through it, and rain and snow get in even under a roof. So materials here are chosen not only for their looks but also for how they cope with moisture, frost and temperature swings. Below is an overview in general terms, with no brands, thicknesses or calculations.
On an open balcony everything is put to the test by the weather. Something that looks wonderful in a showroom may crack by the first spring.
How this section works: we describe materials by their role on the balcony and name the signs an owner should look for. The make-up, thickness and installation method for your balcony are decided by a professional and, if needed, a design project.
Six groups of materials that balcony and loggia owners ask about most often.
Uninsulated glazing shields the balcony from wind, dust and rain, but in winter it is almost as cold inside as outdoors. Insulated glazing, combined with insulation, lets you use a loggia all year round. The choice depends on the balcony's structure and the building's rules: changing the look of the facade may need approval.
Insulation only works together with moisture protection: if vapour from the flat gets into the layer, it becomes damp and stops keeping the heat in, and mould appears on the walls. Which material to use and in what order to lay it is decided by a professional who knows your balcony.
On an open balcony the floor must withstand water and frost and must not be slippery when wet. On a glazed, insulated loggia the choice is wider and closer to that of a living room. The flooring must not cover the emergency hatch if there is one in the floor.
Light boxes with drainage holes and trays are more practical than heavy ceramic pots. The material should cope with sun and frost, and the tray should catch excess water so that it does not run down the facade to the neighbours.
Closed cabinets and shelving protect things from dust and sun and make the balcony look neater. Place them along a solid wall, keeping the walkway, the window and the hatch clear. The cabinet material should cope with moisture and temperature swings.
Cushions, rugs and curtains on a balcony fade quickly and soak up moisture, so outdoor fabrics that are easy to remove and wash work best. Folding furniture saves space, and light items should not be placed by the railing, where the wind could blow them off.
This is where standalone articles about balconies, loggias, storage and plants will appear. Each one is written specifically for the English version of the guide; you will not find translations here.
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| Material | Purpose | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Uninsulated glazing | Protection from wind, dust and rain | Condition of the frames, how tightly they close, whether the facade change needs approval |
| Insulated glazing | Using the loggia all year round | Planned together with insulation and a design project; moving a radiator only with approval |
| Insulation | Keeping heat in a glazed loggia | Protection from moisture and vapour, no mould or damp patches |
| Flooring | A comfortable and safe floor | Resistance to water and frost, non-slip surface, hatch kept clear |
| Planters and pots | Plants and greenery | Light weight, drainage, a tray, fixed inside the railing |
| Cabinets, textiles, furniture | Storage and relaxation | Moisture resistance, a clear walkway, nothing light by the railing |
How to plan a balcony makeover: inspection, goals, what needs approval, which professionals to call and in what order to do the work.
How to clear out a balcony in a weekend and hang flower boxes securely. Plus the jobs you should never do yourself.
Glass and frames, drainage, seals, plants, railing checks and a clear emergency hatch: care through the seasons.
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.