Panoramic windows: varieties, pros and cons, DIY installation

In various articles, this term refers to frameless glazing, French windows, and reinforced-plastic glazing. This variety of names is due to two reasons: misunderstanding of the term and advertising gimmick. What constructions can be called panoramic windows in the correct sense of the word?

Panorama is a Greek word that means "I see everything". And everything can be seen from the room only when the wall does not interfere with the view. This means that all of the above terms, no matter how pleasant and mysterious they sound, are ordinary panoramic windows.

Whether they have a frame or not, from what materials the structures are made, swing or sliding, warm or cold - it does not matter. Of course, constructions that have doors, although transparent, cannot be called panoramic windows.

If the wall is large, then the windows are large. And for small gazebos or verandas, windows are required of ordinary height and length, the main thing is that they are from ceiling to floor, do not interfere with observing the panorama outside the room. This means that panoramic windows can have different sizes, this indicator is not the main factor for them.

Another nuance is that you can partially achieve a panoramic view when the length of the window is much greater than the width. But such options are rare in housing. The house looks strange, the windows resemble loopholes of pillboxes or other military structures, it is difficult to talk about any design appeal. Although these options have the right to life.

Where panoramic windows are installed

Depending on the place of installation, some designers change the name, but this does not really matter.

Panoramic windows are recommended for glazing the following objects.

1. Loggias and balconies . Parapets are completely dismantled, panoramic windows are made of separate sections (some can be sliding). As a rule, the lower part is made of extra strong glass. In order to increase resistance to mechanical stress, a special polyethylene film can be glued or triplex glass can be used.

   The second option is more reliable, but has the highest cost. Only the upper part of the panoramic balcony windows opens, the lower one is always motionless. This is done for security purposes.

   

   Loggia with panoramic glazing

2. Pools . The indoor pool has its own advantages, while the panoramic glazing has its own.

   Each owner selects the best option for himself.

   

   Pool area - panoramic glazing

3. Terraces . The most common option has several advantages.First, there is no need to use expensive heat-saving double-glazed windows, terraces in most cases are not heated. Second, savings are achieved on anti-vandal measures.

   The entrance to the house is protected by doors, the entry of unwanted persons onto the terrace does not cause large losses. Third, the terraces have a lower height than the rooms; a little expensive materials are required to make windows. Fourth, the installation of panoramic windows on the terraces is not difficult for architects; there is no need to reconstruct the load-bearing facade walls. Fifth - the effect of panoramic terraced windows is maximum, the owner of the house can observe an unlimited panorama of the adjacent landscape.

   

   Large terrace with frameless glazing

4. Bay windows .

   These original architectural elements decorate the buildings in themselves, and the panoramic windows turn them into a real highlight. In addition, the comfort of living is increased. As a rule, bay windows are small, heat losses due to glazing are not critical and do not have a noticeable negative impact on the cost of maintaining a room in the winter.

   

   Design of a room with a bay window

5. Glazing of covered arbors . It is used rarely and only by the most affluent developers.

   A panoramic window in the gazebos increases the use of the building, protects against rain and insects. From a technical point of view, the work is the simplest.

   

   Panoramic garden gazebo, in which it is pleasant to spend time

6. Glazing of the interior . The entire wall or a large part of it is made transparent. The most difficult variant of panoramic windows from all points of view.

   Applies only to prestigious luxury buildings. It is possible to glaze the corner of the facade walls with such a window from both sides - the building acquires lightness and special appeal.

It is impossible, even theoretically, to give specific advice on where to install panoramic windows. There are too many options for buildings, and each owner has his own tastes. In addition, you cannot find two designers who have exactly the same opinion, each of them gives professional and well-reasoned advice that is difficult to refuse.

Note! Before making the final decision on the advisability of installing panoramic windows, you need to find out their actual performance. Not advertising, but real.

Pros and cons of panoramic windows

In nature, there are no constructions that have only positive sides. If inexperienced developers have a different impression, then these are the consequences of competent advertising of manufacturers.We give an objective assessment of panoramic windows, we hope that knowledge will help beginners.

The advantages of panoramic windows are given below.

1. Significant visual increase in the area of ​​the room. The absence of opaque walls makes even a small room huge.
2. Design view. The building merges with the surrounding landscape, and all city dwellers like this very much.

3. Dramatically increase natural light. Human eyes are accustomed to the full spectrum of sunlight; no state-of-the-art lighting devices can completely replace it. As a result, not only eyesight deteriorates, but also mood.
4. Great possibilities for decorating rooms in various styles. The panoramic window is a real gift for architects, it helps them to embody the most daring projects.

This is where the advantages of panoramic windows are over, it's time to consider the less pleasant consequences of installing such structures.

1. Heat losses increase noticeably. None of the most expensive double-glazed windows can compare with the thermal conductivity parameters of ordinary foam plastic with a thickness of only 5 centimeters. And what about insulated facade walls?
2. High cost. In comparison with other types of glazing, this is the most expensive option.

   In most cases, panoramic windows need to be made to order, which further increases the cost of installation work.

3. Difficulty with installation. Large double-glazed windows are almost impossible to install by hand; you have to use special lifting mechanisms. As a result, the installation price increases even more. In addition, any error during assembly or erection of structures is very costly.

4. Insufficient security. The most expensive glass is triplex or armored, the cost of a panoramic window with such glass increases significantly. But even this option cannot be compared in terms of safety with brick or wooden walls.
5. Difficulty leaving. Washing the panoramic window from the back is a problem not only for ordinary residents, but also for employees of specialized cleaning companies.

   And if it is installed on a high-rise building? Industrial climbers are indispensable, how much their services cost - no need to remind.

6. Limited furniture arrangement options. Closets cannot be installed along the panoramic windows; the problem also arises with beds.
7. Some people are very afraid of open spaces. This is a clinical disease, they physically cannot be in rooms with panoramic windows over the entire wall.

Having factual information about the pros and cons of panoramic windows, it will be much easier for you to take a balanced decision.

Table. Materials for manufacturing panoramic window frames and their brief characteristics.

When choosing a material for the manufacture of windows, one should take into account the dimensions and structural features of the window, the parameters of double-glazed windows and the requirements of designers for the design of the interior style.

We figured out the profiles of the bearing elements, now we should talk about double-glazed windows.

Double-glazed windows for panoramic windows

The choice of glass and double-glazed windows must be done consciously and taking into account all the factors that affect the operating conditions. Let's consider what glasses are used for the manufacture of double-glazed windows and what has a decisive influence on the choice.

Table. Types of glass for panoramic windows.

Important! The better the glass, the more reliable and expensive the panoramic windows. As for the number of double-glazed windows, here during the selection the main criterion is the climatic zone of residence and the specific place of installation of the window (residential or non-residential premises).

How to deal with fogging of panoramic windows

Big problem for panoramic windows.

Whatever bags you use, their heat transfer will be much greater than the walls. This means that the surface of the glasses always has a lower temperature, as a result, the appearance of condensation on them in the cold season is almost inevitable. Moisture formation parameters depend on the temperature of the glass surface and the relative humidity in the room. There are several ways to combat condensation on panoramic windows.

1. Maintain the room temperature within such limits so that the glasses are always warm.

   The method is only theoretically effective for several reasons. First, to create such conditions in winter, a huge amount of heat will have to be spent, which significantly increases the cost of maintaining premises in winter. Secondly, the temperature in the room within + 18-21 ° C is considered comfortable for the body. It is unlikely that anyone will like to relax at a temperature of + 25 ° C and above.

   

   Maintain the required room temperature

2. Reduce the humidity in the room.

   When the relative humidity is below 30%, the dew point drops significantly, and the likelihood of condensation on panoramic windows is minimized. But there are SanPin requirements, which consider the humidity of at least 60% favorable, if the indicators are lower, this has an extremely negative effect on health.This means that this method can hardly be considered acceptable in practice.

   

   Table of normal room air humidity

3. Locally increase the temperature of the glass of panoramic windows. This method is often used in practice.

   Heating batteries or heaters are installed near the windows. Another method is to use electric heating for insulating glass units. Heating cables are mounted under glazing beads, power on / off is performed in manual or automatic mode.

   

   Radiator next to the panoramic window

   Prices for popular models of heating radiators

   Heating radiators

4. Speed ​​up the process of evaporation of condensate. The easiest way, if necessary, place ordinary fans along the windows.

   Thus, the convection of air flows improves, the glass surfaces heat up better, and the rate of evaporation of the formed condensate increases significantly.

   

   How to dry the air in an apartment

As for various films, mastics, etc., they are ineffective ...

At best, these devices make the condensation invisible, but it is there, the moisture flows down to the windowsills or to the floor. Why does it seem that there is no condensation on the glasses? Everything is very simple. On ordinary glasses, water accumulates in small droplets, it is clearly visible. Various films and coatings distribute water in a thin layer over the entire surface of the window. The thin layer is not visible.

But it is always there, moisture flows down the window and hits the floor. What are the consequences of a wet floor - there is no need to repeat.

Installation instructions for panoramic windows

Important! Never remodel ordinary windows for panoramic windows in operated buildings. The fact is that the front walls are always load-bearing; slabs or other structures of the upper floor lie on them.

The possibility of installing panoramic windows should be provided at the design stage.

Architects are thinking of other ways to build ceilings. This remark does not apply to the glazing of verandas; you can install panoramic windows here at any time.

Step 1. Select the option of panoramic windows, measure their width and height. Classic panoramic structures should open the entire space from the top to the bottom of the wall.

Step 2. Collect the window profiles. Follow the manufacturer's instructions during assembly. Do not simplify some of the steps - the load on the frame is large, you need to take all measures to ensure its strength. If there is no experience in assembling profiles, then it is better to turn to professionals for help.

Moreover, double-glazed windows cannot be installed without special vacuum suction cups, but only specialized companies have them. And one more problem is the large weight of double-glazed windows.If it is two- or three-chamber and is made of impact-resistant glass with a thickness of 6 millimeters, then it is impossible to manually install it in place, you need lifting mechanisms.

Step 3. Clean the surfaces of dust and dust around the perimeter of the window opening.

debris, level them if necessary. It is highly desirable that the bottom profile of the panoramic window rests on the floor slab with its entire surface. It is prohibited to install windows on the floor. An exception is the floor covering made of ceramic tiles and laid on a solid cement screed. If there are coolants under it, then they cannot be located under the frame of the panoramic window.

Step 4. Measure the fixing points of the frame in the opening, use these marks to drill holes in the profile. It is better to drill separately the profile and the opening - it is much easier to work this way.

Step 5. Insert the frame into the opening, align it is level and firmly fasten with wedges.

Pay attention that the structure does not wobble. It must be stable at all times during installation.

Step 6. Use a hammer drill to drill holes in the wall for anchor bolts. If the panoramic window is relatively small and light, then you can use strong dowels; in all other cases, fixation is done only with anchors.

The distance between the holes is selected taking into account the material of the walls and the size of the panoramic window. In most cases, it is within 40 centimeters.

Step 7. Lock the frames, check that they are stable. If in doubt, increase the number of anchors.

Prices for popular models of hammer drills

Hammer drills

Step 8. Replace glass or insulating glass units. Do not forget to use plastic pads to compensate for linear thermal expansion of the glass.

Step 9. Blow foam into the cracks between the frame and the opening, thoroughly moisten the surfaces before foaming.

In this case, water has two functions: it increases the coefficient of adhesion of the foam to surfaces and accelerates the time of its (foam) hardening. Unscrupulous craftsmen rarely wet surfaces, for them the main thing is not the quality of work, but time. If you use the services of the company, then be sure to control the quality of installation and force the workers to complete all stages of installing panoramic windows.

Step 10. After the foam hardens, carefully cut with a sharp knife material protruding beyond the plane of the wall.

Further, the foam can be pasted over with wallpaper, plaster or leveled with putty. The specific method is selected taking into account the existing wall decoration of the room.

Prices for polyurethane sealant

Polyurethane sealant

Final tips

Do not rush to decide on the installation of panoramic windows. Their real advantage is the original look of the building. All other performance indicators are inferior to traditional methods of building glazing.

One more thing. The cost of panoramic windows, even without installation, is large. If you do not have enough experience in the production of construction work - do not engage in self-installation, contact the specialists for help. Their services, in the end, will cost less than the possible damage from inept actions.

Stained glass windows

Stained glass windows have delighted the eyes of our ancestors since ancient times.

Their relevance is not diminishing even today, despite the wide variety of materials and decorations. If earlier the production of stained-glass windows was the lot of a few masters, then in the modern world almost anyone can master certain methods of their creation. More details here.

Video - Setting panoramic windows