Enclosure of balconies made of metal: structures, installation features. Protective and decorative fences

Almost every apartment, located in a high-rise building, is equipped with a balcony. For someone, he acts as a pantry, and someone arranges a greenhouse there or simply resting reading his favorite book. And no matter how this space is used, it must have a reliable and strong fencing. Modern protective structures can be made from a wide variety of materials, but to provide the highest degree of security it is recommended to install a balcony fencing made of metal.

What they are, what their features are and whether it is possible to install such handrails independently, we will consider in this article.

Features of metal railings

Fencing balconies made of metal, in addition to high strength, is characterized by a number of other positive characteristics. Namely:

• Durability. If we compare wood, plastic and metal, then, of course, the last material wins by the terms of operation. It is resistant to temperature changes, does not deform under the influence of the sun, is not afraid of mechanical damage and long retains its original appearance.

• Reliability. Such protective fencing can withstand very high loads, so, relying on them, you can not worry about your own safety.

• Beautiful appearance. Balcony railings made of metal are made in absolutely any style. They can harmoniously fit into the interior of the whole building or become the most effective decoration of the facade.

What are the requirements for balcony rails

The installation of any structures that are designed to ensure human safety is carried out in strict accordance with the standards. Protective fences of balconies are not an exception, therefore, during their manufacture and installation, the requirements of GOST must be taken into account. Namely:

1. According to these rules, the railings are installed at the edges of the balcony base with a welding machine.

2. The most important indicator of reliability is the height of protection. The upper edge of the structure should be located approximately at the middle of the abdomen of an adult. According to GOST, the height of the balcony enclosure should vary within the range of 1-1.2 meters. Also here it is necessary to take into account the dimensions of the building itself. The higher the balcony, the greater the height of the railing.

3. The distance between vertical bars is also regulated by the state standard and should not exceed 12 cm. Compliance with this rule will help to avoid accidents with young children. The child will not be able to climb through the narrow gap of the rods, respectively, will not fall out and will not get stuck.

4. Railing, which performs the role of balcony fencing, must withstand a transverse load of 100 kilograms. Neglect of this requirement will certainly reduce the level of security while a person is on the balcony.

5. When mounting products made of aluminum and stainless steel, you should take into account the fact that GOSTs categorically prohibit the use of horizontal jumpers.

Materials

If the installation method and the height of the balcony fencing are dictated by the standards, then its design is unlimited. Today, there are many ready-made options, relying on which, the masters create real works of art and luxury. Fans of new-fangled solutions prefer to combine several materials at once, getting more unusual products. Most often used aluminum, iron and steel. Next, consider the characteristics of each of them.

Aluminum

The main advantage of aluminum structures is the resistance to the effects of atmospheric phenomena, acids and other corrosive substances. Such decorative fences do not require special care, they are very durable, do not corrode and are much cheaper than steel analogues. Plasticity of the material makes it possible to produce railings of the most diverse geometry. Among other things, aluminum is lightweight, and this facilitates the transport and installation of similar products.

However, he also has shortcomings.

New beautiful balconies with rails of aluminum gradually lose their attractiveness, as the material loses its original shine under the influence of sunlight.

During the installation of such fences, welding can not be used, therefore installation is carried out only with the help of special pins.

Iron

Most often, fences of balconies and terraces are made of iron. This is due to the ease of operation and the relative ease of installation. An important role in the selection is played by the strength of the material. The larger the diameter of the tube, the harder the support. In addition, iron products perfectly cope with the function of decorating the balcony. They can be of absolutely any shape: straight, rounded, twisted and decorated with various figures, flowers and petals.

If we talk about the negative side of iron, then it is worth mentioning the susceptibility to corrosion, so these railings require periodic coating of protective compounds.

Steel

Steel railings of balconies are characterized by the longest service life. The material has a very attractive appearance, which persists for a long time, since the metal is completely unaffected by corrosion. In the case of darkening the product, you can quickly return the original shine by grinding. Steel railings can be even and curved, and also solid, blown or hollow. It is also important that the steel fence elements are perfectly combined with a variety of materials, which allows you to complement the interior with glass, modular blocks and other decor.

Welded structures

The enclosure of balconies made of metal (welded type) is the classic and most versatile option. The appearance of these products is very similar to forged rails, but the process of making them is much simpler. They are performed in the form of grids, which are welded from pieces of steel or cast-iron rods. This variant can consist of one or several sections, which have a rectangular or trapezoidal method. This results in an equally aesthetic and attractive fencing of the balcony, the price of which is half the cost of forged rails. The drawbacks of this type include the fact that the construction must be periodically painted, and in places of welding seams pass primer.

Such products are ideal for owners, for which the aesthetic side of the issue is important, but the financial possibilities do not allow choosing expensive types of fences.

Forged structures

The fencing of balconies made of metal (forged type) is considered to be a real art object. Difficult and painstaking work is carried out in the smithy, in accordance with pre-recorded measurements. The design of the handrail can be anything, everything depends on the preferences of the owner of the room. Often they are decorated with trefoils, pointed arches, wrought baskets, lush garlands and flowers. Due to the elegance of the finished product has a very light weight, but it is distinguished by its strength and reliability.

Such fencing is considered author's work, for which you have to pay a fairly large amount. The cost of some options can reach about two thousand dollars.

At home, the customer is supplied with a ready-made structure, the installation of which is carried out by spot welding. After installation, the products must be covered with compositions that protect them from corrosion.

Separately I want to mention French balconies, where forged rails act as decorative fences, which are not expected to be affected by the load.

The main purpose of such buildings is to decorate the facade of the building. They are performed in the form of a small protrusion from a window or door that are not intended for people to visit. It was on these balconies for the first time that forged products were used, and to this day they give them a certain sophistication and refinement.

Self-assembly of welded balcony fencing

It is very simple to install a metal structure. For the work you need the following tools and materials:

• corners (made of metal);

• iron rods with a diameter of 10 to 16 mm;

• Channel channels;

• round or profiled metal pipes;

• Angle grinder;

• building level;

• disks for work on metal;

• punch;

• dowels;

• welding machine.

Installation of guard rails is carried out in several stages:

1. The measurements are taken, the scheme of the future fence is drawn up.

2. The sections of the protective structure are made. In case of self-assembly, they must be prepared in advance or ordered from qualified craftsmen.

3. On the plate are marked areas on which the fence will be fastened.

4. A frame is then constructed. To do this, the metal corner is welded along the entire perimeter of the balcony plate, after which a skeleton of profiled pipes is installed. They are located at the walls of the building and fixed using dowels.

5. Starting from the angle of the installation of sections of balcony fencing. It is attached to the bottom of the finished frame. In the course of work, the level of the assembled structure is periodically checked by means of a level.

6. At the final stage, the resulting fence is cleaned of dust and covered with protective compounds.

Mounting of forged fences

As mentioned earlier, it is impossible to make forged fencing elements with your own hands, but it is quite possible to perform an independent installation. For balconies with a small area, a one-piece fence is installed, and sectional protective structures are mounted for long sites.

The installation technique is as follows:

1. The finished product is installed on a balcony plate and marks the connection points with the base.

2. Then, in the concrete using a perforator, drill holes into which the anchors are installed.

3. A rubber seal is laid between the guard and the base.

4. The fixing bolts are tightened tight and masked with special decorative patches.

5. All joints are treated with a primer.

Some craftsmen prefer another way of installing forged items. It lies in the fact that strong plates of steel are embedded in the wall, to which balcony rails are subsequently welded.

Balcony repair

In some cases, in order to perform a quality installation of a new fence, it is necessary to tidy the old foundation and repair the mortgages.

First of all, you should take care of the safety of people who can be under the balcony during repairs. To do this, fence the territory with a bright ribbon or install a fence.

To assess the status of mortgages, next to them should be broken part of the slab. If they are in poor condition, then it is necessary to repair the entire base of the railing.

If the mortgages are worn out in part, you need to break the top layer of the screed, remove the guardrail grid and connect them around the perimeter of the plate with a metal corner. It will serve as a new basis for fixing the fence.

In conclusion, I want to note that in order for beautiful metal balconies to please you with their appearance for a long time, they should be properly installed, repaired and covered with protective compounds in a timely manner. In this case, you will be ensured a safe stay in this territory for many years.