How to insulate the balcony with your own hands

Everyone wants to make their apartment the most cozy and comfortable. Warming a balcony is one of the ways by which you can achieve this goal.

How to insulate the balcony from the inside? What is this process? We will answer these questions. The essence of warming is the creation along the perimeter of the balcony (external) of a light and warm wall, which will be impermeable to the wind, waterproof and durable.

Such a wall must consist of several layers. The outer layer has a protective and decorative function. The middle layer is the insulator itself, and the inner layer performs the same functions as the outer layer.

It is best to use for the outer layer of siding. You can use the plastic "lining", most importantly, when buying, pay attention to the suitability of plastic for street conditions. For the inner layer MDF panels are suitable. As for the insulation material itself, it is most often a foam plastic (expanded polystyrene).

An alternative to styrofoam may be foam polyurethane (in another way it is also called "mounting foam"). The difference between them is the reaction to the effect of fire. Polyfoam, in contrast to polyurethane foam, is very flammable. Therefore, you need to be more careful with him.

How to insulate the balcony yourself? Of course, first you need to take everything from the balcony out of the balcony.

If the walls are faced with something, then the cladding needs to be dismantled. Make sure that all the elements of the balcony are in good order (there is no damage, the fence is reliable).

After that, you can begin the installation of the frame. The frame is made double. For this, a set of wooden beams and galvanized profiles (bent) will be used . The frame will be attached to the balcony fence. Fastening will be carried out using wire clamps or screws. If you need to fix it to the slab or walls, then use self-tightening anchors.

We will move along the outside. It is necessary to make an outer layer (for example, from a siding). Then lay the insulation, and with it the finishing layer (internal). If suddenly you use mineral wool heaters, then always lay a vapor barrier. It is performed by a special film. The film is different, but differs by the degree of permeability for the smallest particles of water. Note! These characteristics are indicated on the film itself. Find a side that has a higher water permeability. It is necessary to turn it to the side where the heater is placed. Thus, the moisture that has got into the heater, easily evaporate.

If you decide to insulate the balcony with foam, all the joints formed between the sheets, and the seams, where the sheets are adjacent to the slab and the walls, will need to be carefully filled with mounting foam.

In the event that your neighbors from above and from below have not decided to insulate the balcony yet, you will have to insulate the floor with the ceiling. The process for floor and ceiling is similar to the actions that were performed for walls.

Well, at last: do not hesitate to ask for help from specialists or simply from knowledgeable people, if they decided to insulate the balcony on their own. Do not forget to use reliable fasteners, which should not be saved.

With regard to the safety of passers-by, for the duration of your "work activity" you can protect the area under the balcony in case of falling of any tools or materials. Stroke the pegs and pull the rope. This will be enough to exclude the risk of injuring someone.