Panoramic windows: in a private house and apartment, pros and cons

Probably every owner would like to let in maximum maximum of light and heat. This opportunity is provided by a panoramic window - a special type of glazing, in which the window is mounted in the entire height of the wall or a significant part of it. Most often, such windows are found in country houses, luxury apartments, penthouses or highfletas well as in office premises. But if you correctly approach the issue and weigh the pros and cons, then it is quite possible to install large windows from floor to ceiling in a standard apartment.

Panoramic windows - a complex structure, a lot depends on the correct choice and installation: the safety of the inhabitants of the apartment, the safety of heat, the security of the home.

One of the main criteria in favor of choosing large glasses is the panoramic view, which makes it possible to enjoy the opening landscape all year round. The same factor can also be the main argument against their installation: not every apartment can boast a beautiful view from the window.

General characteristics

The types of panoramic glazing vary depending on the materials used. Distinguish:

1. Cold glazing.
2. Warm glazing.

In cold glazing, aluminum profiles are used or there are no frames at all. Most often, this option is used on loggias and balconies.

Warm glazing involves wooden or plastic profiles that hold heat well. At cost, such double-glazed windows are significantly more expensive than cold glazing.

Profiles for panoramic glazing are made of:

• steel and aluminum alloys;
• aluminum with polyamide inserts;
• wood treated with antiseptic compounds;
• plastic;
• glass composite - durable energy-efficient material;
• combined material.

It is most reasonable to choose tempered glass with a reinforcing film, tinted, reflective or laminated glass for a panoramic view.

By type of construction, panoramic windows are:

1. Swing.
2. Sliding.
3. Parallel sliding.
4. Folding.
5. Sliding and sliding.

The best operating characteristics are possessed by sliding-sliding panoramic windows with shutters that extend onto the carriages. In turn, parallel-sliding structures are preferable to folding ones.

Advantages of panoramic windows

The merits of panoramic glazing do not have much to say. They fit into capacious, but laconic phrases: light, spacious, beautiful, unusual.

The first and indisputable advantage of panoramic windows is the opening view, without obstacles and restrictions, pleasing the eyes of the owners of the apartment. Of course, if there is something to rejoice: the installation of large glasses makes sense only if the landscape behind them is really attractive. Busy highway, wrong side of urban infrastructure with factory chimneys and household waste tanks, excellent viewed from high floors, the proximity of an adjacent high-rise building is hardly a good reason to choose a panoramic glazing.

The abundance of sunlight and heat is another bonus to panoramic glass. A room with large windows will always be light and, most often, warm.

Important! Large windows are subjected to severe loads - static and dynamic. Therefore, the reliability of the entire structure should ensure the integrity of the narthex and the stability of the parts.

The absence of one of the four traditional walls makes the room visually spacious and the interior more interesting.

A spoon of tar

Significant advantages of panoramic windows are balanced by a list of disadvantages, which can seriously complicate the decision to install them. Only by working for each of them, you can draw the final conclusions.

Security questions

The safety of impressive window structures is a controversial issue, especially in families with small children. To come up with some kind of "security" fence or clutter up the access to the window with furniture - an irrational solution. One of the leading motives for choosing large glasses is meaningless - visibility and translucency.
Of course, all this is related to ordinary double-glazed windows, even double or triple. An alternative solution to the security problem may be the installation of particularly durable double-glazed windows - anti-vandal, anti-burglary or even armored. But all this increases the cost of an already expensive installation.

Important! The protection class of glass and frame must be fully consistent with each other. Only in this case, the declared strength of the entire window structure is guaranteed.

High installation and maintenance costs

The time-consuming installation, high-quality materials, a large area of ​​construction, and toughened glass significantly increase the cost of panoramic windows in comparison with the standard version. In addition, the choice of tinted, tinted or mirrored glasses, which increase the privacy of housing, also affects the price increase.

Difficult thermoregulation

Overheating in summer and heat loss in winter is a characteristic drawback of panoramic windows. If the edges of the double-glazed windows do not have sufficient insulation, the window may freeze and give off room heat. This disadvantage can be compensated by installing double-glazed windows with a heat-reflecting coating or using energy-efficient wooden or plastic profiles. In addition to improving thermoregulation, this solution will help to avoid the formation of condensation and mold in the summer, frost - in the winter.

Tip. When choosing a window, pay attention to the presence of the Energy Star logo, confirming the fact that the products comply with the international standard for energy efficiency of consumer goods. Such products will provide 20-30% less energy loss compared to their peers, ceteris paribus.

One of the expensive solutions to this problem is the installation of electrochromic glasses with adjustable transparency. The degree of blackout is selected using the remote control.

Another way to reduce heat loss and avoid condensation or icing is to install floor convectors that supply warm air to the window. Such a heating system does not block the view, like conventional radiators, but it also has its drawback: low power and difficulties in cleaning dust accumulating inside.

Insufficient sound insulation

Due to the large area of ​​glazing, panoramic windows willingly let in sounds from outside. To prevent noise from entering the room, install 2- or 3-chamber bags with cameras of different thicknesses. Optimum sound insulation can be achieved by installing a two-chamber double-glazed window with different spacers and a three-layer laminated triplex glass instead of one glass.

Difficulties in maintaining panoramic structures

Items of non-standard dimensions are always more difficult to care for, and if it comes to windows - even more so. To enjoy the view from the windows every day, you need to wash them at least twice a year. If the large window is not installed in the apartment on the first floor, then you should not risk it, trying to wash it yourself. It is better to entrust this issue to specialists of a cleaning company.

Important! From rainwater and condensate, a white coating forms on the surface of the glasses over time. Therefore, it is desirable to professionally wash panoramic windows.

Great visibility and low privacy

The panoramic window both virtually and psychologically reduces the privacy of the living room. Not only the tenants of the apartment see everything, but everyone sees them. Therefore, it is worth choosing reflective glass. The most inexpensive option is low-emission glass that does not transmit infrared rays. Behind it comes at a cost tinted glass. The most expensive solution to the issue will be the same electrochromic glass with adjustable transparency.

Operation tips

The following tips will be helpful during the selection and installation of panoramic windows.

When calculating and installing a panoramic design, you need to consider:

• geological and climatic features of the area;
• building height - atmospheric, wind and temperature loads depend on it.

Panoramic windows must meet the following criteria:

• resist static and dynamic loads;
• provide thermal and sound insulation;
• possess moisture resistance.

Glass for panoramic glazing should be:

• shockproof and fireproof;
• energy efficient;
• explosion proof.

In the apartment where the panoramic design is installed, it must be:

• thought out ventilation system and conditioning, if the windows are dull, without moving elements for air circulation;
• high-quality movable elements are installed for the possibility of ventilation.

Nice view from the window is worth a lot. And you can pay this expensive price only to professionals of the highest class.