Probably every owner would like to let maximum light and heat into his apartment. This opportunity is provided by a panoramic window - a special type of glazing, in which the window is mounted to 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 hi-flatsas well as in offices. But if you correctly approach the issue and weigh all the pros and cons, then it is quite possible to install large floor-to-ceiling windows in a standard apartment.
Panoramic windows are a complex structure, a lot depends on the correct choice and installation of which: the safety of the inhabitants of the apartment, the preservation of heat, the security of the home.
One of the main criteria in favor of choosing large glasses is a 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 of a beautiful view from the window.
General characteristics
Types of panoramic glazing vary depending on the materials used. Distinguish:
- Cold glazing.
- Warm glazing.
Cold glazing uses aluminum profiles or no frames at all. Most often, this option is used on loggias and balconies.
Warm glazing involves wooden or plastic profiles that retain heat well. At a cost, such double-glazed windows are significantly more expensive than cold glazing.
Profiles for panoramic glazing are made from:
- steel and aluminum alloys;
- aluminum with polyamide inserts;
- wood treated with antiseptic compounds;
- plastic;
- glass composite - a 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.
According to the type of construction, panoramic windows are:
- Swing.
- Sliding.
- Parallel sliding.
- Folding.
- Lift-sliding.
Lift-and-slide panoramic windows with sashes retractable on carriages have the best operating characteristics. In turn, parallel-sliding structures are preferable to folding ones.
Advantages of panoramic windows
There is no need to talk much about the advantages of panoramic glazing. They fit into capacious, but concise phrases: light, spacious, beautiful, unusual.
The first and indisputable advantage of panoramic windows is the opening view, without barriers and restrictions, pleasing the eyes of the owners of the apartment. Of course, if there is something to rejoice at: the installation of large glass makes sense only if the landscape behind them is truly attractive. A busy highway, the wrong side of the city infrastructure with chimneys of factories and bins of household waste, perfectly visible from high floors, the proximity of a neighboring high-rise building is hardly a good reason to choose panoramic glazing.
The abundance of sunlight and heat is another bonus of panoramic glass. A room with large windows will always be light and, most often, warm.
Important! Large windows are subjected to serious loads - static and dynamic. Therefore, the reliability of the entire structure must ensure the tightness of the porch and the stability of the parts.
The absence of one of the four traditional walls makes the room visually more spacious, and the interior more interesting.
A spoon of tar
The weighty advantages of panoramic windows are balanced by a list of disadvantages, which can seriously complicate the decision to install them. Only after working for yourself each of them, you can draw final conclusions.
Security questions
The safety of impressive window structures is a controversial issue, especially in families with small children. Inventing some kind of "security" fences or blocking access to the window with pieces of furniture is an irrational way out. One of the leading motives for choosing large glasses - visibility and translucency - is rendered meaningless.
Of course, all this has to do with ordinary double-glazed windows, even double or triple. An alternative solution to the security problem can be the installation of particularly strong 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 the glass and the 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 cost
Labor-intensive installation, high-quality materials, a large construction area, high-strength glass significantly increase the cost of panoramic windows compared to the standard version. In addition, the choice of tinted, tinted or mirrored glass, which increases the privacy of housing, also affects the rise in price.
Difficult thermoregulation
Overheating in summer and heat loss in winter is a characteristic disadvantage of panoramic windows. If there is not sufficient insulation along the edges of the double-glazed windows, the window may freeze and give off room heat. You can compensate for this shortcoming by installing double-glazed windows with a heat-reflecting coating or using energy-efficient wooden or plastic profiles. In addition to improving thermoregulation, such a solution will help to avoid the formation of condensate and mold in summer, and frost in winter.
Advice. When choosing windows, pay attention to the presence of the Energy Star logo, confirming the fact that the products meet the international standard for energy efficiency in consumer products. Such products will provide 20–30% less energy loss compared to their counterparts, other things being equal.
One of the expensive solutions to this problem is the installation of electrochromic glass with adjustable transparency. The degree of darkening of the glass 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 difficulty in cleaning the dust accumulating inside.
Insufficient soundproofing
Due to the large area of glazing, panoramic windows willingly let in sounds from outside. To prevent the penetration of noise into the room, you should install 2- or 3-chamber bags with chambers of different thicknesses. Optimum sound insulation can be achieved by installing a double-glazed window with different spacers and three-layer laminated glass instead of one glass.
Difficulties in caring for panoramic structures
Items of non-standard dimensions are always more difficult to care for, and even more so when it comes to windows. In order for the view from the windows to please every day, they need to be washed at least twice a year. If a large window is not installed in the ground floor apartment, then you should not risk trying to wash it yourself. It is better to entrust this issue to the specialists of the cleaning company.
Important! From rainwater and condensate, a white coating forms on the glass surface over time. Therefore, it is desirable to have a professional washing of panoramic windows.
High visibility and low room privacy
A panoramic window both actually 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 glasses. The most inexpensive option is low-emission glass that does not transmit infrared rays. Behind him is tinted glass. The most expensive solution will be the same electrochromic glass with adjustable transparency.
Operating tips
During the selection and installation of panoramic windows, the following tips will be useful.
When calculating and installing a panoramic structure, you need to consider:
- geological and climatic features of the area;
- the height of the building - atmospheric, wind and temperature loads depend on it.
Panoramic windows must meet the following criteria:
- withstand static and dynamic loads;
- provide thermal and sound insulation;
- have moisture resistance.
Glass for panoramic glazing should be:
- shockproof and fireproof;
- energy efficient;
- explosion-proof.
In an apartment where a panoramic structure is installed, there should be:
- thought out ventilation system and air conditioning, if the windows are deaf, without moving elements for air circulation;
- high-quality movable elements are installed for the possibility of ventilation.
The beautiful view from the window is well worth it. And only professionals of the highest class can pay this expensive price.
