Balcony and Patio Enclosure Comparison

Balcony and Patio Enclosures

Balcony and Patio Enclosure Comparison

Comparison of Aluminium Glazing System and uPVC Glazing System

Balcony and patio enclosures protect the space from rain, dirt, shield against strong winds and hail. What is more, depending on the selected glass and frame, the space can become much warmer. Enclosed balconies and patios can be used in all kinds of weather for hobbies, dinners, or relaxation. Two systems of balcony and patio enclosures are currently leading the field: aluminium glazing system and uPVC glazing system. Each has its benefits and drawbacks. Below is a comparison of both system types.

uPVC glazing system benefits

Heat and sound insulation.
Weather tightness.
Several opening options.
Possibility to use any glass unit.
Stability.
Many laminate colours.
Low maintenance.
Security hardware available.

uPVC glazing system drawbacks

Higher price.
Heavier weight.
Reduced space in the balcony or patio, resulting from inward opening windows.
Reduced glass area, resulting from wider frames.

Comparison of uPVC glazing system and aluminium glazing system for balcony and patio enclosures is given in the table below. Balcony and patio enclosures may differ in manufacturer, price, and other characteristics, so this is a general comparison only, which is based on the standard characteristics of each glazing type.

Balcony and Patio Enclosure Features	uPVC Glazing System	Aluminium Glazing System
Low price	++	+++
Energy efficiency	+++	+
Sound control	+++	++
Weather tightness	+++	++
Narrow frames	++	+++
Light weight	+	+++
Easy maintenance	++	+++

Note: more plus signs mean a higher rating.

uPVC Glazing System

uPVC glazing system is usually more expensive than aluminium glazing system. Nevertheless, uPVC system uses double glazing or triple glazing, while aluminium system uses just a single sheet of glass. As a result, uPVC system offers more insulation and weather tightness. Balcony and patio enclosures are manufactured using the same uPVC profiles that are used for uPVC windows; so the system involves a multi chamber ...Read more structure, as well as a sturdy steel reinforcement. When a balcony or patio is more complex and involves different angles, individual elements are connected by 90°, 45°, or custom angle joints. Additional elements are also used to strengthen the whole construction. Operable elements in uPVC enclosures resemble tilt and turn windows: they open inwards and have three positions: open, tilt, and night vent. uPVC glazing system is easy to clean. The main drawbacks are the heavier weight and wider profiles, which slightly reduce the glass area. There is a variety of glass units and hardware options, so each balcony and patio enclosure can be custom made according to individual needs. Hide

Aluminium Glazing System

Aluminium glazing system is slightly cheaper than uPVC glazing system. It is recommended for all balconies and patios where heat insulation is not of primary importance. Aluminium glazing system will protect the space from bad weather and dust, but it is not designed for heated spaces. Aluminium glazing system is made from slim aluminium profiles which are thermally unbroken. There is only one sheet of glass ...Read more used; the type can be specified in each case. Aluminium glazing system involves two or more panels which slide horizontally on tracks. Sliding system is ideal for smaller balconies and patios, as it takes no additional space when open (unlike uPVC glazing system, which opens inwards). All the gaps are sealed with rubber gaskets or brush lines. Sliding aluminium panels can be taken out for cleaning or repair, and put back again. Balcony and patio enclosures are resistant to burglary: special locks are fixed to prevent opening or levering the panels from the outside. In some cases, it is possible to use floor to ceiling glazing. In such cases, the lower part of the enclosure is glazed with safety glass (6 mm laminated glass or toughened glass). Aluminium frames can be matched with other colours of the exterior: there is a selection of available powder coat colours. The coating protects aluminium from rust and various external elements; the frames are resistant to scratch. When a balcony or patio is more complex and involves different angles, the whole structure is strengthened using 90° or another angle joints.
Aluminium tracks. Balcony and patio enclosures can be made with two or three tracks. Two track system is a standard cheap option and can be made with up to four sliding panels. It is suitable for small to medium projects. Three track system is more functional and allows more opening configurations; it can be made with three to six sliding panels. The price difference between these two systems is very small, so any system can be used as necessary.
Glass options. Balcony and patio enclosures with aluminium involve single pane glazing. Usually the glass is 4 mm, 5 mm or 6 mm thick. There is a possibility to choose the glass type; options include clear glass, tinted glass, safety glass, and frosted glass. Hide

Aluminium glazing system benefits

Lower price.
Durability.
Security.
Light weight.
Resistance to deformation.
Less space required, due to sliding operation.
Increased glass area, due to narrow frames.
Many different opening configurations.
Wide choice of colours.
Low maintenance.

Aluminium glazing system drawbacks

Poor heat and sound insulation.
Less weather tight.
Fewer glass options.

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Balcony and Patio Enclosure Comparison