Do-it-yourself balcony in Khrushchev: step-by-step instructions

How to enlarge a tiny Khrushchev balcony

Khrushchev houses represent a significant part of the housing stock in many cities. Currently, small and uncomfortable apartments without an elevator or garbage disposal attract many families due to their low cost.

Expanding a balcony in a Khrushchev building is carried out using the removal method, this is the most popular method today

Old houses have long been in need of major repairs. Properly done renovations in a Khrushchev-era building will turn it into comfortable housing and eliminate constant drafts and street noise.

Work on expanding housing should begin with replacing old windows with new ones, which will give housing not only an aesthetic appearance, but also increase its energy efficiency.

The size of windows in Soviet buildings is small, so installing them in a residential area will not break your pocket. If no questions arise when installing new windows in ordinary rooms, then the Soviet balcony will cause a little trouble.

It is best to have professionals handle the process of increasing your balcony in Khrushchev.

But additional expenses and efforts will significantly expand the balcony area, and accordingly the area of the room adjacent to it:

To create space and freedom, it is not necessary to combine a balcony with a living room or kitchen.
The size of the balcony can be increased by expanding it, as a result of which a standard Khrushchev platform can provide additional useful space in the apartment for residents.
But before you start expanding the balcony, you should think carefully and decide on its purpose.
The balcony area in Khrushchev can be equipped as an additional small room, a spacious storage room or a study.

You need to prepare for such work carefully so as not to lose a single centimeter in the Khrushchev building. The first stage of removing or expanding a balcony is to invite a specialist who will take the necessary measurements and, after a technical inspection of the area, tell you the progress of the work.

Selecting materials

Today, the most modern materials and designs are used for glazing and finishing the Khrushchev balcony. Let's take a closer look at them.

Plastic profiles

They have the following advantages:

Excellent quality and durability;
Virtually unlimited service life;
Unpretentiousness and easy care;
High thermal insulation performance;
Relatively low price.

But in any case, such a frame has quite a lot of weight, so old balconies cannot always support the weight of the structure. This also applies to the parapet, which creates additional load on the panel and also reduces the already small area.

Wooden frame

Today, in the era of plastic, wood has not lost its uniqueness and remains one of the most popular glazing methods.

Advantages of a wooden frame:

Completely environmentally friendly material that does not pose a danger to humans;
Attractive appearance;
Wood fits perfectly into any interior;
Excellent sound insulation performance;
Relatively light weight;
Easy installation, allowing you to do this work yourself.

Modern mixtures with which wood for frames are impregnated allows the frame to be used for up to 50 years. The weight makes it possible to install such a structure in Khrushchev-era buildings. Most often, experts advise choosing a frame made of ash, oak or pine needles.

But wood also has disadvantages:

Wood needs periodic painting;
It can dry out, causing the windows to close poorly.

Aluminum profiles

This option is also quite popular due to its advantages:

Strength;
Light weight;
Aluminum does not burn;
Affordable prices.

Today, aluminum profiles are equipped with special insulating inserts. Although the weight becomes a little more, the frame acquires high thermal insulation values.

Optimal removal of the balcony in Khrushchev

The removal of a balcony or its expansion is represented by welding work, which increases the usable area by moving it along a window sill or balcony slab, i.e. by floor. All installation work must be carried out by professionals and to acceptable standards for safety reasons.

Expansion along the window sill will allow you to increase the balcony by 30 cm. At first glance, this value may seem small, but if you extend the area along the entire perimeter, the result will be stunning. By choosing the first expansion option, after the work has been completed, you can get a large and wide window sill, which will later serve as an excellent stand for necessary items or a tabletop.

After all the work to increase your balcony in Khrushchev is completed, you will become the happy owner of a full-fledged additional room

Along the width of the side wall of the balcony in a Khrushchev-era apartment building, you can mount a large closet with huge shelves, which will unload a small apartment.

Work on removing the window sill is carried out by welding a metal corner to the parapet of the balcony area.

The second method of expansion is along the floor, which allows you to extend the slab on the balcony and increase the space up to 40 cm.

The cost of such work differs significantly from the first option due to the manufacture of a new parapet frame.

Peculiarities:

Enlarging the balcony along the floor involves the use of channels, which are welded into the walls of the house during the installation process.
The complexity of the work to create a new structure is quite high, but it is safe if you follow the technology and hire experienced welders.
By expanding the balcony along the entire perimeter, its length and area will increase significantly and will make it possible to free up space in the Khrushchev-era building or equip it for an additional room.

Everyone dreams of a spacious and multifunctional balcony

If desired, you can expand the balcony using two welding options. In this case, consultation with a professional technician is necessary. A large additional area and a wide window sill in a Khrushchev house will be a dream for any housewife.

Work on removing the balcony is carried out in the following stages:

Dismantling old windows, parapets and other structures;
The use of channels and fixing them with dowels;
Welding a new metal parapet frame;
Hemming of the lower section;
External cladding of the parapet;
Installation of new window frames.

The final stage in installing a balcony is its interior decoration, which must include insulation, cladding and flooring. Thanks to competently completed work, taking into account all the rules and regulations, the balcony will acquire spaciousness and versatility, and the creation of comfort and interior on the new site remains in the hands of the owners.

Balcony design

Glazing can be done, but this procedure, plus insulating a balcony in a Khrushchev-era building and finishing a Khrushchev-era balcony, still differs from ordinary balconies and is a more complex undertaking.

Naturally, large balconies or loggias are more suitable for such purposes, but do not despair if you have a Khrushchev-era building. The main factors to consider include:

Dilapidated condition of the balcony slab. The concrete itself has been exposed to precipitation for many years, so its condition is in most cases deplorable. The slabs may have cracks or be crumbled, so repairing a balcony in a Khrushchev-era building with your own hands is not a good idea, at least without carrying out serious work to strengthen the structure;
Railing. Remember that old fencing should never be used as frame supports, as their age and condition are deteriorating. In any case, you need to strengthen them, but it is best to replace them with new ones;
Dimensions. Based on the size, you can get the most unexpected solution, and it concerns glazing with extension. Such an increase in the balcony in Khrushchev can be quite useful. Such glazing can be easily done, but only if all the characteristics of the house correspond to it;
Of course, there should be a roof on the balcony, but if there isn’t one, then you’ll have to do it.

Glazing of a balcony in Khrushchev

The small size of balconies in old houses makes it a little difficult to manufacture window frames and install them.

Based on the purpose of the new balcony area and financial resources, you can choose one of the following types of balcony glazing in Khrushchev:

Glazing a balcony in a Khrushchev building is not a luxury, but a necessity

Aluminum window systems are light, durable and practical, but are suitable if the balcony is not combined with the living area, because... Windows are not able to retain heat during the cold period. Thanks to modern technologies, aluminum frames began to be produced with additional insulated inserts.

As a result, the weight of the profile does not increase much, but the thermal insulation becomes noticeable.

PVC systems are the most popular and affordable. Optimal price, high wear resistance to external environmental factors and excellent operating quality allow customers to make a choice in their favor. But before installing plastic windows in a Khrushchev-era building, you need to “weigh” everything, because PVC is a heavy material that not every structure can withstand, especially not a Soviet balcony. Experts recommend the installation of such windows in both residential and non-residential premises with two- or three-chamber double-glazed windows.

Related article: How to hang a bike on the balcony

Wooden windows are the best, but expensive option. Due to its environmental friendliness, high thermoregulation and beautiful appearance, wood is inferior in wear resistance. Humidity and sudden changes in temperature over time can lead to deformation of wooden frames, their disintegration, resulting in disruption of the temperature regime in the premises.

An important role in arranging a Khrushchev balcony is the installation of windows

Wooden window systems are the preferred option for Khrushchev houses.

When choosing a natural type of system, you should choose frames in favor of oak or coniferous species. In addition, they are easy to install yourself, which will save the family money.

Panoramic or frameless glazing is rarely used due to low thermal insulation.

But such systems have many additional advantages.:

Wide view;
Light weight;
Strength;
Creation of additional balcony area;
Saving on finishing and decor.

Select the type of glazing. Cold or warm

Glazing can be done in two ways:

Warm. This option involves installing glass with wooden or plastic frames;
Cold. In this case, an aluminum profile is most often installed.

If you are wondering how to insulate a balcony in a Khrushchev-era building and what type of glazing to install, then first of all find out what maximum load your structure can withstand.

In accordance with SNIP data, the maximum load on the slab should not exceed more than one hundred kilograms per square meter, but as experts recommend, such a load should be up to 65 kilograms. To do this, you need to try to ensure that the fence is made not of heavy metal, but of aluminum.

A warm glazing option will make it possible to increase the space at least a little. Having developed the design of a balcony in a Khrushchev-era building, you can make an office or a winter garden on it.

It is necessary to calculate not only the weight of the structure, but also insulation and other materials, as well as interior elements and furniture that will be installed afterwards. That is why such work should be entrusted to experienced craftsmen.

For a warm balcony, frames made of wood or plastic are most often used, but for a cold one, aluminum profiles are used.

Balcony extension

Expanding the balcony is a popular procedure today that allows you to increase the area of the room.

The owner of an apartment in Khrushchev may have a desire to expand the premises, since the area there is small, and the presence of a balcony is a good way to increase it. You can enlarge the room yourself or by turning to professionals for help.

Light work that does not require additional permission is carried out independently. For example, such a procedure as increasing the window sill with certain knowledge and skill is quite accessible to any person.

In old houses, even minor changes need to obtain permission from the relevant authorities. In the “Khrushchev”, by law it is allowed to increase the balcony on all sides by a maximum of 50 cm. There are cases when the increase was carried out over a greater distance. Without obtaining permission, you can expand by 15-30 cm along the base of the slab.

Professional consultation is required for any significant design changes. All stages of increasing the balcony floor and replacing the parapet must be carried out in high quality and with high-quality materials.

French balcony

French balconies look stylish in Khrushchev buildings. There are no parapets, and glass is installed from top to bottom. If such a review confuses you, place special glass in the bottom row or cover it with tinted film.

The disadvantage of this glazing is that it is impossible to install a window sill without repair skills; hire craftsmen, they will cope with this task. Pros:

with such glazing, the frames are moved beyond the surface of the slab, which gives a slight saving of space;
It is possible not to use frames, the room will become brighter. Instead of frames, a special structure is installed, the main element of which is durable and thick glass.

An original solution with a swing

French glazing requires the installation of a separate roof with a slight offset. In general, a French balcony is a beautiful and cozy glazing option; it gives a lot of light and visually expands the space of a small loggia.

Getting permission

In some cases, to reconstruct a balcony, you need to obtain permission from various organizations: design organization, BTI, Gorekspertiza, Ministry of Emergency Situations, fire inspectorate and others.

If the house in which the balcony is being expanded is an architectural asset, its future appearance must be agreed upon with the relevant organizations.
Installation of a concrete base is considered redevelopment. In the case of installation, you need to obtain permission regardless of the size of the balcony increase.
In Khrushchev, permission must be obtained if the expansion is made by more than 50 cm.
The balcony fencing is attached to the walls of the house, so the condition of old houses must be checked before reconstruction.
In addition to the size of the balcony increase, you need to pay attention to the weight of additional structures. If large loads are expected on the walls of the house, then the procedure also needs to be agreed upon by various authorities.
All checks before expanding the balcony are carried out for the sake of safety and comfort: your own and those around you.

Despite the fact that the balcony is part of the apartment, that is, personal property, it belongs to the common property of the house. Its changes affect the appearance of the house. Enlarging the concrete base can limit light access to neighbors below. Errors in work can lead to cracks in neighbors’ walls and other undesirable consequences.

Therefore, in addition to agreeing on all the requirements according to GOST, you need to discuss the project with your neighbors.

How to increase the balcony with your own hands

Often, a balcony in typical high-rise buildings raises questions about the purpose of its creation. Conceived by the designers as part of the exterior and interior comfort of the building, this element still requires improvement. For this purpose, the opportunity to increase the balcony area and thereby expand its functionality is used. In this way, the apartment owner can create additional space: an office, a recreation room, a greenhouse, etc.

The idea of increasing the balcony with your own hands is quite feasible, especially if you have experience in welding and a smart assistant. Materials are selected depending on the point of removal, having previously created a project (drawing) of the future structure. Two structural methods of expanding the area are widespread: from the load-bearing slab (sole) and from the parapet (upper level of the railing). The first method is more labor-intensive, but allows you to get an additional 2 square meters. m area.

Step-by-step removal from the load-bearing slab

The method allows not only to enlarge the balcony in the Khrushchev-era building, but also to make a major overhaul of the load-bearing slab, the condition of which, as a rule, leaves much to be desired.

Using a grinder and a hammer drill, the old railings, previously tied with a rope (to prevent falls), are dismantled.
On both sides of the load-bearing slab, channels are mounted into the wall at the level of the length and width of the frame. To strengthen the sole, metal profiles are also hammered above it.
The ends of the elements are connected with a steel angle along the load-bearing slab and at the ends of the driven beams.

Related article: How to cover the floor on an open balcony

A new parapet is welded from steel strips.
The floor is mounted - metal strips are welded to the frame, to which sheets of galvanized sheet are attached. If desired, lay polystyrene foam, mineral wool (any insulation material), then cover it with boards.
Weld the frame for the glazing and the canopy.
Install the canopy, which should protrude 0.3 m above the parapet.
The balcony is glazed, the roof, walls and parapet are insulated. They produce external and internal finishing.

Step-by-step removal from the windowsill

The expansion of the balcony, starting from the window sill, is carried out using two methods - using a frame or brackets. The frame is welded if metal structures serve as the parapet. In this case, a preliminary calculation of the strength and weight of the structure, taking into account the glazing, is also necessary to avoid unnecessary load.

Extension from the parapet using a frame

The supporting plate is reinforced with a metal profile - the sole is scalded with it. The old railings are cut off and the parapet bars are reinforced with spacers.
Jumpers of the length by which the area is planned to be increased are welded onto the railing every 0.4 m (approximately).
By welding a steel strip to the ends of the jumpers, they are combined into a circuit.
Install external spacers connecting the load-bearing slab and the contour opposite the window sill.
The frame for the glazing and the canopy are welded and installed.
They carry out glazing, insulation, exterior and interior finishing.

Extension from the parapet using brackets

The method is used if the parapet is made of a concrete slab or brickwork.

Steel brackets, welded independently from angle or steel strip, are attached to the parapet with anchors or bolts at an angle of 90°. If you plan to use summer glazing using a lightweight aluminum profile, then installing corners instead of brackets is acceptable.
The brackets are combined with a steel profile, creating an external contour.
Glazing and finishing works are being carried out.

Glazing

Glazing a balcony is an action that needs to be coordinated and obtain permission for redevelopment. If you want to do everything according to the law, then you need to take care of the documentation before carrying out repair work.

When glazing a loggia, you need to choose the frame material. The choice of wood, plastic or aluminum depends on the technical condition of the slab, the planned budget and functionality.

Wood is a beautiful and expensive material. Temperature changes are inevitable and therefore, over time, difficulties will arise with opening and closing the frames. In addition, cold air will blow in from the cracks formed.

Plastic is the most affordable; a frame of the desired size and shape can be easily made in production. Plastic does not fade from ultraviolet radiation and does not dry out due to temperature changes. However, cheap plastic releases harmful substances into the air over time; plastic is not the most environmentally friendly material. Another disadvantage of such a frame is its weight; install a plastic frame if you are confident in the reliability of the slab.

Exterior design option

The aluminum profile has a large margin of safety and low weight. Pleasant and aesthetically beautiful material.

There are two glazing methods: cold and warm.

The first method is cheaper, but the design is not capable of retaining heat for a long time. The temperature even in a developed area will differ from the temperature outside by 8-10 degrees. Cold glazing is suitable for those who do not combine a loggia with an adjacent room and use the area only in the warm season.

The service life of a warm balcony is 30 years. The window profile is made of polyvinyl chloride and provides warmth in the space. Insulation is mandatory.

When glazing a loggia, there is one more nuance. If you live on the top floor, you need to additionally equip a canopy. There are 2 types of roofs: dependent and independent.

Plastic is the most accessible

Dependent is used in the case of glazing with aluminum frames. Advantages of the system: easy installation, lightweight and reliable structures. But it needs to be covered with galvanized corrugated sheet.
The independent one can be covered with any roofing material and installed on a balcony of any shape and size. This roof is mounted using brackets.

Legality of glazing

Many people do not delve into the legal subtleties of remodeling an apartment and glazing a balcony. Since 2006, Russia has had a Housing Code in force, which answers questions about glazing and describes the procedure for obtaining permission.

The code clearly states that glazing is considered a redevelopment, which means it must be approved by the supervisory authorities. At the same time, there is no mention of a ban or approval of moving the structure beyond the perimeter of the slab. The collection of building codes and regulations indicates the maximum loads for slabs.

Window sill as a bar counter

Frameless way to increase a balcony from a load-bearing slab

This method is less labor-intensive than a frame method, and is ideal for independently enlarging a balcony in a Khrushchev-era building.

The railings, parapet, and old screed are dismantled down to the reinforcement at the top and bottom of the slab.
The base is primed. Using a rust remover attachment on a drill or screwdriver, the fittings are cleaned. After re-priming, the reinforcement is degreased with a solvent.
Formwork for conventional or self-leveling screed is created on the load-bearing slab. The recesses on the bottom of the slab are sealed with finishing glue (you can also seal the slab from above, on a neighbor’s balcony).
An enlarged base of the required length and width is cut out of OSB sheets 2.5 cm thick, as well as a roof, which are mounted to slabs with a layer of hydrobarrier film using anchor bolts. If desired, you can also make the sides of the balcony from OSB boards.
Glazing, exterior and interior finishing work is being carried out.

Not everyone wants to use additional meters to organize a greenhouse, recreation area, etc. - some will prefer to enlarge the room by adding a balcony. In this case, partial or complete dismantling of the dividing wall and installation of a heating system will be required.

It is also a good idea to enlarge the kitchen with a balcony - given that the kitchen space in Khrushchev-era apartment buildings is on average 6 square meters. m. Regardless of which room the balcony is combined with, it is worth considering a number of rules:

before demolishing the window sill wall, the balcony must be glazed and insulated;
the threshold between the balcony and the living space must not be dismantled if it holds the load-bearing slab;
if the wall between the room and the balcony is load-bearing, then the upper lintel and side walls cannot be dismantled;
You should not lay a warm water floor on the attached balcony - it is better to replace it with an electric one.

Definition, difference between balcony and loggia and their sizes

For repairs, you need to take into account the size of the balcony, as this affects many factors, including compliance with standards and laws regarding the maintenance of the home area. The criterion is also taken into account when purchasing a home. To find out this parameter, you need to take measurements; they often differ from the data written out when selling a home.

Definition of balcony and loggia. Difference

The presence of loggias in panel houses and a balcony in a brick house are completely different situations, in which laws are adopted differently. People often confuse two opposing concepts, which can lead to problems understanding their rights and responsibilities and other resulting problems.

Let's start with a definition. A balcony is an additional part that protrudes beyond the facade of the building. It has only one common wall with the surface of the apartment building, from which the size of the balcony can then be determined. Most often, balcony parts are installed in houses, since they are easier to plan.

A loggia is a part built into the house. It is considered an additional room and is taken into account in the total living area and is heated. It is not noticeable from the outside, since it does not protrude relative to the main wall of the apartment building. It is usually not necessary to find the dimensions of the loggia, since they are indicated in the general plan of the apartment when purchasing it.

So, similar concepts have three main differences:

The balcony protrudes relative to the main wall of the house, so a large number of them are often visible from the outside. The loggia is included in the main area of the apartment.
The size of the loggia is part of the living space, and the balcony is a separate element, which is separately indicated in the apartment drawing.
The standard size of the loggia has three common walls with the entire house, the balcony has only one rear part. Because of this, it is usually more illuminated compared to the other option.

The dimensions of the balcony part usually depend on the type of additional element of the apartment. Do not confuse the two concepts, as this may change the layout of the apartment, its heating and visual appearance.

In Khrushchev-era apartment buildings, it is the balcony parts that are most often installed, since loggias are usually installed only in new houses, complementing panoramic windows. This creates an additional room for the owners to relax or organize another type of space.

Dimensions of balconies in Khrushchev

The size of a balcony in a Khrushchev-era building usually has limited indicators that comply with the laws on the rights of owners of residential premises (in particular, apartments).

Be careful with these parameters and take them into account when dismantling and partially repairing a protruding structure from the surface of a building. The dimensions of a standard balcony in this case do not always match, as it depends on the type of building. Because of this, in a house that was built during the time of Khrushchev, the dimensions are different.

The balcony part of an apartment in an old type of house must meet certain indicators:

The length is standardly set within three meters. However, there may be a difference with this indicator, which is usually equal to one hundred centimeters in both directions.
Railing height Regarding Khrushchev buildings, the installation principles also apply to the height of the parapet, since the floors and ceilings are typical - the fence is usually installed at a height of one meter.
Width. Excessively wide and bulky dimensions of the Khrushchev balcony were not installed, as this was unsafe. The size criterion by law is set in the range from 65 centimeters to one meter, so that the slab does not protrude too much from the surface of the common wall of the house.

The width of the balcony and its depth were most often small in the previous structure of residential buildings, so the balcony parts were the same for all. This is done to comply with the law of the country and the safety of the structure.

Because of this, the size of the balcony in a 5-story building and taller buildings usually does not differ, because bulky structures always become a risk of their fragility, which can contribute to the premature collapse of an additional part.

When repairing or remodeling a balcony, it is also necessary to comply with the classic indicators and dimensions in order to prevent unnecessary obligations that can result from non-compliance with the laws on standard balcony sizes.

Dimensions of a standard balcony and loggia

The dimensions and numerical value of the height, length and width of additional elements in the apartment do not depend on the type of construction. However, when carrying out a complete renovation and dismantling of a loggia or balcony apartment, it is recommended to take these values into account to prevent violation of these parameters.

The dimensions of a balcony in a panel house and other types of buildings have two clear parameters that are always strictly observed:

The balcony element extends 80 centimeters in length relative to the surface of the house wall. The part turns out to be small, but this contributes to the safety of the structure and its use.
The width is also set clearly, as it depends on the use of standard slabs. They are 3.275 meters; this value can only be exceeded by an integer number of times, since individual concrete slabs - floors - are affected.

Compliance with these classic dimensions contributes to the safety of the balcony, which protrudes significantly from the wall of the apartment building. This also applies to private buildings, but compliance is not checked, since the result affects only the homeowners.

The balcony standard differs significantly from the loggia size parameters. It faces the area of the apartment, so its normal numerical values are different.

The loggia is compiled based on the size of the slabs on which it is installed:

The width is from 1.2 meters. To increase its size, you can increase this indicator two or more times.
Similarly, the situation with length is the same - the minimum length is 2.9 meters. But it can be increased, creating a loggia of 5.8 meters or more in size, which is not often used.

The dimensions do not change depending on the type of loggia or balcony, so an additional element can always withstand its glazing. Or dismantling, which is pre-agreed with the management company or the homeowners association of an apartment building.

Balcony expansion options: ideas and technologies

Every owner of a small balcony dreams of expanding it. If the owners of an apartment need additional space, they may be faced with the question of expanding the balcony. Today, this procedure has become widespread, thanks to the opportunity to make the apartment more spacious. Technologically, enlarging a balcony is a rather complicated procedure that requires cost and effort. However, it is feasible if you strictly follow the instructions and recommendations of professionals. Extended balconies are subsequently glazed, insulated, finished and used as additional living space. There are different ways to perform this type of work.

Ways to expand balconies

Expanding a balcony is not an easy but interesting procedure. Balconies can be increased to any acceptable size and can have various shapes. Different expansion technologies require different installation techniques for balcony profiles. Such balconies can be made with your own hands, with preliminary study of this issue.

Whatever method of expanding the balcony you choose, the result will please you in any case.

Technologies for expanding balconies:

Butterfly technology. This method involves extending the balcony along trusses, which are attached to the facade at an angle of 40 degrees on both sides.
Kerchief technology. It is also called expansion along the window sill. This technique involves moving the glazing beyond the parapet and increasing the area of the balcony by about 30 cm on each side. The glazing is installed on durable brackets, which are pre-attached to the parapet or frame. This method is easy to implement and quite economical.
Slab removal technology. This technology is difficult to implement and requires a lot of effort and care.

You can choose various technologies for expanding the balcony, but you should remember that the quality of the final work depends on a professional approach to the matter.

Extension of the balcony along the base of the slab: stages of installation work

Since the method of such expansion is quite complex in its technological implementation, it needs to be given attention and more time spent studying it.

Related article: How to strengthen a balcony in a Khrushchev building

The technique of expanding along the base of the slab significantly increases the floor area and is performed in several stages.

The method of increasing the balcony along the base of the slab involves expanding the floor area

Stages of expansion along the slab:

First you need to get rid of the old parapet.
It is necessary to make a frame for the load-bearing slab. The bases must be deepened into the wall using channels 15 cm or deeper. After this, you should connect them with steel corners. This method makes it possible to significantly increase the area.
A new parapet made of steel angle is installed on the removed frame.
The area that extends beyond the old slab must be riveted with tin or other convenient material.
The new floor needs to be covered with boards.
Finish the new parapet.
Weld the frame onto the new glazing.

The technique of expanding the balcony along the base requires additional hassle in preparing documents and obtaining permission. If the expansion exceeds the permissible limits, it will be considered a redevelopment of the apartment.

Combination with adjacent premises

Apartments built by Khrushchev are characterized by small square footage. Of course, I would like there to be at least a little more usable space. In this situation, combining the loggia and the adjacent room will help.

When remodeling, there is often a problem with differences in floor levels on the loggia and in the room. This nuance can be solved by pouring a cement screed; for this, the slab must have a margin of safety. Even when in doubt, use wood flooring or high-strength foam. You can install pipes for heated floors in it.

Hall

The main question is whether to combine the premises or not. On the one hand, this is additional usable space. In addition, even a small additional area can improve the geometry of the space and implement unusual design ideas. When the redevelopment is legalized, the living space of the apartment will increase, which will increase its selling price.

Combined with living room

By combining it with a balcony in the living room, it becomes possible to add new zones to the space. For example, create a bright place to relax and read books. If there are many cabinets in the hall, then some can be moved to the loggia. For those who work from home on a computer, a workspace is especially important.

Combining the rooms will allow more natural sunlight into the hall, which in the future will save on artificial lighting.

Advice

What is your balcony filled with now? Unnecessary trash? Get rid of old things that take up useful space. There is now freedom of movement in the room. Place a folding sofa there for guests.

But the merger has not only positive aspects. The most important issue is money. Are you willing to spend a significant amount for this? Repair itself is expensive, sometimes the cost of renovating an apartment is equal to or exceeds its market price. Coordination of the redevelopment will take from 3 months to a year of time, plus the cost of legalization, materials, payment for materials and labor of workers.

Additional usable area

And of course the scenario for using the loggia will change. If you used to store a bicycle, skis or snowboard there, now you need to look for alternative storage. Often the loggia is used as a place for drying clothes, so after redevelopment, a new corner for drying things is needed.

Bedroom

A bedroom in a Khrushchev-era building has a small square footage. One solution is to combine the bedroom and balcony . The window and door unit is dismantled, and you get more space. This situation has its own nuances. If you do not want to receive fines and a court order to return the structure, a redevelopment permit is required before carrying out repair work. A technical report on the possibility of redevelopment is issued.

The bedroom in Khrushchev has a small square footage

Before submitting documents you need to know that:

Load-bearing walls should absolutely not be touched.
Removal of heating radiators is not permitted. The battery is hung on the adjacent wall.
When dismantling the slabs, the structures are strengthened. In conclusion, the technical conditions necessary for the redevelopment will be given.
Insulation of the balcony when combining is mandatory. Moreover, on the loggia you can only use electric heated floors. The use of hot water supply and heating is prohibited.

How much can you enlarge a balcony without permission?

Before you begin implementing a project to increase the area of your balcony, you need to make sure that all operations will be carried out legally. There are various options for increasing the balcony with or without approval. First of all, you need to decide how many centimeters the increase will be made.

The balcony can be increased by 15-30 cm without permission from the management organization

If you plan to increase the balcony by 15-30 cm with the installation of remote glazing, placement of an insulation package and cladding, then there will be no problems with increasing the area.

If, when enlarging the balcony, large loads are expected on the load-bearing structures of the walls, if additional structures are attached to the balcony slab: external frames or brackets that increase the dimensions of the slab, etc., then permission must be obtained to perform such operations.

Preparation of approval documentation for expanding the balcony

When thoroughly remodeling the balcony, questions may arise about remodeling the apartment. In this case, the reconstruction of the balcony must be agreed upon with the relevant organizations.

Stages of obtaining permission:

Order the preparation of a balcony project from a special design organization.
The reconstruction project must be agreed upon with the organization that designed the residential building. This organization may require approval of the project from Gorekspertiza.
.The project must be submitted along with documents on ownership or lease, on social rent for the apartment. The documents must be accompanied by a single housing document, a technical passport from the BTI. Write an application for permission.
If the project is not rejected, approval must be continued with the authorities to which the housing inspectorate will refer. Usually this is the Ministry of Emergency Situations, coordinating authorities, and the fire inspectorate.
The house should not be an architectural monument. If it is, you will have to contact the Department of Cultural Heritage.

If you decide to increase the area of your balcony by more than 30 cm on all sides, then you will have to go through more than one organization to obtain permission for this process

It is very difficult to obtain permission to significantly increase the balcony. You will have to go through many authorities, after which there will be no guarantees in obtaining the proper permission.

How to expand a balcony in a Khrushchev building: work order

Houses called “Khrushchev” were built quickly and not of very high quality. They are not large in size. The apartments feature small kitchens and narrow balconies. Today there is an opportunity to at least slightly increase the living space of such an apartment.

You need to carefully prepare for the removal of the balcony, taking into account the fact that the balcony structure is quite weak and needs to be strengthened.

Today, it is legal to enlarge a balcony in a Khrushchev-era building by a maximum of 50 cm.

The lucky ones who finally received permission to enlarge the balcony enjoy its spaciousness and comfort

The procedure for carrying out work to increase the balcony:

Dismantle fencing and structures. The base cannot be dismantled.
Recesses are made above the load-bearing wall in order to attach channels that will become the base. At this stage, you can begin to enlarge the balcony in all directions. On average, it will be possible to increase the balcony by 40 cm. Care must be taken to ensure that the load-bearing wall does not overload.
It is necessary to build a roof and do the sheathing. Particular attention should be paid to finishing joints and crevices to protect against moisture.
An important stage is insulation. The following materials are usually used for it: mineral wool, polystyrene foam, styrodur. The latter has a number of advantages: it is moisture resistant and has good thermal insulation properties. It is also better to use styrodur to insulate the balcony floor.
The last stage is finishing and arrangement of the interior. Here you should not limit yourself to flights of fancy and experimentation.

When enlarging the balcony in a Khrushchev-era building, it is important to remember the fragility of this type of house. Therefore, it is preferable that all work is carried out by a professional who will guarantee the quality of his work.

Where to begin?

The first thing you need to start transforming the loggia is examining the balcony slab. Without analyzing the condition of the floor, putting a load on an old slab can be dangerous. The presence of a large number of cracks in the slab indicates defects, so it is necessary to take measures to strengthen the slab. Glazing and fencing the perimeter of the site will increase the load on the slab, and the structure may not withstand the load. Use additional reinforcement mesh and tie.

During direct repairs, the plaster is first removed, the site is cleaned, old metal structures are replaced with new ones and strengthened. By welding metal parts, you can increase the area of the territory.

The possibilities for using an unglazed balcony in Russia are limited. Therefore, the next point is glazing and insulating the site. Choose a double-chamber double-glazed window with a thickness of at least 32 mm. The option of moving the frames beyond the perimeter of the slab will allow you to gain back a small area. Frames of your choice - plastic - a modern, common and inexpensive option - and wooden. Wood is a more environmentally friendly material; at the same time, high-quality wooden frames are more than 2 times more expensive than their plastic counterparts.

Effective use of the balcony

The perimeter of the site is insulated with sandwich panels. The floor and ceiling are also insulated.

Advice Don't skimp at this stage. The most significant heat loss occurs through the loggia. The choice of flooring and finishing coating depends on the budget: ceramic tiles, porcelain stoneware, laminate, parquet boards.

Balcony expansion process (video)

Expanding balconies today is a popular procedure that allows you to increase the area of living space in a relatively short time. There are several options for expanding the balcony space, the choice of which depends on how much the apartment owners want to increase the area and what funds they have. With a slight increase in the balcony area - up to 50 cm, repair work can be carried out without permission and legally. If the work is expected to be large-scale, it is impossible to do without numerous trips to obtain permission from various authorities.

Last but not least, the interior design.

What look to give to the balcony inside depends on the taste and financial capabilities of the owners. But it is worth noting that there are many design options that will suit Khrushchev. As for the floor, you should not make the structure heavier with ceramic tiles; it is better to resort to using lighter linoleum.

Moreover, modern stores offer a wide selection of goods. Decorate the walls by choosing the desired color of wallpaper, lining, cork panels, or buy several cans of paint and create your own design pattern on the walls. Regarding the ceiling, it can be decorated with clapboard or painted in a tone that is harmonious with the color of the walls.