BALCONY DOORS

Balcony Doors – The Complete Practical Guide for Selection, Energy Efficiency, Security and Barrier-Free Thresholds

Introduction

Balcony doors connect the interior with the outside world – and must simultaneously provide thermal insulation, burglary resistance, sound protection, ease of use and design appeal. This guide explains all common types (tilt-turn, PSK, HST, folding systems), materials (PVC, aluminium, wood, wood-aluminium), relevant standards/terms (Uw/Ug/Uf, RC classes), as well as the most important SEO and web-performance points, so your content is people-first while also technically convincing.

1) Types of Balcony Doors – short & clear

Tilt-turn balcony door: classic sash, tilts for ventilation and swings inward.
PSK (parallel tilt-and-slide): sash tilts, disengages from the frame and slides parallel past the fixed part – suitable for medium widths, space-saving.
HST (lift-and-slide door): large, floor-level passage; sash is lifted and slides smoothly – ideal for wide openings.
Folding / bi-folding systems: multiple sashes fold to the side – maximum passage, demanding in terms of sealing and statics.

2) Materials and Surfaces

• PVC (uPVC): strong value for money, good insulation; load capacity via steel reinforcements.

• Aluminium: extremely durable, slim sightlines; thermal breaks are essential.

• Wood: warm, natural, excellent insulation; requires regular maintenance.

• Wood-aluminium: warm wood inside, aluminium cladding outside – premium and low-maintenance.

3) Understanding Energy Efficiency: Uw, Ug, Uf – and “Warm Edge”

• Uw (window/door): total U-value (frame+glass+edge); in the EU often declared on reference size 1230 × 1480 mm (EN 14351-1; usually calculated via EN ISO 10077).

• Ug: glazing; Uf: frame profile.

• Warm edge / Ψ-values at the glass edge zone significantly improve Uw; muntins increase it.

• Passive house level is possible with balcony doors (comfort criterion ≤ ~0.85 W/m²K); must be verified case by case.

Tip: For new builds/renovation, plan modern triple glazing with warm edge, thermally broken profiles and airtight threshold construction.

4) Security: RC Classes, Hardware, Glazing

Burglary resistance is classified in RC classes (RC1–RC6) according to EN 1627; common in residential use: RC2, sometimes RC3. Key: multi-point locking, mushroom cams, reinforced striker plates, secure hinges, and optionally laminated safety glass (P4A/P5A).

5) Accessibility & Thresholds

For a trip-free transition, low-threshold or 0-mm solutions are preferred. Guidance: DIN 18040-2 (clear width 800–900 mm, clear height ≥ 2050 mm) and current interpretations with ≤ 10 mm in special cases. Plan drainage and level integration carefully.

6) Soundproofing, Seals, Ventilation

• Sealing system: 2–3 continuous gaskets, correctly adjusted hardware.

• Glazing: asymmetric panes/different thicknesses improve Rw.

• Trickle vents / ventilated seals: controlled background ventilation (combine with building ventilation concept in airtight homes).

7) Planning & Installation – common mistakes to avoid

• Measurement & threshold: floor detail, sealing (inside tighter than outside), thermal bridges, drainage (slot drain), outward slope.

• Statics: large HST/bi-fold systems need strong lintels/side panels.

• Adjustment: sash weight, rollers, gasket pressure – check regularly.

• Weather side: plan sun protection/driving rain protection.

8) Care, Maintenance, Service Life

• Lubricate hardware annually, care for gaskets, keep drainage slots clear.

• Protect wood surfaces cyclically; clean alu/PVC with pH-neutral cleaners.

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