What is the difference between a balcony and a loggia?

Logs and balconies city residents see every day, but, nevertheless, they are often confused with each other. These objects are slightly similar, but they have some important differences. Both those and others, can be fully glazed or open, have a roof above themselves. Now many residents have begun to heat their small extensions to use them in the cold period. Buying an apartment in a new area, each of us should know how to distinguish a loggia from a balcony. This factor always affects the cost of the room. Apartments with loggias are usually more expensive than with a balcony.

Definition of a loggia and a balcony

The balcony is a hinged structure and protrudes from the vertical plane of the structure. It must necessarily have a protective fence. Loggia is a large area built into the room, in which only one side is open to the outside. Sometimes they build balcony balconies. They have a small part of the site can protrude out of the facade of the house, and the other part of the construction is built into the building. The relatively small depth of the loggia is limited by the fact that it adjoins the room, which also requires sunlight.

What is better - a loggia or a balcony?

Each design can find its pluses or minuses, so disputes about this have long ceased. Loggias are somewhat wider and here you can easily arrange a small locker or sofa, coffee table or other furniture. It has three sides protected by the building and therefore it is warmer than a windswept balcony. But the owners of apartments with a loggia have somewhat less sunlight reflected by the walls. If it is located on the north side, then it will have to be constantly illuminated. The loggia already has a built-in ceiling, and the balcony needs to be protected independently. If desired, the loggia is much easier to insulate and use in the cold, turning into a small cozy room. There is one more difference between the balcony and the loggia. The slab on which the loggia is located is attached from three sides, and its bearing capacity is incomparably higher than that of the balcony. That is why it is better to bear additional loads.

Types of balconies

Almost all loggias are structurally similar to each other. But here balconies exist several kinds. There are four main types of these architectural designs:

1. The most common are hanging balconies. To the construction they are attached with special anchors and fasteners. They can be seen on almost every multi-storey building. Now they began to mass glazing and insulate the balconies to be fully used all year round in the form of a small pantry or even a small room.
2. Some apartments, located on the first or second floors, began to be equipped with side balconies. This design requires a punctual foundation and strong lateral supports. But you can build it only if you have free space near your house. It is the property of all residents of the apartment building and you will need their consent. If such a balcony is strong enough, then it can be converted into a living room.
3. Attached balconies have consoles, with which they are attached to the facade of the building. Other part of the load is taken by metal racks, resting on the foundation, equipped on the platform under the balcony. These structures have much in common with attached balconies, but they are cheaper.
4. The most unpopular and impractical are now the French balconies. They have the smallest useful area, representing a tiny area attached to the balcony door. You can only put a foot on it to breathe air - it was considered earlier "to go out on the balcony." Most often it is decorated with a fancy forged fence and performs only aesthetic functions. These balconies slightly improve the appearance of a boring single-type building.

We hope that our small article, which describes the main differences between the balcony and the loggia, will help you when choosing an apartment. Balconies are cheaper when buying, but the loggia is somewhat more functional. But it's better to have at least one of them than nothing at all. The advantages and amenities far exceed the additional costs when buying a home. And the most comfortable apartments by right are those that are equipped with both a loggia and a balcony.