Let”s consider where to start finishing the loggia

It’s crucial to know where to start when remodeling your loggia into a comfortable and useful area. Although the finishing process can seem overwhelming at first, it becomes more manageable when broken down into smaller steps.

You’ll need to evaluate the loggia’s condition first. Does it require more insulation, or is it completely enclosed? Taking care of these fundamental problems first guarantees a strong base for the final work.

After assessing the area, you can proceed to selecting materials and organizing the layout. This step helps you envision the finished product and sets the tone for the entire project.

It is essential to begin with careful planning and preparation when finishing a loggia. To guarantee a strong foundation, start by evaluating the area for any repairs that are required, such as caulking gaps or addressing insulation problems. Next, think about the overall layout and materials that will work best for the purpose of the loggia, which could be extra living space, a quiet retreat, or storage. These preliminary actions will create the conditions for a fruitful and durable conclusion.

Laying the parapet

The loggia’s design, state, and the existence or nonexistence of prior repairs will determine the technology used to complete the work that needs to be done. We’ll take into account the scenario in which the parapet, as shown in the picture, is constructed of metal rods and no finishing or glazing was applied. The most crucial aspect of the task in this situation is to begin with the parapet device.

• This structural element is designed to solve three problems at once: fencing, insulation and holding the window frame. The balcony, in its configuration, is somewhat different from the loggia – it will have a parapet not only in front, but also at the ends.
• For laying the parapet, either brick or cinder blocks are used. You just need to remember that the weight of the structure should be as small as possible, especially on the balcony.
  The balcony slab, of course, has a certain margin of safety, but it is not designed for heavy loads.
• Therefore, the masonry is done in half a brick – this is quite enough. But sand-lime brick is very heavy in weight.
  The most suitable option for making a parapet on a balcony are foam concrete blocks.
• They are produced in different sizes, a width of 10 cm is quite suitable for a parapet. The porous structure of the foam block not only reduces the weight of the wall, but also helps to improve sound insulation and insulation of the balcony.

• Finishing loggias for beginners requires a careful approach. If you are doing any work for the first time, watch the video, read articles on the topic.
  Before starting the construction of the masonry, take careful measurements, accurately determining the height of the parapet.
• Laying begins along the old fence, along its contour, aligning the blocks with a building level and plumb line. If a screen was installed on the metal parapet: from flat slate or metal profile – it can be left in place.
• If you are not going to do the external finishing of the balcony, the screen will protect the masonry from the effects of precipitation and wind. Under the first row of blocks, on the cleaned slab, you need to lay a strip of roofing felt, or any other waterproofing material.
• For the production of block masonry, there are many options for special adhesive mixtures. They are sold dry, simply mixed with water in the ratio provided by the manufacturer"s instructions.
  For this, you will need a container of about twenty liters, and a construction mixer or a drill with an attachment.

• To give the parapet additional strength, reinforcement must be done during the masonry process. First, in the place where the masonry connects to the walls of the house.
  Using a drill and hammer, iron rods are driven into the walls.
• The distance between them should be such that the opposite ends of the reinforcement enter the horizontal seams between the blocks. The blocks are laid in such a way that each block of the next row overlaps the seam of the previous row.
• The second place that needs to be reinforced is the window sill area. If the ends of the balcony will not be glazed, and you want to lay the masonry along the entire height, horizontal reinforcement with galvanized mesh must be done every half meter of masonry.

• To make it clearer how reinforcement is done, we have provided a diagram where: 1) wall masonry 2) parapet window sill row 3) reinforcement mesh; 4) mortar.
• In order to lay the reinforcing mesh, a horizontal groove is cut in the desired row with a grinder. The reinforcement is placed in it in such a way that it does not protrude above the surface of the blocks. After this, the recess is filled with mortar.

Take note! Solid blocks must be used to lay out the final row of masonry. For this reason, the penultimate row is where the parapet height is adjusted if needed. Cutting foam blocks with a circular saw or even a hacksaw is simple.

• After the parapet is ready, you can invite specialists from the company where you will order the windows to take measurements. You will only have to wait until they are manufactured and installed, and only then think about where to start finishing the balcony.

You can easily create frameless glazing if the basic parapet on your balcony has aesthetic value and you do not want to part with it. Although it is a little more expensive, you will save money because you won’t need to finish the interior and lay out a block parapet. This option’s sole drawback is that the balcony will be lovely but chilly.

Interior decoration

Thus, you are left with a small room following the installation of the windows and the parapet. You now need to complete the balcony. Here’s where to begin:

• Of course, with waterproofing! The simplest option for doing this work is to apply a penetrating waterproofing compound to the surface of the outer walls, preferably a universal one.

What has to be done next will depend on your choice of wall finishing material and whether you want to insulate the loggia further. The best course of action might be to finish the balcony with decorative plaster if installing insulation is not necessary.

Plastering the surface

You can use more than just soft decorative plaster, also known as "liquid wallpaper," to clad an unheated loggia. All kinds of compositions meant for facade exterior finishing are used for this purpose. Thus:

• Textured plaster for finishing balconies can be not only relief. This refers to a pattern or relief applied to its surface with a special tool.
• A beautiful surface structure can be obtained by adding some filler, sold separately, to the base solution of variation plaster. This can be granite, marble or quartz chips, chips, flops.
• The first layer will be leveling, so the filler can not be added to the solution yet. The starting layer is designed to hide the masonry joints and minor potholes on the wall surface.

• When it is ready, you need to wait until the screed sets and dries. Then the plastered surface must be covered with a primer composition intended for brick and concrete.
  Each layer must be processed, no matter how many there are.

• Before applying the last layer, filler is added to the solution and the wall is finished. If you want to get a smooth painted wall, you need to take a regular cement-based mixture for plastering.

Water-dispersion paint can be applied to the walls and ceiling following concrete contact treatment of the plastered surface. Selecting silicone or latex is the best option. These paints are not sensitive to variations in humidity, temperature, or UV radiation.

Although finishing your loggia can seem overwhelming at first, it is manageable if you break it down into manageable steps. To determine the best course of action for waterproofing and insulation, start by assessing the area. This foundational work guarantees the comfort and weather protection of your loggia.

The surfaces should then be prepared by cleaning, repairing, and leveling as necessary. A smooth and long-lasting finish depend heavily on a surface that has been properly prepped. This stage creates the foundation for a polished look, regardless of the paint, tile, or paneling you decide on.

Lastly, select finishes and materials based on your needs both practically and stylistically. Taking the proper initial steps will enable you to design a loggia that is both aesthetically pleasing and useful, regardless of your preference for a private haven or a sleek, contemporary addition to your living area.

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