In today’s pursuit of safe, comfortable, and easily maintainable homes, an increasing number of people opt for residential communities built by real estate developers. These communities offer relatively complete amenities and excellent management and security services. Nearly every home in these communities comes with a balcony, making balcony enclosure a preferred option for many families to enhance their living environment. This not only effectively expands living space but also significantly improves the quality and style of life. For families with pets and children, enclosing the balcony is an effective means of ensuring safety.

However, when it comes to choosing window types, many families face difficulties. There are various window types that can be used for balcony enclosure, with casement windows, sliding windows, and bi-fold windows being the most popular options. This article will analyze the similarities and differences among these three window types to help consumers make an informed choice.

Guardian of Safety and Seal: Casement Window

Casement windows offer two major benefits as balcony enclosure options: exceptional sealing performance and safety. These features have earned casement windows the favor of many families. Casement windows are typically sealed with rubber strips and locked using two-point locks or multi-point locks, providing excellent sealing when closed. Whether it’s windproofing, rainproofing, or sound and heat insulation, casement windows perform better than sliding windows. If you enjoy scenic views, then casement windows are the perfect choice for enclosing your balcony. With a large opening area, casement windows offer a richer visual experience and a broader field of view.

However, casement windows are not flawless. When opened, they occupy indoor space. Especially in high-rise buildings, outward-opening casement windows may pose safety hazards. If your home is located above the seventh floor, it is not recommended to install outward-opening casement windows. Instead, inward-opening or tilt-and-turn windows are preferred. Therefore, when choosing casement windows for balcony enclosure, you need to fully consider space and safety factors.

Dual Optimization of Space and View: Sliding Window

If your home is a small apartment or has limited space, sliding windows are a better choice for balcony enclosure. Sliding windows have become a mainstream option for balcony enclosure because they provide excellent ventilation, quick cooling, and fresh air. As the global average temperature gradually rises, enclosed balconies can become hot. Sliding windows can open half of their area, creating good air convection to quickly dissipate indoor heat and cool down the space. Ventilation can maintain fresh indoor air, which not only boosts one’s mood but also helps prevent various respiratory diseases. Additionally, the sliding opening mechanism does not require additional indoor or outdoor space, making home layout more flexible and versatile.

Unfortunately, sliding windows have slightly inferior sealing performance, especially in terms of windproofing and dust prevention. Regular maintenance and cleaning are required to maintain their optimal performance.

Freedom to Switch Between Open and Closed: Bi-Fold Window

Unlike casement and sliding windows, bi-fold windows are a newly emerging option for balcony enclosure. Many homeowners do not want to lose the original ventilation by enclosing the balcony but are concerned about potential safety hazards if the balcony remains open. Bi-fold windows offer a compromise solution. With multiple foldable glass panels, bi-fold windows allow for flexible control of the opening area, enabling the balcony to be enclosed or open as needed.

Like bi-fold doors, fully opened bi-fold windows maximize the window area. With this feature, bi-fold balcony windows can be opened to create an open balcony or closed for a complete enclosure. This allows for seamless switching between open and enclosed balconies based on actual needs. On sunny days, the bi-fold glass windows can be fully opened to let in sunlight and fresh air. During inclement weather, the bi-fold glass windows can be fully closed to keep the indoors dry and comfortable.

It should be noted that bi-fold windows have relatively low wind pressure resistance and are not recommended for high-rise buildings or areas prone to typhoons and heavy rain. Additionally, families with pets, especially cats, are advised against choosing bi-fold windows for balcony enclosure. When fully opened, bi-fold windows resemble an open balcony. Balconies are sunny spots that cats love to bask in. With their strong curiosity, cats may chase birds or insects they see. Owners cannot always judge whether cats will jump onto the windows to catch birds. If the windows are open, this can be a dangerous situation for cats. Therefore, families with pets should choose casement or sliding windows for balcony enclosure, preferably equipped with insect screens.

After deciding on the window type for balcony enclosure, special attention should be paid to other window configurations and installation. KANOD Window and Door Manufacturer is pleased to provide such services. KANOD offers a variety of window types to choose from and extensive customization options, allowing you to select your preferred colors and styles. Our professional designer team will communicate with you to customize a balcony enclosure plan tailored to your home. If you wish, we can also provide a comprehensive one-stop service from on-site measurement to installation, ensuring that every detail meets your expectations.