Loggia and balcony - what's the difference?

In modern urban planning, there are practically no projects of houses in apartments, which would not have a balcony or loggia. These two structures, different in construction, were originally conceived as ancillary facilities or recreational areas. For a long time already these useful areas are used by landladies to store conservation, old or seasonal things, and also, when redeveloping, as an additional living space. Between the balcony and the loggia there is a fundamental difference.

What is the difference between a balcony and a loggia?

Having considered what the constructive difference between these two structures is, we will understand how to distinguish a balcony from a loggia. The name "balcony" originates from the word "balka", the translation of the word "loggia" from Italian means "arbor", comparing these two names, we understand that the loggia is a more capital structure.

The balcony is, as a matter of fact, a hanging platform, taken out of the walls of the house and having a perimeter fence. The balcony has no side walls, so it only has one common wall with the building, and the balcony does not have a ceiling, this is the main difference between a balcony and a loggia.

Loggia is a more solid construction, which has three common walls with the building, it usually has a larger area, better protected from bad weather. Loggia provides owners with much greater opportunities for redevelopment, adding it to the room or kitchen, you can get additional living space. Having warmed the loggia and heating it, we can also get an office, a winter garden, a workshop, a recreation area or a playground for children.

To convert a balcony into a residential area is much more problematic, it is more difficult to insulate, and it is almost impossible to heat it there. The balcony is a less secure structure, because it can withstand small loads, which can not be said of the loggia, which is located on a fixed plate on three sides.

Thus, constructive differences make the loggia part of the building, and the balcony is only a fenced banister, a pendant. Knowing the main technical characteristics of the loggia and balcony, it is easier to make a decision about their accomplishment.

The difference between a balcony and a loggia is also expressed in the price of the apartment in which they are located. The price is due to the fact that the loggia provides more opportunities for conversion and finishing, it is more secure and more secure.