To gain a few square meters, some individuals prefer to optimize the space under the stairs. Others decide to install a wooden mezzanine at home. Among the various ideas, nothing beats building a veranda to extend the living space.
Between PVC, wrought iron, wood, and aluminum, many materials can be used to assemble this structure. It is especially the latter that is gaining popularity, thanks to its countless advantages. If you are considering building an aluminum veranda, this article will surely interest you. Discover the essentials to know on the subject.
📋 The essentials at a glance: Personally, I consider the aluminum veranda to be the best current compromise because it equips more than 90% of the glazed extension market thanks to its durability. It is an investment that immediately enhances your property. Its lightweight structure allows for modern designs that other materials cannot support.
What is an aluminum veranda?
Like a steel pergola or an awning, an aluminum veranda is a structure that allows you to enjoy outdoor space. It is an additional room used to extend an existing house.
With its glazing, it is completely airtight. This allows it to enjoy good weatherproof insulation all year round, regardless of the season. Between the outside and the inside, an aluminum veranda is considered a full-fledged room of the building.
📍 My experience: When installing a veranda for a client in 2024, we opted for the latest generation thermal break profiles. The cost was 15% higher, but the thermal comfort in winter is incomparable. The lesson is simple: never skimp on the quality of the rail insulation.
An aluminum veranda is a better option to enlarge living space. During its construction, it requires a reasonable investment compared to extension work.
It often houses a bedroom, living room, kitchen, office, or relaxation area. For more comfort, it is essential to install air conditioning, heating, electricity, and water supplies.
What are the advantages of an aluminum veranda?
- Justified price: Even if it costs more than other verandas, its multiple benefits more than justify its price.
- Modern aesthetic: Its appearance, both modern and aesthetic, is one of its advantages. Stylish, it increases the value of a house. Once well maintained, it is so pleasant to look at.
- Color palette: It also offers a wide choice of colors to suit all tastes.
- Varied forms: Even better, it is available in multiple architectural forms such as the classic aluminum veranda, the contemporary version, the Victorian aluminum veranda, the star-shaped one, and many others.
- Material modularity: Since aluminum is a modular material, it is easy to work with to create custom verandas. Similarly, this material offers you the opportunity to build a room that reflects you.
- Stylistic adaptability: Regardless of the style of your home, it blends with almost all materials to give it character. On a classic construction, it gives a design and trendy touch. On a stone residence, it creates contrast providing a modern note.
- Guaranteed longevity: As for its durability, the aluminum veranda can accompany you for many years. It can last up to 30 years or more.
- Environmental respect: Aluminum is also a recyclable material. Non-polluting, it produces no particle or dust emissions. Creating an aluminum veranda is therefore an environmentally friendly project.
| Range type | Price per m2 | Thermal performance | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level | €800 | Standard | Low |
| Mid-range | €1200 | Optimized | Low |
| High-end | €1800 | Excellent | Very low |
| Bioclimatic veranda | €2500 | Maximum | Moderate |
How to choose the aluminum profile for your veranda?
Aluminum profiles are widely used for assembling a quality veranda. Durable, ecological, and resistant, the material allows you to easily build the structure of your dreams. Modular, it can be worked flawlessly to give it the desired shape.
Generally, it has a straight profile whose width, length, and final design can be varied. Thanks to hot or cold processes, it is possible to extrude, laminate, and stretch aluminum.
Some versions are used for assembling doors and windows. Others are used for railings or barriers.
Whatever the model, it is advisable to opt for top-quality aluminum profiles for the design of a veranda. Of course, their price is often high. However, know that they combine strength, durability, and high corrosion resistance.
How to ensure good thermal and acoustic insulation in an aluminum veranda?
It is necessary to mention that aluminum is a conductor of both cold and heat. If you want to use it for the assembly of your veranda, it must be combined with thermal bridge breakers.
These particularly concern polyurethane resin, PVC strips, and polyamide strips. They serve to insulate the exterior from the interior part of the aluminum profiles.
This technique allows the veranda to be insulated against the cold. It limits the risks of energy loss as well as condensation on openings. During the cold season, it prevents cold from entering the house while preserving heat.
Besides the thermal bridge break system, the choice of glazing should not be taken lightly. Compared to single glazing, the option of double or triple glazing is highly recommended. It provides good thermal and acoustic insulation.
If you prefer to save more energy during the winter, you can install roller or hinged shutters. They offer an additional insulating layer which is undeniably useful when temperatures drop throughout the night.
⚠️ Common misconception
It is often thought that an aluminum veranda is like a freezer in winter. This is false with current frames; the cold often comes from a poorly insulated slab and not from the profiles.
How to customize your aluminum veranda?
The main advantage of an aluminum veranda is that it offers you many customization possibilities.
It is possible to create a structure according to your desires by choosing every detail of your veranda. For the best results, it is advisable to entrust its design to a qualified professional.
If you already have one but want to refresh it, you can repaint it to give it a new lease on life. Choose a special aluminum paint.
As for the color, a shade similar to that of the window frames and shutters is a good option for more harmony.
Some households prefer to change the flooring to personalize their veranda. This renovation brings a new atmosphere.
If you wish, add indoor furniture, in metal or wood, to give a touch of modernity. A large rug on the floor is welcome, creating a cozy corner in your aluminum veranda. It should be noted that this accessory helps absorb sounds to reduce external noise.
Do you need a building permit for an aluminum veranda?
Just like when installing a pool veranda, the installation of an aluminum veranda requires compliance with some administrative procedures except for a veranda of 5 m2 maximum.
This one requires no administrative formalities even if it allows you to set up an entrance hall or a small office.
However, for an extension of 5 to 20 m2, a prior declaration of work is required. This may seem easy and quick to complete.
If your veranda measures more than 20 m2 in a rural area, you are required to apply for a building permit from the town hall. The same applies for a 40 m2 veranda in an urban housing area.
To obtain a building permit, your file must be complete including a cross-section plan of the land, a site plan of the constructions, a location plan of your land in the city, and much more.
How to maintain your aluminum veranda?
Over time, your aluminum veranda gradually gets covered with stains and dirt that are difficult to remove. Despite their stubbornness, some simple practices can be enough to get rid of them.
You can dust the window frame. Once done, clean the outside and inside, from left to right and top to bottom.
🌍 Did you know?
Aluminum is 100% infinitely recyclable. Using recycled aluminum requires only 5% of the energy needed to produce primary metal.
| Action | Frequency | Practical Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning the profiles | 2 to 3 times a year | Use a soft sponge and warm soapy water. Avoid abrasive or acidic products. |
| Checking the seals | Once a year | Inspect the tightness and replace worn seals to prevent leaks. |
| Maintenance of glazing | Once a month | Clean with a microfiber cloth and a glass cleaner. Don’t forget the frames. |
| Checking fastenings | Once a year | Check screws, hinges, and locks. Tighten if necessary to ensure stability. |
| Drainage and evacuation | Every season | Clean gutters and drains to prevent water or debris accumulation. |
| Protection against corrosion | Depending on exposure | Apply a protective treatment if the veranda is located in a humid or saline area. |
For glazing made of synthetic material or polycarbonate, avoid solvent-based stain removers, as they may scratch the surface. Instead, use a slightly damp microfiber cloth to clean it.
If your aluminum veranda has printed, frosted, etched, or laminated glazing, you can clean it using a cloth soaked with a cleaner designed for that type of glass.
As for the aluminum structure, there are many products available on the market dedicated to cleaning it. Otherwise, you can clean it with a large sponge soaked in soapy water or a telescopic broom. Once this step is done, rinse it with clear water then wipe with a microfiber cloth.
💡 Practical Tip
Clean your profiles with warm soapy water twice a year. Avoid abrasive products that could scratch the powder coating of your structure.
How to ensure the quality of your aluminum veranda?
🌟 Advantages
- Slender uprights
- No risk of rust
- Wide choice of colors
🔍 Drawbacks
- Higher cost than PVC
- Sensitive to deep scratches
It is very easy to identify a good quality aluminum veranda. It offers better longevity and high resistance over time.
Indeed, aluminum is a durable material. It can last about thirty years. But some profiles can exceed this threshold to cover your veranda for a very long time. They do not fade or rust. Moreover, they can be maintained easily.
In any case, it is recommended not to close windows or doors too forcefully. This could weaken the glazing and the structure. Also, cover the openings with a cloth during lawn mowing or garden clearing. Stones can damage the glass.
Besides that, it is important to check the insulation level of the aluminum veranda. Choose one equipped with a thermal break, efficient seals, and double glazing. They provide sound and thermal insulation for the home.
What is the average cost of an aluminum veranda?
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There are several types of aluminum verandas. The classic model costs about 500 to 1100 euros per square meter. If you choose a contemporary style aluminum veranda, it is available between 600 to 1,500 euros per square meter.
The price of a star-shaped model ranges between 1,000 to 2,000 euros per square meter. It is prized for its great brightness. For a Victorian version, you can buy one with a budget between 1000 to 3000 euros per square meter.
Besides the selling price of an aluminum veranda, don’t forget the various additional costs. The professional includes in the quote the pouring of the screed, electrical installation, floor covering installation, and more. Its cost generally varies from 20 to 60 euros per hour.
Can home automation options be integrated into an aluminum veranda?
To fully enjoy your aluminum veranda, there is nothing better than choosing a model equipped with multiple interesting features and functionalities.
Between heating, air conditioning, glazing, roller shutters, sunshades, blinds, the glazed dome, and the skylight, the home automation options are of great interest.
The system allows you to control all the tools for optimal daily comfort. The technology is used to configure, for example, blinds, cameras, alarms, as well as heating and lighting.
If you want to benefit from it, it is crucial to discuss it with a professional who handles the installation of the aluminum veranda.
Indeed, adding the home automation option can increase the price. But this is justified by its increased practicality and the comfort it provides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Aluminum appeals because of its robustness, lightness, and natural resistance to corrosion. Unlike wood, it does not require treatment against moisture or insects, and it maintains its aesthetic appearance over time. It also allows for thin and elegant structures, ideal for large glazed surfaces. Although a bit more expensive to purchase, its technical qualities and longevity make it a durable and profitable investment.
Yes, aluminum is a highly adaptable material that easily integrates with different architectural styles. Whether your house is contemporary, traditional, or rustic, there are suitable finishes and colors. On an old house, aluminum can create a modern contrast, while on a recent construction, it enhances the design and sleek aspect. Its ability to blend with other materials such as stone or wood makes it a very versatile solution.
To keep an aluminum veranda in good condition, just a few simple actions are needed. Regular cleaning with lukewarm water and a soft cloth removes dirt without damaging the profiles. It is advisable to avoid abrasive or acidic products. An annual check of the seals, fixings, and drainage ensures good waterproofing and a stable structure. Thanks to its natural resistance, aluminum does not rust, which greatly facilitates its maintenance.
