Recommendation points
- Where is frameless glazing used?
- What glasses are used
- How the opening system works
- Heat conservation issues
- Maintenance of frameless windows
- Conditions for the installation of frameless glazing
Frameless glazing systems provide a beautiful panoramic view. In our today’s review, you will learn about the main features of such systems, their ease of use, disadvantages, advantages and everything that is required for the installation of frameless glazing.
Where is frameless glazing used?
The main area of application of frameless glazing is open and semi-open rooms, in which it is necessary to eliminate airflow and at the same time not limit the view. Typical examples include balconies and loggias, outdoor terraces, gazebos, greenhouses and winter gardens..
Of the main limitations for the use of frameless glazing, one can single out the height of the installation. Standard structures cannot cope with significant wind loads, the approximate limit is 50-80 kg / m2. It is possible to use thicker (from 10 mm) glass and strong frames made of titanium-aluminum alloy, but this is a completely different price category. Also, since frameless systems cannot perform a load-bearing function, the opening for them must have a specially reinforced structure..
The high cost of such glazing makes its use advisable only if natural illumination is limited for the room or, figuratively speaking, the conscience does not allow to spoil the opening view with frames and imposts.
Despite the fact that in the closed state the glasses are sealed with standard inserts, the frameless system does not provide absolute tightness. This should be taken into account when glazing rooms where a certain temperature regime must be observed. For example, by creating this kind of panoramic glazing for the living room, the developer provides himself with completely immodest spending on heating.
What glasses are used
High-quality tempered glass is used in frameless glazing. Most manufacturers carry out quality control by defectoscopy, which gives confidence that the real strength properties correspond to the declared ones. In addition, even in the event of a break, which is extremely rare in practice, such glass will crumble with many small fragments with blunt edges, so frameless glazing is not traumatic.
Various techniques can be used to attach glass panes to a sliding system. In cheap versions, these are point fasteners, the holes for which are made at the casting stage. Slightly more complex multi-point mounts such as spyder (spider), the name of which speaks for itself. In both cases, silicone sleeves are inserted between the metal fastener and the body of the glass sheet for shock absorption..
Front glazing fixing systems: 1 – post-transom; 2 – structural; 3 – “spider” system
Another fastening system involves pasting the top and bottom of the glass sheet with a mounting profile, to which, in turn, all the mechanics of the sliding system are attached. The profile is glued using molecular bond glue and the reliability of such fixation is beyond doubt..
How the opening system works
Most frameless glazing systems have a foldable opening system. The entire glazing line folds like an accordion thanks to movable hinges through which the glass sheets are connected to each other.
The glass load is evenly distributed between the lower and upper mounting profiles. The most reliable systems are considered to be glass pasting with a frame profile. In such a system, the mechanisms of the support rollers are hidden inside the guides, which can be either embedded in the opening fence, or installed overhead.
In systems with chiseled glass fastening, the details of the opening mechanism are more visible to the eye. Also a characteristic feature of such systems is a less sealed vestibule along the upper and lower abutment line.
The opening mechanism can provide for several types of movement: sliding, folding and swinging. The most popular are folding systems: the entire set of glasses is stacked against one of the walls, sometimes it is possible to change the folding side at your discretion.
Combined systems allow swing doors to be hinged through a transom reinforced with a profile. Indeed, it is not always convenient to completely fold the glazing when a small opening is sufficient for the passage. To lock the glazing, a special type of locks is used, cut into one of the walls, which limits the opening on the sides. Typically, one fixing point is sufficient to block the entire glazing front.
A wide range of fittings, door closers and limiters is provided for safe opening. For the most part, they use the same products that are part of glass office partitions on an aluminum frame.
Heat conservation issues
The main disadvantage of frameless glazing systems is the low degree of climate localization. In addition to the fact that glass itself serves as a good heat conductor, and it represents a significant part of the enclosing structure, additional convection leaks are possible.
Heating the room does not always solve the problem. In addition to the obvious cost, condensation may form on the inside of the transparent enclosing structures. Thermal curtains are not always appropriate: although tempered glass is not subject to thermal shock, heating such a large area will require a high installation power. This means that it will be very difficult to covertly place heaters of such dimensions..
However, there is an alternative. Since there is no heavy air movement behind the glazing front, radiant heating systems come to the rescue. Placing several IR heaters above the dining area or seating areas will make your stay quite comfortable.
Maintenance of frameless windows
The frameless glazing opening systems are designed in such a clever way that when folded, both the inside and the outside of the glass are accessible for cleaning. The fact that the cleaning process is very time consuming is an obvious fact, but there is an opportunity for this..
All pivot assemblies are based on maintenance-free, sealed bearings. In case of failure, a separate element can be easily replaced with a similar one. In general, the mechanical part of the glazing has a fairly high reliability, and all kinds of breakdowns are rather an exception to the general rule..
In addition to periodically cleaning the glass, you should also pick out debris from the lower guide profile. This is especially true for glazing systems from ceiling to floor, when the lower guide profile is built into the base of the opening.
The main challenge is servicing immediately after installation. The mechanics of the glazing are quite complex and delicate, they require careful adjustment for correct operation, but all the necessary technical means are provided for this. Such operations may be required after a while due to the subsidence of the soil under the building and the building structure itself.
Conditions for the installation of frameless glazing
The front of the frameless glazing is relatively lightweight, but does not perform any supporting function. If everything is quite simple with the bottom base of the opening, then the top should have high monolithic strength.
The ideal option is a reinforced concrete beam or stiffener that has additional connections with the floor system or a reinforced belt under it. It is very easy to fix the guide profile to such a base and at the same time the load will not cause significant settlement of the structure. By the way, the opening can be divided by supporting columns, frameless glazing “bypasses” them easily and elegantly by dividing the front into separate sections.
The width of the frameless glazing is practically unlimited. The height usually does not exceed 300 cm for reasons of sufficient strength of the glass sheet. If it is necessary to fill with glazing the opening of a greater height, a transom or glass panel can be added in the lower part. In both cases, these glazing sections transfer the load from the guide profiles and are therefore enclosed in aluminum frames.
Frameless glazing systems allow glazing even rooms with complex shapes – rounded and polygonal with a total swing angle of up to 270 °. At the same time, the opening system will continue to work stably. Installation of glazing with a deviation from the vertical is possible, but in this case the opening system will not work.
Frameless glazing offers really wide possibilities. The good news is that the customer almost never touches the details of the installation process. Not only glasses and profiles are purchased – they come with a full range of services, both for the selection of a suitable thickness of glass, mechanics and accessories, and for the installation of the system.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of frameless glazing for balconies, terraces, and verandas? How does it differ from traditional methods? Is it more expensive?
Frameless glazing for balconies, terraces, and verandas offers several advantages, such as unobstructed views, increased natural light, and improved insulation and noise reduction. It also provides a modern and sleek aesthetic to the space.
However, there are also some disadvantages to frameless glazing, such as higher initial costs compared to traditional methods, potential maintenance and cleaning difficulties, and limited flexibility for customization.
In terms of differences from traditional methods, frameless glazing does not require vertical support posts, providing a more seamless and visually appealing look. It also allows for better protection against the elements and increased use of the outdoor space throughout the year.
In general, frameless glazing is considered to be more expensive than traditional methods due to the materials used and the specialized installation process. However, the long-term benefits and added value to the property may outweigh the initial cost for some homeowners.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of frameless glazing for balconies, terraces, and verandas? Is it a durable and long-lasting solution? How does it affect the overall aesthetic appeal of the outdoor space?
Frameless glazing for balconies, terraces, and verandas offers several advantages. Firstly, it provides unobstructed views of the outdoor space, allowing natural light to flood in. It also creates a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor areas, increasing the usable living space. Additionally, frameless glazing can enhance the aesthetic appeal of the outdoor space by giving it a modern and sleek look.
However, there are some disadvantages to consider. Frameless glazing can be more expensive than traditional options, such as railing systems. It also requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best. In terms of durability, frameless glazing is typically made from toughened or laminated glass, making it a sturdy and long-lasting solution.
Overall, frameless glazing can be a durable and long-lasting solution for balconies, terraces, and verandas. It offers a modern aesthetic appeal and maximizes natural light and views. However, it is important to weigh the costs and maintenance requirements before opting for this option.
What are the advantages of frameless glazing for balconies, terraces, and verandas? How does it enhance the overall aesthetic appeal and functionality of these spaces? Can it withstand extreme weather conditions and provide insulation? I’m particularly curious about the safety aspects of frameless glazing, especially in high-rise buildings or areas prone to earthquakes.
Frameless glazing for balconies, terraces, and verandas offers several advantages. Firstly, it provides unobstructed views and creates a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. Additionally, it maximizes natural light exposure and creates a feeling of openness.
In terms of functionality, frameless glazing allows for better ventilation control and noise reduction, as well as protection from elements such as wind and rain. It can also be customized to include features like sliding doors or retractable panels, increasing usability and flexibility.
When it comes to extreme weather conditions, frameless glazing is designed to withstand high winds, heavy rain, and even snow. It also provides insulation, helping to regulate indoor temperatures and reduce energy costs. This makes it suitable for use in different climates and seasons.
In terms of safety, frameless glazing is typically made from durable materials such as tempered glass that is engineered to be impact-resistant. This ensures that it can withstand strong forces without breaking, making it a safe option for high-rise buildings or earthquake-prone areas. Additionally, frameless glazing can be equipped with safety features such as automatic locking systems and sensors to detect movement and prevent accidents. Overall, frameless glazing offers a stylish, functional, and secure solution for enhancing outdoor living spaces.