Sliding frameless glazing: types, characteristics, features

Recommendation points

• Technical information
• Varieties of frameless glazing
• Advantages of frameless glazing
• Disadvantages of frameless glazing
• Installation of frameless glazing

Glass always looks good in the interior of the room and on the facade of the building. Sliding frameless glazing can be the best way to solve two problems – separating space and maintaining a panoramic view. We will understand the essence of these structures and the need to purchase them for your home.

The technology of creating an extensive transparent surface implies the presence of sliding modules made of impact-resistant glass, connected without vertical supports and frames – butt-to-joint. The thickness of the glass can be from 6 to 12 mm – it depends on the height of the opening to be closed and the wind load (number of storeys).

The sections move between horizontal aluminum profiles, fixed at the top on the ceiling plate and at the bottom on the railing of the loggia or on the floor when glazing a gazebo, terrace, device of an internal transparent partition.

Technical information

Adjustment of structures for unevenness is carried out by changing the height of one of the guides, a special adjusting profile or the position of the carriages. Installation is carried out with stainless anchors, side gaps are sealed with seals.

The cost of frameless glazing per 1 running meter m

System	Max. sash width, mm	Max. height, mm	Features:	Price for 1 m2, $
Acristalia	900	3000	Outward and inward opening	170-190
AllglassTodocristal	800	3000	Polymer friction units instead of bearings	130-170
Metropol	1100	1870	Parallel sashes	100-120
Cover	800	3200	Double glass fixing	160-220
Lumon 6	1200	3000	Opens only from the inside	140-180
Lumon 6T	1200	3000	Flat threshold	150-190
Lumon 7	960	3000	Sash collection angle 45 °	170-210
Panorama	900	3500	Russian glass	120-150
Estel	800	2900	Completely Russian system	120-140

The prices indicated in the table refer to basic equipment and do not include visors, ebbs, joint seals and other additional elements. For example, a complete set with turning parts increases the cost by about 2,000 rubles. for every bend. The price of installation work depends on the complexity and ranges from 2500–3500 rubles. per square meter.

Varieties of frameless glazing

There are three types of frameless glazing systems. The first two types have one running groove of the profile, open with a “book” to the right, left or both sides, and differ from each other by the upper or lower concentration of the load. In the third type, a lot of guides are used along which the glasses slide over each other, like a wardrobe.

First type

In structures with an upper load-bearing profile, the glass sheets are suspended on two roller supports, and transition elements are mounted at the turning points of the polygonal glazing. At the bottom, on the sash, there are plastic stops that prevent, together with the lower (lightweight) guide, the glass from swinging.

Due to the low pressure applied to the base, “suspension” systems can be installed on balconies with weak railings. Similar designs are produced by the Finnish companies Sopu and Lumon, as well as the Swedish Pingvin.

Second type

In this type of frameless glazing, the load is distributed to both guides, while the lower profile is the supporting one, and the sashes pass bends without any additional elements. Glass sheets in these structures move on two upper and two lower rollers.

Such a device places high demands on the quality of the profile and installation work. Such glazing is offered by companies:

• Finnish Cover
• German SKS Stakusit
• Russian “Estel Project”

The domestic manufacturer uses three roller bearings, which allows you to install a lower-quality profile and reduce the cost of products, while maintaining the reliability of the structure.

Third type

The all-glass sliding systems Metropol and Sunflex SF 20 are equipped with guide rails with up to six runners. Glasses in them move on roller carriages along the rails of the lower profile.

This version of frameless glazing is designed only for rectilinear facades, since the design does not imply “bypassing corners” by the shutters. Despite the limited scope of use, these systems are quite popular due to their affordability..

Advantages of frameless glazing

1. Refusal of vertical connecting parts maximally frees the light opening in the closed position, and when the doors are open, the illusion of a complete absence of glazing is created
2. Frameless design protects the space from dust, wind and precipitation, reduces background noise
3. Technical gaps between glass surfaces allow the room to be ventilated – windows sweat less and do not freeze
4. The systems have already proven themselves worthy in terms of reliability and safety

Disadvantages of frameless glazing

1. Frameless systems refer to the “cold” type of glazing and cannot be used in heated rooms
2. Those who do not like full transparency will have to hide from prying eyes with curtains or blinds
3. Glazing without frames loses to traditional double-glazed windows in tightness, providing sound insulation only up to 10-15 dB in standard equipment and up to 22 dB if a slot seal is present

Installation of frameless glazing

Assembling and fixing frameless glazing systems is a responsible and complex process. Even small deviations can lead to skewing of the leaves, which will be impossible to remove by adjustment. Compliance with the strict requirements for the installation of frameless systems ensures the correct operation of mechanisms and operation without significant maintenance.

Installation of systems is allowed on structures made of various materials that can withstand the applied load. Compliance with the installation requirements is considered at the stage of measurements and a positive conclusion is made or options for strengthening structures are offered.

Possible mounting methods:

1. Anchors in a concrete parapet with a thickness of at least 100 mm.
2. Through or threaded fastening in a base made of steel with a thickness of 4 mm, aluminum – from 5 mm.
3. Screws with a solid thread in glued laminated timber or wood with a minimum size of 100×50 mm.

An example of fastening frameless glazing with glass more than 500 mm wide and 8-10 mm thick

Foreign manufacturers provide guarantees only on condition of professional installation by authorized dealers, it is basically impossible for an individual to buy the system at the factory. The domestic company “Estel Project” provides an opportunity to save money – pick up the kit yourself and carry out the installation yourself, provided that the design is calculated by a specialist of the company.

Frameless glazing is a new technical solution, which is perfect for glazing balconies, loggias, winter gardens, attics and other “cold” rooms, but not everyone will like it. Conservative shoppers are more likely to opt for conventional insulating glass units. All-glass structures are designed for people who value good lighting and space, as well as those who are ready for high financial costs.

Frameless glazing systems from different manufacturers are similar, all have runners, tempered glass and fittings. Choosing a specific model, it is not necessary to give exorbitant amounts – it is better to focus on options that are affordable, but guaranteeing reliable operation.