Pros and cons of frameless glass technology

Frameless glazing is the latest technique for arranging space on the balcony, the main purpose of which is to obtain an open, well-lit room, protected from weathering. It is generally accepted that frameless glazing is a Finnish invention, although the Finns acknowledged that they borrowed the technique from their Germans neighbors.

The technology of frameless glazing implies the presence of an extensive transparent surface of very strong tempered glass, the thickness of which is 6-8 mm. Ie, in fact, this surface consists of several glasses connected by a joint to the joint without the use of frames and vertical supports. At the bottom and at the top of such parts of this surface there is an aluminum pad equipped with movable rollers. They help the wing to move along the guides, opening the entire balcony or a part of it. To do this, it is enough to open the first glass inside, like a standard window, then the second leaf moves to its place, turns and becomes near the first. All the following components of this system of frameless glazing are opened in the same way, gathering in a kind of "little book", as seen in the photo.

Manufacturers of frameless glazing systems

1. Finnish company LUMON OY and its system LUMON .Since the release of the first model Elegant, the configuration and appearance of the glass surface has undergone many changes: the latches securing the glasses have hidden the inside of the lining, reduced the width of the upper profile, thereby increasing the light opening. There was an elegant fittings for glasses. The rollers consist of ball bearings with a polyamide coating of increased strength. There was a possibility of re-rolling the doors through the corners, which is especially effective on loggias of complex configurations. For frameless Finnish glazing LUMON is characterized only by an upper supporting profile with a lower profile as a guide. Ie, the load on the balcony grate is significantly reduced( only the guide profiles are fixed on it).
2. The competitor of Finnish companies in the Russian market is the company STS and its products, the price for which is higher than the Finnish, approximately 1.5-2 times. In general, the designs of our and import manufacturers are identical. The main difference is that in domestic glass systems they are attached to both upper and lower profiles. Each individual leaf has 4 articulated axes from 3 horizontal rollers. The shutters are locked with a rotatable latch. You can also make a special safe lock, convenient if the house has children. Domestic systems are widespread in the arrangement of not only balconies and loggias, but also in the construction of transparent walls in offices, shops and exhibition pavilions. For sealing at the junctions of the glass transparent seals are fastened from silicone. The Finnish design looks a little airier and more elegant.
3. Special attention should be paid to the COVER frameless glazing system from "CoverGlobal" Ltd , founded by Jarmo Schöholm in 1985 in Finland - this glazing system is very popular all over the world. Finnish products have proven themselves in operation in different climatic zones, resistant to temperature fluctuations. The company «HANSAglass» Ltd .is endowed with representative powers of the corporation «CoverGlobal» Ltd on the expanses of Russia.
4. Another version of the balcony equipment on the post-Soviet expanses - frameless glazing METROPOL is an economical version of frameless glazing. The products of the METROPOL frameless glazing system are manufactured on the basis of the components of the German company SKS-Stakusit. Features of such a system:

• Glasses move along the guides of the lower profile with the help of roller carriages, calling each other, like glasses of a cabinet.
• The device of such glazing allows the presence of a plurality of guides, i.e. You can simultaneously drive all the glass aside. It is also possible, if the loggia is long, to collect a part of the glass on the left, and a part to the right.
• Such glazing is designed only for balconies and loggias with a rectilinear facade, the glass is not able to "go around corners."

  

• A certain tightness in the Panorama system is created by using a shlegel brush seal at the joints of the leaflets to each other.

All manufacturers provide a high-quality product from durable and durable materials. But, of course, you should choose, taking into account individual preferences, the shape of the structure and the location of the balcony.

Positive characteristics of the frameless glazing system

Consider the "advantages" of frameless glazing systems, based on an analysis of the feedback of the owners of these miracle loggias and the masters for their installation.

1. Release the maximum possible light opening. This effect is achieved by the rejection of frames, joints and vertical membranes. Nothing prevents the light from penetrating into the room.
2. The transparent surface perfectly copies the design of the balcony, which looks much more aesthetically pleasing than with standard glazing. This form perfectly complements the decor of the facade composition.
3. Frameless balcony perfectly protects against precipitation.
4. In rooms adjacent to the loggia, the noise background is reduced, the thermal insulation increases.
5. Strength characteristics of tempered glass are 5 times superior to those of conventional glass. Such a surface can withstand the impact of a stone or a hammer. Well, and of course, no winds are afraid of her.
6. Even shattered, the glass will not be dangerous. It completely crumbles into small cubes, without forming sharp edges.
7. With closed windows it is almost impossible to penetrate the balcony( preventing illegal intrusion).
8. All accessories of frameless glazing systems are made of proven durable materials that guarantee a long service life. Fasteners are made of stainless steel, low tide - mainly from plastisol or polyester. When installing, polyurethane sealants are used that are resistant to direct sunlight.
9. No vibration of the glass and extraneous noise.
10. Opening of all the windows is made inside the balcony, which greatly facilitates the care of them.
11. The roller-loops are located inside the profile and are protected from dirt.
12. The design of the balcony has technical clearances, i.e.the room is ventilated and the windows do not sweat.

Disadvantages of frameless glazing systems

But, not all owners of newfangled transparent balcony fences( both Finnish and domestic) are absolutely happy. Customer testimonials indicate that against the backdrop of undisputed "pluses" and "minuses" too. So, let's analyze the most common reasons for dissatisfaction with the owners of balconies arranged using technology of frameless glazing.

1. A balcony without a frame serves as a fence, not providing insulation of the interior space. It will be only a little warmer than outside. Ie, enjoy a comfortable rest on such a balcony will only turn out in good weather. And this is not always like our compatriots, who manage to use every square centimeter of their apartment for economic purposes.
2. Absolute transparency. Everything that happens on your balcony can become the property of curious neighbors or just passers-by. This problem is especially worried about the inhabitants of the lower floors. If you are indifferent to those interested in gazing, you rarely visit the loggia, then the question is exhausted. But, in another case, you will have to take care of the curtains or blinds in advance.
3. The impossibility of fixing mosquito nets on such glasses. In summer, the problem of insect attacks is very urgent.
4. The need for keeping the glass in perfect cleanliness. Obviously, a huge transparent surface must remain transparent all the time. Dust, stains and stains will not give charm to the appearance of an expensive loggia.

   

5. Frameless glazing does not guarantee complete tightness, joints can pass moisture. Such facilities also do not fit people whose housing is located in noisy places, because for soundproofing the frameless surfaces are three times inferior to standard plastic bags.

Conclusions

• Frameless glazing is aesthetically and fashionably, but not to everyone's liking. The conservative buyer will prefer the old familiar double-glazed windows.
• The frameless glazing system is not designed for those who save every meter of living space, but for those who appreciate the space and good lighting.
• This balcony performs a protective, but not heat and noise insulation function.
• You will often have to contact a cleaning company or wash the windows yourself( experts say that doing this with this glazing system is just a pleasure).
• The cost of frameless glazing is much higher than the usual double-glazed windows.

And it is not necessary to produce frameless glazing with your own hands. The guarantee of the ideal operation of the new-fashioned balcony is quality installation. Otherwise, the rollers may start to seize, the doors can not be opened, etc. Better to trust professionals! When deciding which system to choose( Finnish or domestic), keep in mind that they are similar. Our are more adapted to domestic realities( and more expensive ones).Finnish, maybe, a little less practical, but elegant. Just choose a company that has a license and provides a guarantee for glazing for at least 2 years, for installation - not less than 1 year.

Detailed information about the frameless glazing system can be found in the video: