Frameless glazing explained

This system represents the epitome of gas design in contemporary architecture. Near invisible are achieved through a combination of ultra-strong glass fins. The results is robust, weatherproof unit that are finished slush inside an out, and unrivaled when it comes to harvesting  natural light and making use of dramatic views. Frameless glazing is suitable for all manner of applications, from floor-to-ceiling glass walls to clear spans of roof lights.

If you want the look but can’t afford the price tag, consider the similarly-named’s structural glazing. This offers many of benefits of frameless installations, with a flush-fitting external loint for a modern look, but relies on thin-profile internal supports (usually metal) for stability.

Where you’re fitting vast swathes of frameless or structural glazing, you’ll need to choose high-performance units to meet  the efficiency  requirements of the Building Regs. Your design team should calculate the potential for solar gain, heat loss and performance of other elements of the building’s fabric. With both  of these systems, installation is a specialist job best left to recommended contractor with experience  of large-format glazing. The units will be much heavier than conventional windows, which make handling them on site a delicate operation.

Quick Quick: Glazing options

Low-emissivity or low-E glass is treated with an ultra-thin, near-transparent coating on the outside of the inner (warm) pane of double or triple glazing. This allows solar energy to enter the house unhindered, but blocks most of the resulting warmth from escaping - reducing the need for space heating

Gas fillings are sealed into the cavity between panes of double or triple glazing. Argon is the most common type, offering a 30% or greater improvement in U-values compared to air-filled units. Krypton is more expensive but a better insulator, so it can allow slimmer cavities between panes - aiding authenticity on a heritage-style build

Solar control gas does the opposite of low-E. Here, the microscopic coating reflects solar energy, which can be vital where large swathes of untreated glazing would result in overheating. Tinted version can also reduce glare

Safety glass can be either toughened, laminated or both, and is designed to reduce the risk of injury in the event of breakages. Its uses is required by Building Regulations in a number of scenarios, such as for any glazed area that’s below 800mm from level, In practice, where it’s required it invariably makes to specify the entire unit in safety glass.

Self-cleaning glass is maintenance-saving innovation. A  transparent coating on the outer-most pane reacts to sunlight to decompose organic dirt and sop it adhering to the glass. The treatment also prevents water droplets forming, so rainfall instead washes across the surface and rinses away residues.