Frameless doors and windows

Frameless doors and windows are products designed to provide the maximum amount of visible glass with the least amount of frame, usually aluminium.

The main advantages of frameless doors and windows are their minimal aluminium appearance, lack of visible mullions, and the small amount of space they take up when fully open. They provide a minimalist contemporary look that maximises views and can be a stunning feature of modern, traditional, and heritage properties.

In this article, we look at how frameless glass products can be a great design choice for a project in the home or a commercial property.

Performance and specifications of frameless doors and windows

Well-designed frameless doors and windows will provide the expected weather resistance, security, and reliability associated with their fully framed counterparts.

The glass and other components found in a frameless window or door sometimes come from several external suppliers. It is not unusual, for example, for a glass manufacturer providing the double-glazed units only to provide a 5-year guarantee. Some complete frameless glass products will come with the expected 10-year guarantee, others may only come with five years or less.

It is imperative that you check the certification of frameless glass products. Ask to see performance testing documentation, details, and the length of the guarantee available.

The aluminium in frameless doors and windows should conform to industry standards for quality and type of aluminium. Powder-coated colours and finishes should come with the correct British or European industry standard or be painted by a Qualicoat or other approved applicator.

Due to the minimal amount of aluminium in a frameless door and window, you may find a basic locking system than the more secure multi-point lock on a full aluminium frame. Check what security accreditations and certifications come with the product.

All new door and window installations must adhere to current building regulations and fire safety.

How big can a frameless window go to?

The largest size of a frameless window will depend on technical considerations such as the maximum size of glass the manufacturer can handle, toughen and laminate and the maximum size of glass the product has been designed for.

There are also onsite considerations, such as the forces of wind and the deflection on the glass, transportation constraints and the maximum opening size allowed for your structure.

Are frameless doors and windows safe?

Yes, they are – if they are installed where they are designed to be installed.

The product should adhere to the British standards relating to glass safety. For example, there are frameless rooflights called ‘walk-on glass’ and floating glass staircases with no apparent support. These products use laminated, toughened or very thick glass in multiple layers and are designed for strength and structural integrity.

Frameless doors and windows are designed and made around the glass, which is the structural component of the overall product. The products should then be tested for security, safety, and weather resistance to ensure they are fit for the purpose.

How much do frameless doors and windows cost?

Frameless glazing is usually at the higher end of the price range due to its minimalist design and manufacturing process.

They are largely built around the glass in the factory, whereas aluminium doors and windows are manufactured ‘unglazed’, and the glass is installed on-site. Therefore, the supplier/installer buying these products to sell on are paying a markup on the glass that they would typically buy cheaper directly and install in the frames themselves.

In addition, the fitting and transportation of fully glazed products are more complicated, often requiring special machines and more labour on-site due to the size and weight.

It’s crucial to conduct thorough research to ensure you’re purchasing the right type of frameless product for the right location, considering safety, security, weather-proofing, and building regulation reasons. If you need personalized advice for your specific project, we’re here to help. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.