Frameless glazing of balconies is used as a convenient and affordable technology for upgrading the balcony space, which brings the exterior sophisticated elegance and modernity. Frameless constructions are practical installations that allow flux of daylight to freely enter the room. Elite designs always attract attention, look stylish from the side and the best part is that they can be installed at an affordable cost.
What is it and installation features
The frameless glazing technique developed in Finland has been used for about 20 years in different parts of the world and is known as Finnish frameless glazing. The design is a frame consisting of two elements of an aluminum profile. One side is attached to the top plate of the balcony, the second is fixed to the floor or along the parapet, forming a solid installation. Next, in the resulting frame, using glue and plastic rollers, the sashes of the glass cloth are mounted on the clamping surface.
In the installed design, the edge parts of the glasses are carefully ground and processed, making them safe for use. Frameless glazing of balconies and loggias is characterized by the light weight of the constituent parts, as a result of which the load-bearing elements are released from a heavy load. High strength and safety of the installation is very characteristic of frameless glazing..
Frameless glazing of the balcony can also be carried out in a frameless manner. For this purpose, sashes made of transparent, frosted or tinted glass materials are used. They are a sliding partition, which you can open manually or install an automatic mechanism. Sashes can be oar, which open inward or outward, as well as pendulum - they can be opened immediately in both directions.
Of these, the first partition will be opened using a special latch, which is simultaneously fixed and serves to ventilate the room. The remaining partitions will be movable, but when you turn the hinges, the sashes are locked together.
Positive and negative sides
Frameless glazing in the Finnish way carries many positive aspects. Among the main advantages it should be noted:
- Room lighting. The absence of a frame will allow daylight to freely enter the room. If the balcony is combined with the living room, Finnish glazing looks especially attractive.
- Safety and convenience in glass care. Swing and pendulum flaps allow you to wash windows from the inside of the room, saving owners from dangerous sorties outside the balcony.
- Increased glass durability. Partition walls perfectly cope with loads like strong gusts of wind and other external factors, since only tempered glass is used. Due to the high strength of the material for balcony glazing, the installation can be safely operated for an average of 20 years.
- Versatility. The design is easily applicable for all types of balconies, regardless of architecture and age of construction.
- Frameless glazing of balconies and loggias perfectly protects the room from dust and atmospheric precipitation.
- Protects from cuts. The properties of tempered glass practically eliminate the danger in the form of wounds, since the broken material breaks up into small pieces of a cubic shape and does not pose a danger.
- Mobile casters allow you to fully open the balcony.
Modern developments have made it possible to ensure absolute safety in the use of glass and even protect the room from breaking, since the strength of the hardened material is a serious obstacle to breaking it. Nevertheless, it is worth noting the disadvantages of frameless glazing. These include:
- Cold type. The frameless glazing of the loggia does not provide for the functions of thermal insulation, and therefore in the cold season the temperature on the balcony will approach street temperature. Warm glazing of balconies must be carried out according to standard methods. The frameless method is similar. There is a need to lay insulation materials.
- Low noise isolation. Only a classic double-glazed window can save here.
- Technically, the design does not provide for the installation of mosquito nets, so you can protect yourself from insects only with the help of a special repeller.
- Insufficient sealing with a large amount of snow or rain can cause wear on the rollers and lead to instability of the fasteners.
The basis for the right choice of design
You should approach the selection scrupulously and with great attention, since there are always chances to buy low-quality material. To avoid fakes, do not forget the simple rules:
- The thickness of the glass is always proportional to the height of the opening. With a height of more than 2 meters, the glass thickness is selected from 8 mm. For openings lower, you can use glass with a thickness of 6 mm.
- Keep the glass free of damage, stains, cavities or bulges.
- Edges in high-quality processing, with perfect polishing.
- Aluminum profiles with an exceptionally flat surface.
- Fittings must not contain cracks or bulges.
Is it worth saving on installation?
Frameless glazing of balconies requires installation of high quality, which will be performed with jewelry accuracy, since a slight shift during installation of the structure can lead to problems with opening the shutters in the future. When doing glazing, do not try to save on materials, then without window alterations the window installation will serve you for many years. Without going to extremes, you can use high-quality materials with an average price tag and get decent performance. Including, make a warm room at no extra cost.
Installation work is advisable to trust the craftsmen and trusted companies that provide such services. In the case of self-installation, you must be completely confident in your own knowledge and skills, since even small errors can lead to double the amount of work and, consequently, costs.
Frameless glazing of loggias, mounted qualitatively and in compliance with technological subtleties, will be an excellent decoration both from inside the house and from the outside. The main thing is to choose good material, select furniture elements and entrust the work to reliable craftsmen.