Glazing of a veranda in the country: options, features, frame, frameless, panoramic, partial, DIY installation of a sliding system

What is the meaning of frameless glazing

Any frames make the interior heavier, if not to say that they greatly spoil the view of the balcony from the street. Frameless glazing technology was invented in Finland, where winters are also quite severe. They do not aim to insulate the balcony, but only try to protect it from the effects of wind and precipitation. Moreover, such rooms are filled with daylight as much as possible. Even such glazing is able to create a vestibule between the apartment and the street, which largely preserves the warmth of the home.

In our country, the main purpose of glazing a balcony is to increase the heated area of ​​small apartments, which is undoubtedly a kind of skew in the mind. For the sake of increasing living space, we sacrifice the opportunity for outdoor recreation. If you use frameless glazing, then a balcony or loggia can easily be turned into an excellent recreational corner next to your apartment. In addition, if the windows are opened, then the sashes will not be visible, in such structures they are usually sliding or bent into an accordion.

Frameless glazing technologies are often used in the construction of verandas and terraces.

Frameless glazing looks great on any balcony and loggia, whether old or new, on an elegant and bulky one. The same cannot be said for the traditional type of framed windows. When using them, you have to drive the design project very carefully in order to maintain its attractiveness. Among other things, frameless glazing has found its application in the construction of terraces, verandas, gazebos and other similar objects.

The lack of frames forced the engineers to puzzle over how to fix the glass in the openings so that they stay there no worse than with them. As a result, the following constructive solution was invented:

A special working profile made of aluminum is fixed to the top plate of the balcony with anchor bolts. This is done with an accuracy of 2 mm along the outer border of the balcony.
A guide profile is attached to the railing, which does not bear the load.
For the purpose of frameless glazing, only tempered glass is used. All fittings are glued to it before installation in place. Other requirements are imposed on glass: if the sheet height is less than 2 m, 6 mm glass can be used, if it is higher, then 8 mm glass will already be needed. The width of the flaps varies from 60 to 80 cm. Tempering the glass prevents it from breaking from an accidental blow or gust of wind. The movement of glass along the profile is carried out using special stands with plastic wheels. To avoid rattling and jumping off, all structural parts are glued with polyurethane glue.
To protect against precipitation, an acrylic inter-glass seal is always installed between the glasses.

The profile and the sash also do not directly contact, since there is a rubber gasket between them.
To get an idea of ​​the frameless window structure, you can pay attention to how the door mechanism works in wardrobes.

Sliding glass design as in wardrobes

• When creating a structure, only durable reliable materials are used that are not afraid of corrosion, as well as polyurethane sealants, troughs are not susceptible to light.
• From the outside, polyester or plastisol sills are installed.

There is also another way of opening the doors - the "book" method. In this case, all the doors not only slide along the guides, but also swing open. This design resembles an accordion.

Glazing with folding and sliding shutters like "accordion"

Frameless glazing of balconies and loggias

Rice. 2. Frameless balcony glazing.

Frameless panoramic glazing finds a worthy application in the interior of balconies and loggias. As mentioned earlier, due to the absence of frames, the illusion of the integrity of a single large glass is created. This design feature makes it possible to get an almost unique view of the surrounding city, not limiting the view of the frames.

Before starting glazing, you should dismantle the old windows, while observing safety precautions. Then it is necessary to carry out the required processing of the walls (leveling the surface, with a preliminary check using a building level, etc.). After that, the profiles are installed. Next, you should process the gaps left between the profile and the wall using special solutions. At the last stage, the installation of window sashes, pivot mechanisms and a retainer takes place.
It should be noted that the use of frameless glazing of balconies and loggias is more appropriate on the upper floors of high-rise buildings. The owners of private houses can use this technology as they wish. But at the same time, it is necessary to be aware of all the shortcomings and limitations of frameless panoramic glazing.

Aluminum glazing

Aluminum glazing has appeared relatively recently. Just ten years ago, aluminum was not used at all in the construction of residential buildings.

Now this method is becoming more and more popular. This is primarily due to the fact that only recently received an aluminum alloy that meets the requirements for thermal insulation. This was the main problem with aluminum and the main reason why it was rarely used.

Also, the advantages of aluminum include environmental friendliness and fire safety, so we can say with confidence that this method will only become more popular.

Balcony Glazing Guide

Do it yourself: glazing the balcony

The work on glazing the balcony is carried out in several simple stages.

Tips for taking measurements

Measurement scheme for balcony glazing

Measure the front and side balcony handrails. You need to make sure the balcony roof hangs over the railing. To do this, use a plumb line. Also make sure that the top perimeter of the balcony room matches the bottom.

If deviations are found, be sure to take these points into account when manufacturing (ordering) double-glazed windows. Draw a sketch of the glazed balcony showing the measurements obtained.

Installation of wooden frames

Preparation for balcony glazing

First step

Install a box made of wooden beams. The lower beam must be fixed at the level of the railing. Attach the upper one to the ceiling with brackets. Side elements are fixed with brackets to the walls.

Install a third horizontal bar for additional structural strength.

Diagram of rigid fastening of a wooden frame

Second step

Install the lathing for the installation of decorative trim.

Third step

Fit glazed wood frames. Treat the wood with an antiseptic and paint if necessary.

Aligning the frame in the opening

Fourth step

Install galvanized canopies outside to protect the wooden structure from atmospheric moisture and improve the appearance of the balcony.

Installation of metal-plastic systems

Balcony glazing Additional sealing of factory assemblies Additional sealing of factory assemblies

Reinforced-plastic systems are installed on the parapet before the installation of the window sill.

First step

Install corner, end and intermediate support posts. For this, it is very convenient to use a wooden beam.

Second step

Attach the support posts to the roof deck and parapet. Use corners and self-tapping screws for fixing. If you wish, you can sew up the structure with a PVC strip.

Third step

Remove the double-glazed windows from the frames so as not to damage them during installation.

It is extremely simple to do this: pry the glazing beads with a narrow screwdriver, pull them out and dismantle the double-glazed windows.

Fourth step

Remove the flaps. To do this, squeeze out the pin of the upper window hinge and pull it out with pliers, and then lift the window sash and remove it from the hinge.

Fix the base profile to the bottom of the window frame.

Installing the frame

Seventh step

Insert the frames into the prepared openings, make sure there are no distortions and other defects. If distortions are found, level them with wedges.

Foam seams around the perimeter of the glazing

Eighth step

Fix the frames by screwing self-tapping screws into the holes provided for this anchors.

Combined glazing fixing

Ninth step

Return the sashes and glass units to their places.

Make sure the system is working. In the end, you just have to foam the grooves, mount the window sill and finish the decorative finish.

Protection of the upper part of the glazing

DIY frameless glazing of the veranda and terrace: step by step development

The development of the installation of a frameless glazing system is quite simple. Subject to the installation order and assembly annotations, it will be possible to get the job done without recruiting professionals.

Non-specialized work order:

The preparation of the opening depends on the stage of construction at which glazing is performed. If you have an old window block, you need to dismantle it. The following actions: remove the sash, ebb, window sill and internal strips;

Using a hacksaw or a jigsaw, cut the bottom of the box, dismantle the side, top and bottom sides;

Remove debris and clear lumen. Processing of quarters: remove the influx of old mortar and protruding stones with a hammer and an ax;

Chips and potholes should be treated with fast-hardening construction consistency for facade work;

Align part of the opening from the inside of the room with plaster. At the upper end of the opening, mark the location of the profile fixation. Attach the strip and tighten the anchors. Adjust the horizontal position of the profile with adjusting plates 0.5-4 mm thick - the size depends on the differences. Join the top corner profiles with the corner tool and check the horizontal surface. Measure the height of the glass from the top and make a suitable mark at the base of the opening. Make a hole, install an anchor and an angled metal plate. Attach and bolt the bottom profile. After completing the installation of all profiles, check and adjust their horizontal placement. Following the annotation, hang the glass alternately. Almost always, the top guide is started first, and then the bottom guide is positioned. Check the tightness of the joining of the window sashes.

Important! When doing frameless glazing of the gazebo with your own hands, there may not be much to save. But many manufacturers provide a product warranty only with the most experienced installation.

DIY frameless glazing of the veranda: video

Care and maintenance tips for frameless glazing systems

To extend the life of glass structures and preserve the initial gloss, it is necessary to follow easy rules:

All glass and mirror cleaners are suitable for glass cleaning. The interior can be conveniently cleaned when the doors are closed.The rollers should be lubricated every year with a Teflon aerosol spray. The inner surface of the lower and upper profile should be cleaned once a year. To remove accumulated dust and dirt, it is enough to wipe the slats with a damp cloth. For cleaning, do not use products with abrasive particles and based on solvents or acids. Scope of introduction of sliding frameless glazing

An elegant and modern glazing system is used for furnishing:

Gazebos and terraces. Transparent structures open up a beautiful view of the surrounding nature. Such glazing allows you to enjoy the garden and landscape composition, in addition to bad weather. A sense of unity with nature is created.

Winter garden. To place flowers, they almost always use "insulated sliding systems" with duralumin fasteners. Such a structure provides for the possibility of ventilation and heating in winter. Loggias and balconies. One does not want to hide a beautiful view on the other side of the window behind bulky window blocks. Not a bad solution to the issue - installing frameless glazing with your own hands or with the involvement of professionals. Large windows that are not cluttered will visually expand the space and emphasize the dignity of the home. Summer areas of restaurants and cafes. Frameless structures are allowed to use an additional summer area before the onset of frost. When insulating the structure, you can use the veranda all year round.

Showcase. Glazing of showcases with frameless systems increases the range of view of the products on display. Facades. The method of warm glazing without frames is used to equip many facades of new buildings for offices and shopping centers. "Frameless" works in tandem with insulated double-glazed windows. Sliding glazing is quite often combined with blind sash to increase the heat capacity of the building and obtain a real panoramic view.

Photos of examples of glazing of balconies and loggias

Panoramic windows on the loggias have appeared relatively recently. Glass is made:

• transparent;
• matte;
• pasted over with reflective film if the walls are facing south.

Stained glass glazing of a large loggia will look very "expensive" and attractive.

On the north side, floor-to-ceiling glass solves the problem of low light.

Glazing the loggia with a frameless method, you can supplement the parapet with a forged side. It can be light and contrasting depending on the finish. A good option is plastic lining. Budgetary and aesthetically pleasing, a large selection of colors.

Such details should be addressed to the owners of apartments on the high floors of new buildings.

Stained glass with white frames looks elegant. If the windows face the street, the standard white finish is preferable. Lightweight PVC panels do not turn yellow from ultraviolet radiation, they are easy to wash.

Difficulties arise with the glazing of balconies on the last floors. We have to additionally make the roof. In recent years, transparent sloped roofs like skylights have become popular.

Panoramic glazing looks great on large and medium sized balconies.

In temperate climates, balconies are often used for storage of unnecessary things. Glazing radically changes the situation, the useless area of ​​the apartment can be turned into a comfortable place to relax. A warm option is the ability to enlarge the room. Glazing, even in the simplest version, protects against street noise and dust. It becomes an additional barrier for intruders.

In such a room you can relax and rest a little, especially if a picturesque picture opens up outside the window.

The main types and types of glazing

There are 3 options for installing glass blocks:

1. Cold (1 frame). It requires laying a powerful insulation between the windows so that the balcony can be used as a refrigerator in winter.
2. Warm with insulation inside the loggia, outside. Frames are equipped with thermal inserts. Although the option of retaining and retaining heat in the room may result in the appearance of mold and condensation on the glass. Natural ventilation is indispensable here.
3. Sliding. Suitable for small loggias, saving space and protecting from dirt, precipitation. The mechanism of action is to slide one sash behind the other. Although the option is not suitable for the harsh conditions of the Russian climate. In winter, roller mechanisms may not withstand and freeze. Another disadvantage of the design is single glass. It will be cold on the balcony in winter.
4. Panoramic - a type in which there are no frames. Guides with grooves on the bottom and top of the balcony are mounted. Strong, thick glass with maximum insulation is inserted from floor to ceiling in a swing, sliding or folding way.
5. With the take-out. Modified version. Steel profiles are welded to the parapet. The window sill is taken as a basis. The entire plastic (aluminum) structure is mounted on it. A good option if the balcony is small and narrow, and the parapet is strong.
6. With supporting frame. A durable, durable method with the ability to transform a loggia into a warm living space for 20 years to come. But you will have to radically change the outer sides. One person cannot do it. I need a specialist assistant.

Tips for choosing frameless balcony designs

1. The thickness of the glass is selected depending on the height of the opening and the floor of the balcony. The higher the structure is installed, the more the wind load will affect. If the height of the opening exceeds two meters, then the permissible glass thickness is at least eight mm. In other cases, glazing with a thickness of 6 mm is suitable.
2. Before accepting the product, it is necessary to check the level of properties of the glass sheet. It should be free of protrusions, pits, spots and damage.
3. For installation, duralumin profiles with a flat surface are used. Any flaws are unacceptable.
4. It is better to give preference to the popular manufacturers of balcony glazing systems. Consumer reviews about the quality of the design, the timing of the production of the system and the professionalism of the installers can be viewed on the Internet at specialized forums.

Glazing materials for balconies and loggias - types

The following types of materials are used for glazing:

1. Natural wood. Windows made of wood have a beautiful appearance and can be used for both warm and cold glazing. This material is natural and environmentally friendly, but it has a number of disadvantages:

• laborious process to preserve their original appearance;
• peeling paint due to temperature changes;
• the formation of cracks requiring puttying;
• short period of operation.

Glazing and decoration of the balcony with wood: photo

2. Aluminum. Frames made from this material are very strong and durable. Glazing of balconies with an aluminum profile is used only when glazing is cold due to the lack of the ability to retain heat. Pros:

• the ability to install on a metal parapet;
• little weight;
• easy installation;
• low price.

Aluminum glazing of balconies: photo

3. Metal-plastic. A warm type of glazing is used. It has a number of advantages:

• good appearance;
• tightness of the structure;
• long period of operation;
• excellent performance of heat and sound insulation;
• resistance to temperature changes.

Glazing of balconies with metal-plastic: photo

Features of glazing of balconies and loggias

There are many ways and technologies for the construction of glass frames. Structures differ in many ways, the main one being the degree of thermal insulation. There are two types of shielding systems:

• Cold glazing protects against street noise, precipitation, excessive dust and dirt brought by the wind.Lightweight structures do not put much pressure on the plate protrusion. The temperature in an enclosed space is 5-7 degrees higher than the outside temperature.
• The warm version involves the arrangement of glasses in several rows. It can be glazing of balconies with plastic windows, aluminum or wooden double-glazed windows. Additionally, surfaces in contact with the street are insulated, as well as the upper and lower slabs, since reinforced concrete has a non-porous structure and heat leaks.

There are many types of glazing available today.

Glazing is classified according to the material of the frames and sashes. Designs are of three types:

• from metal-plastic using polymer seals;
• wooden beams of various types of trees (it is better to choose the frames of their dense wood);
• aluminum profile, insulated with thermal insulating gaskets.

In the process of repair work, loggias and balconies require special attention.

On balconies, loggias, installation of various structures is possible:

• frames, which are glass or double-glazed windows, framed by a profile, are attached to the support posts;
• frameless glazing (French windows) implies the absence of support posts, glass blocks are held by fixing them at the level of the ceiling and floor (or railings);
• bay windows are assembled from a large number of elements;
• angular complex shapes are made with additional console mountings;
• remote structures involve the expansion of the support perimeter.

For the glazing of such structures, complex work is carried out.

Window opening mechanisms are vertical and horizontal, hinged and sliding.

Note! When installing plastic windows, it becomes possible to micro-ventilate, the frame can be folded back in the transverse plane

Advantages and disadvantages of frameless glazing

To better assess the possibility of glazing the balcony of your apartment in a frameless way, you need to familiarize yourself with all the pros and cons of this design:

• The absence of frames allows for a panoramic view. This is especially in demand in places where a beautiful landscape opens up. And in order to get rid of the unusual sensation of visibility for everyone "in full view", you can apply glass tint.
• In rooms where there is a glazed balcony outside the window, twilight usually reigns. If the glazing is made frameless, then in this room there will be an abundance of light, as if there is no balcony at all.
• Frameless glazing technology is suitable for any type of balcony. An exception is the old round one with elaborate curved railings.
• Such glazing looks good both in straight lines and in corner structures. Even rounded balconies can be glazed with special glass, reminiscent of the doors in a shower stall.
• Frameless glazing can reduce the noise level by about 10 decibels, which corresponds to 15% of the total background noise in the street. This is facilitated by the presence of seals and sealants that trap sound.
• The sashes of such windows take up very little space due to their design.
• The ventilation of the balcony is very good, which prevents condensation from settling on the glass.
• Going out to the balcony, you can fully open all the windows and breathe fresh air.
• Opening and closing windows is very easy if you install high-quality fittings.
• Cleaning the glasses from dirt does not cause any problems, especially those that can fold into a book.

Frameless glazing also has some disadvantages.

• You can use the balcony only in the warm season, since in winter it is almost as cold as it is outside.
• No mosquito net must be attached to frameless windows. Therefore, there is no escape from mosquitoes.
• Dirty streaks remain on the tempered glass, which are conspicuous. Therefore, such a structure needs constant maintenance.
• On lower floors, frameless glazing can be uncomfortable by giving the impression of being viewed in an aquarium.
• Frameless glazing cannot provide even part of the sound insulation that double-glazed windows have.

However, tempered glass has such undeniable qualities as its strength and safety. Tempering creates a compressive stress on the glass surface, which guarantees increased strength. Even rather strong blows are not capable of destroying its integrity. The only way to break the glass is to hit the end of the glass. However, even in this case, the canvas breaks into small cubic pieces that do not pose any danger.

Thus, if you want a beautiful, stylish and modern balcony, then order frameless glazing. But only he will not be able to perform the function of an additional warm room during the cold season.

Choosing glass for home

Double-glazed windows for a half-timbered house must be durable, weather-resistant, heat-saving, soundproof. Only if these requirements are met, they help to create a comfortable microclimate in the rooms.

Note! For half-timbered houses, double-glazed windows are almost never used. They are heavy and thick (about 8 cm)

Practice shows that a sufficient level of noise and thermal insulation can be achieved when installing single-glazed windows.

Glasses are suitable for half-timbered glazing:

• hardened - they are obtained by heating to high temperatures, followed by uniform and rapid cooling;
• multifunctional - they have multilayer spraying, which performs sun-protection and energy-saving functions;
• triplex - consist of several layers, firmly glued together.

All glasses can be additionally tinted in the desired shade, armored and equipped with electric heating.

When calculating the area of ​​a translucent structure, it is assumed that the weight of one square meter of glass 6 mm thick reaches 16 kg. The weight of a glass unit ready for installation ranges from 30-50 kg.

Frameless balcony glazing

If you have chosen this cold method of glazing a balcony, then it can be done in two ways:

• you invite specialists and they will equip your balcony with a frameless glazing system at the highest level. It will have good air tightness. The doors in it not only open and close, but also completely fold. Improved glass with low thermal conductivity will even slightly increase the temperature on the balcony. By installing underfloor heating, you will get an additional room;
• you yourself carry out all the work on the frameless balcony glazing.

Components of a frameless glazing system

The frameless glazing system consists of:

• tempered glass panels with a thickness of 0.6 to 1 cm;
• top and bottom profiles. Most often they are made from aluminum;
• bearing wheels with ball bearings;
• platbands;
• ebb tides;
• glass overlays;
• floor lamp lock;
• retainer;
• handles-lock;
• rubber or acrylic seals, which are put on the edge of the glass;
• fixing tape. With its help, the sashes are fixed.

Frameless glazing technology

To avoid many problems and not be disappointed in the chosen method of glazing, it is necessary to carry out its installation with high quality. Frameless glazing technology consists of the following stages:

• fastening of the upper ebb;
• connection of the upper aluminum profile;
• installation of a system of ball bearings used to hold double-row rollers in the upper profile;
• installation of an upper silicone brush seal with an insert of an upper glass profile and a tempered glass panel;
• performing work on the installation of a glass profile, a silicone sealant and a guide profile made of lower aluminum;
• fastening to the balcony parapet of the lower tide;
• sealing the gaps between the glass and the walls with a sealant.

It should be noted that nails and screws are not used. The structure is fastened with a specially designed glue. All these operations are easy to perform, but not everyone can do them efficiently. You just need jewelry precision, otherwise money and efforts to implement the idea of ​​frameless glazing with your own hands will be wasted.

A video of frameless glazing will help you better imagine this process:

Note: sometimes monolithic polycarbonate is used instead of tempered glass. Craftsmen replace expensive guide profiles with the corresponding parts from wardrobes, but in this case there can be no question of high quality.

If the difficulties did not frighten you, and you are ready to experience them for yourself, then when ordering ready-made elements of the frameless glazing system, give preference to reliable manufacturers.

Frameless glazing design - advantages and disadvantages

Frameless glazing has a number of advantages. It is often preferred due to the following advantages:

• versatility. Frameless glazing is used not only for balconies, verandas, loggias and terraces, but also for creating original interior solutions, as well as lightweight partitions;
• elegance. Glazing, installed using frameless technology, goes well with various architectural styles and looks quite impressive;
• increased light transmission. Due to the absence of frames, the area of ​​the openings increases. The sun's rays illuminate the room better and make the space more voluminous.

Among the main advantages are ease of cleaning, increased service life, reliability and simplicity. In addition, the use of this design reduces the amount of heat loss and reliably protects the room from the effects of natural factors.

When planning to install a frameless version of glazing, you need to be aware of its shortcomings. The weaknesses of frameless glazing include the following points:

• low thermal insulation characteristics. The frameless design can only be used for cold balconies;
• increased visibility of the room from the outside. To ensure privacy, blinds and curtains are indispensable;
• the ingress of insects, dust and fluff into the room when the doors are open. The possibility of installing a mosquito net is excluded.

A serious disadvantage is also the reduced tightness of frameless glazing, which is the cause of low temperature and high humidity, as well as low noise insulation properties.

The frameless design is relevant for glazing various premises in accordance with modern architectural trends. Trust the installation only to trusted specialists who are perfectly familiar with the installation technology.

Popular manufacturers of frameless glazing systems

Frameless glazing of windows and balconies is offered by both Russian and foreign manufacturers. Subsequent brands have proven themselves well on the market.

TodoCristal (Spain) products are popular all over the world. The main specialization is frameless sliding glazing with support on the lower guide profile. Design features:

• Lack of bearings;
• Easy installation due to the limited number of parts;
• Small use of plastic;
• The highest structural density is obtained due to the connection of 2 duralumin profiles.

Glazing Metropol and Panorama from SKS-Stacusit (Germany). The 1st option is suitable for rectilinear gaps and loggias of light shapes. The Panorama system allows glazing of buildings of all configurations up to 3 meters in height. The flaps of this design alternately open inward. The approximate cost of glazing is US $ 100-20.

Cover (Finland) - the creator of sliding glazing structures. The company's products are time-tested - more than 25 years of experience in the world. A wide range of models and complete sets allows you to choose the system for different areas of implementation: terraces, facades and balconies. Glazing (prices, photos and examples of work) are presented by a network of representative offices in different countries.

Properties of Cover window systems:

• Tempered glass with polished edges 6-12 mm thick;
• Sash height - up to three thousand two hundred mm;
• Rollers with a pressed-in ball bearing, designed for a tension force of 600 kg and temperature differences from + 140 ° to -50 ° C;
• Sealing of joints with plastic, silicone and brush seals;
• Double glass fixing;
• Cost - 200-240 USD / sq.m

The glazing of the balcony will be cheap to perform by means of the Russian-made system - Estel. Apart from the arrangement of balconies and loggias, designs are in demand as sliding partitions in sales areas and offices. The sashes are fastened to the lower and upper profile - four fixation points provide a reliable structure.

Estel's frameless glazing is universal and is not inferior in quality to imported counterparts. The average cost creates $ 100 50 / sqm.