Everything You Need to Know About Frameless Structural Glass
Frameless structural glass will transform the look of any property and give it a contemporary look.
Here at Natralight, we often get asked plenty of questions about frameless glazing, which is why we have put together this handy guide.
Why Structural Glass?
The beauty of frameless glass is that there is no frame and the glass used is thicker and stronger; meaning you don't need framing systems to support the installation. The glass is fixed to the building structure that uses bespoke fixing details (which are often hidden) to suit the building makeup.
You will not be governed by any maximum size of a framing system or dictated by the maximum glass weights for facade systems - meaning you can create large installations of glass with architectural glazing.
Whether you are considering creating a glass box structure or a frameless glass facade, the largest piece of glass you can use is governed by site access and your project budget. This allows architects and designers a larger scope when it comes to designing striking and innovative building designs.
What Types of Structural Glass Installations Can I Choose From?
Here are some of the most popular options for structural glass installations -
• Structural Glass Balustrades
• Structural Glass Walls or Facades
• Glass Box Extensions
Full structural glazing architectural glass with integrated opening elements is created using elevations of architectural glass that is supported by minimal steel or laminated glass beams and fins. This frameless glass construction creates glass box extensions with integrated doors plus frameless glass roofs with integrated opening vents.
Is Frameless Glazing Energy-Efficient?
Part L of the Building Regulations demands particular U values for walls, floors, roofs and windows which ensures the overall fabric of the building is efficient, reducing heat loss plus thus saving energy.
Modern structural frameless glass is usually manufactured to these standards, with some also offering thermal efficiency. If the glazing is used for a roof or wall, does not have to meet the U-values for these elements stated in Part L, it will be sufficient if it meets U values for rooflights, windows and doors.
Is frameless glazing safe?
Toughened and laminated glass are used to manufacture frameless glazing that is safe for most applications.
Toughened Glass is made by heat-treating float glass to change its physical qualities which makes it much stronger than normal glass and breaks more safely. Instead of shattering into sharp splinters, toughened glass will crumble into granular chunks - which is the reason it is used for car windows. Laminated glass is manufactured from sheets of glass sandwiched together which are separated by a thin film of material such as polyvinyl butyral or ethylene-vinyl acetate, which if it cracks the film will hold it together.
Got More Questions? Get in Touch
If you have any more questions about frameless structural glass, please contact us today.