Frameless Glass Doors give a virtually uninterrupted view, whether open or closed. They slide, pivot and stack in a similar style to bi folding doors, so that they are, generally speaking, fully retractable but, unlike bifolds, frameless glass doors don’t have any hinges keeping the panels joined together.
Depending on the purpose and location, frameless glass slide and pivot doors can be purchased in single or double glazed alternatives for internal or external applications. πόρτα πιβοτ Only the double glazed version will meet all building regulations including U-values and weather proofing.
Single glazed frameless glass doors, comprising a toughened tempered glass panel, don’t meet building regulations for use as patio doors and cannot be guaranteed a hundred per cent weatherproof but they’re the best in room dividers for maximum light flow and minimised audio flow. They’re also suited to external use, such as balcony enclosures, conservatory doors and on outbuildings.
Double glazed slide-pivot doors are comprised of a hermetically sealed unit that, typically, has an opaque seal of approximately 20mm around the glass panel. Technically frameless yet nearly yielding an uninterrupted view. However, when compared with even the slimmest of bi-folding door frames (approximately 60mm), the effect is an incredibly open view, even when fully closed contrary to the elements.
The thermal qualities of frameless double-glazed patio doors is as good, often better, than with framed doors. Timber, in particular, whilst a poor conductor, is prone to swelling and shrinkage, ultimately causing draughty gaps.
The versatility of the slide and pivot frameless glass door system enables installation inside arches, around curves and around corners. Utilising a fresh type of retractable mechanism, a door pivots open (inwards or out) at one end of the doorway span, allowing the other doors to slide along the top and bottom rails, 1 by 1, pivot and stack at right-angles to the access area.
Unlike the sliding-folding systems, the independent door system enables each panel to be positioned across the rail, allowing ventilation without full access. Alternatively, panels could be slid, pivoted and stacked back onto either side of the aperture for a symmetrical distribution of the panels.
Small apertures might have a set of frameless glass pivot doors fitted but larger openings will benefit by the capability to slide doors far from the main access area. Theoretically, the width which can be accommodated is limitless. As with all sliding door systems, professional installation is recommended.