FRAMELESS
GLASS

Frameless systems use structural glazing where the glass panels are held directly in base or side-mounted channels without visible posts interrupting the view. You get that clean, uninterrupted sightline that’s perfect for balconies and terraces where the view is everything.

Semi-frameless systems still use posts between glass panels, but they’re much slimmer than traditional balustrades. You get some structural support from the posts, which can be handy for longer runs or areas with high wind loads.

The choice usually comes down to your priorities. If maximum views are what you’re after and you’ve got the right structural conditions, frameless is unbeatable. If you need more flexibility with fixing points or you’re working with challenging spans, semi-frameless might be more practical. Both meet building regulations, but the installation requirements are quite different.

The secret is in the glass itself and how it’s fixed. Frameless systems use much thicker toughened glass – typically 15mm, 17.5mm, or even 21.5mm compared to 10-12mm in post systems. This thicker glass becomes the structural element.

The glass sits in a continuous channel system that’s either base-mounted to your floor or side-fixed to walls or structural elements. The channel distributes loads along the entire run rather than concentrating them at post points. It’s actually a very robust system once properly installed.

The structural calculations are more complex because you’re relying on the glass and channel system to handle all the lateral loads. That’s why proper installation is crucial – there’s no room for shortcuts with fixings or structural preparation. But when done right, these systems can handle everything building regulations throw at them.

Glass thickness depends on your span, height, and exposure conditions. For most residential balconies up to 1.5m spans, 15mm toughened glass works well. Longer spans or commercial applications often need 17.5mm or 21.5mm.

All our glass is toughened safety glass that meets BS EN 12150 standards. For areas where there’s risk of impact or where building control requires it, we can supply laminated options that stay together if broken.

The edge finish matters too – structural glazing needs polished edges for the best seal in the channels. We can supply clear, tinted, or frosted glass depending on your privacy and aesthetic needs. For coastal locations, we recommend discussing salt spray resistance because not all glass treatments handle marine environments equally well.

Height also affects thickness requirements – taller panels need thicker glass to handle wind loads properly. Our technical team can run the calculations for your specific situation.

Base-mounted systems are the most popular for balconies and terraces. The channel sits on top of your floor surface, making installation straightforward and giving you flexibility with different floor finishes. Great for new builds or where you can plan the floor levels properly.

Side-fixed systems work when you can’t or don’t want to fix to the floor. They’re perfect for staircases or where the structural deck can’t take the loads. The channel mounts to walls or structural elements at the side, but you need solid fixing points that can handle the lateral loads.

For commercial jobs or very long runs, hybrid systems sometimes work best – combining base and side fixing for maximum stability. The key is matching your fixing method to your structural conditions and load requirements.

Don’t forget about thermal movement either – longer runs need expansion joints or flexible connections to prevent stress cracking in the glass.

Absolutely, but the design and installation need to be spot on. Building regs require balustrades to withstand 0.74kN/m horizontal load, and frameless systems can easily meet this when properly specified.

The key requirements are height (minimum 1100mm for most applications), infill restrictions (no gaps over 100mm), and structural adequacy. Because frameless systems rely on the glass for structure, the calculations are more critical than with post systems.

You’ll likely need structural calculations for building control approval, especially for commercial work or unusual installations. We can provide these along with CE marking certificates for the components.

The glass specification is crucial too – it must be safety glass to the right standards, and the thickness needs to match the structural requirements. Building control will want to see all the technical documentation, so keep everything organised from the start.

The big advantage is obviously the view – nothing beats that uninterrupted sightline. They’re also easier to clean because there are no posts to work around, and they give a very contemporary, high-end appearance that adds real value to properties.

Installation can be simpler in some ways because you’re not setting individual posts, but the preparation needs to be more precise. The structural requirements are more demanding too – you need solid, level fixing surfaces and proper load paths.

Cost-wise, they’re usually more expensive than basic post systems because of the thicker glass and precision engineering required. Replacement can be trickier too – if you damage a panel, you might need to remove several to get to the broken one.

They’re also less forgiving of structural movement. Post systems can accommodate some building settlement, but frameless systems need everything to stay put or the glass can crack.

Frameless systems typically cost more than equivalent post systems, mainly due to the thicker glass and precision components required. The exact price depends on your glass thickness, run length, and installation complexity.

Looking at our range, you can see the pricing varies based on specification – our standard frameless kits start from around £224 per metre, while premium systems with thicker glass cost more. The installation costs can vary significantly depending on your structural conditions.

However, the visual impact and property value increase often justify the extra investment, especially for premium properties or where views are a key selling point. They’re also virtually maintenance-free once installed properly.

For budgeting, factor in potential extras like structural calculations, building control fees, and any floor preparation work. It’s worth getting a proper site survey before committing because hidden structural issues can affect project costs. Use our balustrade calculator to get accurate pricing for your specific requirements.

While we supply DIY kits with full instructions, frameless systems are more demanding than post-based balustrades. The structural preparation needs to be spot on, and the glazing installation requires precision to avoid stress points in the glass.

If you’re handy with tools and have experience with structural work, the base-mounted systems are more DIY-friendly. Side-fixed systems are trickier because you’re often working with challenging fixing points and need to ensure proper load distribution.

The biggest risk is getting the structural side wrong – inadequate fixings or poor preparation can lead to failure, which is expensive and potentially dangerous. Building control will also want to inspect the work, and they’re often more stringent with DIY installations.

For peace of mind and warranty coverage, professional installation is usually worth the extra cost. Our approved installers know the systems inside out and can handle any site complications that crop up.