What is frameless terrace glazing?
Frameless terrace glazing is a glass solution where individual glass panels are not surrounded by a visible aluminium frame. The panels move within upper and lower profiles, but the profiles are minimal and almost imperceptible to the eye. The result is a clean, modern panoramic view — without any visual barriers between you and the surrounding nature.
Frameless solutions are particularly well suited to settings where aesthetics come first: contemporary private homes, waterfront properties by the sea or a lake, restaurant terraces, and anywhere you want to maximise the view and natural light. In the Pärnu area, where many properties enjoy views of the sea, bay or greenery, frameless terrace glazing is an especially popular choice.
Malmerk Klaasium, Estonia’s largest glass manufacturer, offers two frameless systems: a frameless sliding system and a frameless folding system (accordion). Each has its own advantages and limitations, and the choice depends on your terrace structure, budget, and how wide an opening you want to keep unobstructed.
Frameless sliding system
Frameless sliding glass panels are profile-free panels that glide in upper and lower tracks. The glass panels have no visible frame — just glass and minimal guides. This gives a significantly cleaner and more open appearance than a framed sliding system.
Advantages
- Modern and minimalist aesthetics — no visible frames between the glass panels
- Panoramic view of nature, the sea or the garden without visual barriers
- More natural light thanks to the uninterrupted glass surface
- Structural tolerance ±7 mm — the same as a framed system, so the requirements for the base structure are moderate
- Easy everyday use — panels slide smoothly to one side
Limitations
- The opening does not open fully — panels stack to one side, so part of the opening remains covered by panels
- Wind protection is slightly weaker than with a framed system, as there is a thin gap between the glass and the profile
- Glass thickness and height are limited — very tall openings (over 2.5 m) may require reinforced glass
The frameless sliding system is a great choice if you want a modern look but do not need the terrace to open fully. The ±7 mm tolerance means the system is also suitable for an existing terrace, provided the structure is stable.
Frameless folding system (accordion)
Frameless folding glass is the most premium terrace glazing solution available. The glass panels fold together on the accordion principle and the entire wall moves compactly to the side. The result is a fully open terrace — with no glass panels in the way. In summer you open the terrace completely, and in winter you close the panoramic glass wall that protects against wind, rain and snow.
Advantages
- Maximum opening — the entire aperture can be fully opened, with the glass panels folding compactly to the side
- Premium aesthetics — a clean panoramic view undisturbed by frames and profiles
- The best light transmission and sense of space of all terrace glazing types
- Particularly well suited to large openings and corner solutions
- Smooth operation — hinges and mechanisms are engineered for thousands of cycles
Limitations and requirements
- Structural tolerance of only ±2 mm — this is the most important characteristic of the frameless folding system. If your terrace structure moves more than 2 mm, the glass panels will jam and will no longer slide smoothly
- Requires a very stable foundation and base structure — sandy soil, frost heave or inadequate drainage can cause problems
- Installation requires greater precision than the sliding system
- The investment is higher both in terms of the glass system and the structure
Frameless folding glass is the best choice if you want a maximally opening terrace and are prepared to invest in both quality glass and a strong base structure. Especially in Pärnu’s coastal climate, where the structure must account for wind, moisture and sandy soil, professional design and construction are critically important.
Glass options for frameless systems
Frameless terrace glazing is manufactured from tempered safety glass, which breaks into small, safe fragments when shattered. Glass options affect aesthetics, privacy and functionality:
- Clear tempered glass (6–10 mm) — the most common choice. Transparent, with maximum light transmission. Thickness depends on panel size and wind load
- Tinted glass — lightly tinted glass (grey, brown or green tint) that reduces solar glare and provides privacy. Particularly suitable for terraces facing the sea, where summer sun is intense
- Matt laminated glass — one side of the glass has a matt finish, which provides privacy while still allowing light through. A good choice for the street-facing or neighbour-facing side
We will help you choose the glass thickness and type during the on-site measurement — taking into account wind load, panel size and the specific characteristics of the location. In the Pärnu coastal area wind loads are higher, and this may influence the optimal glass thickness.
Malmerk Klaasium frameless systems
ATKA Klaaskoda installs Malmerk Klaasium frameless terrace glazing. Malmerk is Estonia’s largest manufacturer specialising in glass solutions, whose systems carry the CE conformity mark and VTT certificate (Finnish Technical Research Centre). This means every system has been tested and meets European quality standards.
Advantages of Malmerk Klaasium systems:
- Estonian production — shorter lead times, better quality control and local technical support
- CE conformity mark and VTT certificate — independently verified quality
- Designed for the Nordic climate — anodised aluminium profiles and stainless steel fixings withstand salty sea air, strong winds and large temperature fluctuations
- Wide choice of profile colours — powder-coated profiles in RAL colour codes to complement any building style
- Professional design support — Malmerk helps find solutions for complex geometries and large openings
As an Estonian manufacturer, the availability of Malmerk spare parts and warranty service is significantly faster and simpler than with imported products. If a component needs replacing, the Malmerk factory in Haapsalu produces it quickly — without weeks of waiting for an import.
Why is a full-service solution especially important for frameless glazing?
Every terrace glazing installation requires a stable base structure. But with frameless systems, structural precision is especially critical — and that is exactly why it is worth ordering frameless terrace glazing from a company that does all the work itself.
The ±2 mm tolerance of the frameless folding system means the foundation must not settle, the structure must not move, and all planes must be absolutely straight. When one team builds the structure and another installs the glass, responsibility becomes blurred: the builder says they did everything correctly, and the glazier says the base is not straight enough. The client is left caught in the middle.
ATKA Klaaskoda offers a full-service solution — from foundation to glass, with a single contractor and a single warranty. Our team builds the structure knowing exactly what tolerances the glass system requires. This eliminates situations where construction precision does not meet the glass requirements. Especially in the Pärnu area, where sandy soil and a high water table place additional demands on the foundation, this is an advantage that cannot be underestimated.
30+ years of construction experience in Pärnumaa means we know the local building conditions — the soil, the climate, local construction practices. This experience is reflected in every foundation, structure and installation we carry out.
Sliding vs folding — which to choose?
The choice between a frameless sliding and folding system depends on your priorities and existing terrace:
Choose frameless sliding if:
- You want a modern and clean look at a reasonable investment
- You do not need the terrace to open fully — it is enough that the panels slide to one side
- The existing terrace is in good condition and the structure is sufficiently stable (±7 mm tolerance)
- You prefer a simpler and lower-maintenance system
Choose frameless folding if:
- You want the terrace to open as fully as possible — the entire wall folds to the side
- Aesthetics and panoramic view are the top priority
- You are prepared to invest in a strong structure as well (±2 mm tolerance)
- You are building a terrace from scratch and we can dimension the structure correctly from the outset
If you are uncertain, contact us. We carry out a free on-site measurement, assess the existing structure and recommend the best solution for your terrace and budget.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between frameless sliding and frameless folding?
Frameless sliding glass panels glide in the profile to one side — part of the opening remains covered by panels. Frameless folding glass folds together accordion-style and the entire opening can be fully opened. The folding system is more aesthetic and functional, but requires more precise construction (±2 mm vs ±7 mm tolerance).
Is frameless terrace glazing suitable for an existing terrace?
The frameless sliding system is suitable for most existing terraces, provided the structure is stable (tolerance ±7 mm). The frameless folding system requires a very stable base (±2 mm) — for an existing terrace we first carry out a structural audit to assess whether reinforcement is needed. Read more about the full-service solution.
How does frameless terrace glazing cope with Pärnu’s coastal climate?
Malmerk Klaasium frameless systems are designed for the Nordic climate. Anodised aluminium profiles and stainless steel fixings withstand salty sea air without any problems. We do, however, recommend rinsing profiles and glass with clean water 2–4 times a year in coastal locations to remove salt deposits.
Does frameless terrace glazing require a building permit?
Terrace glazing itself does not require a building permit, as it is a structure that reduces heat loss rather than a permanent wall element. However, a building permit may be required for the terrace structure itself — especially if you are building a new terrace from scratch. We are happy to assist with the documentation if needed.
How long does frameless terrace glazing installation take?
The glass installation itself usually takes 1–2 days. If you order a full-service solution including the structural construction and foundation, the entire project takes 1–3 weeks depending on scope. Lead time depends on the configuration of the system ordered from Malmerk Klaasium and is typically 4–6 weeks.
Get a quote for frameless terrace glazing
Send us photos of your terrace, a sketch or simply describe your idea. We will carry out a free on-site measurement, assess the structure and put together a personalised quote. Every project is unique — which is why the exact solution and cost always become clear during an individual on-site measurement.
Write to us: info@klaaskoda.ee · Send an enquiry using the contact form
See also: Terrace glazing overview · Framed terrace glazing · Full-service solution
