When planning terrace glazing, a question inevitably arises: should you choose framed or frameless glass? And what does “frameless” actually mean \u2014 does the glass just stand there with nothing holding it?<\/p>\n
In reality, there are three main types of terrace glazing on the market, each with its own logic, advantages, and limitations. In this article, we compare them side by side so you can make the right choice for your project.<\/p>\n
Terrace glazing falls into three main categories:<\/p>\n
Malmerk Klaasium manufactures all three types, which means the choice depends on your needs rather than on supplier limitations. None of them is “the cheap one” or “the premium one” \u2014 all three are top quality in their class. Malmerk profiles are not thin or flimsy: they are substantial and strong, easy to grip and slide. From the outside they look just as slender as competitors’ profiles, yet they contain more aluminium \u2014 making them stronger and more durable, while remaining visually elegant.<\/p>\n
Framed terrace glazing is the most common solution. The glass panels are mounted in aluminium frames and slide along upper and lower rails.<\/p>\n
With frameless sliding systems, the glass panels are attached to upper and lower rails without a visible frame. The glass is tempered and thicker than in framed systems.<\/p>\n
The folding solution is the most striking of all terrace glazing options. The glass panels are connected to each other by hinges and fold compactly alongside each other when opened \u2014 opening up to 90% of the entire aperture.<\/p>\n
| Property<\/th>\n | Framed sliding<\/th>\n | Frameless sliding<\/th>\n | Frameless folding<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price<\/td>\n | Affordable<\/td>\n | Somewhat higher<\/td>\n | Depends on height*<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Thermal insulation<\/td>\n | Best<\/td>\n | Moderate<\/td>\n | Moderate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Aesthetics<\/td>\n | Classic<\/td>\n | Clean<\/td>\n | Minimal<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Max opening<\/td>\n | ~50%<\/td>\n | ~50%<\/td>\n | ~90%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Tolerance<\/td>\n | \u00b17 mm<\/td>\n | \u00b15 mm<\/td>\n | \u00b12 mm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Structural requirement<\/td>\n | Lenient<\/td>\n | Moderate<\/td>\n | Strictest<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n *Frameless folding glass is similarly priced to a framed solution up to ~2000 mm aperture height, and only somewhat more expensive above that. Frameless sliding glass is generally somewhat more expensive than a framed solution. So “frameless = more expensive” does not always hold true.<\/em><\/p>\n If your priority is thermal insulation and budget<\/strong> \u2014 a framed sliding system is the most practical choice. Especially in the Estonian climate, where draughts are the main comfort factor.<\/p>\n If your priority is a clean visual without compromises<\/strong> \u2014 frameless folding glass is unquestionably the most striking option. But be prepared to invest in both the glazing and the structural quality.<\/p>\n If you are looking for a middle ground<\/strong> \u2014 frameless sliding glass gives a cleaner visual than a framed system but does not demand the strictness of folding glass.<\/p>\n In reality, the most important question is not which type of glass to choose \u2014 but whether the structure can support and hold that glass. Especially with folding glass, where a \u00b12 mm tolerance means the foundation must not move even a single millimetre more.<\/p>\n That is why it is important for the structural builder and the glazing installer to collaborate from the very beginning. Ideally, this is one and the same company<\/a>.<\/p>\n Since we install Malmerk Klaasium systems, we can offer all three types of terrace glazing. And because we also handle the structure \u2014 from foundation to roof \u2014 we can ensure that the glass and the base are a perfect match.<\/p>\n |