Frameless glass doors offer the maximum amount of visible glass with the least amount of frame, setting them apart from traditional doors.
Frameless glass doors provide a minimalist contemporary look that makes the most of your views and maximises light, offering a versatile solution for both residential and commercial properties, inspiring you to explore their potential uses.
In this article, we take a look at the types of frameless glass doors, their differences, and what to look for when considering frameless glass doors for your home or commercial property.
What are frameless glass doors?
The term ‘frameless glass doors’ has different specifications across the brands; therefore, do not assume they are the same when comparing. A truly ‘frameless door’ does not exist as every door must have a perimeter frame or fixing of some description for strength, weatherproofing, security, and functionality. Here are the different terms for frameless glass doors:
- The aluminium frame is recessed into the building structure to create a frameless appearance.
- Ultra-slim aluminium framed doors.
- No ‘visible’ frame on the outside but are fully framed inside.
- Single-glazed for internal use or externally as a non-secure canopy, such as over a patio or swimming pool.
Types of frameless glass doors
Here, we list the types of frameless glass doors on the market.
They will each have different specifications depending on whether they are to be installed inside or outside and which building regulations they must adhere to.
- External doors: Entrance, patio, bifolding, sliding, hinged, slide-and-fold
- Internal doors: single, double, bifolding, sliding
- Doors for thermally insulated structures: Glazed extensions, porches, swimming pool/Jacuzzi enclosure
- Doors for non-thermally insulated single-glazed glass garden rooms, porches, swimming pool/Jacuzzi enclosure
 About frameless glass doors for external use
External frameless glass doors must meet all the security and building regulations required.
Frameless bifolding doors basically have far less aluminium than a standard bifolding door. They do not have the aluminium profile on many of the verticals, which gives the illusion of a glass wall but with all the benefits of a bifolding door.
Frameless glass sliding doors are aluminium patio sliding doors designed with minimal frame. They provide an ultra-modern, sleek look and are often used for wide openings and a glass floor-to-ceiling look.
Frameless slide-and-fold doors have an aluminium frame at the top and bottom and no visible mullions. The door panels sit within the outer frame and independently slide and then hinge outwards, folding together like a bifold.
About frameless glass doors for internal use and entrance porches
Many frameless glass doors are suitable for internal use or as a porch, which is not the primary security door to your home or commercial premises.
Internal glass entrance doors let light flood through your home, helping it feel light and airy while still providing some separation between the spaces. These doors are perfect for zoning large kitchen/diner/living room areas, giving you the option of a large space or temporary smaller, private areas. They can be used between the hallways and inner rooms to allow natural light to enter where a solid door would shut it off.
Main entrance porches are another option; you will still see your front door, but they will provide weather protection.
About frameless glass doors in glazed extensions and canopies
Frameless glass doors can be part or all of a stunning glass extension or addition to your home or commercial property.
As part of a glass extension, the doors must comply with all the relevant building and security regulations, the same as external doors.
If used as a glass house canopy for a patio, swimming pool, or hot tub, they would be made out of single-glazed toughened glass but would not be thermally insulated. Their benefit is that you can open the doors completely to leave just the overhead glass roof on good weather days and close them on bad weather days while still having protection from the wind and rain.
Commercial uses for frameless extensions or houses glass include extra dining space or seating area on a pub, restaurant or hotel terrace.
There are many frameless glass door brands and products available, if you would like some personal advice for your particular project, please contact us.
