Installation and advantages of Finnish frameless glazing of balconies and loggias

Finnish frameless glass balconies lend modernity to the building, and apartment owners can enjoy the views outside the window from spring to autumn. The design of frameless glazing is less airtight, but it serves as an excellent protection from rain and wind, and on summer evenings it does not allow dust, leaves and insects to pass outside.

Subtleties of choice

Choose only branded designs and fittings. The support profile should consist of aluminum, coated with a special powder paint, the fasteners should be made of stainless steel, and the seals should be made of frost-resistant nylon and silicone.
In order not to stumble upon a fake, choose a Finnish frameless balcony, based on the following rules:

• the thickness of the glass is selected depending on the height of the opening. If it is higher than 2 m, at least 8 mm glasses will be needed, if lower, 6 mm is enough;
• the glass must be smooth, free from defects, stains, dents and bulges;
• if desired, you can choose a transparent, matte, tinted material, cover it with a mirror or sun-protective coating;
• the edges of the glass cloth must be carefully sanded;
• the surface of the aluminum profiles must be flat;
• cracks and bulges on the fittings are also unacceptable;
• when installing a sliding system, the sashes should slide to the sides easily, without excessive physical effort.

For frameless glazing of balconies and loggias, the Finnish option is usually chosen.

Distinctive design characteristics

The Finnish frameless glazing construction consists of an aluminum frame and glass doors. The aluminum profile is attached at the top to the ceiling and at the bottom to the floor, parapet or other elements that make up a balcony, loggia or other rooms that are fenced using this method.

Glass sections are made of triplex or tempered glass with a thickness of 6-12 mm, which, if damaged, forms fragments without sharp edges, making it safe. The sash is connected to the guides by means of rollers, which provide the possibility of sliding the sections.

Dignity

Frameless full glazing of large loggias and overall balconies has two indisputable advantages:

1. maximum ease of the system;
2. the ability to open a room at any time without much effort to meet a fine day.

The insignificant weight of the profiles guarantees that there is no unnecessary load on the balcony slab, which is important for residents of the upper floors and if the base of the balcony is planned to be expanded.

Full opening of the windows allows you to quickly ventilate the living space. The result is achieved both by sliding the glasses to the side and by folding them like a "book".

1. Glazing without balcony frames (or loggia) is attractive with maximum light transmission. The technology allows you to create a comfortable corner in your apartment for relaxation and sunbathing, even on mild winter days. In addition, light-loving indoor plants can be placed on such a balcony.
2. By the way, Finnish loggias, balconies and the adjacent space are slightly warmer than ordinary ones, glazed using vertical supports and frames, because the sun heats up a large area of ​​glass balcony surfaces.
3. The advantages of this technology also include reliable protection from dust, rain, snow. This is achieved due to the tightness of the transparent structure.
4. The reliability of the balcony elements and, accordingly, safety.

When glazing in the described way, not ordinary, but tempered glasses of the required strength (from 8 mm to 1 cm) are used. If you want to provide more security or for decorative purposes, you can install a parapet.

1. Burglar-resistant qualities - it is almost impossible to get into the room with closed glasses.
2. According to reviews, frameless balcony glazing is very practical in operation. It is worth lubricating the rollers, fittings and fasteners only once a year and it is advisable to carry out their technical inspection. Glasses are easy to clean inside and out. They are sanded around the perimeter to eliminate the risk of cuts. And if frameless sliding glazing of the balcony is used, then the care of the glass will be even more convenient and safe.
3. Sufficient insulation.
4. Resistant to gusts of wind, no vibration and whistling in windy conditions.

Durability is guaranteed if you order frameless balcony glazing from quality components.

In the photo, frameless glazing of balconies and loggias gives them an aesthetic, “fresh” look, both from the side of the building's facade and from the inside. Frameless glazing structures can be used in relation to a home greenhouse, terraces, and as an internal transparent partition in an apartment or studio, if you need to visually divide the room without blocking the access to sunlight.

Recommendations for preparation and installation

It is believed that frameless balcony glazing is not suitable for self-assembly. There are many nuances of the installation, which the amateur simply will not understand. However, it is not difficult to prepare a parapet or a concrete base and is within the power of any homeowner who has been involved in construction work at least once.

What should be the parapet

Fencing structures in new houses are often not suitable for the installation of volumetric glass structures due to their technical characteristics, so they need to be changed before work. Metal railings or concrete partitions, if they do not suit the width or strength parameters, are demolished, and in their place new, suitable-sized elements are installed.

Sometimes, if saving space on the balcony is secondary, proceed as follows: next to the existing fence, a second one is installed, designed for frameless glazing. A variant of this solution is shown in the photo.

A bar was used for the construction of the parapet

Both the fence itself and all fasteners should be replaced. This is especially true for old balconies, since over the years, due to the humid environment, the metal elements have corroded and collapsed. Other parameters of the crossbars are also important. For example, horizontal deviations should not be more than 2 mm up or down over the entire length. The distance from the parapet to the upper profile is the same throughout, otherwise the movement of the flaps will be in question.

Fitting new, wide and reliable parts

To install the fencing, wooden bars, foam blocks, bricks, grilles made of metal channels are used, but sometimes they manage with one glass. According to the norms of SNiP, in residential buildings, the fence is mandatory, therefore, it is not recommended to completely dismantle it, and then install a glass panoramic structure.

Concrete slab preparation

The concrete slab is the supporting part of the balcony on which all other parts are held. Requirements are imposed on it: it must be strong, stable, stable. Dimensions, technical characteristics of the slab must comply with GOST standards.

In practice, the base often does not meet the requirements of responsible installers of translucent structures.Taking into account the peculiarities of the installation of frameless balcony glazing, they preliminarily conduct an audit, identify weak points and recommend repairs or offer their services for the restoration of a concrete slab.

The stove is in disrepair and needs to be replaced

Broken pieces of concrete and a mesh of rusted reinforcement are rare, so the changes most often concern a cosmetic renovation - a cement screed device. This part is usually done by the apartment owners. The help of specialists is required if, according to preliminary calculations, the base is weak for glazing.

Installation of additional props on the lower side of the balcony

After arranging the concrete base, the balcony can be insulated, at the same time the floor and ceiling can be sealed. This is especially true for those who have conceived a different project: frameless glazing between the thermally insulated balcony and the room. This decision is due to the desire to visually increase the area of ​​the room and the degree of natural light.

Installation of profiles and panels

The process of erecting a translucent structure should be carried out exclusively by the company's employees. How do you know if your balcony is suitable for frameless glazing and then call specialists?

• Choose a company - study offers from different companies, compare prices, read reviews about their work
• Make a call or visit the office, schedule an inspection.
• If the balcony is ready for reconstruction, choose the type of glazing, stipulate the installation time.

Further, the company's employees make calculations and present an estimate. After approval, they begin manufacturing and installation.

Design option for a large balcony

The glazing procedure looks like this:

• marking work;
• installation of profiles;
• installation of glasses;
• testing;
• tightening fasteners.

In the end, you may need decoration or some small work to seal the cracks around the profile.

Professional installation of glass panels

It is even more profitable to order Finnish frameless balcony glazing in a company than to do it yourself, since a guarantee, service is provided, and system elements can be replaced.

disadvantages

Despite all the advantages, there are still disadvantages of frameless glazing. First of all, such frameless systems must be handled with care so as not to damage mechanisms and glass.

In addition, the frameless profile has only 1 glass (cold type), so theoretically, in severe frosts and a blizzard, double-glazed windows will retain heat better. But the Finns in Helsinki and other cities everywhere put frameless glass structures on balconies, so in practice their thermal insulation qualities are not in doubt.

Other cons:

• frameless structures do not imply the presence of a mosquito net, curtains and blinds;
• if such a system is installed on the façade along a motorway, the windows will have to be washed too often.

Weigh all the pros and cons before installing frameless glazing of loggias or balconies, in order to avoid additional time, money and effort to adapt this system to the existing climatic conditions of use and personal needs.

The history of frameless glazing

The emergence of a new method of glazing could not be received with great joy by manufacturers who have been working on the production of glazing devices for many years. Not so long ago, plastic and aluminum profiles for the production of windows appeared, which made real competition for traditional wooden products.

It may be a little early to talk about this, but it is quite possible that frameless Finnish glazing will soon also significantly affect sales in this segment.The level of comfort, ease of use and excellent appearance allow this type of glazing to take its rightful place in the competition.

Features of installation and operation

For the installation of a frameless balcony (loggia), certain skills are required, since even the slightest shift during assembly is enough so that the sashes do not open. Therefore, it is recommended to trust this process to trusted firms.

Installation consists of the following steps:

1. Measurements and cutting of an aluminum profile.
2. Fastening the balcony top and bottom guide frames.

Please note that the upper profile and the roller account for 70% of the weight of the entire structure, taking into account the regular use of the sashes. Therefore, the system can only be installed on a solid concrete or brick balcony ceiling. If it is old and decrepit, it is better to postpone the glazing until the overhaul.

1. After the supporting elements are securely fixed, the glass is installed.
2. Fasteners for fittings (locking and guide).
3. Sealing with a pile, latex or plastic seal.
4. System health check.

From the tools you will need: a perforator, a hacksaw for cutting aluminum, a screwdriver with a bat on an extension (for the final tightening of the screws), a level, a square, a tape measure, a gun for applying a silicone seal.

The operation of a frameless balcony requires accuracy and periodic maintenance. The doors open easily - you need to pull the upper lock, and then turn the lower one to the left. With the help of the lower latch, the first sash opens, and, if necessary, it is fixed in the ventilation mode. The rest of the elements are then moved. The shutters are locked between each other by turning the hinge.

Important! Be sure to secure the open sashes with clamps so that they do not dangle in gusts of wind, risking breaking.

pros

Finnish balcony window opening system

The first is the window opening system. All glasses are placed on special moving parts. They can be shifted to the right and left.

Secondly, it is convenience. This balcony will be appreciated by housewives. All glasses can be removed and washed. There is no need to get out anywhere and risking your life, launder them.

Thirdly, it is the light transmittance. This balcony lets in a huge amount of light. On a sunny day, you can sunbathe or grow flowers on it.

Fifth, it is glass. Some glasses freeze in winter, and it is impossible to see through them. Here, ice will not form due to the design features. Water droplets that form ice will flow down instead of settling as on conventional windows.

The main systems of Finnish glazing

There are the following types of frameless glazing (according to the sash opening system):

• sliding partitions, including automatic;
• sash swinging outward or inward;
• swing doors opening in both directions.

The use of auxiliary profiles during installation allows the installation of complex structures, combining hinged, removable, sliding folds with deaf ones.

Profiles for frameless glazing are produced by many Finnish companies. The systems "Cover", "Lumon", "Luxsyst" deserve attention.

The Luxsyst system is characterized by a narrow profile and the ability to open up to 75% of the balcony due to 4-rail guides.

When opening the sash (up to 8 pieces), they are collected in a pack. It is worth pulling one of them, as the others begin to cling to each other, opening or closing the opening.

Video recommendations from professionals

System features:

Sample of Lumon production:

How is the installation done:

Frameless glazing is a great way to ennoble an individual room and a building as a whole. Transparent glass does not load the facade of the house, increases the degree of natural light in the apartment.However, frameless systems are more expensive than ordinary plastic double-glazed windows, and do not allow the possibility of organizing a full-fledged living space on the balcony.

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Lumon system

The lumon system is one of the pioneers in the introduction of Finnish technology in the domestic market. This system consists of an upper bearing profile and a lower one that defines the trajectory. Tempered fire-resistant glass from 6 to 12 mm is attached to the profiles in one line without frames (in the usual sense) and racks. Between the glasses there are aluminum spacers with bearings and hinges for silent movement of windows along the rails.

Balcony glazing from "Lumon" has a number of advantages:

• lightness of designs;
• versatility (airy-looking and light frameless systems make it possible to glaze even the balcony of a house, which is an architectural monument, without violating the law);
• a reliable locking system that allows you to fix the sash in several positions in the ventilation mode, and the valves are at a height inaccessible to children;
• safety (with closed glasses, the risk of fire on the balcony is minimized).

Frameless technology

There are no particular difficulties in glazing balconies using Finnish technology. The set contains large glasses, the height of which can be up to three meters, and guides for free movement of the sashes. The mechanism includes a lock and casters for a smooth ride. The glass is securely fixed by sleeves and rivets, the presence of elastic fastening guarantees the softening of sound vibrations and various influences. The glass itself is produced specifically for construction purposes and has high strength due to tempering. It is very difficult to break it, but if it does happen, the glass breaks into small, non-sharp pieces, which reduces the risk of serious injury.

Schematic representation of frameless glazing

The thickness of the material is selected according to the height of the structure, if it does not exceed 1.8 m, the glass is used 6 mm, if the height is up to 2.8 m, the glass is 8 mm, and for higher options the glass is selected 10 mm thick.

Finnish glazing profiles are made of aluminum. It is a strong and durable material, which is covered with a protective layer, it does not require special care, does not corrode. The profile color can be selected, the glass is also tinted, if necessary, in the desired shade.

All structural parts are made of stainless steel or plastic, these materials guarantee reliable operation of the system under temperature extremes, high humidity and heavy loads. A brush seal installed between the glass and the profile ensures a reliable seal. A special PVC seal is used between the glasses, it is completely transparent and does not spoil the overall appearance of the window. The set also includes platbands and drainage systems.

Prices and where to buy

In Moscow, prices for a frameless balcony start at $ 160 - 200 per m², but in Russia they can reach 30 thousand rubles. per m², which depends on the region of the country. This is a lot of money even for middle-income families. The Finnish system is the most expensive.

The cost of frameless glazing consists of many factors: the design of the system used (the "book" will cost more than the parallel-sliding system), the number of blind and opening doors, the use of expensive tempered glass, the height of the opening (the higher it is, the lower the price per m2), the amount of accessories. The price list includes preparatory work, not only installation.

Below market prices should alert you. After all, frameless glazing is not yet widespread in the Russian Federation and not every contractor is qualified to perform it.

Manufacturers at a glance

There is no need to save on arranging a balcony. The quality of production and installation will pay off in the coming years.When neighbors with cheap double-glazed windows start their next renovation, you will still enjoy beautiful views from your cozy landscaped area. We offer a list of manufacturers whose quality has been appreciated by users of all continents.

COVER is a Finnish brand with a worldwide reputation. It has proven itself in Russia, the HansaGlass enterprise is engaged in the distribution of products. Creates frameless aluminum / glass structures, among others - railings for balconies, gazebos, terraces.

Residential building glazing

The Russian company Estel produces and installs household-level systems: the maximum height of glass panels is 2500 mm, thickness is up to 8-10 mm. In addition to standard series, he is engaged in projects to order: panoramic glazing, balconies with a glass roof, interior partitions.

Finishing a corner loggia with Estel blocks

The famous company Lumon, whose products have been top-ranked for more than one decade. Produces systems for household and industrial use, the set includes fences. The range of glass structures is endless - it all depends on the wishes of the customer, installation conditions. The products are marked with the CE quality mark, that is, the systems are absolutely safe for health and nature, and meet European standards.

Lumon glass panels protect from wind, rain, snow

The German manufacturer Sunflex produces components for glazing systems. The products can be called flawless, since the materials are 100% consistent with the highest standards, our own assembly technologies are used. Products with folding, sliding, tilt-and-slide sashes are popular. Specializes in frameless warm glazing of balconies, loggias, verandas, terraces.

Terrace with panoramic views of the plot

When choosing a manufacturing company, it is also necessary to study the history of the enterprise that is engaged in the installation, since an irresponsible and little-known office can be hidden behind a big name.

Installation process

Installation is not particularly difficult. Along the perimeter of the window opening at the bottom and at the top, our specialists fix the guides, on the casements, the windows are fixed with metal grooves, and wheels are inserted into them, opening it. At the joints on the sashes, special seals are fixed to close the cracks. The system works similarly to the principle of opening a sliding wardrobe - it moves to the side.

No screws or nails are used, the empty spaces are filled with sealant. This makes the mounts invisible from the side, protruding mechanisms and fittings are not visible, the glazing becomes one with the wall.

Finnish balcony features

If we give a brief description, then the Finnish balcony is a frameless glazing and a large area. For the Finns, a balcony is not a storage room or a place for smoke breaks. This is just another living space in the house, but only for the summer period. A small room with transparent walls, where in the summer you can set up a table with armchairs and gather a modern small family for tea. And to store things or arrange a utility room there for a workshop, etc. it never occurs to them (for this, apartment complexes have storage rooms and premises in the basement).

Finnish balcony is a great place to relax

There are all conditions for a good pastime in the "summer room": the sizes of modern balconies start from 3-7 sq.m. for one-, two-room and 10-meter loggias for three-room apartments. At the same time, the depth of the Finnish balcony ranges from 1.6 to 3.3 m (residential complex “Novy Gorod”, “Novomoskovskiy”, “Toive”, etc.).