Glass Shopfronts

A frameless glass front shows off the inside of the shop with almost nothing in the way. There are no thick frames, only large panes of thick toughened glass held in slim channels top and bottom and joined with clear silicone. It is a popular choice for salons, jewellers, opticians, galleries and fashion shops.

How it is built

Each fixed pane sits in a channel at the floor and ceiling. Neighbouring panes are joined edge to edge with clear silicone, and where the glass is tall, glass fins can be set behind the joints to stiffen it. The door is usually a single pane of glass on patch fittings (metal clamps at the corners) with a floor spring that closes it.

Doors

Frameless glass doors can be single or double, with pull handles in steel, brass or black. Floor springs can be set to hold the door open in warm weather. Locks are fitted into the bottom patch so they are almost invisible.

Safety

All the glass is toughened safety glass, usually 10 or 12 mm thick for fronts and doors. Large clear panes must carry markings at eye level so people do not walk into them. Logos or frosted bands do the job and can double as branding.

Security

Toughened glass is strong, but if security matters at night, pair the front with an internal shutter or choose laminated toughened glass, which stays in place when broken.

Heat

Single-glazed frameless fronts lose more heat than framed double glazing. That suits shops where the door is often open, but if you heat the shop all year, ask us about double-glazed frameless options or a framed front with very slim sightlines.

Planning

A frameless front changes the look of the building and usually needs planning permission. In conservation areas, councils may prefer a traditional design. We advise at survey.