As high streets modernise, frameless glass doors for shops are proving incredibly popular. Unlike traditional shop fronts, these doors don’t use aluminium door stiles or railing as framing. Instead, glass connects to glass. This creates a more open and welcoming entrance in which window shoppers are given a wonderful view of your products or service. Think of them as floor-to-ceiling shop windows that can open.

Advantages of Using Frameless Glass Doors For Shops

Frameless glass doors allow an abundance of light into the building, reducing the need for harsh unflattering lights and lowering your electricity costs. They’re relatively easy to maintain as the glass just needs a regular wipe down with a standard window cleaning solution and sponge. If you employ a window cleaner they should be able to clean the doors as part of their service.

Despite looking sleek and elegant, frameless glass doors for shops are remarkably robust thanks to their use of safety glass. Put simply, safety glass is glass that has been toughened or laminated to prevent dangerous splinters flying off when smashed. When it does break, which is difficult to do, the glass fractures along a web-like series of stress lines. Any pieces that come away are quite small and have rounded edges, limiting the damage potential. You’ll have seen it used in bus stops, phone boxes, car windows and fridge shelves.

The Practical Details

Instead of an all-encompassing surrounding frame, the panels of glass are held in place with aluminium or steel components known as patch fittings. These can typically be found in the corners of the frameless glass doors, connecting the doors to any side panels.

Security is obviously a major concern for any commercial premises so sophisticated locks are highly important. Frameless glass doors for shops might look incredibly slim and elegant but there is always room for a locking mechanism. These are generally located within the patch fittings and join with the ceiling or floor. As well as traditional locks, electronic locking systems are also available, including sensors.

When it comes to handles, your options are near limitless. Aesthetically, we find that stainless steel handles tend to work best with the glass and they are easy to maintain. Both double-sided and single-sided fixings are available. From a practical perspective, small door knobs are probably best avoided as they don’t satisfy current UK disability guidelines for businesses. Anyone struggling with arthritis or a weak grip can find them difficult to use.  Lever or push/pull handles are generally preferred and the optimum height placement is 1000mm above finished floor level. In addition, it is recommended that you choose a handle finish that contrasts against the glass, such as stainless steel, to aid those with visual impairments.

Frameless glass doors for shops are available in both free swinging and self-closing varieties. With the latter, the door is able to hold itself open at a 180 degree angle without us of a latch, a highly useful feature on commercial premises. On a self-closing door you can typically adjust the tension by altering the spring-loaded hinges.

Remember, glass doesn’t necessarily mean plain! If you want to get creativity, why not request a design to be etched into the glass or add a touch of frosting or bold pop of colour. Your frameless glass door can be as unique as you and your business. With bespoke glass, you can customise to your heart’s content.

Glass and Stainless can design and cut frameless glass doors for shops, whatever your unique requirements. Contact us today to see how we can transform your shop front.