Glass partitions are designed for quick zoning of space without drastic costs for capital construction. The use of such canvases is beneficial and aesthetically effective in solving a number of interior problems.
- Demarcation of premises to create individual space, sanitary blocks, sales areas or offices. Visually, air walls in the office do not darken work areas, absorb disturbing noise and create comfortable conditions. Retail outlets attract customers with beautiful display windows, through which shelves with goods are clearly visible.
- Design. Partitions with glass are often decorated according to the designer’s plans. Photo printing, sandblasting patterns are applied to the surface, matte and colored canvases are used. Transparent structures help create the illusion of spaciousness even in a small area, making the room bright and modern.
Glass partitions - photo 1
Glass partitions - photo 2
Glass partitions - photo 3
Custom glass partitions
Custom glass partitions are made from tempered material; if increased product safety is required, triplex technology is used. After hardening, the canvas becomes durable and heat-resistant. The most important advantage of this material is safety. If a glass wall is broken (not easy to do), it will break into small pieces with blunt edges. A manufacturer producing glass partitions usually offers several design options:
- all-glass - visually airy structures without a frame, glass fills the entire space from floor to ceiling;
- frame - the main load falls on the frame, which is made of aluminum, steel or wood (the choice of profile depends on design ideas). Constructions of this type provide better sound insulation.
Glass walls also differ in the type of installation:
- stationary - rigidly attached to the floor and ceiling, for which clamping or point fittings are used;
- mobile - modular systems that are easily moved and installed in a new location;
- transformable - help to instantly redesign the room. There are sliding and folding designs. The former are shifted to the side using a roller system, while the latter are assembled like an accordion.
According to their purpose, glass partitions are divided into office, apartment, plumbing and shower, and retail. The use of various types of material allows us to produce not only transparent glass partitions, but also matte, colored, tinted, mirrored and decorated with patterns.
According to the type of material, glazed partitions are:
Aluminum partitions
High strength, low weight and decorative properties perfectly explain the popularity of aluminum partitions. With their help, you can quickly and inexpensively obtain a space divided into functional zones with a sufficient level of illumination.
As a rule, such partitions have glass filling, which provides high sound insulation and creates comfortable working conditions for staff in noisy offices. The filling can be combined (glass + PVC or chipboard). In addition to the high practicality of the partitions and lower price, the risk of glass breakage is reduced, and also provides the possibility of laying communication channels in the blind parts of the modules. Aluminum partitions can be stationary, sliding and mobile. The profile of the structures is painted in any RAL color.
Glazed partitions in PVC profile
The use of PVC profiles allows you to create structures of any parameters and configurations.
- Systems may contain glass and blinds, and it is possible to place the blinds both outside and inside the glass.
- Double-glazed windows can be mirrored, corrugated, matte, with silver and gold plating.
- If necessary, partitions can be equipped with door locks, thereby creating full-fledged work rooms.
Application of glass partitions
Imitations of walls made of glass can be found everywhere: in offices, private and high-rise buildings, shopping centers, restaurants, etc. The popularity of this material is explained by many positive aspects:
- ease of maintenance - the smooth surface does not accumulate dirt and is easy to clean;
- relative cheapness;
- strength and safety;
- ease of installation;
- the ability to solve various problems without major renovations (for example, to quickly zone workplaces, it is enough to order glass partitions for the office, because they are easy to install and do not impair lighting);
- non-critical weight, which is important in some buildings;
- durability;
- a large assortment that allows you to implement many design concepts.
Types of glass and their maximum sizes
The same glass partition can be made from different types of glass. It is important to choose the right parameters and performance characteristics of the material, and for this you need to know their features and properties. If you came up with a similar design yourself, it is better to consult an experienced glazier. Not all designers have all the necessary information, and ordinary people are simply unaware of some things.
Glass partition can be with doors
Thickness for partitions for various purposes
First of all, you need to decide on the thickness of the glass, which is best used when constructing a partition. Depends on the type of partition, the location of its installation, and the type of glass used.
- All-glass ones are made of material 10-12 mm thick. You should not take a greater thickness, since the fittings are very difficult to find.
- Glass partitions in apartments and houses with imposts, frames are assembled from glass 8-10 mm thick.
Original solution... - In showers, the optimal thickness is 8 mm. You can take 10 mm, but this is an additional 5 kg for every square meter of partition area, and this is quite a lot. A reinforced structure is needed, which leads to additional costs.
If the partition is external, it serves to separate a covered veranda, winter garden, etc. Most likely, you will need a double-glazed window, and this is a different story and a different approach.
Conventional silicon glass
Glass partitions in an apartment can be made of transparent, matte, patterned, tinted, colored glass, mirrors and their combinations. The dimensions of the glass sheet depend on its type. A sheet of ordinary glass is 1200 mm wide and 2000 mm high. If larger sizes are needed, either make imposts (additional dividing profiles) or use tempered glass. It has higher strength characteristics; when broken, the fragments are not sharp, so the likelihood of injury is low. The maximum dimensions of tempered glass with a thickness of 6 to 19 mm allow you to make a solid partition for almost any room: 3210 mm * 6000 mm. There is only one drawback of this glass: it is expensive. And the larger the sheet size, the higher the price.
Triplex can be armored, or it can consist of three glasses glued with two films...
Laminated glass has even higher strength: duplex and triplex. Sheets of glass are glued with a transparent plastic film (duplex is glass with a film, triplex is two glasses and a film between them. The technology is developed so that the transparency of laminated glass does not decrease, when the glass breaks, it does not fly apart, but becomes covered with a network of cracks, the fragments remain hanging on the film. The maximum dimensions of duplex and triplex are 2600 mm * 3100 mm. Which glass is better for glass partitions in an apartment: duplex or triplex? You can’t say for sure - it depends on the purpose of the partition. Duplex is lighter and cheaper, triplex has better thermal and sound insulation characteristics So if a glass partition in an apartment or house will separate the room from the street, the best options are double-glazed windows or triplex.For an internal partition, you will have to choose between regular, tempered glass or duplex.
Organic glass
You can also use acrylic glass or polycarbonate sheets for glass partitions in an apartment or house. They have low thermal conductivity (0.2-0.3 W/(m K)), transmit light well (transparency up to 92%), weigh 2-3 times less (with the same thickness), and are more resistant to shock loads , cost less. These are their advantages. Organic glass also has high plasticity at a certain temperature, due to which they can be bent into any shape. After cooling, the glass retains its given shape.
Organic glass can be used to construct glass partitions in an apartment or house
The disadvantages are that the material melts at not the highest temperatures (250-300°C), scratches easily appear on the surface, which significantly reduce light transmittance. There is nothing you can do about melting - you cannot install them near heating devices or open flames. And they fight scratches by gluing a thin but durable film. Plexiglas thickness is from 2 mm to 50 mm, sheet dimensions are 2050 mm * 3050 mm.
There can be different objects in acrylic glass
Acrylic glass can be cast or extruded. Cast - more durable, can be of considerable thickness. Extrusion - thinner (maximum thickness depends on the extruder), can be light-proof, light-diffusing, colored. There is also decoacrylic, a variety with a matte or smooth surface. Various objects can be inserted inside - from sparkles to any small objects. Decorators love to use such acrylic glass.
Glass blocks and glass profiles
For stationary glass partitions for an apartment or house, in an office, you can use glass blocks and glass profiles. Both are glass products, but they have a different appearance and manufacturing technology. Partitions made from these materials allow light to pass through, but are not completely transparent. At best, silhouettes are visible. It’s impossible to make out the details, even in very good lighting.
Glass blocks are cast into specific shapes. Two identical fragments are then combined into one block - a parallelepiped. They are small in size, available in the form of squares or rectangles, made of transparent or colored glass. The edges can be smooth or patterned, with the grooved surface usually on the inside and the outside smooth.
Stationary partitions made of glass blocks and glass profiles
Glass blocks have good thermal insulation ability, since there is an air gap between the two glass walls. They are used to build a wall, like bricks, but it is not necessary to lay them staggered; there can also be a seam in a seam. Glass partitions in an apartment made of glass blocks allow light to pass through, but are not transparent. This is a good option if you need to isolate, for example, a bathtub from the rest of the room, or put a partition in a long room.
Stekloprofilit is a U or U shaped product made of bent alkali silicate glass. It is produced in long strips (up to 3 meters), which are inserted into a special profile. The wall can be assembled as a single wall, or as a double one, by turning the profiles towards each other.
We offer to buy glass partitions
You can buy glass partitions in Moscow profitably at Priorglass. The following benefits are available to our clients:
- prices from the manufacturer - the company sells high-quality products of its own manufacture;
- full cycle of work - measurement, production of structures of the required type, decoration, professional installation;
- a large range of all-glass and frame models with various types of installation;
- strict adherence to deadlines and provision of guarantees;
- technically competent consultations with a presentation of information that is understandable to a non-specialist.
Design and decor
Glass partitions are not only a functional element, but also a full-fledged decorative accessory. Glass is easily subject to additional processing, so the decor of the partitions can be chosen to suit your taste.
Clear glass
The simplest and most common option is ordinary transparent glass. Thin, weightless and graceful canvases create symbolic boundaries of different functional areas. This is a popular trend in all futuristic and technological styles.
Frosted glass
Depending on the processing method, the light transmittance of frosted glass varies between 15-75%. They provide something that transparent partitions cannot: the effect of privacy. Therefore, they can be used even in a bedroom or a combined bathroom.
Tinted glass
Glass tinting has two main functions: it filters out too much light and can be a stand-alone color accent. Tinting does not have to be black - orange, red, blue and green look bold and extravagant. And you will certainly appreciate the classic ones if you live in a sunny, hot area or in a house with windows facing south.
Opaque designs
The classic matte and tinted coating does not provide complete privacy, but special processing makes it possible to make the partitions completely opaque. This can be filming, sandblasting or chemical etching.
Fluted glass
These are textured partitions with embossed elements, stripes, ribs or waves. Such glass is usually thicker than simple transparent glass, but it creates an interesting play of light due to its refraction along the relief surface. It is precisely these inserts that are still often mounted in interior doors.
Pasting with film
The choice of films for glass is huge and varied, from invisible shockproof coating to matting films. There are also films with different designs, ornaments, and logos. The main advantage of this decor is its simplicity, because you can paste over the partition at home yourself.
Stained glass and mosaics
Complex artistic stained glass and mosaic partitions are a luxurious decorative element. Even factory-made, they are more expensive, not to mention handmade. But such an interior will definitely be luxurious and individual, especially in elaborate classical styles.
Sandblasting
The smooth transparent surface of the glass is processed with a special sandblasting machine. Abrasive particles under pressure create ornaments and entire pictures against the background, and the design can be anything.
Glass and other materials
In complex decorative designs, glass segments are harmoniously combined with other materials. For example, with valuable wood or metal inserts, with artificial stone, epoxy resin and any other decorative compositions.
Stay within limits
Profile “Favorite Space”
The choice of design should begin with window profiles. The advantages of PVC are excellent thermal insulation properties, high resistance to weathering, ease of maintenance, durability and a variety of finishing options.
There are concerns that PVC is a material with a relatively low elastic modulus. Will large-sized plastic structures withstand the mass of double-glazed windows, wind and other deforming loads? Practice shows that modern windows are ready for severe tests: reinforced reinforcement is installed in the profiles, which not only ensures high structural strength, but also solves the problem of thermal linear expansion of parts. In this case, the profile itself must be of sufficient width - at least 70 mm and have five or more air chambers. However, energy-saving window systems of comfort and premium class should have not only 6-7 air chambers, but also an additional 3rd seal circuit, such as, for example, “Favorite Space” and “Elegant” from Deceuninck.
Affordable "Favorite Space"
76 mm wide with 6 internal chambers will be noticeably warmer than common three- and five-chamber systems. This window system allows you to install double-glazed windows of increased thickness - up to 49 mm, which will reduce street noise to a minimum. At the same time, the additional 3rd circuit of the seal will reliably protect against blowing in the most problematic area of the loop, which will also help save on heating.
"Elegant" systems
is a revolutionary breakthrough in window technology.
Their sophisticated design with narrow rebates, rectangular glazing beads and flush-mounted sash quickly won recognition from designers around the world, earning them the prestigious Red Dot award. This profile is practically indistinguishable from aluminum and will fit perfectly into the appearance of a modern home thanks to the gray base of the profile and a wide lamination palette. At the same time, the “Elegant” profile has a record resistance to heat transfer (up to 1.05 m² °C/W) and allows you to install double-glazed windows up to 70 mm wide! If desired, you can install blinds in such a double-glazed window that will not gather dust, get tangled, or make noise.
Additional advantages of premium “wide” systems are increased resistance to wind loads, thanks to a more rigid impost, as well as a deep glass unit (25 mm), which improves the heat-saving properties of the window and reduces the risk of condensation in the edge zones, since the aluminum frame is more recessed into the profile
With a slight movement...
For large openings leading to the terrace, to the winter garden, to the backyard of the house, etc., lift-and-slide HS portals have been developed. For example, the HST-76 system (Deceuninck) is suitable for openings up to 2.6 m high and 6.5 m wide. This design is designed for a very long service life, effectively retains heat and can be equipped with wide double-glazed windows to achieve maximum thermal and sound insulation . Its mechanism is designed so that the massive doors move without much effort, smoothly and quietly. And the integrated brake ensures a safe, soft stop in extreme positions. The door is easy to operate, even if its weight reaches 300 kg, and can be equipped with a remote control.
What windows are suitable for office partitions?
Not all types of glass can be used for glazing office partitions. The thickness of the glass sheet or the size of the glass unit is determined only taking into account the permissible loads on the partition structure. But in the design of new glass blocks, complete freedom of action is guaranteed.
The glass can be transparent or matte, have a natural color or be decorated with tinting - everything is chosen by the customer who wants to ensure the individuality of his office with a minimal investment of money, time and other resources.
Accessories
One of the most important details of such PVC models is the hinges that hold the sashes. The requirements for holders are reliability.
Durable steel is used to make the frame. At the bottom of the structure there are microlifts. During closing, they gently lift the sash, thereby protecting the hinge mechanism from various damage and friction.
All this increases the service life; hinged windows with meringue partitions will serve the owners longer. The microlift also provides ventilation in the room.
The active leaf has a standard set of fittings, the passive one is equipped with the following parts:
- levers;
- shtulpom;
- bolts.
The levers are placed in a special niche inside the frame. Fixing elements are usually installed in plastic double-glazed windows on verandas and balconies, that is, where there is a high load on the window frame. Latch bolts are used in apartments. Modern models feature automatic locking. There is one handle on the active sash, although manufacturers can make two if desired.
The locking mechanism is equipped with:
- Pneumatic closer, due to which the valves open gradually and silently. The presence of clamps prevents the frame from deforming and the doors from accidentally slamming shut.
- Mechanical traction, it is usually placed on the frame rebate from above, and the presence of fixing rings in the upper and lower parts is also mandatory. Due to this, when the main leaf opens, the second one swings open.
- A socket with a handle ensures reliable tightness. The mullionless mechanism has a tight fit and reduces the possibility of illegal entry. It is a kind of harness that is installed around the perimeter of the passive part. Locking occurs along the contour.
- With a double opening mechanism, you can use the handle to switch both doors to ventilation mode.
All parts of the locking mechanism provide strength without losing the appearance of the frame. The material used for the manufacture of fittings is steel, which is additionally coated with chrome, silver or nickel. Technical wax is applied on top, protecting the material from moisture and air.
Options for opening frame windows and doors
The hinged doors can open both inside and outside the room.
External opening is possible only for doors with a T-shaped leaf; in other cases, the opening will be inside the room (internal), which will “eat up” the space around the doors.
Sometimes, in order to save space in the room, hinged doors are made from a regular Z-shaped leaf and mounted with an outward opening. In this case, the door will lose its security, since the door beads will be on the outside, and “uninvited” guests can easily pull them out.
Casement windows, like regular ones, should always open into the room - this makes them convenient to open and safe to clean.
Hacking protection
The shulpovy mechanism provides maximum protection against burglars due to internal fittings. To gain access to it you will have to dismantle the entire window frame. In the absence of experience, it is extremely difficult to do this, especially in a short time.
Both doors are equipped with their own stiffening ribs and protection. The locking mechanism latches the sash, then additionally closes the active sash with crossbar blocks.
As a result, casement windows without a partition receive four points of protection; their technical opening without special skills is practically impossible.
Weak spots
Before you start installing a window without an impost, you should find out about the weak points of the structure. The most common breakdowns:
- The sashes do not fit tightly to the frame; owners face this problem most often. You can fix it yourself; just adjust the blade using a hex wrench. Afterwards, be sure to lubricate the parts with oil. This procedure is carried out once every six months for preventive purposes.
- The side clamps are damaged, this is due to loosening of the threaded connections; they need to be tightened. If there is damage on the vertical guides, the parts require replacement and cannot be restored.
- If the handle gets stuck, you need to disassemble the mechanism and lubricate the elements. Silicone grease, machine oil or another suitable product is perfect for this. To prevent recurrence, lubrication should be carried out every six months. Failed springs are simply replaced with new ones.
- Poor window opening from above indicates that the installation technology was violated. It is often impossible to fix problems without installers, so you should contact the service provider.
These are the main problems that consumers may face. Most of them are corrected by hand; no special tools are required.
What is a shtulp in plastic windows?
This is a design with a so-called false impost, that is, there is no vertical partition (middle of the frame) in the window frame. All the fittings necessary for fixing and turning are built into the inside of the sash. Thus, the first leaf serves as an impost. The second serves as a kind of retainer.
Plastic windows that have a built-in shutter have a special feature: to fully open the window, you need to perform several steps:
- first turn the handle;
- then open the active leaf;
- press the lever to activate the pin lock.
This mechanism is designed to protect the apartment from illegal entry. It is unlikely that anyone will dismantle the frame to find the lever.
Shtulpovy window – width of view without interference
A casement window is a double-hung structure in which, when the sashes are swung open, a panoramic view opens without any lintels in the middle.
Photo: the difference between an ordinary window with an impost and a frame window. In a modern 2-hung window or door, when opened, there is a vertical lintel (impost) in the opening. It is not always convenient and beautiful. The partition obstructs the view and limits the door's throughput - it is difficult, for example, to carry furniture through it.
A frame helps to make a double-hung window or door without a lintel in the opening.
The frame is a movable profile for connecting the sashes to each other. It is attached to one of the doors and opens with it, leaving the opening completely free.
Photo: in old wooden houses all the windows were framed. An example of a frame in modern windows can be found on any old window in a village house. A bar was nailed to one of the doors from the outside to close the gap between the doors, and when both doors opened, the opening between them was free. A classic example of an old frame window is presented in the famous children's program “Visiting a Fairy Tale,” when the painted sashes swing open and a grandmother-storyteller appears in the window.
