Panoramic glazing in a country house - does it make sense?

Panoramic glazing is very often used in modern buildings and cottages. This is an indicator of eliteness, unusual construction style and the “zest” of the interior. Which windows are better to choose, is the beauty and prestige of floor-to-ceiling windows worth the significant costs of their installation and maintenance, and how to solve the problems associated with panoramic glazing? It is necessary to understand everything in order.

Floor-to-ceiling windows are large-area windows that are placed across the entire wall from ceiling to floor. They are designed to create a unique interior and provide the most complete natural lighting of an apartment or house.

Floor-to-ceiling windows – to install or not?

If there is something to look at outside the window, then floor-to-ceiling windows will come in handy. Drinking morning coffee and admiring a blooming garden or a snow-covered forest is the dream of any housewife. Floor-to-ceiling windows give incredible emotions and changing pictures outside the window. You can enjoy nature with them right from home!

Photo: drinking morning coffee and admiring a blooming garden or a snow-covered forest is the dream of any housewife. However, panoramic windows can cause a lot of problems if they are made or installed without taking into account the specifics of their size.

What should floor-to-ceiling windows be like so that they bring only joy and comfort? How to avoid mistakes when choosing large windows and a window company?

Varieties

Beautiful houses can be complemented by large windows of different types. Modern projects differ in design, shape and opening method. In terms of visual design of glazing, everything is limited by the imagination of the owners.

Popular glazing forms:

• Classic (showcase) window openings located on most of the wall (or completely replacing it). Their main difference is their width, which is larger than their height.

• Bay window compositions . Suitable for buildings that have this decorative element. Panoramic windows decorate the protruding façade of the building, increasing the area of ​​natural light in the room. Considering that bay windows are small in size, their glazing has almost no effect on the room temperature in winter.

• French "windows" . In essence, they are glass doors equipped with a sliding or hinged mechanism. French decor is used for glazing the first floors of mansions. They have access to the veranda, winter garden, and swimming pool. When installing on the upper floors, a protective fence must be installed outside, simulating balcony handrails.

• Angular configurations . The most difficult type of window elements to install. It involves placing glass at the junction of two sides of the facade. Suitable for buildings with high ceilings. Usually a column is erected along the edge of the corner or part of the wall is left for strength and demarcation of double-glazed windows. In addition to the complexity of installation, corner compositions result in significant heat loss. When arranging such an airy interior, you will have to worry about additional heating.

The second most important question is how the doors open. Glazing possible:

• blind (prevents the possibility of opening windows, suitable for the first floors of bedrooms and living rooms);
• sliding/folding mechanisms (easy to assemble, but over time they begin to retain heat poorly);
• decor with a swing door.

When selecting the design and materials of glass compositions, it is worth considering a number of aspects (strength of the facade, foundation, appearance, size of the glazed room, presence and power of the heating system). It is impossible to build a house with panoramic windows like in the photos in magazines without the help of a specialist.

Tip 1: decide on the size of the floor-to-ceiling windows

First you need to decide on the size of the floor-to-ceiling windows. The material from which the windows will be made - aluminum, plastic or wood, and the type of opening will depend on them.

Floor-to-ceiling windows are also called large windows, panoramic windows, panoramic glazing, panoramic doors, glass walls.

Possible problems

Considering that panoramic windows are translucent structures of increased complexity, many serious problems may arise :

• Formation of condensation. The window sweats when there is a significant temperature difference between the outdoor and indoor spaces.
• The windows are leaking. Moisture seeps through installation seams or cracks in the profile or double-glazed window, due to poor-quality installation, or in the event of mechanical damage to individual parts.
• Deformation of profiles during prolonged use or due to strong wind.
• Breakage or physical wear of fittings, sagging or blocking of movable sashes.
• Freezing of window structures due to insufficient heat transfer resistance of the glass unit, or due to incorrect sealing of installation gaps.

Each of the listed problems must be eliminated immediately after it is identified. If you neglect repair work, more serious problems may occur, which will lead to the need to replace or overhaul the panoramic window.

Solutions

To solve technological and structural problems of window construction, the following actions must be taken :

• The vapor barrier tape, which is glued to the assembly seams on top of the polymerized foam, saves you from condensation.
• To get rid of leaks, you need to replace the cracked glass unit, seal the PVC profile with liquid plastic, or reseal the installation seams.
• The installation of additional steel mounting plates, which will increase the rigidity of the structure, can prevent profile deformation.
• If the fittings are worn out, you can try to adjust them, and if this does not help, you need to purchase and replace them with a new set.
• In case of freezing, in addition to insulating the seams, professionals advise using energy-saving polymer membranes.

In most cases, defects that arise during the operation of window structures can be eliminated under warranty, and property owners are advised to contact the installers who carried out the installation.

Dimensions of floor-to-ceiling windows made of aluminum

Aluminum is the most suitable material for the manufacture of panoramic windows. When using a mullion-transom (not window!) system, huge areas can be glazed. The glazing of facades of multi-storey buildings, shopping centers, skyscrapers is all made of mullion-transom aluminum. This system is also perfect for a private home.

Floor-to-ceiling windows made of aluminum do not require additional reinforcement, and the design is panoramic and visually light, without unnecessary partitions.

The dimensions of aluminum mullion-transom structures are limited only by the size of the double-glazed window - up to a maximum of 6000x3000 mm (WxH).

Photo: if this stained glass window was made of aluminum, then the connection of several windows could be avoided, and the light opening would be larger. The connection of plastic windows “eats” at least 150 mm, and in aluminum only 50 mm

Photo: do not try to make such glazing from plastic windows! In aluminum it is reliable and beautiful; in plastic such designs are not viable

The disadvantage of choosing warm aluminum is its high price compared to plastic and wood - 2-2.5 times more expensive.

But for huge panoramic structures, aluminum is the only possible material.

How to choose French windows for a private home?

There are several types of warm window systems, each of which has its own characteristics.

They are characterized by ease of operation, low maintenance requirements, resistance to the negative effects of the external environment, good heat and noise insulation properties, and wide possibilities for lighting design.

They are distinguished by their naturalness, demanding care, and excellent heat and sound insulation properties.

They are distinguished by their high strength, which makes it possible to create products of large dimensions. They are easy to care for, resistant to external influences, can be made in any color, but have low thermal insulation. Therefore, when creating them, thermal inserts are used to reduce heat loss and increase cost.

They are produced using special types of glass - reinforced, tempered, laminated or having a metallized film. Requires careful planning and the use of special equipment.

Dimensions of floor-to-ceiling windows made of plastic and wood

You can make huge sliding doors from plastic and wood, measuring up to 6000x3000 mm (width x height), but with one partition.

But to connect the structures to each other, you will have to use additional profiles or a metal base, which reduces the light opening and increases the cost of glazing.

Photo: but to connect the structures together you will have to use additional profiles or a metal base, which reduces the light opening and increases the cost of glazing

The dimensions of such window structures depend little on the material of manufacture - the main thing, rather, will be the fittings.

Maximum sizes of floor-to-ceiling windows

The maximum dimensions of floor-to-ceiling windows depend on several factors and must be taken into account comprehensively. These are restrictions on the profile, fittings, double-glazed windows and the capabilities of the manufacturer’s equipment. They are very different; when choosing, you will have to focus on the minimum restrictions.

• Profile restrictions are related to resistance to temperature changes, wind load and glazing weight. The sizes of white and colored plastic windows will be different, because colored ones heat up more strongly in the sun and are more deformed.
• The size of the sash is influenced by its weight and the ability of the fittings to support it, so that the hinges do not come off and the sash does not sag, but opens and closes easily.
• The thickness of the glass and the possibility of assembling a double-glazed window is an important point. Often it is the maximum possible size of the glass unit that will be the main limitation in panoramic glazing.

The main restrictions for various types of designs are presented in the table below.

Maximum sizes of floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic doors depending on the material and type of opening

Each manufacturer sets its own maximum window dimensions and this issue can be discussed in more detail when ordering.

Flaws

Unfortunately, there is no perfection in the world, but it is necessary to strive for it, so panoramic windows have a solid list of shortcomings.

• Expensive. Yes, a panorama is not a cheap pleasure; the cost of construction or repairs will jump if such windows are installed. It will not be possible to significantly reduce costs, but it is possible to look for a manufacturer who will produce custom-made structures. There are representatives of similar companies on the forum, you can ask users who shopped and where.
• Difficult to install. If you can actually perform many construction manipulations yourself, you won’t be able to save on panoramic glazing. Due to the considerable weight of large windows, you will most likely have to use special equipment, but for high-quality assembly of such a complex system you need knowledge and experience, which most people do not have.
• Care. It’s difficult, but doable, to clean the panoramic windows on the first floor from a stepladder, but to clean the panorama on the second floor you’ll either have to call a professional or rent it out.
• Safety. Many forum members are concerned about the issue of security: a floor-to-ceiling window looks like a good invitation to visit the property in the absence of the owners. This issue was raised by Nikasan, who planned large windows along the entire perimeter of the first floor. The topic was picked up, and many options for executing panoramas were expressed. Gagsuv from Moscow gave good advice; he offers impact-resistant glass, roller shutters and alarm systems. What is typical is that he is the most active participant; his professional recommendations can be found in all forum threads on panoramic topics.

Tip 2: choose the type of opening windows to the floor

The key to trouble-free operation of floor-to-ceiling windows is high-quality fittings that can withstand a sash weight of 100 kg or more. For panoramic windows, sliding opening is preferable. This type of opening is designed for a much larger weight of sashes from 200 to 400 kg, and avoids sagging.

For example, the range of the world's leading fittings manufacturer Roto includes special offers for floor-to-ceiling windows.

Roto NX is a 6th generation fitting that takes into account the characteristics of large sashes.

Photo: Roto NX hinges can withstand sash weights of up to 150 kg due to increased metal thickness and reliable fixation in the frame’s reinforcing profile*

Today, with Roto NX fittings, it is possible to realize the largest sizes of turning/tilting sashes of plastic windows - 1600x2800 mm. The total size of the structure can be 4000x3000 mm.

Roto Patio Inowa for sliding sashes of floor-to-ceiling windows is an innovative opening mechanism.

Photo: sashes measuring up to 3000x2500 mm and weighing up to 200 kg do not lift or tilt, but simply move away from the frame by only 5 mm when opening and move to the side*

Photo: Lift and slide door leaves with Roto Patio Life fittings can weigh up to 400 kg*

The tight perimeter pressure of the sash to the frame is ensured by sealing and special hooks - windows with Roto Patio Inowa are the warmest.

The correct choice of materials guarantees long-term operation of the sashes and high thermal insulation of floor-to-ceiling windows.

Once you have decided on the size of the windows and the type of opening, you need to take into account other important design features.

Rules

It is customary for designers to take into account the rules of ergonomics and safety precautions, at the same time know the standard dimensions of objects and be able to apply well-known design methods.

The first rule of kitchen layout is to create a work triangle. A triangular layout is required for the sink, stove and refrigerator. The optimal distance of working points from each other is 180 cm. A well-coordinated kitchen mechanism looks like this:

• remove food from the refrigerator;
• take them to the sink;
• cut/mix and place on the stove.

According to the second rule, kitchen layout should begin with a washing machine or sink. The optimal location is 2.5 meters from the water riser. The popular arrangement of equipment near a window requires a change in the slope of the pipe that supplies water, or the installation of an additional pump. Although the window has more light, and this already saves energy, and it will be more pleasant for the cook to spend time observing natural beauty (if, of course, there is a beautiful view from the window). Household machines are installed near the sink: washing machine and dishwasher. According to the rules, the equipment is installed on the left if the cook is right-handed, and vice versa if the cook is left-handed.

The second most important fulcrum is the hob, the oven. Its optimal location from the sink is 40-180 cm

If there is a gas pipeline, its placement is also taken into account. The main work table can be fitted between the sink and hob. It should be convenient to cut and mix ingredients here. The optimal length of the working surface is considered to be 90 cm. On the other part of the slab, for safety reasons, there should be a free distance of 40 cm. Placing the slab near a window is considered very impractical.

Convenient passage from table to table, from appliance to appliance – 120 cm. This walking zone is enough to move people living in the apartment, without disturbing the cook. In very small rooms, meter-long pedestrian zones are acceptable.

This device is often built into a unit together with an oven and microwave. It also happens that there is simply no room left for the refrigerator in the kitchen, and it is taken outside the room.

When corner placement of furniture is planned, protrusions are created, which designers advise to “bypass” with shallow cabinets or niches suitable for storing household items or creating a certain environment.

If the arrangement of the furniture is not correct, it is possible to move the doorways or change their sizes. Classic kitchen doors are often replaced with sliding, folding designs.

If it is difficult to visualize the plan, you can use a special program. Planner 5D, SketchUP Pro and Ikea online designer are free.

Another option for better representation of the layout in your kitchen is to choose a chalk drawing, which can be done directly on the floor in the apartment. This will help you navigate mistakes, dispel doubts, and choose another, suitable-sized equipment/furniture.

Reduced sizes of appliances and furniture help to save space. Since there is usually no additional room for a dining area in our apartments, it also needs to be taken into account in the kitchen. Ergonomic convenient sizes are considered:

• 60 cm seat width; 40 cm – depth;
• there should be space for chairs from the edge of the table - at least 80 cm (these are the standard dimensions of a chair with armrests).

Options and types of kitchen plans in a private house and in an apartment can vary significantly.

Tip 3: with or without a threshold?

There are no windows without a threshold. Window structures are always made with a full frame perimeter. If we are talking about a threshold, then this is already a door.

Panoramic doors come with a flat threshold and a protruding one. The choice depends on the room. If the door leads to a warm room, then you need a high threshold, which will ensure a tight fit of the sash and eliminate drafts. Doors from the street to the vestibule can have a flat threshold.

Photo: panoramic doors come with a flat threshold and a protruding one

Tip 4: Heating appliances are a must!

With properly organized heating, condensation does not form on such windows; you just need to place heating devices under the window. How to organize heating with floor-to-ceiling windows?

Heating devices must be placed under each window - this is a law of physics. Not nearby, not above, but under the window. What to do if there is only floor under the window and there is no space to install a radiator? There is an exit.

• Floor radiator

You can place beautiful floor radiators along the window.

Photo: an important condition - there must be at least 300 mm between the glass and the radiator

The solution is not the most convenient or beautiful, but quite acceptable.

• Heated baseboard

Photo: this option is literally created for heating panoramic windows. Its height is only 150mm, it provides enough heat to warm a room

Of course, the window is not completely floor-to-ceiling, but there will be no problems with condensation. It looks very simple and there are no problems with cleaning the floor.

• Underfloor radiator with convector

The ideal solution for floor-to-ceiling windows. Nothing extra.

Photo: this is the most expensive and technically complex solution. Requires high floor screed and highly skilled installation

• Heated double-glazed windows

Glass can heat up from 25 to +55°C. Of course, they will not be able to heat the room, but they will create a comfortable environment - there will be no feeling of cold from the huge windows. And you don’t need any heating devices near the window; heating radiators can be placed in any other convenient place. When choosing this option, keep in mind that double-glazed windows consume electricity 50 - 500 W/m2. This depends on the temperature to which you plan to heat the glass: the higher the temperature, the higher the consumption.

Each homeowner will decide which option to choose based on their capabilities and preferences. You just need to provide for heating in advance; all options will be difficult to implement after the flooring has been laid and the electrical wiring has been installed.

Conclusion

If the issue of finances is not an issue, and the main thing is aesthetics, panoramic glazing is an excellent design move. The fact that many people are confused by the “aquarium” mode, in which everything is visible, can be solved with multi-format glass or ordinary curtains. The technical side of the issue will not become an obstacle, provided you follow certain recommendations from the forum craftsmen.

• The panorama is laid out at the design stage in order to take into account both the specifics of installation and the requirements for floors, since regardless of the type of glazing, stained glass cannot serve as a support.
• In addition to conventional heating, you will need underfloor heating in the area of ​​panoramic windows or convectors. Even heated windows by themselves will not heat the room.
• You shouldn’t skimp on materials and professional installers; with the total cost of glazing being hundreds of thousands, a couple of dozen won’t make a difference and will spoil your blood.

Specific calculations, formulas, stained glass options and a lot of debates in which the truth is born are available on FORUMHOUSE, in the branches: “Glass and double-glazed windows” and “Panoramic glazing”. This is where the flight of creative thought and professional advice from respected Rexther, Gagsuv, Chudodesert, RuslanR, Glazier 152 and other aces are. And be sure to watch our video, where a carpentry technology specialist tells how to make fabulous window openings in a log house.

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Tip 5: Safety is a must!

The fact that glass should be energy-saving is quite obvious. But besides this, there are a number of requirements for glass for floor-to-ceiling windows:

• Glass must be safe from all points of view. It must withstand the impact of the ball during children's games and the impacts of heavy objects that uninvited guests can use to get inside. For this, it is better to use laminated triplex glass. Modern triplex can have any coating for sun protection and heat conservation. The film, which is located between the sheets of glass, will not allow the glass to shatter into sharp fragments and no one will get hurt, even if the glass breaks. Instead of or together with triplex, you can use tempered (heat-strengthened) glass. Its strength is 6 times greater than that of ordinary glass, and when broken, the glass crumbles into small, non-sharp pieces that are safe for humans.

Photo: breaking through a triplex to get inside is very difficult, time-consuming and energy-consuming - robbers will most likely abandon this idea

• The glass thickness for floor-to-ceiling windows should be from 6mm. The glass in a double glazed unit reacts very strongly to temperature changes and wind. Under the influence of these loads, the glass will bend, as a result of which the outer glass may come into contact with the inner one. Cracks are very likely to appear where the glass touches. To avoid these troubles, you need to calculate the thickness of the glass depending on the current loads - window company specialists will help with this.

Photo: in addition, the appearance of the house will be spoiled - the reflection in the double-glazed window will be like in a distorting mirror

The thicker the glass, the heavier the double-glazed window and the window as a whole. Casements in floor-to-ceiling windows can weigh much more than 100 kg, so choosing reliable fittings and the optimal opening method is very important.

Insulation

Panoramic window designs have a large glazing area, which contributes to significant heat loss. In this regard, craftsmen and premises owners pay increased attention to additional thermal insulation of such translucent elements. Most often, insulation is carried out in several stages :

• 
  Sealing and soldering of assembly seams.

• Installation of PSUL tape along the perimeter of the interface between the profile and the front part of the outer wall.
• Insulation of slopes using plastic or wooden overlays, which are fixed to polyurethane foam.
• Installation of the plinth where the floor meets the window profile.
• Installation of energy-saving polymer film “third glass”, which increases the thermal properties of the window by up to 30%.

Regardless of the quality of additional insulation of the window structure, before selecting, purchasing and installing an opening filling element, a project development is required, as well as a thermal engineering calculation of the room, taking into account all heat losses.

About insulation in detail in this article.

Tip 6: You need to design!

Due to their large size, floor-to-ceiling windows are subject to heavy loads - wind and from the weight of double-glazed windows. The equipment for these structures cannot be selected “by eye”. The thickness of the glass, the thickness of the profile, the weight of the sashes must be calculated taking into account the location of the object.

Be sure to calculate:

• Windows with an area of ​​up to 4 sq.m., if they are located at a height of 1-2 floors
• Windows with an area of ​​over 3 sq.m., located on the 3rd-7th floors
• Starting from the 8th floor, you need to consider the strength of all window structures.

Economy class materials are not suitable for floor-to-ceiling windows.

Sometimes manufacturers try to reduce the load on the structure by using thin glass and reinforcement, and divide it into smaller parts with lintels. But many lintels are not a panoramic window. Should you trust such a manufacturer?

Specifications

Most window designs in panoramic design, which are supplied to Russia, differ in the following overall dimensions and technical characteristics :

• The area of ​​the continuous translucent element is up to 6 m2.
• The maximum length of one side of the window is up to 4 m.
• For radius design, the axle lengths or diameter should not exceed 2.5 m.
• Noise insulation – from 42 dB and above.
• The specific thermal conductivity of a double-glazed window is no less than 0.62 W/mC.
• The thickness of the profile in PVC version is from 70 mm or more.
• Mandatory presence of a reinforcing steel profile.
• The minimum thickness of the outer wall of the plastic frame is from 2.5 mm.
• The number of cameras in a double-glazed window is 1 or 2.
• The thickness of the glass is at least 6 mm on the outside, 5 mm in the center.
• The maximum permissible thickness of the air layer is from 16 mm.

The manufacturer pays special attention to the fittings of opening sashes. As a rule, such windows are made either in a blind version or with folding elements. If it is necessary to install a rotating structure, the maximum width of the sash is reduced to 900 - 1200 mm.

Tip 7: protection from cold and heat is a must!

Glass houses and large windows are not new in Finland and Norway, and winters there are not warm throughout the entire territory. The windows are simply selected so that the heat does not escape outside. Fortunately, with the modern development of the glass industry, this is not a problem.

Simple glass is absolutely not suitable for floor-to-ceiling windows; you definitely need energy-saving glass, or better yet, two such glasses in a double-glazed unit. Filling the internal chambers of the glass unit with inert gas and assembling the glass unit on a warm plastic frame will help to enhance the thermal insulation properties of double-glazed windows.

Let's just say that a window in the warmest configuration in terms of thermal conductivity is not much different from a wooden wall 200 mm thick.

Photo: a lot of solar heat penetrates into the floor through the huge windows

On the one hand, this is good - there is light in the house, and on a sunny winter day it is also an additional source of heat. But in the hot summer, the room will heat up to an unbearable temperature, and the upholstery will quickly fade. Therefore, if floor-to-ceiling windows face the sunny side, they must have solar control glass. The ideal option is multifunctional, it will protect from overheating and keep the heat inside.

Mirror-coated glass will help protect you from the curious glances of your neighbors during the daytime. In addition to sun protection properties, it has a mirror effect: all passers-by will see themselves in the windows, and not the owners. The privacy effect is maintained as long as it is brighter outside than in the room. Once the lights are turned on in the evening, you will have to use other methods to create privacy.

Tip 8: where to order?

A company that can be trusted to manufacture floor-to-ceiling windows must meet several requirements:

• At least five years of experience in the window market;
• Certified processor of a well-known profile system;
• Availability of design engineers on staff.

You shouldn’t be afraid of floor-to-ceiling windows; they need to be designed correctly. When the design is designed taking into account all the nuances and made from high-quality components, they will delight you for many years and give you an incredible feeling of unity with nature. It’s not for nothing that panoramic windows are so popular all over the world.