Frameless All-Glass Storefronts

A frameless storefront puts the glass first, with thick tempered glass, minimal rails and fittings, and frameless glass doors. It gives retail and office entrances an open, high-end look.

What makes a storefront frameless

Instead of glass set into aluminum mullions, a frameless storefront uses thick tempered glass panels joined with clear silicone or small clamps, held at the top and bottom in shallow channels or with patch fittings. Doors are usually frameless tempered glass on floor closers or pivots, with patch fittings at the corners. Glass fins can be added behind the joints to stiffen tall panels.

The result is a storefront that looks like a single sheet of glass, popular for retail brands, salons, showrooms and office lobbies.

Design considerations

Glass thickness. Typically 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch tempered, chosen for panel size and wind load.
Top and bottom support. Recessed channels, shoe rails or patch fittings, depending on the look and the structure.
Stiffening. Tall panels may need glass fins or a header to resist wind.
Energy performance. Single monolithic glass does not insulate like insulated glass, which can limit frameless storefronts on exterior walls under some energy codes.
Hardware finish. Satin or polished stainless, black, brass or other finishes for rails, patches and pulls.

Interior versus exterior

Frameless glass is used both outside and inside. Inside a mall or office building, energy codes rarely apply, and frameless fronts are an easy choice. On exterior walls, we check the energy code and wind loads first, and sometimes recommend a minimal-frame storefront with insulated glass that gives a similar look while meeting the code.

Installation

Frameless glass is heavy and unforgiving. Openings must be accurately measured and level, and the channels or fittings must be set precisely. We template the opening, fabricate glass to exact size with holes and notches for fittings, and install with lifting equipment and suction cups.