Glass Panel Door Design

According to Building Regulations, patio doors need to meet certain levels of thermal insulation standards to be approved. This means that continental Glass Curtains, single glazed tempered glass frameless panels, are unsuitable as external doors for the British housing market. How, then, are thermally compliant double-glazed frameless doors possible?

Patio doors are traditionally available as sliding or bi-folding panels.

Because sliding doors always remain fixed between the top and bottom runners, the frames can be very slim, perhaps frameless; the disadvantage of the system being that at least one of the panel widths is always present as a barrier to unrestricted access between home and patio. Bi folding doors open fully in concertina style to stack compactly at the side of the opening. The panels are hinged together, therefore frames are necessary for the hinges to be attached to the doors, particularly to strengthen the free edges that are not supported by the fixed top and bottom runners.

The frameless glass patio doors system has been based on the glass curtains method of using separate panels that slide and pivot, interlocking like jigsaw pieces when closed. When fully open, the doors are stored to the side of the opening, similar to stacking bifolds.

Frameless double-glazed doors do not provide such a purely uninterrupted view as can be achieved with single glazing. This is because the double glazed unit has to be sealed with a gasket that is approximately 20mm (less than 1 inch) wide. Insulated glass or double glazing has thermal and acoustic properties attributable to the a vacuum or special gas in the cavity between the inner and outer glass panels. A gasket needs to be reliably airtight to retain the gas or vacuum and to prevent humidity and condensation.

Decorative glass panels are ideal for both domestic and commercial applications. These interior products are a great way to add colour, style and glamour to your home or office.

Domestic Decorative Glass Panel Applications

There are many places in your home where you can use decorative glass panels. If you are planning to remodel your house, consider using cost effective panels in the following areas in your home:

Windows: Windows are a great place to use panels. They can not only give decorative effects but also privacy. Like shutters or drapers they also won't block natural light. The coloured versions can also brighten up your interiors.

Room divider: They can also be used as room dividers. Instead of placing a permanent wall as a divider, you can choose a design that blends in with the surrounding furnishings.

Fireplace screen: This is an excellent way to add a focal point to your interior. You can find specially made panels for fireplaces.

Doors: Give an old door new life by hanging a decorative glass panel.

Children's rooms: You can find many designs to use on windows and doors in children's rooms, with themes like sports, animals, and ballerinas available. You can find a variety of subjects and pictures and themes that suits kids of all ages and add some fun to their rooms. Arks, teddy bears and trains are common designs that are widely used on windows and doors in kid's rooms. This can give small children mental stimulation and provides them with something that they treasure and cherish forever.

These products are a cost effective way to add a focal point to any room in your house.

Commercial applications

Decorative glass panels also have a wide range of commercial applications. They are ideal for use at bar counters and in hotel reception areas. You can also use them on office doors. By using them on windows and walls in an office environment, you can really brighten up what would otherwise be a dull work space.