Frameless Shower Doors

Frameless Glass Partitions: Design, Fabrication & Installation Guide

Frameless glass partitions offer a sleek, modern alternative to traditional framed walls. Whether used in office environments, bathrooms, or luxury retail spaces, they provide a clean aesthetic, improved natural light flow, and flexible spatial solutions. Here’s everything you need to know about designing, fabricating, and installing frameless glass partitions.

Design

Importance of Good Design

A successful frameless glass partition starts with thoughtful design. Poor planning can lead to installation delays, safety risks, and unsightly results. Good design considers safety, aesthetics, structural support, and jobsite conditions.

1.2 Design Considerations

• Glass Support: Avoid hinging doors off unsupported panels. If a fixed glass panel is used as the hinge point, it must be structurally supported—ideally with U-channels, clamps, or a ceiling-to-floor header system.

• Wall Conditions: Always check the straightness (not just plumb) of walls. Even a plumb wall can bow, which may misalign pivot points and cause operational issues or slippage.

• Hardware Selection: Hardware must be matched to glass thickness and door weight. CRL recommends a maximum of three hinges per door, and never exceeding the hardware's rated capacity.

• Opening Geometry: For unusual angles (non-90°), consider adjustable pivot hinges or top/bottom pivot systems. Custom angled pivot pins are available for off-standard geometries.

• Accessibility and Clearances: Ensure towel bars, knobs, and structural projections don’t interfere with door swing or function.

1.3 Hardware and Finish Selection

CRL offers over 20 finishes and a wide range of hinge styles: wall mount, glass-to-glass, top and bottom pivots. Use CRL’s hardware charts to select compatible parts based on your chosen glass thickness—from 1/4" (6mm) to 1/2" (12mm).

Visual Planning

Use center-line measurements to design layouts. Consider imaginary lines for openings without physical surfaces, such as transoms or floating headers, to accurately place cutouts, holes, and joint details.

Fabrication & Installation

Measuring and Planning

• Measure Twice: Use a level, plumb bob, and fractional calculator to ensure precision. Confirm all “ins” and “outs” for level and plumb conditions.

• Center-Line Method: Always calculate from the centerline of the glass, not the curb or tile edge. This ensures consistency in deductions across varied glass thicknesses.

• Templates: For complex enclosures or off-angle returns, template the angles to ensure precision when cutting glass or drilling for hardware.

Fabrication Tips

• Deductions: Use proper deductions for door clearance, seals, and hardware. For instance, side-mounted hinges typically require 3/8" width deduction; bottom clearances vary based on threshold and wipe used (from 7/16" to 1-1/8").

• Cutout Accuracy: Match hinge cutouts to the centerline spacing and location as per CRL templates. Always double-check measurements before glass tempering.

• Seals and Wipes: Plan for optional but recommended seals to reduce water leakage and improve performance. CRL offers polycarbonate and vinyl options that blend with the glass finish.

Installation Guidelines

• Preparation: Ensure walls have wood backing or proper anchors. Clean all surfaces. Do not use power tools near glass panels.

• Hinge Alignment: Misaligned hinges cause slippage and uneven door swing. Use shims behind hinge plates when walls are bowed.

• Glazing: For fixed panels, use either U-channel or clamps. Silicone the bottom and vertical channels, but avoid over-siliconing. Provide proper clearances and setting blocks.

• Final Checks: Once installed, test door swing, apply silicone, and clean thoroughly. Consider leaving a squeegee and care instructions with your client for long-term satisfaction.

Pro Tip: Always refer to CRL’s technical guides and hardware selection charts for up-to-date best practices and compatibility when working with frameless glass partitions.