We design and fit glass partitions in Clerkenwell for offices, schools, surgeries, gyms, shops and studios. This page is for business owners, landlords and facilities managers who want to split up a space into rooms without losing the light or the open feel.
Here you will find the main partition types, the glass and door options, the rules on fire, sound and safety, what drives the cost and how to look after the glass. Our fitters are FENSA registered, and every job is backed by a 10-year guarantee. For the rest of our range, see our commercial glazing page, or visit our double glazing home page.
Why Businesses Choose Glass Partitions
A solid stud wall blocks light. Rooms on the inside of a building end up dark and need lights on all day. A glass wall lets daylight reach the middle of the floor, so the whole space feels bigger and brighter.
Glass also keeps people connected. Managers can see the team, and staff can see when a meeting room is free. At the same time, the right glass stops sound from carrying, so calls and meetings stay private.
Partitions are quick to fit and make little mess. Many systems can be taken down and moved if your team grows or your lease ends. That makes them a sound choice for landlords who fit out floors for new tenants.
Types of Glass Partition
We fit a range of systems. The right one depends on the look you want, the level of sound control you need and your budget.
- Frameless single glazed: sheets of toughened glass sit in a slim track at the floor and ceiling. The joints are clear or have a thin seal. This gives the cleanest look.
- Framed single glazed: a slim aluminium frame holds each pane. It is strong and suits busy areas such as schools and clinics.
- Double glazed: two panes with a gap between them. It gives much better sound control and can hide blinds in the gap.
- Fire-rated: special glass and frames that hold back fire and smoke for a set time. These are needed on many escape routes.
- Demountable: modular panels you can take apart and refit in a new layout.
- Mixed: glass above a solid lower panel, or glass beside a solid wall, where you want some privacy.
Frames come in any RAL colour, including black for a modern loft look. To match external doors, our aluminium doors use the same range of colours.
Doors, Privacy and Sound Control
Every partition needs a way in. You can choose from:
- frameless glass doors on pivots or patch fittings;
- glass doors in a slim aluminium frame;
- solid timber doors in a glazed screen;
- sliding glass doors where there is no room for a swing.
For privacy, we can add frosted bands, printed film with your logo, blinds in a double glazed unit or switchable glass that turns from clear to opaque at the touch of a button.
Sound is measured as an Rw rating in decibels. The higher the number, the less sound gets through. A single sheet of toughened glass gives modest control. Thicker acoustic laminated glass, or a double glazed partition, gives much more. For meeting rooms and HR offices, we look at the whole room: the glass, the door seals, the ceiling and the gap above it. Sound will find the weakest point, so every part must be sealed.
Fire, Safety and the Rules
Glass partitions must meet the Building Regulations. The parts that matter most are:
- Safety glass: all glass in partitions and doors must be toughened or laminated, so it breaks safely if hit.
- Markings: large glass panes need bands or dots at two heights so people do not walk into them. This also helps people with poor sight.
- Fire safety: partitions on escape routes, or between fire zones, may need fire-rated glass, frames, doors and seals. We fit tested systems and give you the certificates.
- Access: doors need enough clear width and easy handles for wheelchair users.
If you lease your space, check your lease. Most landlords ask to approve fit-out work. We can give you drawings and product data to send them. Building control may also need to see plans if the work affects fire escape routes.
What Drives the Cost of Glass Partitions
We do not show set prices, as each space is different. You get a written, fixed quote after a free survey, which you can book on our get a quote page. The cost depends on:
- Length and height: more glass means more cost, and tall panes need thicker glass.
- System type: frameless and double glazed systems cost more than simple framed ones.
- Glass spec: acoustic, fire-rated and switchable glass all cost more than plain toughened glass.
- Doors: each door, and the type of door, adds to the price.
- Extras: manifestation, logos, blinds and access control.
- Site work: uneven floors, raised floors and suspended ceilings may need extra work to fix the track.
- Timing: work out of hours, so your team can keep working, may add to the labour.
Payment stages are set out in the written quote.
How We Fit Glass Partitions
We visit the site to measure, check the floor, walls and ceiling and look at services such as lights, sprinklers and air vents. We then draw the layout and agree it with you. The glass is toughened to size, so we measure with care.
On site, we fix the head and floor tracks, set the glass, fit the doors and add seals and markings. A small office can often be done in a day or two. We clean up as we go and leave the space ready to use. The full process is on our how we work page.
Cleaning and Care
Glass partitions are easy to keep clean. Use a soft cloth and a mild glass cleaner. Do not use rough pads, as they can scratch the glass or damage films. Wipe door handles and push plates often, as they get the most use.
Check door closers and pivots once a year and adjust them if the door drifts or bangs. Fire doors should be checked on a set routine as part of your fire risk assessment. If a seal or film gets damaged, we can replace it without taking the wall down.
Choosing the Right Partition
Start with how the room will be used. A quiet room or a meeting room needs good sound control, so pick double glazed or acoustic glass. A team area may only need a single glazed screen to mark the space. A corridor on an escape route will need a fire-rated system.
Partitions also work well with the rest of your glazing. Our office glazing page covers windows and glass for the outside of the building, and our roller shutters page covers security for ground floor units. To learn more about our team, see our about us page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How well do glass partitions block sound?
It depends on the glass and how well the room is sealed. A single pane of toughened glass gives basic control. Acoustic laminated glass or a double glazed system blocks much more. Door seals, the ceiling and the void above it matter as much as the glass. We look at all of these so your meeting rooms stay private.
Can glass partitions be moved later?
Many can. Demountable systems are built in panels that clip or screw together, so we can take them down and refit them in a new layout. This suits growing teams and leased offices. Frameless glass that is set in silicone is harder to move. Tell us if you expect to change the layout, and we will pick a system to suit.
What maintenance do glass partitions need?
Very little. Clean the glass with a soft cloth and a mild cleaner. Avoid rough pads. Check door closers, pivots and handles once a year and adjust them if needed. Fire-rated doors need regular checks as part of your fire risk assessment. Damaged seals or films can be replaced without taking the wall down.
How thick should the glass be?
For most office partitions, we use 10mm or 12mm toughened glass. Taller panes, or areas with more risk of knocks, may need thicker or laminated glass. Acoustic and fire-rated glass have their own build-ups. We work out the right thickness for the height, the use and the rules, and we explain the choice at the survey.
Do we need permission to fit glass partitions?
If you lease the space, your landlord will most likely need to approve the work. Building control may need to see plans if the partitions affect fire escape routes or fire zones. Planning permission is not normally needed for internal work, unless the building is listed. We can provide drawings and product data to help.
