Glass balustrades are a popular way to transform your home and make it a safer and more enjoyable place to live, and good quality glass installations can even add value to your property. Here’s a look at the many benefits of upgrading your home with glass balustrades.
Less intrusive impact on the exterior of your home
Many homes have balconies or raised decking areas that are used to provide an extension of outdoor/indoor living space. Sometimes they may be the only area of outdoor space in urban areas where it is not possible to have a garden.
As well as providing valuable extra space to relax, entertain guests, or place greenery, they increase the amount of light flow around your home, particularly when combined with French doors or sliding patio doors. However, if the barrier around the balcony is made from an opaque material or railings, this restricts the flow of light as well as obstructing the view.
When a balcony is added onto an existing home, or included in the design of a new building, traditional iron railings often do not look right or can impact negatively on the appearance of the home. Clear glass balustrades are much less intrusive and therefore an excellent option for both modern and period properties.
Safety
One of the most frequently asked questions about glass balustrades is “How safe are they?” This is understandable because glass is perceived to be a more fragile material than other types of building materials such as wood or metal. However, architectural glass is subject to strict testing and will have to meet stringent safety standards.
Architectural glass is either toughened or laminated, or sometimes a combination of both. Toughened glass, also known as tempered glass, is manufactured with an intense heating and cooling process that creates a very hard outer layer.
It is able to withstand forceful impacts and in the event that it does break, it will shatter into blunt fragments rather than dangerous sharp pieces. Laminated glass has a central PVB layer that is designed to hold the glass panes together if they do break.
If the balustrade is required to protect falls from height, laminated glass may be specified in the building regulations.
Durability and ease of maintenance
Architectural glass is toughened or laminated as this not only makes it very safe, but also very durable and easy to maintain. It is scratch resistant and will withstand most accidental knocks and scrapes. It will not be corroded by extreme weather conditions if the installation is correctly chosen for its intended use and fitted by a professional installer.
Unlike wood or metal barriers that require regular waterproofing treatment or painting to keep them in good condition, glass balustrades are much easier to maintain. The smooth surface is designed to repel dirt and moisture, so they simply need to be wiped down with a mild detergent and buffed to a shine to keep them clean and sparkling.
Customisable designs
Glass balustrades can be customised to fit in with your existing decor and architectural features, or designed to be as unobtrusive as possible. This effect is achieved in two main ways: through the use of framed or frameless glass balustrades, or possibly also through a semi-frameless option.
The framing and hardware can be coordinated with other features, such as wooden posts and handrails to complement wooden flooring or furniture. Metal posts and rails may suit a more contemporary property with an industrial interior decor scheme.
They create a sleek minimalist look that increases the sense of space and provides an effective safety barrier. In homes with young children or pets, solid glass barriers can be safer than traditional railings because there is no chance of the pet or infant slipping through stair bannisters or becoming trapped in railings.
The type and style of the glass can also be manufactured to suit a specific space, such as curved glass for a spiral staircase or semi-circular balcony or mezzanine floor. The thickness of the glass can sometimes be specified, depending on the location and purpose of the installation.
Improving home value
The advantages of glass balustrades, such as increased natural light and sense of space, and improved safety can add to the overall aesthetic and value of your property. They are a desirable contemporary feature that will show the home off to the best advantage and make it more attractive to potential buyers.
