Whether you are looking for a balustrade for your home terrace or you want a barrier to encircle an outdoor seating terrace at a hotel, restaurant or bar, glass balustrades should be at the top of your list.
We’re going to look at what you need to consider when you’re choosing your glass balustrades, as well as explain why they are one of the best options available.
Let’s begin with the main considerations when choosing your glass balustrade.
Safety
Naturally, safety is at the top of the list. There are several elements to consider when it comes to safety.
The first is the type of glass used for the balustrade. In the UK, toughened glass is required in any commercial setting. If you are opting for frameless glass balustrades, it is best practice to use toughened laminate glass.
In addition, you need to consider the thickness of the glazing. The glass can be a little thinner (10mm–19mm) for framed glass balustrades versus unframed ones (13.5mm–21.5mm).
The height of your glass balustrades is also important. If you are installing glass balustrades on an outdoor terrace that is open to the public, for instance, you will need your barrier to be at least 1100mm tall.
Depending on the location – such as a rooftop terrace – you may want a glass balustrade that is higher than that. In this instance, framed glass balustrades are likely to be your best option as they can be manufactured to up to 2400mm tall.
Under building regulations, you also need to make it apparent that there is glazing in place. This might mean installing a railing halfway up your balustrade, for example.
When you are working on any commercial construction project, you will know the importance of adhering to the relevant published standards in relation to every element of your building, including the glazing used for balustrades.
Design
The main design choice is whether you have framed or frameless glass balustrades. As we’ve explained, frameless glass balustrades cannot be as tall as their framed counterparts, so in some situations the safety requirements may make this decision for you.
Once you have tackled the safety implications of each option, the choice is largely aesthetic. Frameless glass balustrades can work especially well in contemporary settings, for instance.
5 Benefits of glass balustrades over other materials
Now let’s look at the benefits of choosing glass balustrades over other materials.
Unimpeded views
This is one of the biggest advantages to choosing glass balustrades, especially on a terrace. Glass is, naturally, transparent, which means those sitting on your terrace can enjoy full panoramic views of their surroundings.
Although this might initially seem most relevant to roof terraces, it also applies to decked areas in gardens, for instance, where you may want to be able to see the flowers and trees in the surrounding outdoor space.
Ease of cleaning
Glass is very easy to clean – and it is also very easy to see when it needs cleaning. As it is a completely flat, smooth surface, dirt and grime does not attach to it in the same way it might to, say, wood.
From a maintenance perspective, it is typically relatively quick to clean a glass balustrade and keep it looking at its best.
Durability
When cared for correctly, glass balustrades can last for years. Toughened glass doesn’t warp or rot in the way that wood might. By its nature, it is also resistant to damage if it’s knocked or hit.
As long as your glass balustrades are installed by a professional team, and you maintain them with regular cleaning, they can look as good as the day they were fitted decades after being installed.
Protection from the weather
In outdoor locations, such as on terraces, glass balustrades provide a completely wind-proof solution. This is clearly important if your terrace is elevated above ground level.
This can ensure that your guests or patrons can enjoy your outdoor space in comfort, even if it is a windy day and that they can still make the most of the views.
If you’re located in one of the windiest areas of the UK, such as on the coast in Scotland, Cornwall or the Isle of Wight, you may therefore find that glass balustrades are particularly helpful for making your outdoor terrace usable more often.
Security
By its very nature, glass is difficult to climb – after all it is slippery and there is no easy way to get purchase on the surface.
This means if you have a high glass balustrade around your terrace, even if it is at ground level, you will be afforded some additional security as it is harder for people to climb over this kind of barrier than a fence or railings, for instance.
