A glass balustrade can instantly enhance the style and function of your staircase. These glass railings are perfect for use in staircase designs as well as balconies and pools; providing an eco-friendly solution to remodelling your home.
If you’re researching the safety of glass balustrades, then it’s likely you already see the appeal of glass panels but are concerned about whether they are durable enough to ensure yours and your family’s safety. After all, glass is considered to be a fragile material. However, glass balustrades are actually extremely durable and designed with safety in mind.
At Trade Glass Depot, we use a very strict quality testing process to meet and exceed national safety regulations. To clarify any safety concerns you have about installing glass balustrades, we’ll discuss the benefits from a safety perspective in this article.
What are glass balustrades?
A glass balustrade provides a safety barrier commonly used on staircases, balconies, and for pool fencing. Glass balustrades can be fully framed, semi-frameless or fully frameless, depending on your choice of aesthetic. The glass panels used in glass balustrades are incredibly versatile and durable. We use Grade A toughened glass panels for extra durability and safety.
Benefits of glass balustrades in your home
Glass balustrades are an ideal solution for anyone wanting a modern finish to their home or backyard. Whether it’s for use on a staircase, balcony, or around a swimming pool, these glass panels provide plenty of benefits including:
Enhanced safety
Glass balustrades are safe due to the fact they are made of a thick tempered glass which is designed to not crack or shatter on impact. They also provide a barrier to stop yourself, small children and pets from falling off the edge of your staircase or balcony. Australian Standards mean glass balustrades must comply with strict safety regulations. Choosing a professional trade glass supplier like TGD ensures that your glass balustrades will be manufactured and installed under stringent quality measures.
Unrestricted views
One of the main reasons that people enjoy glass balustrades is because they provide excellent views. Glass panels means you can enjoy uninterrupted views of the scenery from your balcony, as well as create the illusion of a bigger space. Using a glass balustrade around a pool or on a staircase allows you to enjoy the craftsmanship of these spaces without having anything hindering the view. For pools, this can also count as an added safety feature, as it makes it easier to watch and supervise children.
More lighting
Dark staircases can be dangerous, as it’s easier to lose your foothold if you can’t see the steps properly. The natural light provided by glass balustrades allows you to see steps more clearly without casting a shadow as you mount them. Glass panels on staircases also reduce your need for artificial lighting.
Low maintenance and durable
Glass balustrades are easy to maintain, only requiring occasional cleaning. Since the posts or fittings that hold the glass panels are made from non-corrosive materials, all you have to do is clean your glass panels with a mild detergent and seal with a glass protectant for long-term shine. We recommend EnduroShield.
Glass balustrades and safety
If you are convinced that a glass balustrade is right for your home, with TGD you can rest assured that you are getting a system that is extremely safe and built to Australian Standards.
The NCC (the Australian Building Codes Board) have strict conditions that need to be met in order for any manufacturer to design and install glass balustrades. These conditions include:
- Balustrades must be at least one metre high, where the balcony is more than one metre above the surface beneath. This prevents people from falling.
- The gaps between panels should not allow a 125mm sphere to pass through or be capable of restricting the passage of children.
- When installed in areas with a fall greater than 4m, balustrades should not have any horizontal or near-horizontal parts that can allow children to climb.
- The balustrade and glass panels must be of suitable strength and compliant to national standards. TGD uses Grade A Safety Glass toughened panels and marine-grade stainless steel fixings, compliant to Australian safety standards.
We always work closely with our clients to ensure the safe design and installation of our glass balustrades and to make sure that our glass fencing solutions are in line with your requirements. If you wish to check the safety of glass balustrades, you should always look to an expert manufacturer that is compliant to Australian Standards and who quality-tests their glass and materials via an independent certifier.
Improve safety with glass balustrades
Ready to choose glass balustrades for your home? Then make sure you choose Trade Glass Depot to ensure you’re getting the best quality materials and safety guarantee. Contact us today for a quote.
