Do you have a balcony, deck, or staircase that needs a barrier? The good news is that you can choose from a wide range of materials to create the perfect barrier or railing for your space. A popular option home and business owners are opting for is tempered glass.
Opting for glass to safeguard and accentuate your indoor and balcony areas blends in well with the glass pool fencing Albury homes are boasting. Typically referred to as glass balustrades, these solutions are popping up all over the place. This post takes a closer look at the top benefits of adding these to your balcony or staircase spaces.
What are Glass Balustrades?
In Australia, a balustrade is defined as a mandatory safety barrier that must be installed on all elevated structures over 1m high to prevent slip and fall injuries. This typically includes staircases, balconies, and decks. These barriers are usually made up of vertical posts (balusters) and a top handrail.
All balustrades must comply with stringent Australian Standards (AS 1170.1 and AS:1288) to ensure that structural strength and height are met. Balustrades can be made of a variety of materials, such as timber and stainless steel. Glass options are also popular and are typically made of toughened or laminated safety glass.
The thick glass panels used to make these balustrades vary between 10 and 15mm and are secured to the space using floor-mounted spigots or standoffs to create a seamless, minimalist look. Rails and posts can be made of aluminium or stainless steel to create rigid support without obstructing the view of the space.
Add a Touch of Style to Every Space
There are many good reasons why you should consider using glass to create the mandated balustrades in your space. Our team of interior designers has created a list of the top reasons why glass is a popular and functional material option well worth considering.
Glass can be Highly Durable
When you’re thinking about the best material for your balustrade, you may like the look of glass but at the same time be hesitant about how it will hold up in a high-traffic or outdoor space. A typical misconception is that glass applications are delicate and quick to break.
Fortunately, glass balustrades are made of tempered or laminated glass and are considerably tough. Timber is highly prone to pest infestation (especially termites) and, if not properly maintained, can become useless in only a few years.
Metals, on the other hand, are more prone to corrosion and rust and will need to be routinely painted and treated with rust-resistant paint. Glass balustrades don’t have any of these issues and are the more durable of the typical materials.
Maintenance is Quick and Easy
No matter what material choice you’re shortlisting for your balustrades, you’ll want an option that’s easy to clean and maintain. Opting for glass means that you’ll be choosing the easiest material to care for. Cleaning your glass balustrades is as simple as using a microfibre cloth and a soapy solution. Scratches can easily be polished out.
Allows for Constant Vision and Light
Another top reason to opt for glass as your preferred material choice is that, unlike timber or metal sheets, it won’t obstruct natural light or your view of the space. In fact, glass actually accentuates the amount of natural light that comes into the area.
This not only makes the space feel more open but also allows you to see the space behind the barrier, making it ideal for balconies, decks, and staircases. Glass also adds the illusion of space, which means you can easily use it to make a narrow staircase seem more spacious.
Increases the Safety in Your Space
Materials such as timber, wire, or stainless steel are designed with gaps in between their railings. This may look great, but it can be dangerous if you have small children or pets. Luckily, glass balustrades are solid and don’t have gaps where children can get hurt if they get stuck in the crevices of an open design. Glass is also harder for children to climb up and over.
Blocks Out the Wind
If you’re living in a part of Australia that sees a lot of wind, then you’ll be delighted to learn that glass balustrades serve as big windows that go a long way toward keeping wind out of the space. This is especially handy if you need to add a barrier to your balcony or staircase since it allows you to enjoy the outdoors without being overwhelmed by the wind.
Final Thoughts
It’s easy to see why glass balustrades are fast becoming the preferred choice for staircase, deck, or balcony barriers. Not only do they add a sense of safety to your space, but glass is also more durable and easier to maintain. In addition to this, glass also doesn’t block your vision, allowing natural light to flow freely through the space. Choosing glass as your material of choice will also add a touch of style to your space, instantly improving the aesthetic!