Many homeowners like to use glass balustrading in their home because of its modern appearance and overall aesthetic qualities. Whilst this structure is primarily for safety reasons, glass is often chosen for the fact that it provides a seamless and uninterrupted view through the staircase. But what type of glass should be used for balustrading?
Standard: For standard balustrading, strengthened and laminated glass should be used. This type is coated with a thin film of plastic that is completely invisible to the human eye. If the glass were to be broken, however, this plastic will keep all of the pieces together.
Cantilever: For balustrading that is intended to bear the full load of the coping or handrail, toughened glass panels should be used. Also known as structural glass, these panels are set into metal channels in the treads of the staircase or the floor.
As balustrading is, ultimately, used for safety purposes, it is important that you are aware of regulations that dictate the glass’s strength, maximum gaps, height and panel size to ensure that yours complies. If you are unsure about what these regulations are, speak with your staircase specialist who should be able to provide you with the relevant advice.
The first step in determining what type of glass should be used in your balustrading project is to work out whether it will be required to withstand a fair bit of weight or whether it is for more decorative purposes. You will then be able to choose between laminated and toughened glass, depending on your needs.