Choosing the right components for your Glass Balustrade

A glass balustrade creates light and a feeling of space as well as acting as a safety barrier/railing.

With many styles of glass balustrade available, sometimes it can be difficult to know which style would best suit your building project. Depending on the purpose of the glass balustrade and also of its location, there may be certain types that lend themselves best to your project.

Once you have decided on the style (frameless, infinity, spigot, post and rail, glass button – just to name a few), you then need to decide on the balustrade components you need.

The type of balustrade fittings are key and this is a decision you need to get right as well as understanding the type of glass panels you will also need.

The balustrade components you select will affect the design and aesthetics as well as the safety. You must have the correct fittings and glass in place.

 

What are glass clamps?

The role of glass clamps is to keep the glass panels in place, preventing it from sliding/moving. These days, glass balustrades are common place in both commercial and domestic settings. From staircases, around swimming pools, across balconies, around decked areas etc, glass railings are practical, safe and affordable.

 

Which clamps do I need for my glass balustrade?

A glass balustrade will normally contain toughened 10mm thick glass panels, this is vital for safety reasons.
The style of clamps you choose will depend on the look you want to create as they have different finishes and positions in the structure. It is best to research the different clamps available and which you need for your project and check if you are unsure before you buy.

 

Which size glass clamps do I need?

The glass clamp sizes you need depends on the thickness and width of the glass you are installing. It is always best to check this with your balustrade supplier.

 

How do I fit glass clamps on my glass balustrade?

Like with all glass installations, the importance of thoroughly checking your fixing points is vital, you must ensure they are equal. The result of bad planning can mean that the balustrade does not sit correctly.

When fitting your glass clamps, it is possible to attach the glass panels to the balustrade yourself. Be mindful that, while the glass panels look great, they are also primarily installed for safety reasons, so you need to ensure that your glass clamps are correctly installed. If you need support on how to measure for your glass balustrade, read our page on this.

 

Should I opt for a handrail on my glass balustrade?

Well, whether you need handrail for your glass balustrade will depend on where your balustrade is located and its purpose. For example, if it is a staircase barrier, you will need a handrail for safety reasons. If it is a glass fence of a decked area or swimming pool, you probably would opt for a frameless glass balustrade as there isn’t a safety need for a handrail.

 

 

Origin Architectural are a leading UK supplier of Glass Balustrades. We are ere to help you plan your project, check out our Glass Balustrades page for examples of the different systems we offer. Try our Balustrade Designer tool on our website for an instant quote.