For many people, glass balcony railing systems have become the ultimate choice in chic, luxury home decoration. Their growing popularity over traditional hardwood and cable deck railing options demonstrate this. Glass railings exude a chic elegance and modern sophistication that is difficult to match.
Glass railings are popular because they allow you to see through them and enjoy an uninterrupted view. They are usually visible in high-rise apartment buildings and other public places where privacy is not an issue. In other areas, however, people prefer them frosted. This versatility also contributes to glass balcony railings being one of the top choices in today’s markets.
However, the variety of glass railing options available can make it difficult to select the best one for your home. This is especially true if you are unfamiliar with the features of each or what to expect from your selection. So, how do you select the best glass balcony railing for you?
Adding a Glass Railing to a Balcony
When working with a balcony, you are frequently working with a limited or narrow space. If that’s the case, you’ll need a flexible glass railing system that can work in a small space.
The options are numerous, but they can be divided into two styles. You can use a full glass railing that has been custom cut to fit your specific measurements, or you can use an easy-to-install kit that allows you to drop glass panes or balusters into a specially-designed railing system. Whatever option you choose, you’ll need the following:
Tempered glass: You don’t want glass that shatters when something hits it. Tempered glass is made to withstand abrasion. This is especially important on a balcony, where high winds and the possibility of tree branches or even birds flying into the glass are common.
Hardware: The hardware you use should be specifically designed for use with glass, as well as long-lasting and corrosion-resistant, such as stainless steel. Because the glass portion of your railing will last for years, you want your hardware to last as long.
Ease of installation: Unless you choose a manufacturer who makes kits with precut panels and a drop-in system, you won’t be able to install glass railing yourself. This is the most effective method for making your own glass railing. Otherwise, you’ll need to select a system from a company that will send a professional to your home to install it.
While you’ve probably seen advertisements for completely frameless glass railings, I’ve found that this style is usually a tricky and frustrating project for the homeowner, requiring careful measuring of the glass and eventually bringing in a professional to install it.
A glass railing without a top rail can also feel unsafe to some people. For all of these reasons, I recommend a glass panel railing system with posts and top and bottom rails.
It provides a sense of security while opening the view and is simple to install.
Considerations When Use Glass Railings
A major consideration when working on a balcony is whether your glass railing meets the minimum height requirement. Balcony railings must be at least 36 inches high, which is the same as the height requirement for most decks and porches. Remember the following when working with glass:
For glass measurements, there is no room for error: If you’re using custom-cut glass, keep in mind that you’ll have very little leeway with the measurements. If your calculations are off, you may end up with inoperable panels.
You won’t be able to return those panels if they were custom cut. While the general rule is to measure twice, cut once, in this case, you want to measure twice and then have someone else double-check your measurements to avoid making an expensive mistake.
Keep the 200-pound load weight in mind: On balconies, the railing must be able to withstand a minimum of 200 pounds of pressure. Glass has a lower load weight than other materials, so ensure that the glass you buy can withstand that level of pressure.
If you’re purchasing glass for railings, this shouldn’t be an issue because railing manufacturers will ensure that their glass meets the basic railing standards.
Consider the environment: If you live in an area with a lot of birds, such as a forest or a more rural area, you must accept that animals may fly into the glass if you don’t find a way to keep them from flying too close.
One popular method I’ve seen is to place realistic-looking owl figures on the balcony to scare away smaller birds.
Tinted glass, as well as placing stickers on the glass, can help with this. You may also find it easier to keep birds from flying into the glass if your railings have a top and bottom rail rather than being completely frameless.
TYPES OF GLASS BALCONY RAILINGS
Installing glass railing is a great way to add value and a sense of luxury to any space. Many people believe that installing quality glass deck railing on their balconies, decks, patios, and porches is the simplest way to accomplish this.
Glass decking panels are used to enhance a variety of structures, including homes and commercial properties. This is because homeowners see them as a sophisticated, low-maintenance option that blends in with any exterior style and doesn’t require a lot of repair or upkeep.
Glass deck railing systems come in a variety of styles. Each type has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. That being said, the types listed below are some of the best options for homeowners looking to add value and beauty to their homes while also lowering maintenance costs. These are some examples:
Frameless Glass Balcony Railing
If you have a beautiful view and want to keep it uninterrupted, frameless glass deck railing systems are the way to go. These systems have glass deck panels with no frame border. This allows you to enjoy stunning views that are not obstructed by visible support structures.
As a result, a frameless glass deck railing is the preferred option for any balcony, deck, or rooftop terrace. Even better, these systems can be tailored to your specific needs. This will allow you to make the most of your observations.
Framed Glass Balcony Railings
If you have a beautiful view and want to keep it uninterrupted, frameless glass deck railing systems are the way to go. These systems have glass deck panels with no frame border. This allows you to enjoy stunning views that are not obstructed by visible support structures.
As a result, a frameless glass deck railing is the preferred option for any balcony, deck, or rooftop terrace. Even better, these systems can be tailored to your specific needs. This will allow you to make the most of your observations.
Modern Glass Balcony Railings
Modern glass balcony railings are similar to any other type of glass paneling. The only difference is that these panels are typically treated to make maintenance and cleaning easier.
Tempered Glass Balcony Railing
Tempered glass is simply glass that has been hardened with heat. A special heating and cooling process transforms ordinary pre-cut glass into panels that are more difficult to break, scratch, or otherwise damage.
Tempered glass can be up to six times stronger than regular glass. In addition, if it does break, the glass panels will shatter into small pieces rather than large chunks. This safety feature reduces the risk of injury from shards of broken glass.
Clear panels on tempered glass railings allow you to enjoy any view without distractions. This is the best option if you want a beautiful deck railing that is also safe for children and small pets. Because tempered glass railings are designed with very small gaps between the panels, small heads and limbs are less likely to become stuck.
These glass panels are also a popular choice for making unframed glass railings for commercial buildings. Inox Star Hardware, which offers a wide range of options for frameless glass panels, is the best option for you here.
STRUCTURAL GLASS BALCONY RAILINGS
Full glass balcony railings are currently one of the most popular options. These balustrade systems are installed on top of or against the fascia of a balcony floor using base shoes, glass adapters, or floor glass clamps. The infill is always glass, and the glass edge can be covered with a U-profile or U-profile tube.
A round stainless steel or wooden handrail can also be added. Handrail brackets that go between two glass panels or through the glass are used to mount these. There are numerous advantages to using a glass balustrade as a balcony fence.
The structure is very strong and transparent, allowing for a beautiful view. Do you want more privacy? Make use of colored, patterned, or frosted glass.
BALCONY RAILINGS WITH BALUSTERS
If you choose to use balusters in a balcony railing, you can also achieve transparency.
Simply combine stainless steel or aluminum baluster posts from our Q-line, Square Line, or Duo Line series with glass infill. You can fit the infills with glass clamps or spider glass adapters. But you can also opt for a different kind of infill, such as bars, cables, or stainless steel web.
This creates a modern industrial look and the result is very strong and safe.
JULIET BALCONY RAILING
Fall protection is also required for full-length inward-opening windows on the upper floors. A Juliet balcony is the name given to this type of balustrade. Private homes must be at least 80 cm tall, while apartment buildings, schools, offices, and public buildings must be at least 110 cm tall.
Glass is also becoming increasingly popular for Juliet balconies. There are numerous mounting options and styles to choose from. Easy Glass View, for example, has aluminum profiles that can be mounted on the facade, doorway, or frame. These contribute to the balcony railing being virtually invisible. A similar effect can be achieved by attaching the glass infill of a Juliet balcony to the facade.
PROS GLASS BALCONY RAILING
1. Requires minimal maintenance
Glass railing systems, unlike other types of decking materials, do not require repeated painting or finishing to increase their durability. Because decks are constantly exposed to the elements, this is an important consideration.
2. Protection against Rust
Nothing used in the installation of glass railing systems, from the glass panels to the posts and other stainless steel parts, will rust or corrode over time.
3. Improved Safety and Durability
Glass railings have numerous advantages from a practical standpoint. They don’t require much maintenance and can last for decades.
They’re also an excellent choice for balconies, decks, and raised platforms. Even after many years of use, glass railings do not rot or wear out. This means you can count on them to keep you safe for the rest of their lives.
Glass panels can withstand greater temperature extremes than other decking materials such as wood. They are also resistant to surface cracking.
Keep in mind that the majority of glass-based deck railings use tempered glass panels. When broken or cracked, this type of glass does not shatter. As a result, such systems are extremely safe and long-lasting.
4. Excellent visibility
Transparent glass panels, unlike other decking materials, do not obscure your view of the surrounding area. This lends it a pleasantly elegant and chic appearance..
5. Easy Installation
Installing a glass railing is a simple task. It does not require any digging or prep work to be installed. All you need is your preferred glass panel, some posts, base shoes, and spacers, and you’re ready to go.
CONS OF GLASS BALCONY RAILING
Glass railing has only one significant disadvantage: it is slightly more expensive. While not exactly prohibitively expensive, these systems are more expensive than wooden railings.
The main reason for this is that glass railings come in a variety of trendy designs. Because so many people regard glass panels as the more stylish and fashionable option, they will always be more expensive.
HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR GLASS BALCONY RAILING
Dirt, dust, and rain spots tend to accumulate on any glass surface over time. As a result, it is critical to clean your glass railing panels in order to keep them clear and your view looking its best. Because glass railings are constantly exposed to the elements, regular maintenance ensures their safety and durability.
Maintaining your glass balcony railing entails a few steps, which include:
1. Visual Examination
Once a month, inspect all railing supports and brackets for signs of wear. Take the necessary steps to tighten them if they are loose. However, because the majority of these components are typically made of aluminum, corrosion is not an issue.
Additionally, ensure proper drainage around the railing base. Water damage could cause rotting around the deck-to-post connection, weakening and endangering the entire railing system. ‘
Don’t forget to keep the balcony floor and underlying waterproof membrane in good condition. You should also check these components on a regular basis, whether they are on the ground or covered. Because the membrane may develop cracks and holes if not properly inspected and maintained.
As a result, the structural safety and integrity of your deck or balcony may be jeopardized. That’s a terrifying thought to have, especially if you live or work in a high-rise building!
2. Cleaning
Once in a while, use a mixture of water and dish soap to clean the glass panels. You could also do this with any glass cleaning product. Another useful DIY solution to remember is vinegar and water. This acidic solution is excellent for cleaning glass and killing mold and germs.
If water spots bother you, you can easily remove them with a gentle squeegee after any rainfall.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Glass railings can be more expensive to install, but it all depends on the situation. As a result, a glass railing system installed on a small balcony will be much less expensive than one installed on a large outdoor deck or pool area.
However, the cost of glass balcony railings is divided into three parts: the cost of the actual glass panels, the hardware, and installation (if you work with a professional).
A glass railing system will typically cost between $600 and $800 per linear foot. Glass panels can cost up to $200 per linear foot, hardware can cost up to $80 per linear foot, and a contractor can cost up to $200 per linear foot to install.
Purchase Inox Star Hardware products to ensure you get the best deal possible.
The price of a glass balcony railing is determined by the following factors:
- The material quality of the parapet and railings
- The unique design of them (unique films, specific glass, posts, and handrails)
- The exact dimensions of the balcony railing (height and width)
- Who does the assembly? In other words, you can have it assembled or installed by a professional.
We provide glass balcony railings made of various types of glass based on the specific needs of our customers. On the one hand, there’s toughened safety glass, which is well-known.
It is heated to extremely high temperatures and then rapidly cooled. This ensures that it is particularly break- and impact-resistant and that it can withstand a wide range of temperatures and, most importantly, temperature differences. If it breaks, it disintegrates into many small, harmless pieces, reducing the risk of injury.
CONCLUSION
Overall, a glass balcony railing system is a great option that can be used in a variety of situations. It is inexpensive, simple to maintain, and adds a subtle touch of elegance and sophistication to any property.
If you are considering installing glass railing in your home, it is always a good idea to work with experienced professionals who can provide you with good value for money.
