If your balustrade guards against a fall greater than 600mm, you should use either a handrail or laminated glass. Laminated glass consists of two pieces of glass bonded together, where one pane is designed to stay intact if the other fails.

The cost of a balustrade is largely influenced by the glass thickness. Generally, thicker glass is more expensive. Our stainless steel post systems are usually more affordable than frameless channel or spigot systems, as they typically use thinner glass.

The required glass thickness depends on the building's use and occupancy. Your glass should not move more than 25mm once a specific force is applied. For residential properties, the required force resistance is generally lower for internal balustrades (like stairs and landings) than for external ones (such as Juliet balconies or roof edges).

- Stainless steel posts for internal/external: 10mm toughened glass

- Frameless glass/glass spigots for internal: 12mm toughened glass

- Frameless glass/glass spigots for external with less than 600mm fall: 12mm toughened glass

- Frameless glass/glass spigots for external with more than 600mm fall with handrail: 15mm toughened glass

- Frameless glass/glass spigots for external with more than 600mm fall without handrail: 17.5mm toughened laminate glass

- Frameless glass/glass spigots for external with more than 600mm fall in exposed areas without handrail: 21.5mm toughened laminate glass

Our stainless steel products are primarily available in grade 304 or grade 316. Both grades look similar, but grade 316 offers greater corrosion resistance. Use grade 304 for internal balustrades and grade 316 for external ones. For areas near swimming pools or the sea, opt for mirror-polished grade 316 stainless steel to protect against chlorine and saltwater.

For most residential applications, 42mm posts/handrails are sufficient. However, for balustrades over 1.1m in height (such as privacy screens), 48mm posts/handrails may be necessary.

Most of our balustrade systems undergo required line load tests, and we can provide test certificates upon request. A line load test measures the pressure applied to the balustrade, which should not move more than 25mm within its fixing. The strength of a balustrade is determined by the fixing material and glass thickness.

 In areas accessible to children, gaps between structural glass panels should not allow a 100mm sphere to pass through. For structural channels, we recommend a 10mm gap between each panel.

Each glass panel should ideally be no wider than 1m or taller than 1.1m. This ensures the balustrade meets test requirements and is easy to install. Panel dimensions may vary slightly to fit the overall balustrade dimensions.

Measure the balustrade height from the finished floor level. For internal balustrades (stairs, landings, ramps, edges of internal floors), the height requirement for a private residential building is 900mm. For external balustrades (balconies, roof edges, external stairs), the height requirement is 1100mm.

 Unfortunately, we do not as standard but please speak with your representative and this may be a possibility. However, we can recommend installers across the country. Typically, measuring your balustrade is straightforward. Providing rough measurements and photos is usually enough for us to give you an accurate quote.

 Most balustrades we supply do not require planning permission. However, this may not always be the case (e.g., in conservation areas). We recommend checking with your local planning authority if you have any concerns.

 The effectiveness of a glass balustrade depends on the material it is fixed to. Small movements at the base can result in significant movement at the top of the glass. Issues often arise when fixing balustrades to timber or brickwork. Ensure timber is solid and structural, and avoid fixing too close to the edge of brickwork to prevent the brick from breaking.

 Our frameless channel features pre-drilled holes at the bottom, allowing water to drain instead of collecting within the profile. For frameless balustrades at the bottom of a slope, we also offer drainage blocks, which lift the profile from the ground and allow water to drain away.

All our glass panels are custom-made to fit your balustrade. We can supply glass in any dimension. Consider the following when deciding on glass dimensions:

- Ensure your glass can be securely fixed with your chosen system. Our technical team can advise you on this.

- We can supply shaped panels, such as those needed for stairs. While we have software to calculate panel shapes, it's better to produce templates after receiving your metalwork. You can then provide us with these templates or their drawings, and we will produce matching panels.

 We can powder coat your balustrade in any color from the RAL chart. Provide our sales team with the desired RAL color, and they will give you a quote.

Both the glass and metal components are very durable and designed to last for many years. Proper maintenance is crucial for the longevity of your balustrade. Stainless steel products, in particular, should be cleaned periodically with a stainless steel cleaner. The maintenance frequency depends on the environment. Near the sea, we recommend cleaning stainless steel every two months. In sheltered areas away from the sea or swimming pools, twice-yearly cleaning is sufficient.

At Precision Glassworks, we prioritize customer satisfaction and offer competitive, cost-effective glass balustrade solutions. Our detailed quoting service ensures you are not overcharged. The cost depends on various factors, such as the style and size of the balustrade. Use our online Balustrade Calculator for a tailored quote.

 We ensure the safety of our customers by rigorously testing all our products. Our toughened glass undergoes thorough testing to guarantee its safety for elevated areas, such as staircases. This provides peace of mind, knowing our products are reliable. For more information, see our test data or contact our team.