Safety railings have come a long way from their metal and wooden predecessor. Glass railings combine modern style with critical safety features. From top railing to frameless, there is plenty of design versatility to choose from. Glass railings aren’t just for stairs either. You can find them on decks and balconies too.
Glass safety railings aren’t just for commercial settings. They’re a great fit for residential homes too. In both settings, glass railings are best used where clear sightlines and secure barriers are important. But how do you make design decisions about glass railings with safety in mind?
With any glass railing design, code requirements and load ratings must be met. Meeting these local building codes is critical for a safe building and stable railings.
Local building codes include railing height, spacing, and strength. There is a minimum height, space, and strength that must be met for railings to be considered safe. This may vary by location, building type, and way the railing is used.
Having glass railings designed with safety in mind is easy with professional grade glass and proper installation. The combination of these two supports overall compliance and safety while meeting style or design specifications.
Glass type and edge treatments are two aspects of glass railing design that impact both the look and safety of your glass railings. Material choice reduces injury risk without sacrificing visual appeal. Both tempered glass or laminated safety glass are made to withstand impact.
Tempered glass is better suited to railings where high winds or impacts are a factor. Laminated glass provides a layer of protection. If the glass breaks, the pane as a whole tends to stay intact because it’s adhered to a middle plastic layer.
Polished or bevel edges add a hint of style while maximizing safety by smoothing out the edges.
Secure mounting systems are where style meets function for glass railings. Having secure brackets and hand rails are a must, otherwise they won’t meet safety requirements. Choosing and properly installing hardware and anchoring can greatly improve the stability of glass railings.
Hardware choice in glass railings is both versatile and customizable. State Wide Glass selects hardware that blends with design, delivering lasting stability. We’ll also take maintenance preferences and aesthetics in mind so railings are safe, stylish, and easy to maintain. Special coated or reinforced hardware can protect railings from being overly impacted by high traffic or the elements.
Safety railings don’t have to be one-size-fits-all and you don’t have to settle for railings that don’t fit your exact style and functional requirements. Or worse yet, getting stuck with railings that aren’t up to code. With modern glass and expert craftsmanship, you can create safe, stylish railings that are as eyecatching or low profile as you prefer.
State Wide Glass can do just that. We’ve had years of experience in designing and installing code-compliant glass railing systems. If you're looking for safe and elegant railing solutions, you need experienced and trusted glass experts. Get in touch with State Wide Glass.
Ready to upgrade your home or business in the Greater Houston, Texas area? Request your free quote now and see how our custom glass solutions can transform your space!
