Creating a glass balustrade: focus on a current project
In recent years, more and more homeowners have been installing transparent glass balustrades for their terraces and balconies. This aesthetic choice offers greater luminosity and visibility than traditional opaque materials. However, creating an all-glass railing raises technical challenges requiring the intervention of qualified professionals.
Customer motivations
Our customers generally wanted to replace their old balcony balustrade with a more modern, designer model. Their aim was to bring more light into the room, and provide an unobstructed view of the surrounding landscape, while ensuring the required safety. Glass seemed the ideal material to meet both aesthetic and functional requirements.
Many of our customers also call on us to install glass pool railings. These elements protect access to the pool, preventing drowning. Our customers' requests include glass stair railings. Railings Glass has already completed numerous projects for both private and professional customers.
Choice of materials
To meet the technical requirements and specifications of the project, several alternative materials were studied. Different types of glass were considered: tempered glass, laminated glass, laminated glass. Each offered its own advantages in terms of safety, thickness and maintenance.
Our technicians analyze the specifics of the project and the constraints associated with its exposure (sunlight, bad weather). Colorless tempered glass, 10 mm thick, is often the most suitable material. This tempering process mechanically strengthens the surface of the glass, making it four times more resistant to impact than conventional glass.
For the load-bearing elements of glass balustrades, stainless steel has established itself as the most reliable material over time. Its resistance to corrosion, even in a maritime environment, and its durability guarantee the long-term durability of the structure. Its mechanical qualities enable it to withstand the weight of glass, even after years of exposure to the elements.
The design phase
First and foremost, precise plans of the balcony had to be drawn up to determine the exact dimensions of the future glass railing. 3D simulations were then used to visualize the final rendering and validate the arrangement of the various balustrade elements. Several models were proposed to the customer, so that he could choose the most aesthetically pleasing design.
Glass cutting and machining
Once the quotation had been approved, the manufacturing phase began. The glasses were first cut to size using a diamond saw. Holes were then drilled in some of them to insert stainless steel posts. This machining stage requires precision and meticulousness for optimum results.
On-site assembly
Finally came the key moment of on-site assembly. The posts were fixed into the concrete of the balcony using special resins. Next, the glass panes were interlocked and wedged securely between the metal uprights. Transparent silicone gaskets sealed the whole assembly to ensure a watertight seal.
Customer satisfaction
Today, the job is complete and the customer can take full advantage of his new glass balustrade. He's delighted with the result, which is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Thanks to this kind of innovative material, he can now admire the surrounding landscape in complete safety, enjoying an unobstructed view thanks to the transparency provided by glass.
