Fastening hardware and anchors are critical to the safety of a glass guardrail. The right choice depends on the actual support (concrete, wood, steel, hollow masonry...), the available thickness and the loads to be supported (thrust, wind, use).
Situations: which type of fastener to choose?
Solid, sound concrete support
Solid concrete is the most reliable support. Mechanical anchor bolts (expansion bolts) are generally used when concrete thickness and quality are sufficient. This is the most common solution for profile and baseplate systems. Discover our glass railing solutions.
- Expansion dowel (M10 / M12 / M16 depending on base plates and loads)
- Fast, ideal fixing on structural slabs
Cracked or old concrete, or limited thickness
In these cases, chemical sealing is often the safest solution: it limits stress on the substrate and offers excellent resistance to tearing if installation is correctly carried out (drilling, cleaning, dosing).
- Resin (epoxy or polyester) + A4 stainless steel threaded rod
- Anchoring depth adapted to substrate and loads
Hollow block, hollow brick, honeycomb masonry
Expansion dowels are often unsuitable for hollow supports. Chemical grouting with a sieve is preferred to distribute the resin and create a reliable anchor.
- Resin + sieve (sleeve) + threaded rod
- If the substrate is weak: provide a distribution plate or structural support.
Wood decking and wood structures
Fixing must be carried out in the supporting structure (joist / beam / wall), never just in the decking. Use lag bolts or structural screws, ideally stainless steel, depending on exposure.
- Lag bolts / structural screws (stainless steel A2/A4 depending on environment)
- Metal reinforcements recommended for high loads
Metal support (steel / aluminum)
On steel, through-bolting (with counterplate) or a welded plate is preferred, depending on design. Fasteners must be suitable for corrosion and environmental conditions. For compatible systems, consult: our glass railings.
- High-strength bolts (class 8.8 / 10.9) + suitable washers
- Anti-corrosion protection mandatory (galvanized / painted / stainless steel as appropriate)
Support with waterproofing, screed, tiling or insulation (ITE)
Fixing must reach the load-bearing support (concrete slab / structure). Never fasten a guardrail in screed, tiling or insulation alone. Provide spacers, sleeves and waterproofing.
Anchor types: examples and uses
Chemical seal (resin + threaded rod)
Recommended for old concrete, delicate substrates or hollow masonry (with sieve). Highly effective if installation procedure is followed.
Mechanical anchor bolt / stud
Quick fixing on quality solid concrete, suitable for plates and profiles when substrate thickness is sufficient.
Through bolting (counterplate)
Highly reliable when access is possible from both sides (steel, wood, certain slabs). The counterplate distributes force and secures anchoring.
Lag bolts / structural screws (wood)
Used for timber structures, only in the load-bearing part. Diameter and length can be selected according to load and frame cross-section.
Good installation practice
Essential checkpoints
- Identify the support before choosing the fastener.
- Respect anchoring depths, center-to-center distances and distances from the edge.
- For outdoor use, give preference toA4 stainless steel (wet areas, swimming pools, seaside).
- Respect tightening torques and avoid over-tightening. Treat
- the waterproofing if the fastener passes through a membrane.
To choose the fastener best suited to your support and configuration, consult our glass railing solutions or contact our team via railing-glass.com.