The different dimensions of glass railings
Glass is increasingly used in construction for glazed railings and banisters. However, certain regulatory dimensions must be respected to ensure the safety of users. The height of the railing depends on where it will be installed. Depending on your needs, you'll find different glass railing models on Railing-glass.com.
Glass height for stairs
When installing a glass railing along a staircase, it's essential to respect certain height rules to ensure the safety of users. Going up or down stairs involves the risk of slipping or tripping, which can lead to falls. Regulations stipulate a minimum height of 1 metre for all guardrails in these passage areas.
This one-meter dimension ensures that a person who has slipped or tripped does not fall directly into the void or onto the stair treads. They benefit from solid protection to arrest their fall. Contact with the smooth, vertical surface of the glass guardrail is usually enough to stop the movement without causing serious injury, even to children.
It is also essential that the top of the guardrail extends a few centimetres beyond the line of the banister. Official texts recommend a minimum overhang of 10 cm. If a person were to fall forward directly onto the banister, their fall would be stopped dead in their tracks by the top of the glazed guardrail.
Height of straight railing
When installing a glass balustrade on a terrace or balcony, it's also important to respect the minimum height required by law. These outdoor spaces also present fall hazards, particularly for children who may lean over the protective barrier.
Regulations therefore require a minimum height of 1 meter for straight guardrails. This dimension must be measured strictly from the lowest point of the passage surface, generally the terrace floor. It prevents children or adults from climbing over the railing.
By way of exception, the glass railing can be lowered slightly, to a minimum height of 90 cm, provided that decorative elements are added to the upper part. These must contribute to the safety function by symbolically bridging the 10 cm difference with the basic regulation.
Height of glass pool fences
The safety of a swimming pool is a major issue, given the risk of drowning, especially in the presence of children. In this respect, regulations are particularly strict when it comes to the minimum height of barriers.
When installing a glass wall around the pool, a glass guardrail must be at least 1.10 m above the water surface. This dimension effectively prevents unauthorized access to the pool, even if a child climbs in. You'll find different models on Railing-glass.com.
It's important to note that the regulatory height is measured from the bottom of the pool and not from the surrounding ground, to guarantee optimum protection whatever the water level.
For even greater safety, we recommend raising the safety glass wall to 1.20 m or even 1.40 m high. This provides an even greater deterrent to unsupervised intruders, while allowing you to take full advantage of the view of the water thanks to a raised glass wall.