How to Get Glass Balustrade Installation Right
A lot of hotel owners like glass balustrades. Glass has a state-of-the-art appearance and additional aesthetic values that you cannot achieve with other materials. Fundamentally, the purpose of setting up any kind of balustrades is safety. They prevent slip and fall accidents in commercial spaces with heavy human traffic. Glass, however, goes far and beyond compared to other balustrade materials. It offers an uninterrupted and seamless view, unlike wood or steel balustrades. So, what do you need to know if you want to get your installation right? Read this to get all that insight:
Get the Right Type of Glass
Admittedly, you can't just walk into a regular store and choose any glass panel for your balustrades. You need to be certain that it can live up to the performance standards expected of a safety barrier. There are two reliable options you can go for. The first alternative is reinforced and laminated glass lined with a very thin film of plastic. The lining is extremely thin and invisible to your naked eye. You can only notice it when the glass breaks because it holds the pieces of glass together and keeps them from scattering.
Secondly, you can opt for toughened glass panels that can bear the full load of the handrails and frame. The handrails reinforce the glass panels, offering better safety should someone decide to lean on them with their full body weight. The installation of such panels requires metals or wood channels with treads where the glass is set.
Install Glass Balustrades in the Correct Place
There are various places you can install glass balustrades. Particularly, commercial spaces like hotels require special attention to ensure that you secure any area posing the risk of a slip and fall accident. Begin with staircases where you can install a glass balustrade on the alternate side of a wall or both sides of an open staircase. Additionally, you can use the glass balustrades in sections where there is a floor change of more than one foot. It will help you manage any slip and fall accidents.
Comply with Regulations
Building regulators monitor the use of glass balustrades to ensure the safety of all building occupants. The compliance requirements vary across different areas. However, adhering to general architectural provisions will help you stay on the right side of the law. For instance, ensure that glass balustrades in balcony areas are three and a half feet tall or more. The assembly should also have a certified fire endurance rating to keep people safe during outbreaks.