Manufacturers of glass railing systems are tasked with engineering systems that deliver safety and progressive designs while meeting the latest code requirements. Glaziers are responsible for being up to date on code changes, staying current with best practices, and applying this knowledge to glass railing installations in order to balance aesthetics with essential performance standards.
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The collaboration between glazier, architect, designer, and manufacturer enables our industry to meet every one of these requirements. It’s a symbiotic relationship that, when done well, achieves marvelous results.
Fundamentally, manufacturers must design, engineer, and test glass railing systems to meet the load and safety requirements established by the International Building Code (IBC). There are multiple requirements to consider such as wind loads, physical loads, strength tests, and weather resistance to name a few.
Testing is performed on the complete glass railing system, not isolated components, enabling manufacturers to ensure the performance within the context of the complete system. While complex, this method of testing provides a thorough assessment of the integrated system and helps ensure all guardrail safety standards are met.
Cap rails and handrails are glass railing elements that can improve the aesthetics of any project, but their appearance is secondary to the level of improved safety they can provide. These components and the materials they’re made of may not be suitable for every project specification and safety requirement. Understanding the difference between these products and when to use them is a critical design consideration.
Handrails are ideal for user guidance and support and are often used with post railing and frameless base shoe systems, typically installed on ramps and stairways. Designs are required to meet ADA standards.
Cap rails, on the other hand, are intended to signal a glass railing is present and also to connect glass panels for better structural integrity. Application examples include balconies, ledges, and rooftop lounge areas.
Architects looking for clean sightlines, more transparency, and an all-glass look will find many options in today’s glass railing systems. Designed with both safety and aesthetics in mind, glass railings create unobstructed views in interior spaces and connect buildings with the surrounding environment in exterior applications.
Regardless of whether the project is an outdoor balcony or an indoor switchback staircase, glass railings provide an attractive design solution. New developments in dry-glaze technology are reducing installation times and labor costs, and the rise of exposed edges and prefabricated unitized systems are making glass railing systems even more functional, while delivering an exceptional look.
There are five standard types of glass railing systems:
With any glass railing project, choosing the correct type of glass requires knowledge about various thicknesses as well as how their performance aspects can affect the final installation. Monolithic tempered glass is a single lite of tempered glass, whereas laminated tempered glass is an assembly of two lites of tempered glass bonded together with a Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB) or Ionoplast interlayer.
PVB is widely used because of its economic value, but Ionoplast offers significant advantages:
A glass railing system may require cap rails, handrails, and/or fittings specific to the project type and application. In addition to accenting the glass railing system, these components are there to ensure safety in the event of a failure of any one glass lite. Not only must the components meet the aesthetic intent, but also their own code requirements.
Glass railing systems combine the functionality of traditional railings with an attractive, all-glass look. The products on the market today are also engineered to ensure safety, adhering to wind loads, physical loads, strength tests, weather resistance, and normal wear and tear. Residential or commercial projects can utilize glass railing systems in a variety of applications, such as stairs, balconies, ramps, floor openings, landings, and more, providing a multitude of design options to architects, as well as installation options for expert glaziers.
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Glance at a glass railing system and the appeal is clear. The designs are sleek, streamlined, and sophisticated, all the while allowing natural light to flow through. Glass railing systems are a statement-making architectural element that adds beauty to any space, from industrial-chic interiors to modernist homes.
If glass railings are your choice for an indoor staircase or an outdoor deck, it’s essential to look at all aspects of this banister system. Read on for the answers to commonly asked questions about metal and glass railing systems so that you can plan for the right look and proper functionality.
The key to an efficient, easy installation starts with choosing the right products.
For frameless guards, installers should check out Bezdan’s adjustable glass standoff or adjustable glass spigot. These products have adjustability features that allow for easy alignment of glass panels, so installers don’t need to remove glass once it’s been placed.
Adjustable features allow for the alignment of glass panels while mounted.
The aluminum mini-post comes with standoffs pre-installed on the post to avoid the additional labor of drilling and tapping holes. Installers need only affix the post to the substrate and mount the glass panels.
For a speedy installation of a baluster-and-glass railing design, choose off-the-shelf solutions like pre-drilled posts for glass clips that come in various heights for varied placement on stairs. Plus, the machined, polished anchor plates on both our round and square posts are money-saving features as cover flanges are optional.
Installer Resource: Refer to this handy guide for selecting pre-drilled square posts and top mount brackets that meet the 36-inch minimum guard heights.
Want to avoid sloppy joins? Bezdan baluster systems are designed with extremely tight tolerances. Precision fit components result in virtually seamless joins without the need for spigots, customization or fabrication. Additionally, fittings can be quickly secured with Bezdan approved Loctite 680 quick-bonding adhesive to reduce installation time.
Have you seen the full offering of black stainless components? This innovative finish, now available in off-the-shelf components, eliminates the quality control, process and lag time costs associated with powder coating.
Black stainless components achieve an ultra-modern look, all while retaining the benefits of high durability, scratch resistance and strength of classic stainless steel.
Even if you know you want glass for your guard design, there’s still another decision to make: should you choose a facia or surface mount guard style?
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The fascia mount baluster bracket can maximize useable floor space and provides a clean aesthetic.
Fascia mount installations are ideal for:
Surface mounted aluminium mini-post were an ideal solution for this deck with overhang.
Top or surface mount installations are ideal for:
Selecting a stainless steel alloy for your project depends on your location and setting. If you live somewhere with low exposure to salts and pollutants, alloy 304 can be a less expensive and practical choice, even for exterior applications.
Outdoor application using Bezdan Stainless components in alloy 304.
If you live in a climate with exposure to harsher elements, like sea salts, material with more corrosion resistance, like alloy 316 or , is a practical investment for longer life and durability.
Being informed about your building environment will also help you determine your project's best metals or materials. Check out Bezdan's metal usage guide here.
Another benefit of glass railing? They’re relatively easy to maintain.
The glass itself can be cleaned with standard glass cleaner or vinegar. Any baluster components like spigots or posts in satin, black or colored stainless steel, should be cleaned using a soft cloth or damp sponge with mild soap and warm water. Tip: Buff dry to avoid water deposits.
Important reminder: Just because stainless is stain-less doesn’t mean it’s invincible. Avoid cleaners with ammonia, bleach, acid, or caustic agents, and never use abrasive cleaners or brushes.
Check out Bezdan’s complete guide to stainless steel care and maintenance here.
Now that you’ve considered the practicalities of glass guards, it’s time to get inspired. Take a look at these gorgeous balusters and frameless glass guard systems with Bezdan products.
Photo Source: Bezdan Sales
MINIMALIST STYLE. These glass mount brackets offer a minimalist look that pairs beautifully with the Bezdan 1-1/2” diameter glass standoffs.
Photo Source: Bezdan Sales
STREAMLINED BY DESIGN. A discerning eye will notice the details of this modern railing. Low profile cover flanges on the pre-drilled posts, a unique tapered stem on the top mount brackets, and smooth, radiused edges on glass clips provide finishing details and an extra touch of class that evokes quality.
Photo Source: Bezdan Sales
PANEL PERFECTION. Here, glass panels tuck snugly against each other using black stainless glass standoffs. Topped with a fresh light-wood handrail that matches the stair treads, this entry way has a Scandinavian-chic look.
Photo Source: Bezdan Sales
RIDING THE RAILS. Adding cross tube under the handrail provides an intriguing design element to a baluster-and-glass guard.
We know that a metal and glass railing can be a significant investment and, in many cases, the centerpiece of a space. But not all stainless steel glass railing systems are created equal. That's why Bezdan considers every detail so you can ensure it passes the close inspection of discriminating clients.
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