You’ve decided on installing glass railings for your deck renovation, indoor staircases, or upper balcony. Most likely, you have discussed what you want to accomplish aesthetically and functionally with your contractor. You expect to receive a blueprint or detailed plans on the design and installation timeline, but your contractor says you need to decide on several details before they can do that.
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Choosing deck railing components for a glass base shoe railing system can be complicated for first-timers. This article will break down the factors you must consider and offer tips on making the best balcony glass railing selection for your home.
The base shoe railing system is the most popular choice when it comes to frameless glass railing systems, which generally remove the need for posts and/or rails by using clamps and other glass anchoring methods.
Base shoe systems, in particular, hold glass panels in place by anchoring them inside a strong, continuous channel (called a “base shoe”) that runs on or along the edge of a deck or balcony. The earliest design of the base shoe was made to accommodate half-inch-thick tempered glass panels. Today, base shoes are often customized to suit whatever choice of glass the customer wants (tempered, frosted, tinted, etc., in various thicknesses).
A base shoe can be exposed for aesthetic purposes, but for designers who want to create a completely frameless glass railing effect, the base shoe is embedded flush in the floor or deck with grout or silicone. This is one of the aesthetic matters you’ll need to consider when choosing deck railing styles for your home.
To ensure the glass is firmly attached to the base shoe railing system, installers must opt for a wet glaze or dry glaze.
The glass panel sits on top of a setting block in the base shoe molding, which ensures the glass is right in the middle of the base shoe with a bit of space on either side. Installers then pour cement, grout or silicone in these spaces and allow them to cure (harden) so that the glass is held in place.
This method is faster and easier because it doesn’t include any wetwork. It uses extruded rubber or plastic components instead of cement, grout or liquid silicone to hold glass panels inside the base shoe. Aluminum or steel fasteners are also added at the base and along the sides of the glass for added stability and strength against strong winds and other external factors.
Wet glaze has been the primary installation method for glass railings for decades, so contractors often recommend it for balconies or deck glass railings. However, dry glaze systems have undergone a lot of evolution over the years and now offer many advantages over wet glaze, especially for residential and DIY applications.
Now that you know more about base shoe railing systems, let’s discuss other important factors for your balcony glass railing selection.
Choosing a base shoe railing system is all about finding what works best for your property, design preferences, lifestyle and budget. Your situation may be unique from others, but you could still get insights by looking at what’s been done on other properties. Get inspired, then work with people whom you can trust to give sound advice about base shoe railing systems.
eGlass Railing can help you enjoy the full benefits of a base shoe railing system. We offer custom glass railing systems that address common industry issues like wind rattle resistance, durability, aesthetics and more. We have many products in stock, including tempered glass panels, and can ship upon order in most cases.
Glass balcony railing systems have become the ultimate choice in chic, luxury home décor for many people. Their increasing popularity over traditional choices of hardwood and cable deck railing just goes to prove this. Glass railings give off a sense of chic elegance and modern sophistication that is hard to beat.
The high demand for glass railing comes from the fact that they allow you to see through and enjoy an uninterrupted view. They are usually clear in high-rise apartment buildings and other places where privacy is not a major concern. But in other areas, people prefer to have them frosted. This wide range of versatility also contributes to making glass balcony railings one of the top choices in today’s markets.
That said, the wide range of glass railing options available can make it quite hard to choose the best one for your home. This is especially true if you don’t know the features of each or what to expect from your choice. So, how do you go about choosing the best glass balcony railing for you?
If you want to add value and a sense of luxury to any space, then installing glass railing is the way to go. For many people, the easiest way to achieve this by installing quality glass deck railing to their balconies, decks, patios, and porches.
Glass decking panels are used to enhance many different kinds of buildings, including homes and commercial properties. That’s because homeowners see them as a sophisticated, low maintenance option that blends in seamlessly with any style of exterior and doesn’t need a lot of repair or upkeep.
There are many different types of glass deck railing systems. Each type has its own strong points and weaknesses. That said, the types below are some of the best options for property owners that want to add value and beauty to their home, as well as cut down on maintenance costs. These include:
If you have a stunning view and want to ensure that it is uninterrupted, then frameless glass deck railing systems are your best bet. These systems feature glass deck panels that don’t have a frame border. This allows you to enjoy beautiful views that are not cut off by any visible support structures.
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Because of this, frameless glass deck railing is the first choice for any balcony, deck, or rooftop terrace. Better yet, you can customize these systems to your specifications. This will allow you to get the most out of your views.
If you have a stunning view and want to ensure that it is uninterrupted, then frameless glass deck railing systems are your best bet. These systems feature glass deck panels that don’t have a frame border. This allows you to enjoy beautiful views that are not cut off by any visible support structures.
The best choice for these are the stainless steel Invisiposts, which blend in with the glass railing and do not obstruct any stunning views.
Because of this, frameless glass deck railing is the first choice for any balcony, deck, or rooftop terrace. Better yet, you can customize these systems to your specifications. This will allow you to get the most out of your views.
Simply put, tempered glass is glass that has been hardened using heat. A special heating and cooling process turns ordinary pre-cut glass into panels that are harder to break, scratch, or damage in any other ways.
In fact, tempered glass can be up to six times stronger than normal glass. And, if it does break, these glass panels will shatter into small pieces instead of large chunks. This safety feature reduces the risk of injury from broken glass shards.
Tempered glass railings use clear panels, allowing you to enjoy any view without distractions. If you want a beautiful deck railing that is also safe for children and small pets, this is your best option. That’s because tempered glass railings are set up with very small spaces between the panels, decreasing the risk of small heads and limbs getting stuck.
These glass panels are also a very popular option when it comes to creating unframed glass railings for commercial buildings. The best option for you here is Invisirail, which provides a wide range of options for frameless glass panels.
From a practical perspective, glass railings have a lot of advantages. They don’t need a lot of regular maintenance and can last for decades.
They are also a very safe option for balconies, decks, and raised platforms. Glass railings don’t rot or wear out in any way, even after many years’ of use. This means that you can rely on them to remain safe throughout their lifetime.
Glass panels are generally able to tolerate bigger extremes in temperature than other decking material like wood. They are also protected against surface cracking.
Also, keep in mind that most glass-based deck railings use tempered glass panels. This type of glass does not shatter when broken or cracked. This makes such systems very safe and durable.
Check all railing supports and brackets once every month for any signs of wear. If they are loose, take the proper steps to correct this. But most of these components are usually made of aluminum, so corrosion is not an issue.
Also, make sure that there is proper drainage around the railing base. Water damage could cause rotting around the deck to post connection and make the whole railing system weak and unsafe. ‘
Don’t forget to also maintain the balcony floor and underlying waterproof membrane. Whether it is on the ground itself or covered, you should also check these components regularly. That’s because, without proper inspection and maintenance, the membrane may develop cracks and holes in it.
In turn, this could compromise the structural safety and integrity of your deck or balcony. That’s a scary thing to think about, especially if you live or work in a high-rise building!
All in all, a glass balcony railing system is a great option that can fit a wide range of situations. It is affordable, easy to maintain, and adds a subtle element of elegance and sophistication to any property.
If you thinking about installing glass railing in your own home, it is always a good idea to work with experienced professionals who can give you value for your money.