There are many reasons to consider a glass railing system for your deck. Along with providing an element of safety to your outdoor living space, glass railings offer an elegant style and also a clearer view of your yard and beyond. Installed correctly, this type of railing can make your deck the perfect transition from indoors to outdoors and provide years of enjoyment. The following items are what you should keep in mind when installing a glass railing system in your home or backyard.
Code Requirements
Photo by Jeremy Keith
When it comes to your deck, and especially your deck railing, making sure that it meets safety code requirements should be your very first concern. In Canada, these codes are set by the National Building Code of Canada, and vary by both province and building type (residential versus commercial decks). Code requirements are comprehensive, and can change from year to year, so it’s very important to make sure that you stay up-to-date. Otherwise, hire a contractor who specializes in glass railings and decks and will know the most recent requirements. Cutting corners to try a do-it-yourself project to save money is not worth the costs or injuries that may result from not meeting these codes.
Photo by stevepb
All building and home renovation projects come with one factor that has a big influence on design and material decisions: the budget. Deck railing installation is no exception, and glass railings come in a wide variety of styles, each with its own set of stylistic and functional features. With a goal budget in mind while choosing a glass railing system, it is possible to find an attractive solution that fits both the building and the project budget.
Builder Experience
Deck railings, particularly glass railings, are unique structures, and they can be a project that not every DIY homeowner or even trained builder is equipped to install. To achieve the best results, home renovators should look for a contractor with proven experience constructing decks and deck railings. Especially when your ideal railing design is more complex or requires custom styling or sizes, a professional installer can ensure that the job is completed correctly and efficiently, saving many headaches for you as the homeowner.
Your choice of deck railing style should match not only your personal taste in building style, but also the overall style of your home. A deck or deck railing system that clashes with the rest of the home will make it a distraction, rather than a relaxing outdoor extension of your home. Colored accents and stylistic features can be used to make sure that your deck railing is a perfect fit for both you and your home.
Photo by ElasticComputeFarm
The location of your deck can have a significant influence on the materials, style and features of a deck that is going to be ideal for your space. Exposure to elements such as sunlight, salty air on a coast or even water from a sprinkler system can affect the lifespan and functionality of your deck railing, as well as the comfort of your outdoor space. Glass railings in particular can look spotty when constantly exposed to water spray. They can also magnify the heat that comes from direct sunlight on your deck.
Maintenance Level
Maintenance may be one of the last items to consider when it comes to selecting your railing system. Unlike other railings that may not show dirt, smudges and fingerprints as much, a glass railing will require more maintenance to ensure that it stays looking its very best and displays the perfect view – from both the outside looking in and the inside looking out. For tips on how to keep your glass railing spotless, check out our blog for quick and easy glass cleaning tips.
Your time and investment for installing glass railing systems are certainly important considerations when deciding on the renovation. Aesthetically, we believe glass railings are one of the impactful, modern and timeless additions you can add to your home, but it will require some maintenance and budgeting. To learn more about how glass railings can be installed into your home and budget plans, leave us a comment below or contact us directly.
