In
this article, you will learn:
1. The
Different Types of Glass Used for Railings & Staircases
2. What to Consider When Selecting The Right Glass For Your Home
3. 10 Advantages of Using Glass for Your Railings and Staircases
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Glass railings and staircases have become extremely popular renovation projects for modern homeowners.
Offering a minimalist and sophisticated aesthetic, these low-maintenance and highly-durable upgrades blend seamlessly into any contemporary home decor.
While there is a common misconception that glass might be unsafe or dangerous for residential properties, the tempered glass that is used is incredibly strong and reliable!
At Stouffville Glass, we pride ourselves on sharing industry tips to help our clients make better decisions for their homes.
The following article will identify the different types of glass, what to consider, and the top 10 advantages to selecting glass for your home railings and staircases.
The Different Types of Glass Used for Railings and Staircases
When it comes to architectural design, glass is one of the most modern and state-of-the-art materials on the market.
From staircases and railings to decks, balconies and patios – glass creates a bright, open and uninterrupted view for all residents (and visitors) to enjoy!
While there are a variety of benefits to using glass panels, there are also a few different options to choose from:
Framed Glass:
Framed glass railings feature clear, glass panels that are held in place by a frame, handrails and metal posts.
With a combination of luxury and safety, framed glass can be secured to a variety of surfaces (such as wooden decks and concrete) making them a popular choice for staircases, surrounding pool areas and raised platforms.
While framed glass might not be as sleek as frameless glass, framed glass railings are a preferred choice for parents and pet-owners as there are no pillars to slip through or get stuck between.
Frameless Glass:
Frameless glass railings feature clear, glass panels without the use of any framed borders.
While the glass panels are held in place by posts, base screens and frameless clamp systems – the lack of any visible supporting structures make them an ideal choice for overlooking beautiful scenery with an unobstructed view.
As a result, frameless glass railings have become a popular choice for balconies, decks and rooftop terraces.
Tempered Glass:
Tempered glass (also referred to as toughened glass or safety glass) is known to be approximately 6 times stronger than conventional glass options on the market.
Manufactured with the help of thermal and chemical treatments; tempered glass provides a much sturdier solution to Canadian homeowners as the glass is scratch-proof and much harder to break.
In the event of glass damage, however, tempered glass is designed to shatter into small, blunt pieces to minimize the risk of injury.
Laminated Glass:
Laminated glass is comprised of a variety of different glass layers held together by polyvinyl butyral resin (PVB).
As this resin has the ability to keep the glass layers bonded together, any potential damage would crack into a spider-web-like pattern similar to a crack on a car windshield.
In order to provide maximum safety and long-term durability, laminated tempered glass has become a very sought-after option for glass railings and staircases.
What to Consider When Choosing Glass Types For Your Staircases or Railings
With a wide range of glass options to choose from, it can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming to select the best option for your home.
To help you make more confident decisions, here are a few things to consider:
Thickness:
While commercial glass railings are often thicker than their residential alternatives, the minimum thickness for glass railings or handrails must be at least 6 millimeters (or a quarter of an inch).
Safety/Durability:
As the glass panels for staircases and railings are made from tempered glass, they are incredibly durable and safe. With heavy protection and modern aesthetics, these sturdy glass railings make an excellent choice for residential use.
Privacy:
For homeowners that would like to enjoy the bright, minimalist beauty of glass without compromising personal privacy, there are also a variety of tinted, frosted and coloured glass options to choose from.
Budget:
While safety and aesthetics are important factors to consider, it is also important to work within a budget that is suitable to you and your family. Feel free to speak with one of our professional glass representatives to learn more about your options.
10 Reasons to Choose Glass For Your Railings and Staircases
If you are thinking about upgrading your home with a brand new glass railing or glass staircase, there are a lot of fantastic features to consider:
1. Modern Architectural Design:
Adding glass features to your home is one of the most modern architectural trends to date. With chic minimalism and simple elegance, glass railings can upgrade your home with a contemporary aesthetic.
2. Improved Safety & Durability:
Using strong and reliable tempered glass, these installations are built to remain durable throughout their entire lifetime. With the inability to break or crack, glass railings and staircases are extremely safe for residential use.
3. Easy to Install:
Without the need for heavy preparatory work, glass railings and staircases are very easy to install. With a professional glass installation team, the entire process can be completed with quality and efficiency.
4. Easy to Maintain:
Unlike other materials, glass does not rot, warp or deteriorate. Although exterior glass railings may be exposed to the harsh elements, they will never require repainting or refinishing.
5. Rust-Proof Materials:
Glass railings that use high-quality stainless steel for the clamps and cable posts will never rust or corrode, making them long-lasting and reliable.
6. Unobstructed View:
With minimal hardware, glass staircases and railings offer a beautiful, open and unobstructed view to the outside world. Used internally, this transparent architectural feature allows the room to appear larger, brighter and aesthetically appealing.
7. Protection From The Wind:
Made from a series of glass panels, exterior glass railings do an excellent job of blocking out the wind. This makes them an excellent choice for making balconies and patios more enjoyable during the cooler seasons.
8. Family-Friendly:
Glass railings are an excellent alternative to the traditional pillar railings for families with small children or pets. With solid glass panelling, there is no risk of slipping through or accidentally getting stuck.
9. Increases Property Value:
Curb appeal, safety and interior design can all play a huge role in your property’s overall selling potential. As this modern upgrade is sure to appeal to today’s home buyers, adding a new glass railing or staircase can actually make you money in the long run.
10. Fully-Customizable:
From framed or frameless to frosted or tinted, there are a variety of customizable options for homeowners to choose from. When shopping for glass railings or staircases, be sure to take some time to consider what works best for your property, your style and your budget.
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If you are interested in learning more about your glass railing or staircase options, our experts are always happy to help!
Click
here or call us at (905) 640-4016 for a complimentary consultation.
