Are Glass Railings Safe?
Glass railings are an elegant, modern solution for homeowners looking to elevate the look and functionality of their spaces—indoors and out. Beyond aesthetics, many may wonder if glass railings are genuinely a safe choice.
In reality, quality glass railing systems, such as those from NorthVue Glass, are designed to offer both beauty and security. Crafted from robust tempered glass and supported by high-grade stainless steel spigots, these railings provide a strong, reliable barrier without obstructing your view. This article explores how glass railings combine style with safety, making them an excellent choice for balconies, staircases, pool areas, and more.
What are glass railings?
Glass railings are made of glass panels connected with spigots, creating unobstructed views free of the heavy posts and pickets used for traditional railings. They are a popular choice for exterior railing systems for stairs, balconies/terraces, swimming pools, and more because they allow you to maintain your view while also being highly durable and low maintenance.
NorthVue Glass makes systems using 12 mm tempered thick safety glass and fully cast solid 2205 marine-grade stainless steel spigots that stand 6” high with a 4” x 4” base for added stability, durability, and reliable performance.
What is tempered glass?
Tempered glass is designed to reduce the risk of damage and injuries when it breaks. It uses a process that involves extreme heating and rapid cooling to create a material that is harder to break than standard glass.
Also known as safety glass, tempered glass is considered safer as the special manufacturing process is designed to make the glass shatter differently than normal glass.
Instead of breaking into random, dangerous shards that can cause serious injury, it breaks into small cubes to protect against lacerations. This also makes it easier to clean up the glass after it breaks.
Because the pieces are large enough to see, it is less likely that tiny shards will be left on the ground for someone to step on (as with traditional glass). Also, tempered glass is made for different uses, with each grade of glass rated for use in different situations.
Safe Installation
Our frameless system reduces the risk of injury during the installation process. Instead of having to slide the glass panels into frames that can be warped or misaligned, we use small spigots that are installed into the floor (or steps, depending on where they are being placed).
The small spigots can be adjusted slightly once the glass is in place to make it easy to get them upright and even. This avoids the risk of cracking the panels as your tools never come near the glass itself and the tightening is done gradually.
Stability
Our system uses half-inch thick (12 mm) tempered glass, paired with solid marine-grade stainless steel cast spigots and 6” GRK structural screws to hold everything securely in place.
Proper blocking, alongside our carefully engineered system, ensures your new railings meet Canada’s strictest building codes. Thickness is important as it adds further protection against breakage, as well as greater strength when people lean or put weight on it.
Building Codes
With building codes in mind, glass railings must adhere to the same standards as any other material, including a minimum height that helps prevent accidental falls. This can vary based on the use of the railing (such as stair rails versus a balcony), but installers and builders must adhere to these codes to ensure your safety.
Another consideration in the installation process is the spacing of the spigots or frames, which add to the safety and stability of the glass railings. Our panels come in consistent sizes and are installed to avoid the risk of unintentional entrapment, to protect children and pets from accidents.
Quality Check
We can only speak for ourselves when it comes to quality control. NorthVue Glass uses the highest standards to ensure every panel, spigot, and screw we deliver is in perfect condition.
When doing your own installation, be sure to read the instructions in full before you begin, so you understand the proper steps, and don’t take shortcuts that could interfere with the structural integrity of your glass railings.
Fortunately, we offer advice during the installation process, so if you find you don’t understand the instructions provided, feel free to reach out to us. We always say, “Better safe than sorry!”
Tips to Keep Glass Railings Safe
There are a few things you can do to keep glass railings safe, including checking for the following:
Cracks and chips: Although tempered glass panels are designed to last, unexpected conditions can create minor chips or cracks. You can check your glass panels for signs of damage, and have them replaced as soon as possible to avoid the risk of issues when the structural integrity becomes compromised.
Loose spigots: Over time, it’s also possible for spigots to become loose, especially for DIY jobs where you might not have achieved as firm a grip as required. If you notice the spigots have become loose, see if you can tighten them, and if not, replace them as soon as possible to ensure the railings are properly secured.
Corroded spigots: Metal spigots are designed to withstand the elements, but they can be damaged if small scratches or pits appear in the finish. If you notice signs of rust or damage, have the spigots replaced.
Damaged screws: Screws that are showing signs of rust or damage, or that appear loose, should also be tightened or replaced to ensure their waterproofing remains intact.
Loose panels: If you notice the panels feel loose when you lean on the railings either for stair rails or balustrades on balconies, quickly check the connections to see what is causing the issue. If the spigots need to be tightened, then do so. However, if there are issues with the anchoring system, it’s best to have professionals assess the damage to make immediate repairs as required.
Contact the Experts at NorthVue Glass
glass railings offer a seamless blend of style, durability, and safety, making them a wise investment for any modern home. NorthVue Glass provides high-quality, frameless glass railing systems that adhere to Canada’s strict building codes, ensuring safety without compromising on elegance.
With the use of tempered glass and marine-grade stainless steel spigots, our railings are built to withstand the elements while maintaining structural integrity. For homeowners seeking a sophisticated, low-maintenance solution that opens up their views and enhances their space, glass railings from NorthVue Glass are a reliable, stylish, and secure choice.
Reach out to us today to learn more about transforming your space with our expertly crafted glass railing systems. For more information about NorthVue Glass frameless glass railings, click here. You can also email us at Info@northvueglass.com or contact us online.