Five Great Reasons to Include a Glass Balustrade in Your Building

Whether you’re looking for a way to make a splash during a home renovation or want to impress customers and other stakeholders in your business premises, there’s no better design statement than a glass balustrade. There’s a tendency to think of glass as a fragile material, and indeed some types are, but that’s not the case if it’s being used to create an architectural feature. Read on to find out our top five reasons for incorporating a glass balustrade in interior design.

1.    Safety First

A balustrade generally protects building users from falling down into voids where there’s a staircase, balcony, patio, mezzanine or high walkway. Glass balustrades are constructed from toughened safety glass which is thick and strong. These aren’t easy to break – Building Regulations require them to be constructed with enough strength to resist significant loads and withstand a whole range of conditions. Even in instances where they do crack or break, toughened glass is superior to annealed glass in that it will not shatter into falling shards with jagged edges. The glass fractures into small, squared pieces without sharp edges and generally stays safely within its frame until it can be replaced.

2.    Easy to Maintain

Glass provides a flat, glossy surface which is much easier to clean than many other materials. All that’s required to remove fingerprints or grime is a soft, lint-free cloth. Glass also resists nicks and abrasions better than, say, wood. Any small scratches can usually be polished out. Moreover the smooth surface of a glass panel resists dust for longer – there are no nooks and crannies where is can gather. So you’ll find a glass balustrade to be low maintenance on top of its other merits.

3.    Environmentally Friendly

Often a consideration for businesses that like to uphold their environmental credentials, but no less a draw for eco-friendly householders, glass is entirely recyclable. It doesn’t degrade during recycling either, so it can be used again and again. Not that that needs to be an immediate concern – glass is also hard-wearing and has a long lifespan, so you won’t have to replace a glass balustrade in a hurry.

4.    A Great Return on Investment

Speaking of its longevity, the strength and versatility of glass makes it a highly cost-effective solution as a building material. Unlike wood, it won’t fade or discolour with age, nor will it rot or warp in humid or damp atmospheres. So there will be little in the way of repair or replacement costs over the years.

5.    Effortlessly Beautiful

Last but not least, a glass balustrade will add a certain glamour – and a whole lot of light – to any space. It won’t block or alter natural or ambient lighting; in fact, it will help bounce it round the room it’s located in. It’s a visually striking feature that can be enhanced by the fixtures and fittings you select for handrails, newel posts and so on.

To make the most of these benefits, commission your glass balustrade from a trusted, specialist glass supplier like Abbey Glass Chester. Why not take a look at some of our recent projects elsewhere on the website to get some ideas for your home or office?