Swimming pool hand rails bolt down12/30/2023 ![]() The single most important consideration in glass railing safety is the strength of the mounting structure. Top rails, on the other hand, are designed to keep the glass panels tied together, and are usually not big enough to provide a secure handhold. In either case, a handrail has to be strong enough to offer support to someone holding onto it. A handrail is a graspable structure that usually either protrudes out from the glass or sits over the glass. Laminated glass is typically used for commercial settings, roof tops, or hurricane force winds.įor more information on tempered or laminate glass panels Handrails and Top RailsĪnother thing to think about with glass railing safety is whether you’re planning on using a handrail or top cap on the railings. There are different thicknesses of laminated glass, but 9/16” is the standard for laminated glass railings. Laminated glass is typically composed of 2 panels of ¼” glass with a 1/16” interlayer keeping the two together. Tempered glass is typically used for residential applications. See the photo below for reference of a “framed” versus “frameless” system. Most tempered glass comes in ½” thicknesses while most laminate glass is 9/16” thick. Thicknesses, however, are not governed by either IBC or IRC codes. It is always best to check with your local code officials before ordering your glass to see what the best height is for your project. If you are using your glass railing as a pool guard, code often requires 48” tall railings. In residential spaces, it is common to use 36” high glass on stairways and 39” or 42” on balcony or other level applications. For commercial applications, it is most common to use 42” high glass railings. Glass railing heights follow the same guidelines as other railings governed by International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC). You can find each systems’ test results on the relevant product pages. ![]() With in house production, Viewrail is able to monitor panel strength and quality. There are even more types of glass, but we won’t go into all that detail here.Īll of Viewrail’s glass railing systems have undergone extensive testing to ensure safety. All glass railing systems are made with modified glass for improved tensile strength and shattering protection - the technical terms for them are tempered and laminated glass. But the glass that’s used in those types of applications are very different from what is used with glass railings. Everyone has probably broken a glass cup or maybe even a window. Many people have had experiences with glass that make them nervous about the safety of glass railing. When mounted properly, these panels well exceed code requirements for railing strength. The tempering process that all panels are subjected to strengthens the glass. There are gaps or moving parts to worry about. This is because it is one of the strongest, durable, and safe railing options available. Glass railing has been used for decades and you will often see it used in malls, stadiums, airports and other high traffic settings. It’s good to check local requirements for each of the following aspects when considering glass railing: When using the correct type of glass, glass railing is a very safe option for both residential and commercial uses. ![]() There are no gaps in between the panels, glass does not decay or rust, & glass stabilizers create a significantly stronger barrier than traditional railings. Glass Railing is an extremely safe option. But everyone wants to know about two things with glass railing: safety and maintenance Is Glass Railing Safe? ![]() Adding glass railing to your project can give it that extra bit of zest to set it apart. Glass railing is a strong option for modern and contemporary homes and buildings.
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