Can you have a glass balustrade without a handrail on top?
To price your balustrade requirement first choose the shape most similar to yours
UK regulations
There is some confusion regarding the requirement for a handrail on glass balustrades and glass railings. To clarify this matter, we need to address the following question:
What are the legal or regulatory requirements concerning handrails on glass balustrades? Are there criteria that permit glass barriers to have no handrail on top?
The relevant document to consult is BS6180:2011 "Barriers in and about buildings - Code of practice," which is the governing standard for balcony railings, balcony balustrades, or guarding in the United Kingdom. Prior to the 2011 revision of BS 6180, the answer was that a handrail was always mandatory. However, in 2011, section 8.5.2 was revised to provide exceptions under certain conditions.
BS6180:2011 Section 8.5.2 "Handrail attachment" states:
"Where the barrier protects a difference in level greater than 600mm, a handrail should always be used unless a laminated toughened glass construction is used that will remain in situ if a panel fails. Continuous fixing should be used for attaching the handrail to the glass, or individual fixings where calculations or tests demonstrate that component failure will not occur.”
This allows for flexibility, but it's limited to cases where the glass is laminated and toughened, capable of withstanding the load even if one side of the laminated glass should fail.
Glass options:
Many glass systems, including structural glass systems, utilise handrails and typically involve single toughened glass sheets—usually 10mm for posted systems or 15mm for structural systems.
But what glass options are available for those seeking a fully frameless system?
When considering laminated toughened glass, it's important to factor in the thickness of the glass and the type and thickness of the interlayer.
At Balconette, we offer our Fully Frameless SG12 system with 21.5mm laminated and toughened glass panels.
Above: Our Jon shows us just how safe our SG12 (structural glass) laminated glass is by putting it through its paces.
What the difference between system with or without a handrail?
In this video, we explore the differences between the Hybrid Balustrade System and our SG12 Frameless Balustrade System.
Additional factors:
It's true that a balustrade appears almost invisible without a handrail, creating an unobtrusive look. However, it's important to consider the practicality of the balcony for both yourself and your guests.
When you approach the edge of a balcony, how comfortable are you leaning on a sheet of glass? This pertains not only to physical comfort but also psychological comfort. Personally, I find myself more at ease leaning on a metal handrail rather than a sheet of glass.
Cost is also a significant factor. The requirement to use laminated toughened glass significantly increases costs, especially if you opt for low iron glass. Low iron glass has a reduced iron content, achieved during its production process. Iron imparts a light green tint to the glass, which becomes more pronounced in thicker glasses. Low iron glass, also known as opti white or extra clear glass, offers a clearer appearance. Needless to say, low iron glasses are pricier than regular ones.
Extra strong interlayers:
The industry has developed structural interlayers that are exceptionally robust, reinforcing glass constructions and providing added rigidity. These interlayers are ideal for applications such as barriers or balconies, where increased strength is necessary.
Two prominent examples of structural interlayers are Saflex® DG Advanced Structural Interlayer by Eastman and Sentry Glass by DuPont.
Here's an informative demonstration video showcasing the distinction between a standard PVB interlayer and the structural interlayer:
Summary:
Yes, glass balustrades can be provided without a handrail, but certain conditions and criteria must be met to ensure safety.
Is a frameless design always the best choice? Not necessarily, as some may prefer the comfort of a handrail to lean on.
Whichever option you choose, ensure that your balcony adheres to the standards and avoid taking unnecessary risks.
