GLASS BALUSTRADE FIXINGS

HOW TO CHOOSE THE CORRECT GLASS BALUSTRADE FIXINGS

Glass balustrade fixings can vary greatly depending on the structure supporting it. As a chain is as strong as its weakest link, we need to ensure the fixings and what it is fixed to, is not a weak link.

FIXING GLASS BALUSTRADING TO DIFFERENT WALL TYPES AND BRICK TYPES

Since there are so many variations for wall and brick types, it is very important to know exactly what the type and condition of this supporting structure is. In all cases below, we are assuming that what you are proposing to fix the glass balustrade to can support both the imposed and static loads.

A static load is the weight of the glass and fixings themselves, while the imposed load is the weight of movable objects, like human bodies leaning up against the railing.

TYPES OF LOADS ON FIXINGS

Fixings, which we also call anchoring systems, have two basic loads that they are tested or measured by.

A pull out load is the strength the fixing, or anchor, can resist when trying to pull it out in the opposite direction to where it went into the wall or supporting structure.

A shear load, simply put, is the how much stress can be applied to the fixing at 90º to the direction the fixing was put into the wall, before it shears (breaks off).

CHOOSING A SUITABLE FIXING FOR GLASS BALUSTRADES IN THREE EASY STEPS

Determine the loading required for the fixings from our structural calculations.
Know exactly what materials you are fixing your balustrade into or onto
1 & 2 will allow you to choose the best fixing and fixing method that can perform the required loadings on the specified substrate

EXPANDED EXPLANATION FOR ANCHORING GLASS BALUSTRADING

You must know the required loads the fixings need to meet and we supply this information in our Structural calculations for each type of glass balustrading system that we supply.
Find out EXACTLY what you are anchoring the glass balustrade into. “Brick” is not enough information and nor is “concrete”. The types, density, age, condition, etc. all need to be factored in when choosing your fixings and fixing method.
Using the information in 1 & 2, you can now choose your correct fixings and anchoring method.

If you are not yet experienced with choosing such fixings and anchoring methods, you can take the information in 1 and 2 to your local builders merchant. They will usually be able to supply you with fixings that meet the loads.

WHAT WE PROVIDE WITH OUR GLASS BALUSTRADES

We supply an entire system for the installation of glass balustrades for balconies, decks, around pools, etc. This includes any needed handrails, posts, other supports, profiles, brackets, rubber gaskets, system accessories and anything else that holds the system together. We do not supply the fixings because they can vary vastly from project to project and substrate to substrate and must be chosen based on the information above.

What you will be attaching our glass balustrading to can be the building itself, a balcony, a terrace, a wall, a deck, etc. Naturally, these can be made of different materials and have different strengths and would require different glass balustrade fixings.

THE STRUCTURE OR WALLS YOU ARE FIXING INTO and BUILDING REGULATIONS CONCERNING BALUSTRADING

You must be certain that the structure you are fixing into can support the loads. If ever in doubt you must consult a professional or structural engineer.

There are two main British Standards, on which the different parts of the building regulations are based and which all guarding (balustrading) needs to comply with; BS 6180 and BS 6399. These two standards really define heights, gaps and forces on different parts of the guarding.

When we supply our glass balustrade systems and Juliet balconies, these are designed to meet these regulations and standards. What we cannot do is design the structure they are fixed to (walls, floor, balcony structure etc) and so it is the responsibility of the customer or their architect/engineer to ascertain that the structure being fixed to can support the loads (forces) that will be applied. To make the point clear, let’s compare this to the idea of fixing a balustrade to a plasterboard only, whilst the balustrade will be strong enough to withstand the force of people pushing on it, the plaster board will not.

It is therefore very important that both the structure onto which the balustrading is fixed is strong and stable enough to hold support the balustrade and also the fixings.

If you have any questions on the needed glass balustrade fixings, please contact us and we’ll do our best to assist you.