There are many ways you can go when it comes to installing barriers for safety on decks and patios that are above the first floor of a building. Wood is one way to go, as is iron or some other kind of metal. If your balcony overlooks a really nice, picturesque scenes such as a forest or water source, then you want to preserve that view as much as possible. That is where glass balustrades come in.

They prevent people from falling over and keep them safe, but there is no compromising your wonderful view. You get the best of both worlds this way.

What are Glass Balustrades

Glass Balustrades are barriers that are usually made of thick, tempered glass so that you get to see through them as if there was almost nothing there at all. You may have seen the glass balustrades on hotel balconies or even on cruise ships so that passengers can see the ocean as they cruise without any impediments. You can order them to be custom made, and many times the same business will build them and even install glass balustrades for you.

Consultation Meeting

Since most places that sell glass balustrades also make them order, you need to schedule an appointment with a company in order to place your order. They will come to your home or building so they can take measurements and figure out exactly what your needs are.

Drafting Process

Draftsmen who work for the company will take all that information and input it into a computer program. Using this program, they can make drawings, often in 3D, that show what you need. Everything from the size, thickness and whether they will be frameless or not are all taken into consideration when mocking up these drafts.

Choices for Glass Balustrades

There are many choices you will have to make when you place your order. One of them is to choose from either clear or tinted panels. Clear ones are a popular choice because you get to see all the colours of your surroundings without any alterations.

Tinted ones are also a popular choice, especially in sunny Australia. When dealing with the bright sun, glare can become an issue that prevents you from enjoying your view. Putting a tint on the panels reduces glare and makes it easier to see out.

Glass Balustrades Thickness

Each panel of glass balustrades can be made in a variety of thicknesses. The most popular are 6 millimetres, 8 millimetres, and 10 millimetres. Just how thick they have to largely depend on how high up your balcony is. The higher it is, the thicker the panels need to be by law. Your expert builders and installers can tell you the correct thickness for your height.

Installation

The same company who built them will likely be handling the installation. Not only does this mean they will be installed in a timely manner, but it also that you only have to deal with one company when it comes to contracting. This saves you time and money and ensures your experience is as smooth as possible.