Glass balustrades are modern and elegant, providing a safe barrier while also allowing light through. They look chic and stylish and they can be designed to fit the overall ambiance of any home. Not only are they visually stunning, they are also a very important part of the building’s structure.
When you are designing your glass balustrade there are a lot of options to choose from, so let’s take a look at some of the common types of balustrade glass out there. The right one for you will depend on your home design, your budget, your personal taste, and many other factors.
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Clear Toughened Safety Glass
The most common type of glass used in balustrades is 12mm clear toughened safety glass. This type of glass is very safe to use in your home, because it is toughened it is actually five to seven times stronger than normal glass and if it shatters it will break into blunt pieces rather than sharp shards.
The standard clear glass will allow for light to pass through and make your home feel more open and spacious.
If your design requires it, this type of glass can be acid etched or tinted – or treated with high performance low E or reflective coatings. This can work well if the designer is attaching the glass with the exterior windows of the building.
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CIP Toughened Laminated Safety Glass
CIP Toughened Laminated Safety Glass is two or more sheets of glass bonded together by a single or multiple interlayer’s to produce a desired outcome.
The benefits of toughened laminated safety glass are plentiful; ultimately it provides strength and safety under impact and has the advantage of removing the need for handrails.
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Toughened Low Iron Glass
You might notice that standard glass contains some particles of iron, which is what gives it a slightly blue or green tint. However, low iron is specially designed with these iron particles removed, so the glass is even clearer and more pure.
Below you can see low iron glass above regular clear glass.
This type of glass is so clear it becomes virtually invisible, so it is great when you want to take the attention away from the glass and focus on the other aspects of the house.
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Toughened Sand Blasted Glass
Another option is glass that has been sandblasted, which is a process of blasting the surface in order to create a frosted look. This will allow you to choose how opaque you want your glass to be.
For example, you can choose for the glass to be completely opaque, so that your balustrade will provide complete privacy for your balcony while still allowing light to penetrate.
Or, you can have varying degrees of opacity. The choice is up to you!
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Toughened Textured Glass
In order to add visual interest to your balustrade you could consider using textured glass, which has a raised decorative surface that you can feel with your fingertips. This can be a unique and stylish option that will make your balustrade both beautiful and functional.
When light comes through it, the textured glass will reflect it in interesting ways, creating a dramatic effect. Also, the textured glass will provide you with more privacy than clear glass.
There are a wide range of finishes and designs, so take a look into the options available for textured glass and see which one is best for you.
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Which Option Do You Like Best?
These are just a few of the most common options when it comes to Balustrade Glass – so which one is best for your home? For help designing your perfect glass balustrade, contact us today.