Specification Advice - Do Glass Balustrades Need A Continuous Handrail?

London, May 4, 2019 (Issuewire.com) - BS6180:2011 Section 8.5.2 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 would remain in situ if a panel fails. Continuous fixing should be used for fixing the handrail to the glass, or individual fixings where calculations or tests demonstrate that component failure will not occur."

So if your glass installation remains in situ in the event of a glass panel failing, the balustrading does not need a continuous handrail.

This is covered under the criteria set out by Approved Document K for protection to people against impact, falling and collision with the glass balustrade structures. If your glazing installation is in a critical location, for example, a balcony area on the third floor of an apartment block, toughened laminated glass has to be used. This is so if the glass panels did smash that they would pose little threat to people in the form of cutting and piercing injuries.

Toughened laminated glass

What type of glass is needed for a glass railing with no handrail? Toughened laminated glass is required for glass balustrades.

Toughened laminated glass has an extra strengthening layer between glass panels, which is produced by interlaying a PVB plastic layer in between two panes of glass. This means that should the glass break, the PVB interlayer will withhold the integrity of the glass panel, increasing the safety of people nearby.

Stainless steel handrails for beautiful balustrades

Balustrade Components UK offers a range of high quality stainless steel handrails, available in three formats. Handrails for glass, handrails for masonry (walls) and vertical handrails.

Produced in the highest quality 304 stainless steel and finished in a stain polished grade, they are available in half meter incremental lengths from 0.5m through to 4.5m, to ease the glass specification process.

As the handrails are made from 304 stainless steel, they are intended for balustrade installations within internal areas.

Balustrade Components UK is unique in the architectural glass industry, in that the company manufactures its own range of glass balustrade hardware. The range includes glass clamps, handrail brackets, standoff point fixings, glass brackets, washer buttons and fixing plates, fasteners, and accessories.

Each component is designed and manufactured in such a strict and precise way, that it will ensure any glass balustrade, railing or Juliet balcony installation they are used will conform and exceed Approved Document K and BS 6180:2011 of the UK Building Regulations.

Paul Startin, Managing Director of Balustrade Components, comments, "Integrating handrails onto glass balustrade installations can be a complex matter. We work closely with Architects and Specifiers to ensure a clear and concise glass specification, that importantly complies with Building Regulations and matches client expectations.

We have over 30 years' experience in balustrade solutions which means we offer a measured and practical approach to clients. And because we manufacture components in-house in our Cannock factory, we can create bespoke fixings for the most demanding and innovative glass balustrade designs."

Bespoke balustrade fixtures and fittings

Balustrade Components produce an extensive range of structural glass fittings for beautiful glass balustrading - including glass clamps, handrail brackets, standoff point fixings, glass brackets, washer buttons and fixing plates, fasteners and accessories.  Such balustrade fittings are available in two popular finishes - bright polished and satin polished. Balustrade Components is also able to offer bespoke finishes in powder coating, anodizing and PVD. We have a wide range of stock, short-lead-time components in their factory which has helped many contractors, installers and housing developers who contact the company with urgent requirements for their project. 

For your convenience, if you know which glass fixing products you require for your project you can buy direct from the company website - www.balustradecomponents.co.uk

Balustrade Components' extensive product range is available to buy and also features an extensive blog for the latest developments, trends, and product news.

For further information on the range of high-quality glass balustrade fixings available, or if you require support with your build project, please contact the company's friendly, competent team on 01543, 624 780, email sales@balustradecomponents.co.uk or visit their website www.balustradecomponents.co.uk

About Us:

Balustrade Components UK Ltd is one of the UK's leading balustrade fixings solutions providers, offering state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities together with unparalleled technical service capabilities.

With over 30 years' experience in glass fixing accessories and balustrade components, their professional team guides architects, specifiers, housing developers, and other industry professionals through every stage of the project specification process, incorporating high-quality balustrading into residential, commercial and industrial projects.

Link:

https://www.balustradecomponents.co.uk/blog/glass-balustrades-and-handrails/

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