Home renovation projects can be so stressful if you have no idea what you need to do. One of the areas most people are most confused about is choosing the right thickness for their glass balustrades. Aside from offering a decorative aspect to the home, they also act as a barrier where they are used. For this reason, you must ensure you get the right thickness for your glass balustrade. Here are a few pointers on choosing the right thickness for your glass balustrades.
Reasons why the thickness of the glass balustrades is vital
One of the things people forget is that even an exterior glass balustrade serves a purpose. Since the balustrade will act as a barrier and prevent accidents, it must be sturdy. The best way to get a balustrade sturdy is by making it thick enough. A thin balustrade can easily break, leading to home accidents.
Another reason why you need to figure out the thickness of your balustrade is so you can budget effectively. Installing glass balustrades often means you have to plan through the way the glass will be installed and how much it will cost you. If you have no idea how thick the glass should be, then you will have no idea how much you need to spend on the balustrade. It might slow your home improvement project down significantly, which you do not want to happen.
How thick should the glass balustrade be?
Now that you know why figuring out the thickness is vital, you next need to figure out how thick you would like your balustrade to be. You first need to figure out where the glass will be kept. Once you know that, then you can figure the thickness.
Factors to consider when choosing the thickness of the glass balustrade
To help you decide on how thick the glass should be, here are a few variables you need to consider to ensure you get the right thickness for your glass balustrade.
The area will be used.
The first thing you need to consider is where you will place the glass balustrade. If you plan on using it on the stairway or the balcony, you need the glass or be strong. For you to get a strong interior glass balustrade then, you need to get it in the thicker form. A thicker glass ensures that the areas are safe.
On the other hand, if the balustrade glass is for a decorative effect, then all you need to ensure is it is sturdy enough to allow for handling. All these are things you must keep in mind since they will go a long way to ensure that the balustrade you install will stay long enough to serve you.
The type of glass
Another thing you need to look at is the type of glass it is made from. Most people use annealed glass since it is affordable. The only issue with this glass is that it is brittle. You will need to get it thicker so it does not crack when the temperature changes or someone applies pressure to it.
If you have toughened glass, you can use a thinner version. Toughened glass is usually very strong, so even when it is not so thick, you are sure you have something that will not easily break.
If you have laminate glass, you do not need to use such a thick layer of it. As long as the two pieces of glass and the middle layer are strong enough, you will be good to go.
Handrail or no handrail
Another thing you need to consider is whether you will add a handrail to the glass or not. If you choose to have it with no attached handrail, ensure it is at least 600mm thick. That way, the surface will not injure its users. Toughened glass works best in this situation.
Consider the pressure per meter.
Whether using the balustrade for home or commercial use, there is a standard your glass needs to pass. Laminated and toughened glass often withstand higher pressure, so that is something you need to keep in mind. It will ensure that the glass can withstand daily use.
The one thing you will notice when it comes to the glass you have in your home so there is no specific thickness it should be. All you have to do is ensure that the glass balustrade is safe and sturdy in the home. Before you get the glass, ensure you do your research on all the factors discussed above. While it might not seem relevant at the moment, it will go a long way to determine how well the glass works and if you will have to replace it in no time.
Most stores will have a list of the different balustrade glasses and the pressure per meter for each. The higher the pressure per meter, the stringer it is. You can ask for this list and see which of these balustrade glass types works for you. that way, the choice you end up with works perfectly for your home.
It all helps if you figure out how to install the glass correctly. While there is balustrade glass that can handle railing, others are so weak that they might break and cause injuries. In figuring out which one works for you, you can add the rials and other additional features to your glass. Many mistakes happen when it comes to the balustrade are wrongly installing it. Working with a reliable glass balustrade installer saves you a lot of trouble. Contact us today via email info@royalglass.co.nz or by giving us a call at 0800769254 for expert advice.
Last Thoughts
The right glass balustrade will ensure your home looks good and is safe for everyone. The thickness of the glass is the easiest way to ensure you have a quality balustrade in the house. Take your time and go through your options before settling on something that will work for you. If you have no idea how to pick the right glass, it helps if you talk to a professional. The consultation might cost you some money, but it is worth it in the end. Nothing is more frustrating than buying a glass balustrade twice because you got the thickness wrong the first time. Contact Royal Glass by sending an email to info@royalglass.co.nz or calling 0800 769 254 for expert advice.
