Still called balustrade, barrier or railing, the guardrail is an installation that is found more and more in modern constructions. It is generally fixed inside in a staircase or outside on a terrace, a balcony or even at the edge of a swimming pool. It comes in a wide variety of models that differ mainly in the material of manufacture. This can be, among other things, wood, metal, concrete, stone, PVC, glass, etc. What are the particularities of the glass railing? Here is a complete guide for you on everything you need to know about this type of railing!
Installation of the glass railing on the terrace
There are two main options available to you for adding a glass railing to a patio at home. Either hire a professional or install it yourself. In the second case, it is essential to choose your railing carefully , to have a precise idea of the budget to be spent, but also to know the steps to follow.
Steps
To successfully install your glass railing, you must not only be skilled, have some DIY skills, but above all follow key steps.
Soil preparation and measurement
This step is essential for the successful installation of the glass railing. It consists of cleaning the floor and making it perfectly suitable for receiving the glass device. You should make sure to make it smooth using a spirit level for example and re-balance if possible.
As soon as your floor is ready for use, all you have to do is take its measurements using a precise instrument. To do this, you must identify the locations where you want to put your posts and take this into account when taking the measurement. At this stage, you can use a colored tape to delimit the areas and avoid errors when taking the measurement. You must know the width of each wall and then respect a spacing of 125 cm maximum between the locations of the posts. Then proceed to a blank installation of the posts to ensure the accuracy of your measurements.
Installation of poles
Once you have the measurements and locations, it’s time to move on to installing the posts. To do this, you must first drill the walls using a hammer drill ideally equipped with a 10 mm concrete drill bit. The drilling must be done so as to make a hole centered on each location previously defined with the tape. Then apply yourself to clean the inside of the holes that have just been made so as to rid them of any dust or residue. Use a small diameter bottle brush or a vacuum cleaner for this purpose.
Install your posts using lag bolts, expansion plugs, or bolts. Be sure to check the level of the posts each time before locking them. Finalize this step by concealing the exposed bolts and protecting the base of each post.
Fixing the glass panels
The success of this step requires you to have delicacy and caution. It essentially consists of placing the glass panels between the previously installed posts. To do this, bring gloves to protect your hands from possible injuries, but also glazier’s suction cups to handle the panels in peace. In the absence of glazier’s suction cups, do not hesitate to use polyamide wedges between the glazings. These accessories, available just about everywhere, stabilize the glass panels and offer them optimal security.
Move the panels to the slots reserved for them then fix them vertically. At this level, we recommend that you handle the panels in pairs to optimize the safety of the equipment and prevent it from falling into the void.
Allow a maximum spacing of approximately 45 cm between the panels and the ground to avoid any risk of climbing or stepping over. Then make sure that the panels are vertical and do not move with light pressure. Finally, carefully install gaskets and finishing caps.
Which resistance to choose?
To ensure the durability of your glass installation, resistance is a very important criterion in choosing the balustrade you need. The appropriate glass resistance varies depending on your intended use and location. In reality, a resistance for a terrace is not necessarily suitable for a staircase. Similarly, the glass resistance required for a room located near the sea with the sea wind is not necessarily what is needed for a room in a forest region.
Ideally choose tempered laminated glass for your terrace balustrade, as this material offers you optimal resistance. Indeed, this type of glazing consists of two sheets of tempered glass assembled using transparent ethylene-vinyl acetate threads.
What budget should you plan?
The budget for the installation of railings varies depending on whether you entrust this task to a professional or do it yourself. In the first case, ask for a full quote to get a more or less exact idea of what you will spend. This estimate includes not only the purchase price of the equipment for the installation, but also the labor of the professional.
Note that on the one hand, the price of the glass railing is on average between 180 Euros and 600 Euros all taxes included on the market. On the other hand, the prices for installing a glass railing are on average between 70 and 75 Euros, all taxes included, per linear meter.
Thus, for a fully furnished installation of glass railings, you should plan on average between 250 and 675 Euros per linear meter. On the other hand, when you do the installation yourself, you will have to pay on average between 180 Euros and 600 Euros. For this second option, bet on the models of railings in kit form to avoid possible additional expenses such as the purchase of equipment for example.
How to maintain a glass railing?
To sustainably preserve the quality of glass railings, regular maintenance is require. To do this, use a soft cloth soaked in water or a damp sponge. Note that dry cleaning is strongly discourage for this glass device at the risk of damaging it with scratches or unsightly marks.
We recommend the use of products exclusively reserved for cleaning the fixings and the glass railing. These are generally detergents and solvents with specific formulas adapted to all kinds of glass.
You can also use Marseille soap or a mixture of dishwashing liquid and white vinegar. The first solution is renown for making glass surfaces shine in just a few minutes. To apply it, grind up a piece of Marseille soap and then make a solution of it by adding hot water. All you have to do is use a soft sponge like chamois leather to rub the glass installation and restore its shine. The mixture of washing-up liquid and vinegar allows you to overcome the deepest stains on the glass surface.
In addition, using white vinegar in the maintenance of your glass railing can effectively keep insects away from your installation. Thus, the latter will be more protected from dirt.
What are the advantages of glass railings?
The guardrail has a myriad of advantages, whether it is installed inside or outside a house.
Security
This is undoubtedly the first reason that leads to the installation of a glass railing at home. The glass railing is a protective device for the occupants of a dwelling against the possible risks of falling into the void. It is rightly so that it is generally install in a staircase, on a terrace, on a balcony or near a window. Note that these locations present the most risk.
Aesthetics
The railing also has a decorative function both indoors and outdoors. Indeed, this installation is nowadays available in many models with undeniable decorative advantages. You can therefore use it at the end of the construction site to bring a special decorative touch to your interior.
Personalization
Apart from the countless railing models on the market, manufacturers now offer the opportunity to design custom models. This allows you to define the perfect railing to suit your needs and tastes. This possibility optimizes the comfort in your premises.
The customization of the glass balustrade is done not only on the shape, but also on the nature and appearance of the glass. Thus, you will be able to order a personalized glass railing for an ultra transparent or translucent barrier for your swimming pool . Similarly, you can have the patterns of your choice printed on the glass.
Transparency
Unlike metal or wooden railings, for example, glass railings make it possible to optimize the lighting of the area where it is install. Due to its transparent nature, glass favors the distribution of natural light . When it is on a terrace or a balcony, the glass barrier allows you to admire, even from the inside, the beauty of the landscape that surrounds you.
In summary, the glass railing is a device that is easy to install and has many advantages. Nevertheless, to choose it well, you must necessarily take into account criteria such as resistance and price.
