Glass Handrail

Six Important Points to Always Check When Purchasing Glass Balustrades

Here at Balconette we have too often had to replace balustrading products supplied by others which were not fit for purpose or compliant with building regulations. Regardless of whether you choose to purchase from us or not, we want to give you some important tips and pointers to use as a checklist when sourcing and purchasing a balustrading system for your home or development project.

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Glass balcony systems are now hugely popular! What is all the fuss about? What is wrong with traditional wrought iron railings?

Glass balcony systems put Balcony Systems on the map! In the following Q & A Mr. Effi Wolff Managing Director of Balcony Systems Solutions Limited gives some insight into current trends of glass balustrades and balconies why Balcony Systems’ proprietary system ticks all the right boxes.

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Designing balustrades to meet wind load requirements is a crucial part of our job. Now, in BS6180:2011 it is required that wind loads are included when designing balustrades.

Where to Find the Relevant Data

There are various factors to take into account when designing for wind loads. In essence, this is covered in a Euro code BS EN 1991-1-4:2005 Actions on structures – Wind actions, its addendum and annex cover what you need to know.

The Euro code 1 itself is a highly scientific and theoretical document of 145 pages and an additional 42 pages in the UK National Annex, giving a total of 187 pages.

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Fixing Beneath FFL (finished floor level) to the Structure

The height of any finished external balustrade or railing needs to be a minimum of 1100mm above the finished floor level, or above where one can stand. This is according to BS6180:2011 – Barriers in and about buildings code of practice.

Not always is fixing balustrades a simple matter. This is because usually the finished floor level does not have a structural member to fit to. Structural members are often imbedded below the floor level, under insulation, screed, waterproofing etc.

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Designing Balustrading – 3 Loads You Must Be Aware Of

There are three primary loads to consider when designing glass balustrading to BS6180, which is the code that regulates barriers (Balustrades and Railings).

In this code it specifies the loads for different usages relating to building types or occupancies of buildings.

Although the different occupancy types will specify different loads, for instance in a public environment the load will be higher than for a private residential occupancy, in each occupancy there will always be three loads types that have to be met.

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Juliet balconies are increasingly popular and deservedly so. Often used in apartments or added to bedrooms and upstairs living room areas, they can transform a dark or dull room. Open up a small window or part of a wall and you make the most of your view and add extra daylight for a bright and spacious feeling. If you’re adding a Juliet balcony to your property, either as part of a new-build project or a renovation, the railings you choose have a significant bearing on the final appearance of your project.

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What is a Frameless Juliet Balcony?

A Frameless Glass Juliet Balcony is simply a sheet of glass that provides a clear protective and highly-aesthetic barrier for a balcony on or above first-floor level.

Popular with homeowners, architects and designers, a frameless solution is an elegant, simple and highly-effective solution for all types of properties.

With no spindles or rails to block the view, the Balconette Frameless Glass Juliet balcony is an unobtrusive and secure solution for French Doors, and spans up to 3.3 metres wide.

Whether you’re renovating an existing home, adding a new extension or even self-building, why not consider a Frameless Juliet balcony to create a feeling of spaciousness and to bring in the light.

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Post-less balconies

Our balcony system balustrades ae unique in the fact that this is the only system around that can enable postless balconies without using structural glass. Utilising the strength of the handrail the systems can span as much as 4.0m without posts. In theory you can have an endless run of balcony without posts if you do not surpass the maximum lenths the handrail can span and fix them to the walls.

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Harsh Environments

We know that our systems are well known for their suitability to harsh environments. It is for this reason we must make sure that the colours and options we offer you the customer must be fully suited to stand up to the harshest of conditions and do what we say they do on the tin.

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Bright ideas

Lofty ideas from Balcony Systems – putting the finishing touch into Loft Conversions.

Loft conversions and extensions are an increasingly popular trend with homeowners seeking to add value, space and light to their homes without incurring the expense and hassle of moving.

They’re also an excellent investment: according to a recent survey by the Nationwide Building Society, adding both a bedroom and bathroom through extensions or loft conversions, in London or anywhere across the UK, can add up to 23% to a property’s value.

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