How to fit a Glass Balustrade?

Looking for a DIY project to keep you busy during lockdown? Fitting a Glass Balustrade is probably easier than you think, with just a few tools and a whole lot of patience.

When fitting a Glass Balustrade the first thing to remember is safety. The glass panels may be heavy and you may need someone to hold them in place so although it might be possible to fit the system alone, there are times in the process when an extra set of hands will come in handy. To lift the glass correctly, remember to lift with your back straight and your knees bent.

There is nothing worse than having the glass in place and then realising the tool you need is out of reach so although it might seem obvious make sure you have everything you might need to hand.

A Glass Balustrade is a barrier that prevents people or things from falling over an edge and so it needs to be installed correctly for safety reasons. It is essential that the balustrade is measured correctly before you start fitting it as the posts have to be in the right place for safety reasons.

The fitting of the Balustrade will depend on the design, for example, a Frameless Glass Balustrade might take more time to install as it has to be fitted into the flooring or decking. Although this option might seem more difficult and time-consuming your reward will be an uninterrupted view.

The first step is to install the posts (if the balustrade isn’t frameless) the holes must be drilled and then the posts fixed securely in place. This is when the measurements are really important as once the holes are drilled and the posts are in place it is difficult to make any changes. Then you can add the handrail, this comes ready for installation as it should already be made and measured to your specifications. Finally, it is time to install the glass. When installing the glass it is important to ensure the gaps between the glass are all equal.

An alternative to the frameless design is to use glass clamps, which come in a range of designs and materials. It is important when fitting these to place them carefully ensuring the weight of the glass is evenly distributed to fully support the balustrade. Usually, the glass clamps will be attached at both the top and the bottom to ensure the design is safely in place. For the best look make sure the clamps are all inline.

When fitting the clamps it is recommended that they are gradually tightened, this evenly distributes the pressure to ensure that the glass doesn’t crack.

At Origin Architectural we are here to help advise you on which is the best glass balustrade system to meet your needs. Head over to our smart designer where you can choose your balustrade, input a few details and get an instant quote.