Metal and wood were the preferred materials for balustrades. This trend has changed as people have increasingly adopted glass. Glass balustrades are the best choice for use outside or inside your home. They are not only attractive but also more eco-friendly and safe.
A glass balustrade is basically a type of material that acts a safety barrier or a special type of fencing. It comes in different designs such as textured, curved, framed, semi-framed or fully framed. They are unbelievably versatile, hence can be used on exterior and interior staircases, balconies, decks, verandahs and for pool fencing.
Advantages glass balustrades over other types of materials:
Glass Balustrades Are Eco-friendly
For those who are conscious about the environment, glass balustrades are eco-friendly because the glass used to make them can easily be recycled. In addition, glass does not emit hazardous substances or corrode unlike metals which release materials that are harmful to the environment. The fittings or posts that maintain the glass panels in place are manufactured from high grade stainless steel or powder-coated aluminum which does not corrode either.
Easy to Maintain Glass Laminates
Given that glass is easy to clean, you can use eco-friendly detergents to clean it, such as a home made detergent, and yet achieve the same results.
If a glass balustrade is damaged or scratched, you can easily restore it to its original beauty by polishing. This is a major advantage that wood or metal just can’t compete with.
Glass Allows Abundance of Light
Perhaps the biggest reason why glass balustrades are so popular is because they do not block light. A popular choice among many homeowners is see through glass that light easily passes through.
This feature is also great because you can see your surroundings, for example you may look at your beautiful garden or pool area. In addition your home will look more attractive and lively because light is abundant, and plus, abundance of light usually makes people feel good.
Glass Gives An Illusion Of Space
Glass balustrades create a sense of space and add a touch of natural splendor and elegance to your home. This is especially true when using see through glass, as it makes your home appear larger and more spacious than it is in reality, because unlike brick walls, we do not perceive see trough glass as a limit to our movement. This cannot be achieved by using wooden or metal balustrades.
Toughened Glass Laminates Are Safe
Many home owners are prejudiced against using glass because they believe it poses risks. This is not the case as glass balustrades adhere to nationwide regulations and standards. Consequently, any ground for safety concerns is eliminated as glass balustrades are actually more durable and stronger than wooden or metallic balustrades.
This is because they are made from firm and thick tempered safety glass which breaks only under severe conditions. In the rare event that the glass breaks, the shards produced are not sharp. This means that glass balustrades are ideal for all areas and homes, even where children are present.
Design Versatility With Glass Balustrades
Unlike wood and metal, glass can easily combine with other types of materials. It is versatile design-wise, hence available in a variety of fixing and framing options, textures and colors. Glass balustrades can be used in both modern and old-fashioned homes to give the house a sense of style and modern elegance.
Guest Author, Mark Tomich on Glass balustrades that have both functional and visual appeal advantages over other types of materials.