We are passionate about breathtaking designs and have succeeded in designing, manufacturing and installing what we feel are truly superior balustrade systems since inception. Of all the materials that we use, we’re faced with the most questions and concerns regarding glass balustrades. Many of our clients are sceptical at first about the safety of this material. To help clarify any concerns, we’re going to run you through the facts so you can make an informed decision when considering installing glass balustrades in your residential building. Currently there are a variety of glass balustrade designs that can be installed in residential projects. Frameless glass systems fixed into a channel are arguably the most popular due to their “physics defying” appearance and also due to the system allowing uninterrupted views. Apart from frameless glass balustrades there are, stainless steel posts with glass infill panels, frameless glass options side fixed to a staircase or to a balcony with stainless steel standoff components and many different, attractive handrail fittings that can attach to the top of any of the glass balustrade options. Once our clients have been shown the variety of glass balustrade options, they often ask “are these systems safe in my home or residential building?” Lets start by clarifying what is considered to be safe. In order for a balustrade system to be considered fit for occupation and thus considered safe, it has to take the required load dictated by SANS relevant to balustrades, if this is the case the building owner will be supplied with an occupancy certificate once the project is completed. How do you know if you will receive an occupancy certificate at the end of your project? By employing a SANS compliant balustrade manufacturer that only designs, builds and installs SANS compliant balustrades. For more information read our recent article onglass standards and the South African Glass and Glazing Association’s article aboutSouth African glass standards. To ensure you’re getting a compliant and quality product it is best to do your homework and find out if the balustrade company is part of SAGGA (South African Glass and Glazing Association), the GMBA (Gauteng Master Builders Association). Any legitimate and accredited balustrade manufacturer will insist that your glass balustrade system is compliant and will explain to you your liabilities in terms of the SANS regulations.
So to answer the initial question, glass balustrade systems are safe in residential buildings if they are installed by a SANS compliant professional or company.
In an effort to protect our clients, we take away any liabilities if the balustrade designs are supplied with a design and supply contract by their architect. The balustrade sub-contractor will also issue an engineers sign off for your balustrade project, so that when your building inspector needs to issue your occupation certificate the engineers’ sign off is already on hand. Even if after you are aware of all the liabilities, you choose not to install a SANS compliant range of balustrades, you are indemnifying the balustrade contractor of all liabilities on the balustrades and you become liable for any incidents should there be any from the balustrades.