To the naked eye the difference between Frameless and Semi-Frameless Glass Balustrades may seem insignificant. However, these two balustrade systems are vastly different in terms of their structural fundamentals and even though a Semi-Frameless is a less expensive option than a Frameless Glass Balustrade, they both offer uninterrupted views that enhance your staircase, balcony or pool deck area.
The most important necessity of any glass balustrade system is that the balustrade must be tested and approved by a professional structural engineer, in accordance with SANS deemed to satisfy requirements. Consumers are often disillusioned by the beauty of the balustrade system and they don’t always understand the safety pre-requisites that these systems need to comply with. When purchasing a new balustrade system, ensure that your balustrade specialist will submit a Form 3 on completion of your installation. A Form 3 is a declaration by a competent person appointed to design a component or an element of a system, from the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977 (Act No. 103 of 1977).
Frameless Glass Balustrades:
Glass Balustrades that are Frameless requires a minimum of 12mm and possibly up to 20mm thick toughened safety glass dependent on occupancy classification.
Frameless Glass can be fixed in various structurally approved manners eg.
Side Mounted by means of a minimum of 50 diameter solid cast stainless steel adjustable components
Mounted on Stainless Steel Spigots
Housed in Stainless Steel or Mild Steel Channel
Housed in Channel by Others
A Handrail is compulsory in the event that frameless glass is not fixed into a permanent concrete or steel channel.
Semi Frameless or otherwise known as Post and Glass Balustrades:
Glass Balustrades that are framed two sides (uprights and glass clamps) requires a minimum of 10mm and possibly up to 20mm thick toughened safety glass dependent on occupancy classification.
A Semi Frameless, also known as Post and Glass Balustrade is a more affordable balustrade option to Frameless Glass. Stainless Steel posts are installed to act as the structural component of the balustrade and therefore a minimum of 10mm thick toughened safety glass can be attached to the posts by means of tested and approved stainless steel glass clamps, whereas a minimum of 12mm thick glass is the minimum requirement in a Frameless Glass system.
Stainless Steel Posts are available in round, square and rectangular profiles in order to suit the design of the home or commercial building.
All Glass balustrades must be designed to comply with the relevant occupation categories as outlined in SANS 10160 eg. 1kN/m, 1.5kN/m and 3kN/m etc.
All Frameless Glass and Semi-Frameless Glass Balustrades must withstand a 400 Joule soft body impact test.
All custom glass balustrade systems are designed and tested in consultation with a professional structural engineer and in accordance with SANS deemed to satisfy requirements.