The glass in balustrades is designed to withstand normal temperature fluctuations between summer heat, cold, and frost. It may also flex slightly when subjected to wind, but this is not a sign of a problem. The extent to which the glass is affected depends on the type of glass, its size, how it is mounted, and the edge treatment. The glass is designed for outdoor use.
Large and rapid temperature changes place a greater strain on the glass than gradual changes – for example, when part of the glass is heated by the sun while the rest remains cold. Some movement in larger glass panels is normal in windy conditions and depends on the size, thickness, and mounting. Frost will not cause a correctly specified glass balustrade to crack – the key is that the glass, hardware, and mounting are suitable for the location.
The easiest way to clean a glass balustrade is with lukewarm water, a mild detergent, and a soft microfiber cloth or window squeegee. Avoid strong or abrasive cleaners, which can damage the surface of the glass or the balustrade’s hardware. How often this is necessary depends on the location. Near the sea, roads, or areas with high pollen counts, the balustrade may need to be washed more often.
A nano-coating makes the glass more water-repellent, so dirt and limescale don’t stick as easily, but it doesn’t replace cleaning. Also wipe down the clamps and hardware – stainless steel ones with water and a mild detergent, painted ones with a soft cloth – and check at the same time that they’re securely fastened.
Glass for balustrades is ground and polished to ensure that the edge is even, smooth, and finished after cutting. This is particularly important for glass balustrades, since the edge is often visible – for example, when the glass is held in clamps or has no frame. Edge finishing affects both appearance and quality.
Grinding removes irregularities and minor edge defects left after cutting, and polishing produces a smooth, finely finished surface. The glass edge is more susceptible to damage than the flat surface, so a well-finished edge improves the glass’s durability during transport, handling, and installation. On open balustrades, such as those with glass clamps, the edge also becomes a visible part of the design.
You choose the right glass balustrade based on its location, the view, the desired look, and the requirements the balustrade must meet. Glass balustrades work both indoors and outdoors and can be installed with posts, clamps, or as frameless systems. Frameless systems offer the best view, while posts can become a distinctive part of the design.
Clear glass preserves the view, while opal or tinted glass provides more privacy. Outdoors and in coastal areas, hardware, profiles, and metal components must be able to withstand the environment. Consider the glass, fixings, and load-bearing components as a complete system, especially where the balustrade provides fall protection.
Opal glass, also known as frosted glass, is usually the best choice when you want to reduce visibility from the outside while maintaining natural light. It lets light through but makes it difficult to see details through the glass, and is suitable for balconies, patios, and densely populated areas. Tinted glass softens the light and slightly reduces visibility from the outside, but you can still see through it.
Clear glass provides the most light and the best view but offers almost no privacy. You can combine opal glass facing the neighbour or the street with clear glass where the view is most important. Keep in mind that tinted glass does not provide one-way privacy – in the evening, when it’s bright inside, it becomes easier to see through.
Yes, glass balustrades can be used as fall protection on balconies, terraces and in public spaces, but it is the whole structure that determines safety. Glass, fixings, profiles and substrate must be designed for how the location is used and the loads involved. Correctly installed, glass is a safe choice.
Laminated safety glass holds together if it breaks, and glass has no horizontal parts that can be used as footholds. A frameless glass balustrade is not automatically less safe than one with posts. The manufacturing process is certified to EN 1090-1 and continuously monitored by RISE. The requirements for height and openings depend on local building regulations.
Yes, in many cases, you can install privacy screens on your balcony yourself, especially if you already have a glass balustrade with posts and clamps. The important thing is that the new glass fits the existing structure and does not compromise the balustrade’s safety. Often, it’s enough to simply replace the glass itself.
Make sure the width and height of the glass fit the distance between the posts, that the clamps and rubber inserts are designed for the glass thickness, and that the posts are stable. Opal glass provides the most privacy while still letting light through. Larger glass panels should be installed by two people, preferably using a glass lift. If you’re making changes beyond just replacing the glass, check the mounting first.
Glass balustrades use safety glass that is tailored to the balustrade’s design, glass dimensions, mounting, and load-bearing capacity. Common options include laminated safety glass and toughened laminated glass, and the entire system determines which type is needed. The glass is selected based on the entire balustrade system.
Laminated glass consists of two glass panes with an interlayer that holds the glass pieces together if the glass breaks, so that it does not shatter immediately. Toughened laminated glass is used when the system requires greater strength, such as for large glass panes or in exposed locations. If a pane of glass has cracked, it must be secured and replaced, since its properties have changed.
A glass balustrade gives a modern, airy frame, whether it is on decking, a balcony, an indoor staircase or around a pool. You keep the view and the light, while the glass breaks the wind. We make every glass balustrade to your measurements at our factory in Ängelholm, so it fits your installation surface exactly.
On decking, the glass keeps the view of the garden, lake or sea. On a balcony, it solves privacy, wind and fall protection in one structure. On an indoor staircase, glass lets light through between floors, and a solid glass panel has no openings to climb through. For French doors without a balcony slab, see our Juliet balconies. We also supply glass balustrades for pools and commercial settings such as hotels and restaurants.
Clear glass gives the best view. Grey tinted glass softens the light slightly and suits dark façades. Frosted opal glass lets daylight through but breaks the line of sight, so it works as a privacy screen.
Depending on the product, we use laminated safety glass, where two panes are bonded with a PVB interlayer that holds the fragments in place if the glass breaks. The thickness is chosen according to the load: 8.76 mm laminated glass is used for many decks and patios, while we recommend 12.76 mm toughened laminated glass for pools, wind-exposed locations and Juliet balconies.
The manufacturing process is certified to EN 1090-1. Production is continuously monitored by RISE, with a focus on traceability, quality and the manufacturing process.
The price depends on the glass type, the system and the number of metres. 8.76 mm laminated glass is the most affordable, and 12.76 mm toughened laminated glass costs more. The frameless Vista is the most exclusive solution, while post systems such as Arcus cost less. Fewer corners and longer straight runs lower the price per metre. You see the price straight away in the 3D configurator.
The glass balustrade is delivered as a complete kit with made-to-measure glass, posts, fixings and installation instructions. The fixing must always suit the surface and the load-bearing structure.
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