Architectural features like exterior glass railing systems are made to improve the beauty and safety of outdoor areas including decks, balconies, terraces, and staircases. These methods create a transparent barrier with glass panels held up by metal or other components. Outside glass railings serve primarily as a protective barrier, averting mishaps and falls while permitting unhindered views of the surrounding area.
This blog post’s goal is to examine current developments in exterior glass railing systems. Readers can learn about cutting-edge designs, materials, and technologies that are presently reshaping the exterior glass railing market by talking about these developments.
What are the Benefits of an Exterior Glass Railing System?
Exterior glass railing systems are a popular option for improving outdoor spaces’ usability, safety, and beauty. The following are the main benefits of installing an external glass railing system:
- Safety → Providing safety is one of the main purposes of exterior glass railing systems. They serve as safety barriers, averting unintentional falls from raised areas like terraces, decks, and balconies. The tempered glass used in these systems is robust and resistant to damage, ensuring the safety of the individuals within.
- Unrestricted Views → The surrounding area is visible through glass barriers. Glass railings, unlike traditional wood or metal railings, create a sense of space and openness by not obstructing the view. This is especially useful for homes with picturesque views or stunning surroundings.
- Enhanced Aesthetics → Outside glass railings provide outdoor areas with a sleek, contemporary appearance. Their elegant and clear design gives a sense of refinement and goes well with a variety of architectural styles. Additionally, glass railings can give the impression of space, enlarging and enhancing outdoor spaces.
- Natural Light → The space is made brighter underneath the glass fences, which let in natural light. This is especially advantageous for spaces where optimizing natural light is important, such as small-space urban settings.
- Low Maintenance → It’s not too difficult to maintain exterior glass railing systems. Glass requires occasional cleaning to maintain its purity and luster, unlike metal, which can rust over time, and wood, which requires regular painting or staining. Because of this low maintenance aspect, glass railings are a sensible option for homeowners.
- Customization → Glass railing systems can be made to meet particular architectural specifications. This includes deciding on several glass kinds (frosted glass, tinted, and transparent), as well as the right hardware and frame supplies. With customization choices, exterior glass railing systems can be made to blend in with the overall style of a home or building.
- Durability → Exterior railing systems made of premium tempered glass are strong and resistant to deterioration. Rain, snow, and UV rays are just a few of the weather extremes it can tolerate without losing quality. Furthermore, these systems’ metal or stainless steel hardware is frequently resistant to corrosion, guaranteeing endurance.
- Enhanced Property Value →Glass railing systems’ sleek and contemporary design can improve a home’s overall curb appeal. For homeowners, this aesthetic update may result in a rise in the property’s value and be a wise investment.
External glass railing systems offer safety, clear views, natural light, less maintenance, customization options, durability, and potential property value enhancement.
What Types of Glass are used in Exterior Glass Railing Systems?
External glass railing systems utilize various glass types with distinct qualities to ensure durability, safety, and aesthetic appeal. The following are typical glass kinds found in exterior glass railing systems:
- Tempered Glass → The most popular option for external glass railing systems is tempered glass. It is strengthened multiple times over ordinary glass through thermal or chemical processing. Tempered glass is a durable material that can break into small, blunt fragments when broken, reducing the risk of harm. For railings, this safety feature makes it the perfect option.
- Laminated Glass → To create laminated glass, two or more layers of glass are sandwiched between a layer of transparent plastic, typically polyvinyl butyral, or PVB. The plastic covering keeps the broken glass pieces together and keeps them from flying everywhere. In locations where safety is of utmost importance, laminated glass is frequently utilized since it provides increased security and safety.
- Frosted or Acid-Etched Glass → This type of glass has a matte texture that lets light through but still offers privacy. It is frequently utilized on decks or balconies near neighbors or other places where seclusion is required.
- Clear Glass → Clear glass provides an entirely transparent view devoid of any color or light distortion. When you want an unhindered view of the surroundings, this is a great option. When maximum visibility is important, like in picturesque settings or on properties with breathtaking vistas, clear glass is frequently employed.
- Low-Iron Glass → Often referred to as ultra-clear glass, low-iron glass is extremely transparent and colorless due to its decreased iron concentration. This kind of glass reduces the greenish tint that is sometimes noticeable in regular clear glass, making it perfect for applications where color fidelity is crucial.
The type of glass used in a project will be determined by its needs, including aesthetics and privacy concerns. To choose the best kind of glass for a specific external glass railing system, speak with architects, designers, or glass contractors.
What are the Top Exterior Glass Railing Systems Trends of 2023?
Unattached Glass Railing
A standoff glass railing is a sort of railing system that uses a number of metal fittings to lock the glass panels in place. It is also referred to as point-supported glass railing or spider glass railing. By employing discrete point supports, standoff glass railings achieve a streamlined and minimalist aesthetic in contrast to conventional EXrailing systems that depend on posts or frames.
The following are the essential parts of a standoff glass railing:
- Glass Panels → Tempered or laminated glass is commonly utilized for the glass panels in standoff glass railings due to its durability and safety. To meet the exact specifications of the project, these panels are custom-cut to the required size and shape.
- Standoff Fitting → The metal brackets or connectors that keep the glass panels in place are called standoff fittings. Typically, they are composed of aluminum or stainless steel for durability and resistance to corrosion. The purpose of standoff fittings is to firmly and securely fasten to the glass panel using bolts or screws.
- Anchors and Mounting Hardware → The standoff fittings are fastened to the building’s structural components, like the walls, floors, and stairs, using anchors and mounting hardware. These elements guarantee the glass railing system’s stability and structural integrity.
Post Glass Railings Made of Stainless Steel
A stainless steel post glass railing is a common railing system that uses stainless steel posts to support glass panels.
Stainless steel post-glass railing components include:
- Stainless Steel Posts → The glass panels are supported vertically by the stainless steel posts. High-quality stainless steel, which provides longevity, resistance to corrosion, and a sleek appearance, is usually used to make these posts. The shape of the posts might vary, depending on the desired design aesthetic: square, round, or rectangular.
- Glass Panels →Tempered or laminated glass is typically used for the glass panels in stainless steel post-glass railings because of its robustness and safety properties. These panels are firmly fastened to the stainless steel supports after being specially cut to the required size and shape.
- Handrails (Optional) → For increased stability and safety, stainless steel post-glass railings may be equipped with handrails. Stainless steel is also commonly used to make handrails, which can be installed independently on the posts or affixed to the top of the glass panels.
Semi-Circular and Circular Glass Railings
Glass railings that are semi-circular or circular can be installed if your building’s architecture and balcony design allow it. Tempered glass can be used to create a variety of forms and profiles, including curved edges. A balcony glass railing with brass fittings can create a rustic effect if you enjoy combining old and modern design elements.
Learn about the new trend in exterior glass railing systems as homeowners may now customize the railings to fit their own tastes and unique style. Zenith Glass & Mirror provides a variety of customizable alternatives, such as artistic patterns for a touch of elegance, tinted glass for increased seclusion, and distinctive hardware designs to improve the beauty of your railing. You can rely on us to realize your vision. Contact Zenith Glass & Mirror right now to work with us to design a custom glass railing system that will enhance your house to perfection.