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Stairways are an integral feature of any multi-level home. Providing access to various floors and roofs of your building, stairs ensure a safe and easy means of navigation. But how do you add a safety barrier to the staircase? That is where balustrading comes in. So, when you hear the word ‘staircase’, the picture that comes to mind is that of a staircase with balustrades or glass railings, right? You may not be familiar with the term balustrade but will have seen and used them along stairs and landings everywhere. It is the railing system – made up of a handrail and supportive horizontal bars – found lining the staircases and terraces.
Glass Balustrades – What Are They?
Balustrades are an essential architectural component that not only serves the aesthetic purpose but also adds safety features. Even though they are architecturally necessary, it doesn’t mean they have to be bland and boring. That is why revamping balustrades has become a popular trend among home and business owners these days. Choosing the right balustrade can transform the overall look and feel of your space. With a plethora of material and design options available with balustrading, making a pick would be a tricky task. So, if you are looking to add a touch of elegance to your stairways without compromising on the safety aspect, glass balustrades are your best bet.
Are Glass Balustrades Safe?
As one of the leading glass and aluminium fabrication companies in UAE, we have often partnered with interior designers and architects to install glass railings and balustrades. But one common question we often encounter from our customers is – are glass balustrades a safe choice? Many of us perceive glass as a fragile material, prone to breakage. That is why it raises safety concerns, and many prefer wood or metal balustrades instead. However, let us share with you an important fact: when purchased from a reputed supplier and installed correctly with an experienced team, glass balustrades are a highly safe choice for various settings.
If you are wondering what makes glass balustrades an ideal choice for securing your stairways, then it is because of the type of glass used and its thickness. To be more specific, toughened or tempered glass is used for glass balustrades and it has different physical properties from regular, untreated glass. During the tempering process, glass undergoes compression and various thermal treatments that increase its strength and bending capabilities. The resulting glass material is much more resilient, tough, durable and can withstand most external impacts. Even if the glass panels break, it doesn’t shatter into sharp shards like regular glass. It is not easy to break toughened glass railings in the first place, but even if it does shatter, it will break into smaller, crystalline, harmless pieces, that are less likely to cause any injuries. If you’re still on the fence about using glass balustrades for your staircase makeover, let us give you more reasons.
Aesthetic Appeal
Interior design trends keep changing, but glass balustrades have a timeless elegance that never goes out of style. Not only do glass balustrades have a sleek and stylish look that complements most architectural styles, but they can blend seamlessly with any type of decor. If you wish to add a touch of luxury to your stairways, glass balustrading is the way to go. Installing glass balustrades adds a touch of modern sophistication to any building that is fitted in.
Versatility
Glass balustrades offer unlimited design possibilities for your stairways. There are many options for customization and versatile design available with glass balustrading. You can even choose from a wide range of frame styles and glass types. Some of the popular options include but are not limited to frameless, frosted, textured and semi-frameless balustrades. Whether you are planning for a minimalist approach or a contemporary design, glass balustrades are versatile to fit every architectural style and personal preference.
Illusion of Space
Glass balustrades can light up your interiors and make it feel brighter. The transparency and light flow of glass balustrades create a beautiful ambience for your residential and commercial indoor spaces. Glass is the perfect material choice for letting in and maximizing every bit of natural sunlight to your indoors, making the spaces feel larger and more open. Closed-off and opaque balustrades can make the stairways seem dark and unpleasant. When you choose glass railings and balustrading, it creates a more expansive and inviting ambience.
Low Maintenance
Glass balustrades are easy to install, as it is a simple process of setting up a railing and glass panels. However, make sure you seek the professional services of a glass balustrading company like Belmont Glass for quality results. Once installed, you don’t have to worry about the upkeep of glass balustrades. They are easy to clean and are largely unaffected by daily wear and tear. All you have to do is wipe the glass panels with soft cloth, water and mild soap.
Durability
As mentioned earlier, glass is an extremely durable construction material and glass balustrades are exceptionally sturdy and robust. Their inherent durability and resistance to wear and tear ensures they retain their appeal for a long time. Unlike wood or metal balustrades, which are often prone to rotting, rusting or fading, glass maintains its exquisite beauty over time with little to no maintenance.
Now you know why glass balustrades an increasingly popular option for a staircase makeover is. After all, who wouldn’t want their hallways or entryways to look sleek, brighter and modern? If you are thinking of installing glass balustrades in your home or office, reach out to the Belmont Glass team.