What is a frameless balustrade system, and what are the benefits of installing one in your home?
A balustrade is a railing used to provide support and safety. A frameless balustrade system is a type of fence with no frame or supports attached to it. Instead, it uses tension to remain in place, making it a popular choice for home and office staircases, balconies, and decks.
There are several benefits to using a frameless balustrade system.
- They are solid and durable. They can withstand significant weight and force without breaking or collapsing.
- Straightforward to install.
- Provide an unobstructed view.
- Low maintenance.
- Available in a variety of styles and designs to match any décor.
There are many reasons why you should consider using a frameless balustrade system in your home.
How much does a frameless balustrade system cost to install compared to traditional railing systems?
A balustrade, also known as a railing, is a barrier installed around a balcony, deck, staircase, or other raised area to prevent people from falling.
Traditionally, balustrades have been made of wood or metal and feature horizontal bars or vertical posts. However, in recent years, frameless balustrade systems have become increasingly popular.
These systems are typically made of glass or stainless steel and offer a sleek, modern look. Regarding cost, frameless balustrade systems are generally more expensive to install than traditional balustrades.
However, they often require less maintenance and can provide homeowners significant aesthetic and safety benefits.
As such, frameless balustrades are an excellent choice for upgrading their home’s railing system.
What materials are used in frameless balustrade systems, and how durable are they?
Frameless balustrade systems are designed for both indoor and outdoor use. They are usually made from glass but can also be made from stainless steel or other metal alloys.
The glass is usually tempered for safety and durability. Frameless balustrade systems are robust and resilient and withstand a lot of wear and tear.
However, they are not indestructible and can be scratched or chipped if you don’t care for them properly.
A frameless balustrade system can last many years with proper care and maintenance.
How easy is it to maintain a frameless balustrade system, and what cleaning products should be used on them?
Frameless balustrades are popular for many homeowners because of their sleek and modern look and are also straightforward to maintain.
In most cases, you must wipe them down with a damp cloth or mild soap and water solution.
You can use a glass cleaner or white vinegar solution for tougher stains. It’s important to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the finish of the balustrade.
With just a little bit of regular care, you can keep your frameless balustrade looking new for years to come.
Are there any safety concerns with installing a frameless balustrade system in your home, and how do you address them?
Frameless balustrades are becoming increasingly popular due to their sleek and modern appearance. However, some safety concerns must be considered when installing a frameless balustrade system in your home.
One of the main concerns is that a frameless balustrade offers less support than a framed railing, meaning that if someone leans or falls against it, there is a risk that the fence could give way. Another concern is that glass panels can break if not installed correctly or are subject to impact, posing a severe safety hazard, primarily if the glass is located near a staircase.
Choose a reputable and experienced installer who has experience with frameless balustrades. They will be able to advise you on the best type of glass for your needs and make sure that it is installed correctly.
This is a job I did a few months back. The customer had a floor-mounted Frameless system installed by another company. Unfortunately, they made a right mess of it.
During the night, with strong winds, the glass was falling over; they had to rush out and remove it before it fell over.
They phoned the fitter, who wouldn’t return their calls, only to find weeks later that the company had folded.
Upon inspection, I was called in and found that the aluminium channel was fixed to the floor using self-tapping concrete screws and had not been fixed in ever-fixing holes.
The channel system looked inadequate and needed to be installed correctly, as the glass had fallen out.
The glass was also not to building regulations. This company had used 12mm toughened glass which is ok in a framed system like the one I installed.
With a frameless system, the glass must be toughened and laminated with a 16.8 minimum thickness. If the glass were to break, the glass would hold together like a car windscreen and protect you from falling.
After trying to reassure the customer a properly fitted frameless system from NW Fabrications would be safe, the decision was to change to a framed system as the customer had lost the money from the previous company.
Using all Stainless steel 316 parts, including fixings! Compared to the rusting mild steel screws that fell apart when we removed the old frameless system. The customer was over the moon with the strength of their new fence.
We only use the most robust materials at NW Fabrications, and safety is critical. All our Stainless steel vertical posts are 48.3 diameters compared to other companies who offer cheaper and weaker 42.4 posts.
The base fixing plates are also substantial when considering a framed balustrade. NW Fabrications only use 125mm base plates compared to others on the market which are 100mm, thus making the post more stable with a large base plate.
So always check that the company you use have a good reputation and they have got 5 *️ reviews, and if they sound confused, they probably haven’t got a clue what they are doing!
It is also essential to have regular maintenance checks carried out on your balustrade to ensure that it is in good condition and safe to use.
A frameless balustrade system is an excellent investment for any home. They are significantly cheaper than traditional railing systems, made from high-quality and durable materials, easy to maintain with minimal cleaning, and most importantly – safe for your family.
Call the experts today 07929 999549 for a free consultation if you’re considering installing a frameless balustrade system in your home or contact me.
