Your Guide to Buying Glass Balcony Railing

Glass balcony railing systems have become the ultimate choice in chic, luxury home décor for many people. Their increasing popularity over traditional choices of hardwood and cable deck railing just goes to prove this. Glass railings give off a sense of chic elegance and modern sophistication that is hard to beat.

The high demand for glass railing comes from the fact that they allow you to see through and enjoy an uninterrupted view. They are usually clear in high-rise apartment buildings and other places where privacy is not a major concern. But in other areas, people prefer to have them frosted. This wide range of versatility also contributes to making glass balcony railings one of the top choices in today’s markets.

That said, the wide range of glass railing options available can make it quite hard to choose the best one for your home. This is especially true if you don’t know the features of each or what to expect from your choice. So, how do you go about choosing the best glass balcony railing for you?

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Types of Glass Balcony Railings

If you want to add value and a sense of luxury to any space, then installing glass railing is the way to go. For many people, the easiest way to achieve this by installing quality glass deck railing to their balconies, decks, patios, and porches.

Glass decking panels are used to enhance many different kinds of buildings, including homes and commercial properties. That’s because homeowners see them as a sophisticated, low maintenance option that blends in seamlessly with any style of exterior and doesn’t need a lot of repair or upkeep.

There are many different types of glass deck railing systems. Each type has its own strong points and weaknesses. That said, the types below are some of the best options for property owners that want to add value and beauty to their home, as well as cut down on maintenance costs. These include:

Frameless Glass Balcony Railing

If you have a stunning view and want to ensure that it is uninterrupted, then frameless glass deck railing systems are your best bet. These systems feature glass deck panels that don’t have a frame border. This allows you to enjoy beautiful views that are not cut off by any visible support structures.

Because of this, frameless glass deck railing is the first choice for any balcony, deck, or rooftop terrace. Better yet, you can customize these systems to your specifications. This will allow you to get the most out of your views.

Framed Glass Balcony Railings

If you have a stunning view and want to ensure that it is uninterrupted, then frameless glass deck railing systems are your best bet. These systems feature glass deck panels that don’t have a frame border. This allows you to enjoy beautiful views that are not cut off by any visible support structures.

The best choice for these are the stainless steel Invisiposts, which blend in with the glass railing and do not obstruct any stunning views.

Because of this, frameless glass deck railing is the first choice for any balcony, deck, or rooftop terrace. Better yet, you can customize these systems to your specifications. This will allow you to get the most out of your views.

Modern Glass Balcony Railings

Modern glass balcony railings are just like any other glass paneling. The only difference is that these panels are typically treated to make them easier to maintain and keep clean.

Tempered Glass Balcony Railing

Simply put, tempered glass is glass that has been hardened using heat. A special heating and cooling process turns ordinary pre-cut glass into panels that are harder to break, scratch, or damage in any other ways.

In fact, tempered glass can be up to six times stronger than normal glass. And, if it does break, these glass panels will shatter into small pieces instead of large chunks. This safety feature reduces the risk of injury from broken glass shards.

Tempered glass railings use clear panels, allowing you to enjoy any view without distractions. If you want a beautiful deck railing that is also safe for children and small pets, this is your best option. That’s because tempered glass railings are set up with very small spaces between the panels, decreasing the risk of small heads and limbs getting stuck.

These glass panels are also a very popular option when it comes to creating unframed glass railings for commercial buildings. The best option for you here is Invisirail, which provides a wide range of options for frameless glass panels.

Pros Glass Balcony Railing

1. Requires minimal maintenance

Unlike other types of decking material, glass railing systems do not require repeated painting or finishing to enhance their durability. Since decks are exposed to the elements on a continuous basis, this is an important factor to note.

2. Protection from Rust

From glass panels to the posts and other stainless steel parts, none of the components that are used in installing glass railing systems will rust or corrode over time.

3. Improved Safety and Durability

From a practical perspective, glass railings have a lot of advantages. They don’t need a lot of regular maintenance and can last for decades.

They are also a very safe option for balconies, decks, and raised platforms. Glass railings don’t rot or wear out in any way, even after many years’ of use. This means that you can rely on them to remain safe throughout their lifetime.

Glass panels are generally able to tolerate bigger extremes in temperature than other decking material like wood. They are also protected against surface cracking.

Also, keep in mind that most glass-based deck railings use tempered glass panels. This type of glass does not shatter when broken or cracked. This makes such systems very safe and durable.

4. Great Visibility

Unlike other decking materials, transparent glass panels do not block your view of the surrounding area. This gives it a pleasantly elegant and chic aesthetic appeal.

5. Easy to Install

Installing a glass railing is pretty easy work. It doesn’t need any digging or prep work to install. All you need is your preferred glass panel, some Invisiposts, base shoes, and spacers.

Cons of Glass Balcony Railing

The only significant disadvantage of using glass railing is that it’s slightly more expensive. While it isn’t exactly unaffordable, these systems tend to cost more than wooden railings.

The main reason for this is that glass railings are available in a wide range of trendy designs. The fact that so many people see them as the more stylish and fashionable choice means that glass panels will always be more expensive.

How to Maintain your Glass Balcony Railing

Over time, dirt, dust and rain spots tend to accumulate on any glass surface. So it is important to clean your glass railing panels to keep them clear and your view looking its best. Because they are always exposed to the elements, regular maintenance also ensures the safety and durability of your glass railing.

Maintaining your glass balcony railing involves a couple of steps, including:

1. Visual Inspection

Check all railing supports and brackets once every month for any signs of wear. If they are loose, take the proper steps to correct this. But most of these components are usually made of aluminum, so corrosion is not an issue.

Also, make sure that there is proper drainage around the railing base. Water damage could cause rotting around the deck to post connection and make the whole railing system weak and unsafe. ‘

Don’t forget to also maintain the balcony floor and underlying waterproof membrane. Whether it is on the ground itself or covered, you should also check these components regularly. That’s because, without proper inspection and maintenance, the membrane may develop cracks and holes in it.

In turn, this could compromise the structural safety and integrity of your deck or balcony. That’s a scary thing to think about, especially if you live or work in a high-rise building!

2. Cleaning

Clean the glass panels once in a while with a mixture of water and dish soap. You could also use any glass cleaning product to do this. Another helpful DIY solution to keep in mind is vinegar and water. This acidic solution does wonders to clean glass and kill any mold or germs.

And if water spots bother you, you can easily take care of these streaks by using a gentle squeegee after any rainfall.

How much does it Cost?

Glass railings can be more expensive to install, but it all depends on the area that you’re working with. So a glass railing system on a small balcony will cost much less one installed in a large outdoor deck or pool area.

That said, glass balcony railing cost is split into three components: the cost of the actual glass panels, the hardware, and installation (if you’re working with a professional).

On average, a glass railing system will cost you between $600 and $800 per linear foot. In specific, glass panels can cost up to $200 per linear foot, the hardware will run anywhere from $80 per linear foot, and a contractor could cost you up to $200 per linear foot for installing.

Buy Invisirail products to ensure that you get the best deal available.

Conclusion

All in all, a glass balcony railing system is a great option that can fit a wide range of situations. It is affordable, easy to maintain, and adds a subtle element of elegance and sophistication to any property.

If you thinking about installing glass railing in your own home, it is always a good idea to work with experienced professionals who can give you value for your money.