Our balustrade systems are engineered to meet the stringent demands of modern UK construction, prioritizing safety compliance and installation efficiency:

• Engineered for Verified Load Compliance (0.74kN to 3.0kN): Whether it’s a home patio or a crowded stadium, we can tailor the glass and fixings to handle the load.¹ Our systems cover the full range of safety requirements – from 36 kN (domestic railing) up to 3.0 kN for heavy crowd loads.¹ In plain terms, that means we’ve got you covered whether a single person leans on the railing or a big crowd pushes against it.¹
• Uninterrupted Views, Frameless Design: Our balustrade systems use sturdy glass panels with no vertical supports, meaning nothing will interrupt your view.¹ You get simple clean lines and a “nothing there” look that let in natural light and make spaces feel open.¹
• High Safety with Minimal Gaps (100mm Sphere Rule): These designs are non-climbable and have virtually no gaps, so even a curious child can’t easily climb up or slip through.¹ Building rules say a 100mm (4-inch) sphere shouldn’t pass through any gap – our continuous glass panels make that easy to meet.¹
• Installation Efficiency: All our base channels come prefabricated for quick installation to save you time on site.¹
• Custom Finishes & Versatility: The aluminum base channels can be finished to suit your style – mill finish, anodised, or powder-coated in practically any colour you want.¹ We also offer solutions for extra-tall glass screens (up to ~2.1m height)for privacy or wind-break panels in gardens or high-rise terraces.¹

In the UK, building regulations and standards (like Approved Document K and BS 6180) set out key safety requirements for balustrades.¹ We handle the technical compliance in the background – you get a solution that’s safe and approved.

The Essential “Two Barrier” Rule (Toughened vs. Laminated Glass)

The most critical safety decision is the choice of glass, as regulations effectively require that the guarding system should still prevent falls even if one element fails.

Key Regulatory Dimensions:

• Minimum Height: For a protective barrier on an open edge (like a balcony), the top of the balustrade must be at least 1100 mm high.¹ For internal staircases or landings, the rule is 900 mm minimum height.
  
  
• Load Ratings (kN/m): We design and supply the correct glass thickness and channel reinforcement to meet the required load rating for your project.¹ All systems are certified to British Standards (BS 6180).

Specialist Authority Knowledge: Fire Safety (Part B, > 11m)

While most standard domestic projects do not require A1/A2 fire classification, for projects involving external facades on residential buildings over 11 metres in height, balustrade components must be non-combustible (A1 or A2-s1, d0).

• The Laminated Glass Paradox: Monolithic toughened glass is A1 fire-rated (non-combustible).¹ However, the plastic interlayer in standard laminated glass is organic and may not meet the A2-s1, d0 requirement.
  
  
• Compliance Solutions: We offer systems that are either certified A2-s1, d0 as a whole (using specialized fire-resistant interlayers and components) or we can specify the legally compliant combination of A1 monolithic glass with a robust structural handrail.¹We ensure your specification satisfies both fall protection and Part B requirements.

The choice of fixing method is critical for structural compliance, aesthetic goals, and long-term durability. We offer a range of fixing channels and brackets to attach securely into concrete floors, steel beams, wooden decking, or even brickwork.

• Top-Fix (Floor Mounted)
  • Description: The base channel is mounted directly on top of the finished floor or slab.
  • Trade Advantage: Very common, secure, and straightforward to install on solid surfaces like concrete or steel.
  • Technical Note: Mounting distances (the spacing between fixings) are determined by the required load rating. For a specific $1.5 \text{kN}$ top-mount channel (Model TL6020), the distance may be $400 \text{mm}$, while a $0.74 \text{kN}$ application may allow $600 \text{mm}$.
    
    
• Side-Fix (Fascia Mounted)
  • Description: The base channels are attached to the side, or vertical face, of the slab, balcony, or staircase.
  • Trade Advantage: Maximizes usable floor space and is often preferable for timber decks, as mounting to a sturdy joist/rim board can be more secure and avoids water pooling around fittings on the floor.¹ Creates a stylish “floating glass” effect.
  • Technical Note: A specific $1.5 \text{kN}$ side-mount channel (Model TL6021) requires a mounting distance of $400 \text{mm}$ for compliance.
    
    
• Other Options: We also offer alternative fixing styles like point-fix “button” connectors or spigots for specific design needs.

Feeling a bit overwhelmed with the technical details of load calculations, mounting distances, and compliance requirements? Don’t worry – that’s exactly why we developed the Smart Glazier Tool.

The Glass People pride ourselves on making the process of choosing a glass balustrade easy and hassle-free for you.¹ We combine deep technical know-how with a friendly, down-to-earth approach.

Our aim is to build your trust by being knowledgeable and transparent. If there’s an industry standard or regulation to consider, we’ve already thought of it and incorporated it into our recommendation.

Why Use the Smart Glazier Tool?

The Smart Glazier Tool functions as your essential pre-screening specification guide. It ensures that when you request a quote, the pricing is based on a technically compliant system design, protecting you from errors and reducing project liability.

Instead of a generic inquiry, the tool forces mandatory input on:

1. Required Load Rating (0.74kN, 1.5kN, 3.0kN)
2. Glass Choice (Monolithic Toughened vs. Laminated Toughened)
3. Fixing Substrate (Concrete, Steel, Timber)
4. Application Environment (Internal/External, Height)