London, United Kingdom Oct 17, 2019 (Issuewire.com) - There are two main options for glass staircase designs – frameless balustrade systems or post systems.
A frameless system often has great aesthetic appeal as the glazing structure maximizes light levels but minimizes fixings and fittings. They offer contemporary designs giving traditional interiors a modern twist. The glazing panels are held into place with the channel.
Balustrade Components UK offers frameless glass balustrade options using base shoe fixing and is the sole UK distributor of the AMG Frameless Glass Balustrade System. This system provides aesthetically pleasing frameless glass staircase railings that have a high level of functionality and safety, conforming to the latest building regulations.
Using a frameless system in your installation means the glass is the major factor concerning performance and functionality. This means the correct choice of glass is very important. Factors like thermal insulation, load bearings, acoustic properties and fire rating all affect its compliance with regulations.
Another fixing method for the glass is standoff point fixings, or glass standoffs as they are commonly known. These are small stainless steel components that are often used to complement other internal features e.g. door handles.
Available in screw fix or resin fix options, Balustrade Components offers a range of Grade 304 or Grade 316 stainless steel standoffs, for glass thickness of between 8 and 15mm, in bright or satin polished finishes, with varying standoff distances between 10 and 50mm.
The other main glass staircase option is incorporating a post system. Material selection is important here and popular options include using stainless steel or wooden posts and handrails.
These staircase structures rely more on architectural metal products such as glass clamps, brackets, fasteners, standoff fixings and other accessories.
Balustrade Components UK always advises incorporating architectural metal fixings into early design concepts, ensuring each fixture is in the correct location offering maximum structural performance. Their experienced team works closely with you to get the optimum balance of practicality/functionality and aesthetics, ensuring your glass staircase complies with UK Building Regulations and exceeds your client’s expectations.
Project type
Whether you are working on a new build, retrofit or refurbishment glass staircase project, ensuring compliance and achieving the right look is a complicated process.
First and foremost, integrating glass staircase designs into early design concepts is important for any project type. New build projects sometimes have greater control over the structural plans, and as a result, gives a little more flexibility over the design of the glass staircase.
Retrofit or refurbishment projects often require a little more detailing in ensuring compliance, as you are designing a staircase to fit within an existing structure. With this in mind, the choice of components and materials is crucial.
Balustrade Components UK manufactures a wide range of glass balustrade components in their factory in Cannock, Staffordshire. They are the only UK-based manufacturer to produce balustrade fixings for thick glass, where they are able to produce custom handrail brackets, standoffs, glass brackets and other fixings specifically for glass thicknesses above 25mm.
The company’s glass balustrade fixings use the finest 304 and 316 stainless steel which means they are an excellent material for high-quality glass staircases, ensuring quality stems from concept to completion. This reduces any potential problems faced by the installer on-site. It also produces a stunning end-result for the client.
Compliance with Building Regulations
Glazing panels are often in critical locations within staircases, and as a result they have to ensure they are designed and constructed so the risk of breakage and failure is low. Approved Document K sets out criteria and regulations for protection to people against impact, falling and collision with the glass staircase structures.
British Standards 6180:2011 gives guidance and recommendations for the construction of barriers in and around buildings, including factors such as the material selection for the barriers; the various loadings that barriers are meant to withstand; and the application or use of the barriers and how this affects the design.
Buy online for your glass staircase project
For your convenience, you can buy direct from Balustrade Components UK’s website – balustradecomponents.co.uk. Their extensive product range is available to buy (with customized and stock items available) and an extensive blog with the latest developments, trends and product news.
For further information on the range of high-quality glass balustrade fixings available, or if you require support with your build project, please contact our friendly, competent team on 01543 624 780, email sales@balustradecomponents.co.uk or visit our website www.balustradecomponents.co.uk
About: Balustrade Components UK Ltd is one of the UK’s leading balustrade fixings solutions providers, offering state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities together with unparalleled technical service capabilities.
With over 30 years’ experience in glass fixing accessories and balustrade components, their professional team guides architects, specifiers, housing developers and other industry professionals through every stage of the project specification process, incorporating high quality balustrading into residential, commercial and industrial projects.
Media Contact
Balustrade sales@balustradecomponents.co.uk http://www.balustradecomponents.co.uk