TM
A frame glass railing – the durability and reliability of a structure
The main defining feature of frame railings is the full-fledged frame structure formed from metal (less often from wood) with closed opening contours for glazing. This structure is load-bearing and takes on all static and dynamic loads. Glass panels in this design are solely a filler for prepared openings. Glass canvases can be “suspended” on fasteners located on both sides, or installed in the slot of the profile that forms the frame. The openings of the frame railing can be filled with glass of various colors, degrees of transparency and surface structure.
Framed glass railings combine the beauty and transparency of glass with the solidity and reliability of a metal frame structure. The result is the perfect finishing touch to your exterior or interior project – be it patio, balcony, terrace or staircase.
A frame system is usually cheaper than a self-supporting system due to the possibility of using thinner safe glass and simpler and cheaper handrails in it. This distinguishes the frame railing system from the self-supporting one, in which the use of costlier, thicker laminated safe glass is permissible. Handrails for self-supporting glass enclosures are more complex in design and installation, and are attached only to the glass panel.
There are 3 types of fastening glass panels to a railing frame:
1. Glass railing from frame profile
A frame profile is used when installing glass in the enclosing structure, in which a special slot is provided for holding the glass sheet. Glass fixing can be carried out from 2 opposite, 3 or from all 4 sides. For such structures, the European Technical Code (BS 6180) requires the glass panel to be recessed into the profile mounting slot to a depth of at least 15 mm.
2. Frame glass railings on clamps
3. Frame glass railing on point-mounts
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In that case, metal fasteners (clamps) serve as an option for attaching the glass sheet to the frame structure. The handrail in such railings is installed from above or with a cantilever extension. According to the Technical Standards, the clamps must be located on the sides of the glass fixing to the posts or crossbars of the structure at a distance of no more than 600 mm from each other. The length of the clamp should not be less than 50 mm, with a “grip” of at least 25 mm on the glass panel.
The glass sheet is attached to the frame using special metal fasteners – point glass holders, usually of a round shape. Due to the special compactness of the point mounts, a feeling of maximum visual lightness and transparency of the structure is created. According to the Technical Standards, the diameter of the grip (covering capacity) of glass with such fasteners must be at least 50 mm. Point mounts should not be in direct contact with the glass, and for this purpose special spacers and bushings made of elastic materials are used. These fasteners can be manufactured in various sizes, usually stainless steel with a glossy or matte finish.
Racks of frame glass railings can be installed onto:
- directly into the floor or step;
- to the edge of the structure.
Choose the model of frame glass railing:
GF-01
Glass railing in frame
GF-02
Glass railing in clamp fasteners
GF-03
Railing on point mounts