If you’ve investing in a glass balustrade for your balcony, decking, or stairs, you naturally want it to last as long as possible. Glass balustrades are usually made from toughened glass, which is more than four times stronger than regular glass and can withstand heavy impact without breaking.
However, accidents can happen, and dealing with glass comes with its own set of vulnerabilities.
In this article, we examine the most common reasons for glass balustrade breakage and provide some useful tips on how to prevent such incidents.
1. Breaks from Impact
This is arguably the most prevalent cause, particularly in households with children. Whether it’s from an errant football or accidental throws, impact breakage poses a significant problem.
Depending on the type of balustrade you have (e.g. toughened, toughened laminated), the impact may be less destructive. However, the most effective way to prevent this is to instil a culture of care and caution.
2. “Edge” Breakage
This type of damage is common when glass balustrades are installed by non-professional installers. That’s why we strongly recommend using professionals, especially considering the cost of your balustrade.
Edge damage usually occurs due to improper glass handling, often resulting in the panel shattering. However, it can also cause chips around the edges, which can make the panel unstable and potentially lead to complete breakage later.
3. Poor Installation
Glass panels for balustrades are designed to evenly distribute weight across the entire panel to reduce stress. Poor installation can lead to the development of stress points, which can weaken the glass’s integrity. For example, this is common when glass panels are fixed too tightly into the brackets, which creates stress points around the edge of the balustrade can sometimes make it more vulnerable to damage.
4. Poor Glass Design
If the glass is poorly designed, there could be stress points across the panel, leading to spontaneous breakage. The best way to combat this is to purchase your balustrade from a reputable, proven manufacturer.
Learn More About Choosing the Right Glass Balustrade
If you’re considering a glass balustrade for your home or office, we have plenty of tips and advice to help you make the right decision. Check out our latest blogs and when you’re ready to buy, get in touch. Our friendly team of experts will be here to help you make the right choice.
