Open, bright and clean! Glass balustrades are one of the most striking features a home can have. However, safety is the obvious concern for parents with little ones.
Will a glass panel system really hold up in a home with active, curious children? Children who push, hang, and climb on everything they see? Yes, it can. But read on to learn more.
They Are Made With Tempered Glass
A glass balustrade consists of toughened or tempered safety glass. It is designed to resist high impact forces. Tempered glass is made by carefully heating and cooling the glass. That results in a stronger product than standard glass. Even with the same thickness.
Suppose it does fail under extreme pressure. It also does not break into shards or splinters. But into small rounded chunks. This is a safety feature that sets it apart from window or picture frame glass.
The thickness of frameless glass balustrade panels is normally around 15-21mm. It is far thicker than any force a child could reasonably apply to test its structural rigidity.
They Comply With The Australian Safety Standards
Glass balustrade systems installed in Australian dwellings must conform to a range of engineering requirements. These guidelines regulate:
- The height of the balustrade
- The spacing between posts and fittings
- The load-bearing capacity of the panels
- The design of any gate systems used in the installation of pool fences.
The purpose of these standards is to safeguard children. They are enforced as part of the building approval process.
A professionally installed system that conforms to the appropriate Australian Standards offers a level of engineered safety assurance that not all timber or metal railing systems can match at a practical level. The compliance framework eliminates much of the trial and error in determining whether the system is truly safe for family environments.
They Should Be Inspected Periodically
The actual safety concerns for families with children are related to the design that makes up the system. This includes the:
- Fittings
- Base channels
- Gate mechanisms.
Base channels and spigots should be checked periodically to ensure that they are securely in place and stay stable over time.
There should be self-closing and self-latching gate mechanisms in pool fences. They must function correctly from all positions. They should be tested at regular intervals.
Notice seemingly small chips or cracks around the edges of a panel? Call a professional to evaluate them. Do not ignore or leave them untreated.
Installation Should Be Right
A family home requires safety-conscious choices. Just when installing a glass balustrade, remember to:
- Measure heights
- Ensure compliance
- Choose the appropriate fittings.
Just like installing custom wardrobes, have the technician assess the space before deciding on anything. A glass balustrade system that is properly selected and installed well is safe for children.
The Bottom Line
Glass balustrades are a truly safe option for houses with children when:
- Properly specified
- Installed in accordance with applicable Australian Standards
- Maintained with the same care as any other safety-critical feature in the house.
When you hire the right professionals to do the job, you don’t have to worry about a thing.
