If you’re looking to give your staircase a makeover, a glass staircase could be the answer.
More and more homeowners these days are incorporating glass into their staircase designs to help give their properties a new lease of life.
Regardless of your particular décor style, a glass staircase is sure to fit right in and will make any space feel much bigger and brighter.
However, many people will (unfortunately) decide against glass because they’re concerned about safety – but just how safe can they be?
Here’s everything you need to know about glass staircases.
So, how safe are glass staircases?
Professionally installed, legislation-compliant glass balustrades are incredibly secure, and there are a number of building regulations in place to ensure maximum safety.
For example, Building Standard 6180: 2011 sets out the requirements for barriers in any residential or industrial building, including the specific requirements for any made of glass.
It specifies the type of glass that’s needed, the necessary height a balustrade must reach and many other glass staircase regulations.
As long as these regulations are adhered to, along with ones contained in approved documents K and M, you can be sure that they are entirely safe.
What type of glass is used for glass staircases?
Glass staircases are made from tempered glass, which is considered to be four times stronger than traditional, everyday glass.
In fact, tempered glass is also a form of ‘safety glass’.
Using multiple layers of compounds, tempered glass is highly unlikely to break under any strain or pressure, and even if it does somehow end up damaged, it remains stronger and safer than regular glass.
Are there any safety benefits?
In many cases, a glass balustrade can be the safest option for your home.
Some of their safety benefits include:
- They’re durable and long-lasting
Glass is one of the only materials that doesn’t degrade over a period of time.
Whereas other materials might rot or rust, the glass will stand firm for the duration of its life, serving your home for years to come.
Glass is also extremely resistant to impacts and won’t suffer any major structural damage.
- They’re child and pet friendly
Whether you’re a parent or a pet owner, you’ll definitely be no stranger to frequent slips and stumbles.
Wooden or metal railings create big risks for eager little limbs, but glass balustrades are designed with gaps too small for them to fall through.
Yes, it enhances safety, but this doesn’t mean that any visual elements are compromised, and your stairs will still look stunning.
Of course, glass balustrades are transparent – but this isn’t just stating the obvious.
Whilst being an important visual feature, the transparency of the glass is also a potentially vital safety feature – as it allows for better visibility and judgement of height.
Order glass staircase parts from a reputable supplier
When you order glass staircase parts online from a reputable supplier, like Pear Stairs, you can be confident you’ll receive only the highest quality products.
Browse their range of glass balustrade parts today or get in touch with their design experts if you need advice or have further concerns.
They’d be more than happy to help!
