Selfbuilder & Homemaker – July – August 2019

framed, with the glass panels being fixed

within a steel or aluminium framework, but

frameless structural balustrades are now

proving very popular. These are fixed

solely along the bottom edge with glass

panels aligned and sealed against each

other without a framework, providing

exceptionally clear, uninterrupted

sightlines. For frameless balustrades,

toughened laminated glass is normally

used, even at ground level, as its added

strength helps to provide a very robust

structure.

The balcony itself can be constructed as

a platform integral to the structure of the

building, or bolted on afterwards.

Increasingly, we are seeing a trend

towards the use of pre-fabrication, in

which the entire balcony is fabricated and

glazed off site. With all types of balcony

construction, you must ensure that the

loading of the balcony from the weight

of the frame and the glass is firmly within

the appropriate safety standards. The

glass processor – although they can

advise on options for type of glass,

functionality and finish – cannot specify

panel size, load bearing or structure.

For this you should consult the balustrade

constructor and a structural engineer.

On the patio, at ground floor level, you

might also wish to consider a glass

balustrade to provide protection from the

wind while dining or enjoying the view

and the garden. Monolithic glass 15 mm

thick is frequently used as a highly

practical solution, but if you have keen

cricketers and footballers in the family,

you might still wish to consider toughed

laminated glass here too!

Undoubtedly, the advances in design

and functionality in glass have resulted in

there being far more glazing choices to

make than simply the size of your

windows, as well as far more scope to

realise your vision.

Susan Sinden is commercial director at

ESG Glass

BUILDING ENVELOPE (GLASS & GLAZING)

76www.sbhonline.co.uk july/august 2019