FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A. A balustrade is a type of railing or barrier that is often installed on the edges of decks and balconies. It serves both as a safety measure, preventing falls from elevated platforms, and as an aesthetic feature, separating larger decking areas.
A. Planning regulations can be complex, so it's always advisable to consult with your local planning office to ensure you're in compliance.
You need to consider building regulations and compliance with the guarding requirements.
Ensure the glass balustrade is tested to BS6180
A. The combination of glass and steel makes balustrades highly resistant to UK weather conditions, even with heat /cold extremes or rain, meaning there is significantly less requirement for maintenance
The materials we use at Balustrade Superstore resist corrosion right out of the packaging with no extra effort required to make them withstand weather or temperature extremes.
A. Here at Balustrade Superstore we have an excellent understanding of the building regulations relating to balustrades. We can give you assistance in gaining approval for your project if you need our help. The knowledge priorities when applying for balustrade approval are:
An understanding that balustrades are primarily a protection mechanism from accident and injury, particularly falling
That they are a requirement in a public environment where there are staircases, balconies and changes in floor height exceeding 600mm
That they are specified requirements for balustrade height. These depend on the nature of the building, it’s situation and space
That for glass balustrades, there are specifications concerning load. These are outlined in the building regulations specific to balustrades
That all materials used in the construction of balustrades must be sought from a reputable company to guarantee the quality of the products and materials
We are happy to offer advice and guidance on balustrade building regulations and safety whether your project is domestic or commercial. Get in touch for a comprehensive walk through of your concerns / requirements
A. The building regulations specify that balustrades must be constructed from either toughened or toughened laminated glass, and these are the options at Balustrade Superstore. The two products are manufactured through different processes:
Laminated glass is constructed by layering two pieces of toughened glass which are bonded by an incredibly strong interlayer.
Toughened glass is manufactured through a process called tempering. During this process the glass is heated then cooled quickly. The cooling, or ‘quenching’ process creates tension in the core of the glass, which results in greater strength.
A. In a single panel Juliette balcony, the largest you can have is 3m wide. The side fixed frameless system can be wider but requires multiple glass panels.
The main thing to consider when choosing glass widths is the handleability and space available to maneuver the glass into position on site. Also the weight of the glass will need to be considered as specialist equipment could be required once you get to a certain weight. Which can be expensive.
Our stock glass is available in 900mm high and 1100mm high panels.
The widths available vary from 800mm wide up to 2100mm wide, going up in increments of 50mm. Most project can utilize these panels meaning we can offer fast delivery times.
A. Balustrade Superstore balustrades are designed to support multi-use applications, whether indoor/outdoor, commercial or domestic. They are manufactured to a high standard and will withstand all weather conditions, even as the UK weather becomes more unpredictable. Get in touch to discuss your requirements.
A. Our frameless system – Sabco, Posi and OSF all require M12 sized fixings, suitable for your substructure
The Ultra frameless system and Post system require M10 sized fixing bolts, suitable for your substructure.
We have a range of fixings on our website but please give us a call on 01522 244190 if you would like to talk to our tech team and discuss this further.
A. Coastal weather brings its own challenges to structures given higher degrees of wind, rainfall and airborne salt with its corrosive impact. This is an area where glass balustrades excel, since it outperforms other types of materials such as wood and metal. Glass balustrades are unaffected by weather conditions and salt, ensuring their ongoing safety and low maintenance.
A. According to UK building regulations, for safety purposes, external balustrades should be installed at a height of 1100mm if protecting a fall. Most products are manufactured to this height as standard, even though not all balustrades are required to comply with these rules.
A. On the post and glass system a handrail is required if the balustrade is protecting a fall greater than 600mm. If less than this then just the posts and glass can be used as an infinity system.
On the frameless system a handrail is required if using a single pane glass but not if using a laminate glass.
A. Our round tube rails are 42.mm in diameter and the slotted handrail tubes are also 42.4mm in diameter with a 24mm x 24mm slot.
The slotted tubes are supplied with gasket as standard – Please just confirm the glass thickness being used.
A. Yes, we have a specific channel which is suitable for this, our Sabco range. The LED’s are available in RGB (multicoloured) or white. These can also be controlled via wifi on your phone and even play to music if required!
A. We stock the standard silver finish along with white, black and anthracite grey.
If you require a specific colour then we would just need the RAL code and we can send a quotation for this.
A. We can work with you regarding a privacy screen project. These are usually bespoke to each project so an ‘off the shelf’ option is not usually available.
We have 1800mm high posts available for this or our frameless system can be used with taller glass. The privacy glass can be manufactured to suit all requirements.
A. Our most popular system is the Romeo frameless Juliette. But it depends on the aesthetics you are looking for and the width of the Juliette required.
Please feel free to give us a call or drop us an email with the project info and we’d be happy to talk you though each option available.
A. Whilst we will always try and work with you and your budget, generally speaking the post and rail option is the cheapest option as it uses a thinner glass. The thicker the glass requirements then usually the higher the costs.
A. Yes, our showroom / warehouse is at 12 Crofton Drive, Lincoln, LN3 4NR
We are open from 7 till 6 each week day but feel free to give us a call before hand and we will make sure someone is available to chat and go through your project with you. Our number is 01522 244190
A. Most customers are able to relay dimensions over the phone or we encourage you to email / WhatsApp us any pictures or drawings complete with dimensions for us to understand your project needs.
Commercial projects may need a site visit which can be arranged by appointment. Just call us to book this in, we are on 01522 244190
A. We will always encourage customers to give us their outer-to-outer dimensions however if you would like to give us your centre line dimensions then this is absolutely fine. We just need to know which measurements you are giving us so we can work out your size and glass width requirements correctly.
A. Depending on what you have available to fix to then all our systems can be used on stairs. We would just need a template or drawing complete with dimensions and angles on to manufacture the glass to suit.
Our Posts and our Ino Spigot system can be used if you are fixing to the tread or our frameless systems can be used if you have a stringer / suitable fixing to the side of the steps.
A. These can be measured by giving us your outer to outer maximum width required or you can give us the fixing point to fixing point measurement. We can then work with you and recommend which system is most suitable.
A. Adding a new balustrade to existing decking may be feasible, but it will depend on the structure of the existing sub-frame.
Our balustrades will be as strong as what they are fixed into.
A. You can either allow water to drain away along the natural slope of your patio / balcony or we can supply 2mm or 5mm drain blocks to lift the channel and allow any water to drain away.
We can also supply a balcony seal kit which not only allows water to drain under the channel but also gives a water tight seal around the bolts to prevent any water ingress from the holes you have drilled. For example – if fixing to a flat roof with a roof membrane overlay.
A. The answer to this depends on the use of the balustrade. If you are separating 2 areas with no fall then no, you do not need to have a handrail. If the balustrade is being used as a fall protection with a drop greater than 600mm then yes, you need to have a handrail to comply with building regulations.
A. Yes! Our systems are simple to install plus we have a great technical team who can help with any questions you may have and a full list of installation videos on our website.
If you feel as though this is not something you are happy to do then we are always happy to see if we know of any installers in your area that may be able to help.
A. All of our systems are fully tested which we can supply the certification for upon request.
The 2 main features to determine the strength of your balustrade is the thickness of glass being used and the sub-structure you are fixing into.
A. Stainless steel and aluminium are some of the most durable options for your balustrade system. However, they will still require some maintenance to keep them in their best condition. Depending on the location will depend on how often cleaning is required. For example, systems installed in areas such as city centres, near the sea or near pools may require more frequent cleaning than those in a rural area. A decent chemical cleaner will remove any build up of contamination that may potentially affect the durability of the balcony.
A. We have a large warehouse which stocks all our products. Because we have our own vehicles and plan our own deliveries we can usually offer a 2-3 days turn around time. If you require a non-stock item or bespoke piece of glass then we will get this processed for you ASAP but usually no later than 2-3 weeks.
A. We offer a kerb side delivery with our own delivery vans and drivers. They will always give an hours notice prior to deliver rather than a 6am to 6pm day slot.
We recommend able bodied people on site to assist with the off-load and stand the glass in a suitable location. We would never lie the glass down as this increases chances of breakage and scratching.
The glass will always be delivered with safety pads and corner protection.
A. Please call us straight away with any problems and we will always do our best to be helpful and work with you to rectify any issues.