Jargon Buster for a new glass balustrade system
FAQ: Understanding Jargon for Glass Balustrade Systems
Q: What are Building Regulations (Part K)? A: These are government standards for building design and construction to ensure health and safety. For glass balustrade systems, Part K focuses on preventing falling, collision, and impact.
Q: What is CAD? A: CAD stands for Computer Aided Design. It’s used by engineers to create, modify, and analyse designs. The Balustrade Store uses CAD to provide visualizations for customers before they commit to a design.
Q: What is a Centreline Measurement? A: For framed systems, it’s the distance between the center fixing points of the first and last posts. For frameless systems, it’s the center length of the aluminum channel or Mini-Post run. Accurate centreline measurements ensure safe and correct installation.
Q: What is a Gasket? A: A gasket is a rubber component that securely attaches the top rail to the glass panels in a balustrade system.
Q: What is a Glazing Channel? A: An aluminum base track that holds the glass panels in place for a frameless glass balustrade system. There are various profiles available to suit different design requirements.
Q: What is Grade 304 Stainless Steel? A: Grade 304 is common in manufacturing due to its corrosion resistance and value. However, it’s not recommended for external glass balustrade systems as it can corrode over time.
Q: What is Grade 316 Stainless Steel? A: Grade 316 contains molybdenum, enhancing its corrosion resistance, making it suitable for outdoor use. However, it can still rust in coastal or high-chloride environments.
Q: What is Grade 2205 Duplex Stainless Steel? A: Grade 2205 offers superior corrosion resistance, ideal for harsh environments like coastal areas. It has a duplex microstructure, providing enhanced durability for long-lasting balustrade systems.
Q: What is Laminated Glass? A: Laminated glass is a type of safety glass that remains in one piece if shattered, similar to a spider’s web. This is achieved by an interlayer between two or more layers of glass. We supply laminated glass balustrade systems with thicknesses from 13.5mm to 21.5mm.
Q: What is a Mini-Post? A: A Mini-Post is an alternative design for a frameless glass balustrade that offers superior durability at an economical price. Instead of a glazing channel, Mini-Post clamps secure the glass panels. Our Mini-Posts are made from Marine Grade 2205 Duplex stainless steel for superior strength and durability.
Q: What is a Mirror Finish? A: A mirror finish on stainless steel and glass balustrades is achieved through a finer brushing and longer buffing process, creating a highly reflective surface. This finish is easier to maintain and clean, making it ideal for coastal locations and areas with high chloride, humidity, and pollution levels.
Q: What are Permitted Development Rights? A: These rights state the kinds of projects where planning permission is not necessarily required. It’s recommended to contact your local building control department to ensure your project meets these requirements.
Q: What is Planning Permission? A: Planning permission is a formal document provided by the council giving consent for a project to go ahead. A glass balustrade system normally requires planning permission.
Q: What is a Satin, Brushed, or Matte Finish? A: This finish on stainless steel is less shiny than a mirror finish but offers a glossy look. It is more susceptible to corrosion in coastal locations or areas with high chloride, humidity, and pollution levels.
Q: What is Stand-off Point Fixing? A: Stand-off point fixing uses stainless steel clamps to enable glass panels to protrude from a surface, offering an alternative design option.
Q: What is Toughened Glass? A: Also known as tempered glass, toughened glass is made stronger through thermal or chemical treatments. If it shatters, it breaks into small cubes rather than sharp shards, preventing serious injury.
We hope this helps you better understand the terminology you might encounter when considering, purchasing, or installing a glass balustrade system for your outdoor spaces.
For further information, please do not hesitate to contact one of our balustrade experts on