When using the correct type of glass, glass railing is a very safe option for both residential and commercial uses. It’s good to check local requirements for each of the following aspects when considering glass railing:
- Glass & thickness
- Railing Heights
- Handrails and Toprails
- Mounting Surfaces
Glass railing has been used for decades and you will often see it used in malls, stadiums, airports and other high traffic settings. This is because it is one of the strongest, durable, and safe railing options available. There are gaps or moving parts to worry about. The tempering process that all panels are subjected to strengthens the glass. When mounted properly, these panels well exceed code requirements for railing strength.
Many people have had experiences with glass that make them nervous about the safety of glass railing. Everyone has probably broken a glass cup or maybe even a window. But the glass that’s used in those types of applications are very different from what is used with glass railings. All glass railing systems are made with modified glass for improved tensile strength and shattering protection — the technical terms for them are tempered and laminated glass.