Gaps and spacing between glass panels
Gaps and spacing between glass panels
Glass Panel Size
The width and overall lengths of glass panels used in glass balustrades are designed for easy transportation and installation. This is crucial during the initial installation stage and significantly reduces costs if glass replacement is required in the future.
View of spacing between two glass panels
Gaps and Spacing between Glasses
We typically use glass panels up to 1.2 meters wide. Our designs incorporate multiple sheets of glass, with spacing between the panels ranging from 10 to 50mm. Here are the reasons behind this choice:
Alignment and Tolerance: The panels are designed using the glass sizes available in our stock, and the gaps between the glass panels allow for alignment while considering overall dimensions. Additionally, a gap is left between the wall and the last panel, typically ranging from 10mm to 50mm.
Can a Gap be smaller than 10mm?
One common question we receive is whether it is possible to have a gap smaller than 10mm between balcony glass panels.
The answer is yes, it is possible. However, the 10mm gap is chosen to facilitate easier installation and alignment of the glass panels.
If you still prefer a reduced glass gap despite these reasons, we can accommodate gaps as small as 5mm.
Please note that smaller gaps make installation slightly more challenging and less straightforward compared to larger gaps.
Importance of Having a Gap
It is essential to maintain a gap between glass panels; they should not touch one another. Having panels in direct contact can result in pressure on the glass due to thermal expansion, which must be avoided at all costs.
- Thermal Expansion: Glass expands when exposed to heat (like direct sunlight) and contracts when cold. Without a gap, expanding panels will push against each other and break.
- Structural Movement: Buildings naturally sway, settle, and vibrate due to wind, traffic, or seismic activity. A flexible gap absorbs these micro-movements.
- Wind Load Distribution: Gaps and flexible sealants help distribute wind pressure evenly across the entire glazing system rather than concentrating the force on the edges.
Larger Glass panels
While we usually recommend supplying glass panels up to a maximum width of 1.2 meters, we can accommodate requests for larger glass panels. However, there are implications to consider, including cost and other factors. Our standard pricing reflects the of glass panels with a maximum width of 1.2 meters.
The downsides and implications of using large glass panels are as follows:
- Increased Weight: Larger panels are heavier to lift.
- Higher Risk of Breakage: There is an increased chance of breakage during transportation and installation.
- More Manpower Required: Installing larger panels may require more manual power, typically necessitating at least two people. In contrast, our system allows a single person to carry and install a single glass panel.
- Delivery and Packing Costs: Special pallets may be required to deliver larger glass panels, resulting in increased delivery and packing expenses.
Please be aware that while it is possible to supply larger panels, it is not our standard practice. It is essential that you thoroughly understand the implications and associated considerations before opting for larger glass panels.
Delivery of glass
When delivering glass panels, there are instances where they are manually offloaded from the delivery truck. This becomes more challenging when dealing with larger panels. It is crucial to understand the reasoning behind our recommended panel sizes, as it is based on our experience in terms of ease of installation and manoeuvrability on-site.
To give you an idea of the weight involved, a 10mm glass panel weighs approximately 25kg per square meter. Therefore, lifting a 1m x 1m glass panel equates to approximately 25kg. Imagine lifting a 2.0m wide glass panel; you would need to lift around 50kg, making it significantly harder and more difficult to manoeuvre. This rationale underpins our recommendation for specific panel sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Glass Balustrade Panels
How Wide are the Sections of Glass You Provide?
Width of Glass Balustrade Panels
Glass panels do not usually exceed 1.2m in width; this is for ease of installation and transportation. The exception to this rule will be the Frameless Juliets which require the panel to span the entire size of the opening.
What Thickness of Glass Do You Supply?
Glass Thickness
Our Hybrid® systems (Orbit & Aerofoil) use 10mm toughened glass and our frameless systems (SG12) use 21.5mm laminated and toughened glass.
Why Do You Leave a Gap in Between the Glass Panels?
The Gap Between Glass Balustrade Panels Explained
Glass panels must have a gap between them and must not be touching each other after installation. The space allows for expansion and contraction tolerances.
What is the Approximate Weight Per Metre of the Glass Balustrade System Including the Glass?
Our Hybrid® systems (Orbit & Aerofoil) at standard height will typically weigh 34-35 kg per linear metre. Our frameless systems (SG12) use 21.5mm laminated and toughened glass and so at standard height will typically weigh 75-80 kg per linear metre.
Are Your Systems Structural Glass Balustrades?
We have two types of glass balustrades, our Hybrid® systems (Orbit & Aerofoil) which are not structural glass systems, and our frameless systems (SG12) which are.
Do Balconette's systems comply with regulations?
Yes, Balconette's systems are designed to meet all the current regulations and requirements. Each of our systems will have a structural calculation to show confirmation as a whole and for the individual parts. Our systems have also been rigorously tested, on and off-site. In June 2004, we commissioned independent testing and consulting engineers, Sandberg LLP, to test our systems with regard to compliance to BS 6180:1999 and BS 6399:1996.
Do You Install?
Glass Balustrade Installations
Our systems are designed to be easily installed. We have a network of registered installers & partners around the country. Please enquire specifically with details of your requirements.
