Call Us

Handrail Designs that work

Glass Balustrades  |  Juliet Balconies  |  Curved Glass Doors  |  Decking  |  Projects  |  Galleries  |  Articles  |  Reviews

We have two unique systems, each uses a different handrail. Each type of handrail works slightly differently in terms of spans, how it connects to the walls, type and position of posts.

Balcony 1 System

We have Balcony 1 system which uses a 70mm diameter circular handrail.

Balcony 1 System    Bal 1 Large Span

The maximum span of handrail that the Balcony 1 System can have without posts is 3.3m (3300m) and when posts are required the maximum post spacing is 1.9m (1900mm) between posts centres. Please read below the parameters that need to exist to meet the maximum handrail spans.

Balcony 2 System

And we have a Balcony 2 system which uses an aerofoil shaped handrail with dimensions of 116mm wide by 51mm high. 

The maximum span of handrail that the Balcony 2 System can have without posts is 4.0m (4000m) and when posts are required the maximum post spacing is 2.1m (2100mm) between posts centres. Please read below the parameters that need to exist to meet the maximum handrail spans.

handrail system 1 8212.1  handrail system 1 8212.2

Principles and points of support

Both these systems work in a similar fashion in general but have different design parameters for us to apply. Both Balcony 1 system and Balcony 2 system use 10mm toughened glass. All the data and parameters provided herein are based on load tests and structural calculations which have been undertaken on the systems. There are copies of the tests and calculations available.

The two main parameters that one needs to know is the maximum distance between points of support, how far the handrail can span without needing posts. We define points of support as either fixing into the wall or a 90 degree corner with a minimum of 1000mm (1.0m) on either side of the corner. That is what is referred to as “points of support”.

Maximum spans without posts

In order to apply the maximum spans you need to always have a point of support at the start and at the end of the balustrade. So if you have a shape or something that ends with an end post that will change the parameters specified and this needs to be checked specifically. These parameters that are given below are reliant on everything conforming to having points of support at both ends.

The second parameter which varies between the two systems is the maximum post spacing.

The two systems have two different types of posts and the posts are fixed a little bit differently. So those are the two parameters per system:

  1. Maximum spans of the handrails between points of support
  2. Maximum post spacing.

Both Balcony 1 and Balcony 2 can be supplied with a piece that strengthens the handrail. It’s an internal reinforcing bar that strengthens the handrail to enable the handrail to span more.

You have a maximum span with reinforcing bar and a max span without reinforcing bar. It’s just so you understand it and when you view the generic structural calculations you will see the maximum spans with a reinforcing bar or without a reinforcing bar.

Back to Articles
Request Brochure >

Grand Designs Live

Reviews

News

  • Gold Certification and Hybrid® Glass Balustrading

    Following its Gold accreditation, Balcony Systems was quick to secure the contract to supply a Hybrid® Glass balustrading system selected fo...

  • Glass Balustrades Compliance Checklist

    Six important points to check when purchasing a glass balustrade. We hope it will be of use in sourcing your balustrading product of choice....

  • Self-Cleaning Glass Windows

    Watermarks, dust and grime really show up in the sunshine. Instead of enjoying your day, you end up calling a window cleaner or getting out ...

  • Balcony Systems

    Balcony Systems create glass balustrades along with handrails and sometimes, support posts. Our glass balustrades are supported at the top a...

  • Cool Composite Decking Accessories

    Our cool composite decking accessories can save you an enormous amount of time when you plan everything out in advance! We have really thoug...

  • RSVP - Balconette's Open House Event

    We’d like you to join us for our biggest ever Open House event on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th September 2018 from 10am – 4pm at our HQ in ...

  • Choosing Composite Decking

    So you’re planning on adding composite decking to your home? Great plan! You’ve probably done the research between wood and composite deckin...

  • Glass Balustrades and Glass Balconies

    Glass balcony systems put Balcony Systems on the map! We are very open with our costs as we believe this is one of our advantages too. A “gl...

  • Balustrading and wind Loads

    Designing balustrades to meet wind load requirements is a crucial part of our job. Now, in BS6180:2011 it is required that wind loads are in...

  • Glass Balustrades Two-Part Telescopic Post System

    The height of any finished external balustrade or railing needs to be a minimum of 1100mm above the finished floor level, or above where one...



Money back guarantee Ten year Mastercard and Visa Paypal Constructionline Gold Member SMAS