What type of balustrade fixing do I need?

The glass industry has two priorities: aesthetics and safety. Both have equal weight. Asking which is more important is like asking whether hydrogen or oxygen is more critical to the chemical makeup of water.

This is nowhere more clearly seen than in structural glazing. This is an umbrella term that refers to all manner of glass wonders: from walk-on floors to staircases, from curtain walls to balustrades.

In fact, the very word "balustrade" could symbolise this balance between functionality and beauty. The word derives from the Italian balaustra, meaning "pomegranate flower". From carved stone balustrades in palaces and stately homes to glass balustrades in modern homes and offices, the balustrade is there to impress.

It's also there to stop you from falling. From one point of view, a balustrade is just a glorified railing. If it doesn't keep people safe, it's an ornament, not a balustrade.

For this reason, glass balustrades are regulated, and particular fixings are required to ensure their stability. But which fixings do you need for your installation? Let's find out.

The importance of fixings

Fixings attach your balustrade to the wall, balcony, floor or stairs. Above all, they must be strong enough to join the glass panels and stainless steel posts to their surroundings.

But simply keeping the structure in place isn't enough. Fixings also have to support the structure so it can withstand pressure from the weather and any knocks or bumps from humans and animals.

As with balustrades in general, fixings aren't purely functional. They also contribute to the aesthetic of the finished structure. Glass balustrades are famed for their sleek, modern look. Getting the right fixings contributes to that seamless look.

What types of fixings are there?

There's a wide range of fixings for glass balustrades on the market. We're going to look at types, not products – although we will beat the drum for the "secret" fixings we stock here at ToughGlaze.

First, there are channel fixings. These secure the glass panels into a metal channel. This channel can either be cut into the floor or mounted on it.

Wet glaze channels hold the panels in place with a sealant. Dry glaze channels use gaskets or pressure plates instead.

Next, there are spigot fixings. These are clamps that hold the glass panels up. These are typically attached at the bottom of the structure for an uncluttered, frameless appearance.

Post fixings attach the glass panels directly to the frame. This is, however, used only for framed glass balustrades.

Finally, there are standoff fixings. These attach glass panels to a surface but leave a gap in between. These could be called "float-away" fixings rather than standoff fixings, as the glass appears to hover and float.

At ToughGlaze, we have the exclusive UK licence for Fischer's "secret fix" system. These are undercut fixings that hide the seams entirely, giving your glass balustrade a sleek, unbroken look.

What fixings do I need?

This depends on the nature of the installation. First and foremost, it depends on whether your glass balustrade will be framed or frameless.

If it's framed, stainless steel fixings can be drilled into the frame. If it's frameless, however, you can choose between spigot fixings, channel fixings, standoff fixings or secret fix undercut fixings.

More specifically, your choice of fixings will depend on the loading requirements of the area where the balustrade will be installed. If, for instance, your balustrade is for a staircase that will see a lot of human traffic, you may need post or channel fixings for added heft.

If the balustrade is going to be installed externally, you should choose corrosion-resistant fixings. This is to ensure they don't lose their lustre to the wind and rain.

It will also depend on the material or materials to which the balustrade will be fixed. This is technical stuff, and you may find that you need advice from your glass supplier. They will need to know the dimensions of the balustrade and a detailed overview of the materials involved.