Three things to bear in mind when choosing glass

1. TYPE OF GLASS
There are different types of glass panels for balustrades: tempered, laminated and combinations of the two. Float glass is usually the basis for these types of glass:

    TVG: partly tempered glass
    ESG: tempered glass
    VSG/float: laminated unhardened glass
    VSG/TVG: laminated partly tempered glass
    VSG/ESG: laminated tempered glass

At Q-railing, we recommend the use of laminated tempered glass (VSG/ESG) for glass balustrades. Based on the overarching European regulations, we believe that this type of glass gives end users the greatest degree of safety and protection. In our assortment you will find it under the name Q-glass.

It may be that the standards and guidelines for glass to be used in glass rails in your country prescribe something different. We therefore recommend that you always consult the building standards and guidelines that apply specifically to your country. Would you like advice on choosing glass? Please feel free to contact us.

2. DIMENSIONS
In addition to the type of glass that is used, the height of the glass is also an important factor in the safety of a balustrade with glass. Each country has its own rules, but the prescribed height of a glass balustrade usually varies from 900 to 1200 mm from the walkable surface. But remember that if you want to deliver a glass balustrade with a total glass height of 1000 mm, you need to order glass panels that are just under 1000 mm high to compensate for the interior of the glass balustrade floor profile, which also takes up space.

When it comes to glass width, there are no limitations. However, panels with a width between 1000 and 1200 mm are the most commonly used. It is possible to go wider, but then we recommend that you use a mechanical lifting aid for installation. Our advisors will be happy to help you determine the right size.

3. THICKNESS
To choose the right thickness, there are three things that are important:

    The location and function of the railing
    The aesthetic wishes of the customer
    The guidelines applicable to your country

Using these points as guideline, you can determine what kind of forces your balustrade and the glass must be able to withstand, and you will know what the minimum thickness is you need the glass to be. The main requirements that affect glass composition are:

    Line load
    Point load
    Wind load

At Q-railing, we carry out thorough internal testing procedures and then have our products tested and certified by leading international testing institutes. You can view test reports on our Service page, or ask your regular Q-railing contact person. And if your project is an exception not covered by a test report, please do contact our technical specialists for advice.