Balustrades can be a beautiful part of the decor in a home or business. Many people take a lot of time to choose the colour, design, and material of this piece of a room. These are necessary to keep people safe, as they form a barrier between people and great heights. Wood and metal are often used for this part of a building. There is a big difference, however, in the way glass balustrades affect the look and feel of the room. There are a few benefits to using glass instead of other traditional materials.
The View
A balustrade on a stairway may not need to provide the perfect view; however, a balustrade on a balcony can significantly improve visibility. If you are living in an apartment or condo, the view may be the best part of the building. When you have to look at the beautiful landscaping through rails, it is not nearly as beautiful. A frameless glass balustrade in Perth can add to the selling point of some buildings. This allows for a seamless view of the trees, mountains, or manicured grounds of the complex. If you have little kids living with you, they may be too short to look over the railing. Glass allows them to see as well as the adults.
Safety
In the past, there have been reports of children getting their heads stuck in wooden and metal balustrades. Even with safety laws stating a minimum distance between the poles, children may still try to squeeze between them. It can be alarming to see your child dangling their arms and legs off of a tall stairway or balcony. A glass balustrade offers a solid piece of material, eliminating the temptation to stick hands, legs, and heads through to the other side. When kids can see better, they may also become easier to deal with around balustrades. Kids may become frustrated not having a full view of everything and are naturally curious.
Beauty and Maintenance
It can take a lot of work to find the right colour or style of balustrade to match your home or office decor. When you install a metal or wooden balustrade, you need to be prepared for a certain amount of maintenance, as well. Wood needs to be cleaned with a specific type of cleaner and refinished when the stain or paint begins to wear off. This can be incredibly frustrating when you do not have a lot of spare time or money to hire professionals. Metal must be protected from rust and treated when rust makes an appearance. The simplicity of glass makes it work with any decor and it can be wiped clean in minutes.
Balustrades, in general, are an important part of the structure when a new building is constructed. They provide a safety barrier for those climbing tall stairways and looking out from balconies. Glass balustrades are classy and increase safety for curious children. Whether your glass balustrade is outdoors or indoors, there is minimal maintenance required to keep the glass looking nice. Take the time to review your options for glass balustrades during your next major renovation.