When it comes to balcony edge protection, one of the safest and most aesthetically pleasing options is smoked glass tinted glass. This type of glass not only adds a touch of sophistication to your balcony but also offers numerous safety benefits. In this article, we will explore the advantages of using laminated glass on balconies, the safety considerations when using glass, and the process of glass replacement.
What is laminated glass?
Laminated glass consists of two layers of toughened glass that are joined together with an interlayer. This interlayer provides an additional layer of protection, ensuring that even if one panel of glass breaks, the interlayer will hold the remaining panel in place until a full replacement can be made. This enhances both the safety of the balcony it is guarding and the balconies or areas below. Laminated glass is widely considered to offer the best panel security for glass balcony balustrades.
It is important to note that the term laminated glass in the industry usually refers to toughened glass that has also been laminated, rather than untoughened laminated glass. Heat strengthened and laminated glass is less common for balustrades but is more commonly used in glass floors for its larger fragmentation pattern if broken. Untoughened or annealed glass that has been laminated together is rarely used for balconies, except in special scenarios where the glass forms a tight curved radius.
Is glass safe for balconies?
Glass is indeed a safe option for balcony edge protection, but it is important to remember that it is fragile by nature. Therefore, all balconies require toughened safety glass to ensure maximum safety. Whether it is heat-strengthened, tempered, heat soaked, monolithic, or toughened, glass naturally has stresses that can result in a spontaneous fracture if subjected to severe impact, vandalism, or if triggered by Nickel Sulphide inclusion (NiS).
As part of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM), it is crucial to have a replacement strategy in place and understand how it affects the overall balcony design. To address this, innovative glass removal and replacement methods have been developed. These methods allow all glass replacement works to be carried out from the balcony itself without using balconies below or requiring access equipment like scaffolding.
During the glass replacement process, all tools, equipment, and personnel are securely tethered, harnessed, or restrained. Additionally, all balcony components that need to be removed have straps, trays, or restraints designed specifically for them to prevent any loose parts from falling. This ensures the safety of both the workers and the occupants of the building. Moreover, all products and equipment can be transported through a typical building, minimizing disruption and inconvenience.
The glass replacement sequence
Replacing glass on balconies requires a systematic approach to ensure a successful and safe process. Here is an example of a typical 12-step glass replacement sequence:
- Secure the area at ground level beneath the balcony to prevent access by unauthorized individuals.
- Remove any temporary protection around the affected panel, including capping, handrails, and fascias.
- Position the Sapphire hoist with a lifting bar attached over the glass center line.
- Fit a deck stop to the balcony to prevent the hoist from moving in the wrong direction during replacement.
- Loop slings around the edge of the deck board and the glass, pulling them up the outside of the glass.
- Attach the slings to the top of the lifting bar and thread them through glass suckers to securely hold the glass in place.
- Remove the glass clamps while ensuring a catch box is in place to catch and retain any components.
- Raise the hoist jib until the bottom of the glass is above the deck and maneuver it to a position where the panel can be safely removed from the slings.
- Turn the frame through 90˚ and reload it with the replacement panel, securing it as before.
- Maneuver the hoist back to the gap and up to the deck stop.
- Move the replacement glass panel into position and secure the fixings.
- Space and adjust the panel for height and finally tighten all the fixings.
Once the replacement panel is securely fixed, all fascias, capping, and handrails can be reinstalled, completing the glass replacement process.
Smoked glass tinted glass balconies offer a stylish and safe option for balcony edge protection. Laminated glass provides enhanced security and safety by holding the remaining panel in place in the event of a breakage. When using glass on balconies, it is essential to ensure that toughened safety glass is used and to have a replacement strategy in place. By following a systematic glass replacement sequence, the process can be carried out safely and efficiently, minimizing disruption to both the occupants and the building.
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