5 Tips on how to measure for your glass balustrade
As the saying goes; measure twice cut once! If installing yourself we have laid out some basic tips below for you;
- Remember the channel will run the whole length you need whereas the glass that goes in the channel doesn’t need to be as long. You’ll have gaps between the glass panels. You are allowed upto a 99mm gap but we suggest a 10mm/20mm gap between panels. This allows for the glass to expand and contract and also makes life easier when installing. If fitting against a wall allow a gap here as well, no wall is ever 100% plumb!
- If you have a corner in your installation take into account the width of the channel. As the glass sits in the channel on a corner the glass will not go to the end of the channel therefore take into account where the glass will end in relation to the end of the channel.
- For building regs glass needs to be either 900mm or 1100mm high (depending on the installation). This is taken from FFL (finished floor level). So if you install the channel on the floor the glass is raised slightly in the channel so the actual glass in the Solus channel can be 20mm shorter i.e. 880mm or 1080mm and still be 900mm or 1100mm from FFL.
- If you are installing on stairs when you come to measure the glass you’ll need to know the angle. This can be tricky to work out but our tip is to use a smart phone APP! There are loads out there, just install one on your phone and you can see what angle the glass needs tobe cut to.
- If you’re installation has different angles i.e. lateral 90’s or 45’s template in wood first. Ensure the wood is the same thickness as the channel being used and cut these to the angles. It’s easier to correct wood templates than the channel.