FAQ’s – Aluminox Architectural Solutions

What are the regulations with frameless glass balustrades?

There are a number of building standards that state what systems can be installed in different scenarios. Aluminox has compiled a summary of the regulations for your reference; please note that all of the information contained here is intended for guidance only and you should always check with local building control.

Hereis a guide to building regulations that relate to balustrades within England and Wales. More information can be found on the BSI website (http://www.bsigroup.com/);

BS6180 2011 – Code of practice for barriers in and about building.
BS EN 12600 – Glass in building. Pendulum test. Impact test method and classification for flat glass.
BS6206 1982 – Code of practice for the glazing for buildings.
BS6399- Loading for buildings-all parts.
Building regulations part K; Stairs, ramps and guards

What height do I need my glass balustrade to be?

The specified height varies depending on the installation. We have compiled the table below to show what heights are required and where;

Please note this is from FFL which means finished floor level i.e. if the balustrade channel system is below the level of the floor the top of the glass will still need to be at the required height.

What are your balustrade channels made of and are they OK for coastal installations?

All of our balustrade channel systems are made from aluminium. This is then brushed and anodised to look like finished stainless steel.

The anodising is an extra layer of protection for the aluminium and is safe for use internal or externally, even in coastal exposed installations.

Do you supply coloured balustrade channels?

As standard they come in a brushed stainless finish but we can powdercoat the balustrade channels in any colour (RAL colour).

Customised coloured channel are all to order so please allow upto 10 working days for delivery but contact us for prices.

Do I need a handrail on the glass balustrade?

Under BS 6180:2011 all glass balustrades need to form a double barrier. This means ‘if’ a panel broke you need a secondary barrier in place to form a temporary barrier

As a rule of thumb if you are installing mono glass (12mm, 15mm, 19mm) you will need a handrail to form the secondary barrier. If using toughened laminate glass (17.5mm or 21.5mm) you don’t need a slotted handrail as the two panels on the laminated sheet form the first and secondary barrier.

Always check with your local building control.

What glass thickness do I need for my frameless balustrades?

With building regulations in the UK you can install 12mm, 15mm or 19mm toughened glass along with 17.5mm and 21.5mm toughened laminate glass. Different installations require different glass thicknesses.

On this page you will find a tables that highlight what thickness glass needs to be used and where.

The first table below shows the loadings each different glass type will take;

This second table shows what loading is required in each installation. You can cross reference the loading requirement with the glass thickness (above) to show what thickness you need;

Can you supply the glass for my project?

Aluminox works with a few suppliers who can supply glass across the whole of the UK. We offer this service as we know it can save you a lot of hassle as you only need to use one supplier. We deal direct with the glass firms and they deliver the glass direct to you.

Do you offer a fitting?

Unfortunately we don’t install our products, we do however work with a number of installers both big and small who we can put you in contact with.

If you are a DIY kind of person then the systems we supply are designed to be easy to install.

Are any special tools needed to install your systems?

Our systems are designed to be as user friendly as possible without the need to buy expensive tools. We like to keep things as straight forward as possible.

I'm still not sure what I need, can you help?

Yes of course we can. We know working out what you need for your glass balustrade can be hard. Get in touch and we’ll help you work out exactly what you need and we are always on hand to give advice when installing etc.

Do you do products for juliette balconies?

As well as our frameless balustrade systems we also do a range of other systems, one of which is our Synergy juliette balustrade system. We’ve developed the system to clamp the glass in at the side and can be fitted to the window frame.

Do you supply the UK & internationally?

We are based in the South West of England (Cornwall) but we can supply all over the UK. We can also supply worldwide. Projects have been supplied in every region of the British Isles as well as the channel islands and the Isle of Mann. Additionally: France, Norway, Germany and Ireland to name a few.

FAQ