Which Is The Best Type Of Railing Glass?

May 11, 2024

If you are looking to install a glass railing, you must be aware of various types of railing glass. Ranging from tempered to plexiglass, glass railings come in different varieties and textures. But, which one to choose? Whether you are looking to install a glass railing on your porch, deck, or balcony, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of railing glass and which one you should buy.

Tempered Glass

Tempered glass, or the invisible balustrade is the most common glass for railings. The best aspect of this glass is that you can easily view the beautiful surroundings while sitting in privacy as onlookers cannot see you and only see their reflection on tempered glass. Tempered glass is a good option for individuals with small children or pets as there is minimal space between balustrade panels, ensuring safety.

Let’s walk through the tempered glass production process. Its balustrades are made of several panels that undergo a heating and cooling process. The glass is first cut and trimmed before being placed in the furnace. Then it is heated to about 1200°F and then cooled rapidly via a high air flow from all sides. This process is known as quenching and this makes the glass harder at least four times than the original. Now, that the glass has been tempered, it can be used in railings as it becomes extremely strong and durable.

Tempered glass is usually safe from breaking but even if they break, they shatter into several large chunks rather than sharp-edged pieces that may cause severe injuries. For further information, the panel of the tempered glass should be at least 6mm thick and should be able to withstand heavy load, according to the IBC. Also, the steel clamp post of the glass railing should be corrosion-resistant and made of rubber-coated stainless steel.

Advantages of Tempered Glass

Tempered glass panels are resistant to rust.
Requires little maintenance.
Easy assemblage

Disadvantages of Tempered Glass

Expensive
Requires frequent cleaning to wipe fingerprints

Laminated Glass

Laminated glass is made of different materials, including glass and vinyl, making it the strongest glass out there. If you are considering a glass railing for outdoor use, choose laminated glass. The vinyl interlayer between the two glass layers absorbs impact, preventing damage. Even if the glass cracks, it doesn’t break and stays put.

Laminated glass is of three types:

SGP or Sentry Guard Plus Interlayer
PVB or Polyvinyl Butyral
EVA or Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate

EVA is ideal for indoor use as it has the clearest view, whereas SGP is for outdoor use as it is extremely resistant to UV and humidity damage. SGP can also withstand hurricanes, making it the best option for commercial use.

Advantages of Laminated Glass

Blocks harmful UV rays.
Noise reduction
Easy installation

Disadvantages of Laminated Glass

The edges of the laminated glass develop imperfections over time.

Tempered Laminated Glass

Tempered laminated glass is the safest and the strongest type of glass than the previous two types. It is made with two layers of tempered glass laminated by several layers of PVB, SGP, or EVA interlayers. This type of glass is processed under high temperatures to firmly secure the bond between the layers. As a result, tempered laminated glass is extremely resistant to UV damage.

Advantages Of Tempered Laminated Glass

Safest glass
Noise reduction
Blocks harmful UV rays.

Disadvantages Of Tempered Laminated Glass

Bit expensive
The edges develop imperfections over time.

Some other types of glass railings are:

Annealed Glass

The third type is annealed glass, or a standard glass which is a soft glass used for tabletops, windows, and cabinets. The glass is heated and soaked until it reaches a temperature between 850- and 900-degrees Fahrenheit. Once it is annealed, the glass is then drilled. This reduces the strength of the glass and makes it prone to breaking. If the annealed glass breaks, it shatters into tiny sharp-edged shards that are potentially dangerous. Hence, it is important to temper annealed glass.

Acrylic

And Plexiglass

Acrylic and plexiglass are essentially the same thing as plexiglass is a brand of acrylic. Acrylic is derived from polymethyl methacrylate and is a clear plastic-based glass used in utensils. Plexiglass is a cost-effective alternative to the tempered glass railing. It provides the same see-through effect as tempered glass but at a lower price. It also has a high flex, making it resistant to damage.

Monolithic Glass

Monolithic glass, as the name implies, refers to a single sheet of glass and the most common types of monolithic glass are acrylic, annealed, and tempered glass. Laminated glass does not fall under monolithic glass as it is constructed from two glass layers with a vinyl layer in between.

Which Is The Best Glass Railing For You?

Now that you have learned about various railing glass types, let’s see which one is the best. Both laminated and tempered glass are the best, but the choice depends on your budget and preferences.

Tempered glass is ideal for outdoor use as it can easily withstand harsh weather conditions and temperature changes. Since tempered glass is durable, it can be used as thin sheets, ensuring affordability.

Laminated glass is even more durable as it offers sound insulation and UV protection. It is more resistant to damage than tempered glass, making it ideal for use in traffic lights or areas with high impact. The vinyl interlayer provides durability which holds the glass after damage.

So, if you want to determine the best railing glass, consult your contractor or glass supplier for expert guidance. In short, if you want a railing for your home, consider tempered glass but if you want it for your office or commercial use, choose laminated glass.

The Bottom Line

The choice between different glass railings depends on your budget and taste. Laminated and tempered glass are the best types to consider for long-term benefits. If you are still uncertain about the type of railing glass, consult the local contractor or the glass supplier to learn more about the benefits and downsides of each glass in depth.