Per industry standard, panels of up to 7 feet are acceptable, however, depending on the design of the railing system, the symmetry of its layout, and overall preference, there are some variances that may be recommended. Please note that while any exceptions, changes, or adjustments that are within reason and adherent industry parameters will be made accordingly, however, all glass railing systems that our railing specialists here at Northwest Glass LLC are responsible for are constructed with permitting compliance, coding standards, and most importantly, safety in mind, first and foremost.
While it's common during a majority of glass railing system designs & installations for most plan sets to support/incorporate panels of tempered glass that ranges from 5 millimeters to 19 millimeters in thickness, there is actually an oft-overlooked opportunity to explore other other panel sizes, shapes, and dimensions as long as safety standards are maintained. With that in mind, our company, Northwest Glass LLC, has enjoyed decades of successfully and skillfully designing glass railing systems that feature refreshing layouts and unique panel size composition on behalf of our local Whatcom County, Washington clients.
By and large, glass railing systems (when properly designed, constructed and installed) are as safe as their stainless steel, stone, metal, or wooden counterparts. (More so, if you take into account the added visibility that a person traversing near the glass railing system and also if you factor in the added longevity that a glass railing systems boasts.) Another aspect that was mentioned before but deserves to be readdressed is the need for added emphasis on quality & sound construction practices when installing a glass railing system - it's absolutely pivotal!
In short, the answer is a definite YES! However, the color that is rendered is largely dependant on how the glass panels were manufactured and what metal oxides, sulfides, additives, and compounds were used in its casting/annealing process. For example, glass panels that are used for glass railing systems that are cast/annealed with cobalt feature a wealth of color, tone, and hue options on the blue/violet spectrum - whereas glass panels that incorporate sulfur often showcases various vibrances, tones, & shades ranging in the yellow-amber spectrum.
Depending on the size/scale of the glass railing system, it might be best to establish a scheduled or routine professional glass-cleaning service. For those property owners who are a bit more hands-on or ambitious and would prefer to take certain upkeep necessities into their own hands, there are a plethora of retail glass cleaning products that offer credible cleaning solutions for a variety of glass surfaces. While our company, Northwest Glass LLC, does not endorse or advertise of behalf any one particular glass cleaning product, we have found it best to thoroughly read the labels of each glass cleaning product and apply discretion accordingly. As for those upkeep techniques and methods, traditional cleaning and upkeep practices that utilize an approved glass-cleaning product, squeegees, sponges, and reusable cloth are often recommended.
With the ever-present advancements in technology as well as installation & construction techniques being nothing short of amazing nowadays, the limits and boundaries on what is optional regarding glass railings and their subsequent components have never been more encompassing! Glass, in and of itself, is a very pliable and malleable material that, when properly cast and prepared, can assume nearly any shape without sacrificing appeals in its aesthetics or compromises in its integrity. Having been in the industry for as long as our glass railing specialists here at Northwest Glass LLC have, we've actually had the enviable fortuity to "spearhead" or pioneer many of the design styles and installation techniques for glass railing systems that are widely used today - just take a look at our past projects and satisfied clients!
Harkening back to those unabating advancements and improvements in the glass industry (and by extension, the glass railing industry), one of the more noteworthy achievements would be coupling glass railing systems with a variety of foundations, including, but not limited to, concrete. In fact, when a glass railing system is adequately mapped out & designed and later mounted and installed professionally, it often enjoys not just an added boost to visual appeal but it is very sturdy and dependable as well. While it's understood that each property and glass railing system is different from the last and will often present unique challenges, our glass railing specialists here at Northwest Glass LLC have invested decades of real, on-site experience to ensure that regardless of what property type/layout the glass railing system is being designed for, we have the ability to adapt and overcome any potential pitfalls.
As abundant as the mounting options and fastening components are, we've found that implementing a stainless steel fastening system offers a very well-rounded advantage by combining the durability and strength of steel with the refined, polished appeal that a stainless steel finish offers. Whether your particular glass railing system calls for rounded stainless steel clamps at the base with double-safety clamps in between each glass panel or if your project requires a custom-designed clamping/fastening system, our seasoned glass railing experts here at Northwest Glass LLC are well-versed in a vast array of current products as well as their application & implementation. Each successful glass railing project we've been recruited for has always started with one of our complimentary consultations; we urge you to call ahead today and speak to our glass railing gurus if you are interested in learning more!
Granted each railing system, be it a stainless steel railing system or a glass railing system, can vary in what maintenance, cleaning, and attention are involved in its upkeep, there is, unfortunately, no such thing as a truly "maintenance-free" railing system. Once your particular stainless steel railing system has been professionally mapped, designed, and installed, our in-house railing experts are able to provide valuable insights on proper cleaning and maintenance. Much like anything of quality, the longevity and serviceability of it are largely dependant on establishing a "railing-specific" routine.
The plain and simple truth on whether or not if we guarantee the work we complete on glass/stainless steel railing systems in an excited YES! Being unequivocally proud of the railing systems we are responsible for designing and installing notwithstanding, we also take that responsibility very, very seriously. The safety and security of our clients, communities, and customer-base are of the utmost importance to us at Northwest Glass LLC and we place it is paramount when we are designing our stainless steel & glass railing systems.
All of our railing systems are engineered to meet or exceed current building code. Our systems are designed to withstand up to 100mph winds. They are exceptionally safe due to the unique design and structure making them hard to climb. These systems can withstand a load of 200 pounds per square foot of lateral force at the top of the glass. All projects are maintenance free and will last for years unlike wood railings that rot, splinter, and break. Our custom glass railing systems also outlast traditional cable, steel and iron railings because they do not rust or loosen over time..
If any additional inquiries regarding our services arise or if you would like to schedule an appointment.
Click below to fill out our Online Estimate Request form.
