Balustrades, railings, and handrails come in a mix of shapes and sizes. Different styles, such as glass balustrade, concrete and steel, suit different locations and have different safety requirements. Our range of glass balustrade, railings, and handrails are diverse in shape and size, designed to accommodate various locations and safety needs. Beyond their visual appeal, each style is crafted with a focus on functionality, ensuring optimal safety and compliance with standards.
You may see balustrades at varying heights which don’t meet the current requirements. The reason for this is that they would have reached the design requirements at the time of installation and can be replaced to the same existing size and style.
Concrete
Concrete balustrades are a popular choice; their traditional appearance and shape variations are commonly used in public spaces and older buildings. However, they are very versatile and can be changed to suit many locations. In this image, the white colour brings a touch of elegance and looks dainty even though large amounts of concrete have been used.
Steel railings
Another very common and often cheaper option is a steel railing balustrade. This is an ideal option for use with colours, as they can be very easily powder-coated to suit any project. They can also be made in many patterns and styles, making it a versatile option for many people.
Juliet balconies
The famous style with its name from the Shakespeare play, Romeo and Juliet. This style is usually not large enough to stand on and not big enough for any furniture. In England they are used on first floor (or higher) French doors. Allowing for a larger open window space which is made safe by the added barrier. A glass Juliet balcony has no space for small animal heads to poke through and get stuck and only a tiny space at the bottom. This design significantly reduces the chance of anything falling through.
A glass Juliet balcony will also allow the maximum amount of light to enter the space. Whether you choose French doors or a large opening window, you will not want metal bars blocking the light.
We are biased, but we think that glass is better than a steel railing, purely because your view will be completely uninterrupted!
ARIA
At Pure Vista, our Juliet balcony is called ARIA and it’s available for spaces up to three metres wide. Our patented design has a unique difference to other Juliet’s on the market. In ARIA, the glass is held securely in place with a solid aluminium block, rather than a plastic endcap and two small screws.
Residential glass balustrade
Frameless glass balustrades and railings are becoming increasingly popular on residential properties. They are more appealing on the eye and allow perfect views out of the home. As shown in the photo below, glass is used in beautiful locations! Why wouldn’t you want to enjoy that sea view, all while being sheltered from the breeze by the tall glass?
Glass can be adapted to suit your environment. For example, on a balcony near a busy street you would want increased privacy. Using sand-blasted glass you could partially or completely block the view from the street below or close neighbours.
On residential properties, glass balustrade can be used.
At Pure Vista we have two main products that people tend to use. POSIglaze and POSIone, both are assessed to meet building regulations and test reports can be accessed on our website. We class residential projects for anywhere someone lives, bungalows, houses, tower block of flats etc.
Both POSI channels have the same technical & safety ratings. The main difference is that POSIone can be fitted from one side. Enabling safer installation methods and a cost saving on safety equipment. POSIone is more commonly used on high rise buildings.
POSIone and POSIglaze are fire rated and can be installed over 11m high, including high rise apartment buildings. The fire rating means it will not contribute to spreading a fire.
Garden Glass Windbreaks
More and more people are searching for ways to improve their homes, instead of moving house. Garden upgrades are increasingly popular. Using glass balustrade to create zones and railings. Using MEGAgrip you can add a tall pane of glass, this acts as the perfect transparent windbreaker up to two metres tall! If you are looking for something slightly smaller, POSIglaze railing is ideal to create a sheltered place on a balcony, terrace, or patio. For a more cost-effective option, the SPIG-Lite is excellent for use around pools, stairs, and patios as a glass railing.
Privacy Screens
Privacy screens can be made from glass, not only is it incredibly tough, but it looks good! Depending on your needs, you could use a fully or part sand blasted glass panel to boost your privacy. Privacy screens are a practical solution for homeowners who value their privacy. Comprising a type of glass balustrade that is usually taller and not transparent. Privacy glass balustrade is becoming exceedingly popular for balconies. The taller screens also help add extra protection from the weather, a bonus here in the UK!
Used on one side or all sides, this method can greatly improve your privacy and create a secluded balcony area.
If you are adding a balcony to your home, you may be required to have a privacy screen to protect yours and your neighbour’s privacy. You will need to check the details of this with your local council.
Commercial balustrade
Commercial projects include transport hubs, restaurants, office buildings, sports stadiums and arenas. Generally, a commercial project will be anywhere that people congregate that isn’t a home.
Glass might not be the first material that comes to mind when you think about strength, but it shouldn’t be discounted! Glass technology has greatly improved with bulletproof, fireproof and even bombproof glass available.
The huge benefit of glass being used in large venues is that it does not obstruct the visitor’s view. Unlike the traditional thick steel railings, glass is much more viewer friendly.
Our MEGAgrip channel differs from POSI because it is stronger. It can hold taller and thicker glass securely and has a higher force loading of 3.00kN. Again, test reports can be accessed on our website.
MEGAgrip can be fortified further to become blast-resistant and bulletproof. Commonly used in airports, large venues, and sports stadiums. If you are interested in this security balustrade for use as an anti-terror product, please contact us directly. Due to the nature of this product, you will only find minimal information on our website.
