Do you live near one of Australia’s beautiful coastlines? If so, then you know that the coastal salty air can play havoc on your metals and building materials. This also often makes it challenging for homeowners to perform upgrades, renovations, and simple additions such as adding balustrades to balconies or staircases.
Fortunately, living near the coast doesn’t mean that you should give up on your idea of a modern and stylish aesthetic. Many local homeowners are opting for the benefits of
glass balustrades for both indoor and outdoor spaces. This post takes a closer look at what glass balustrades are and how they’re ideal for your coastal environment.
Defining Glass Balustrades
If you’re installing a balcony or deck, it’s essential to know that Australia has laws regulating the safety of elevated structures. This means that all structures of 1m or higher must have a mandatory safety barrier to prevent potential slip-and-fall injuries.
For the most part, barriers must be added to balconies, staircases, and decks and are usually comprised of vertical posts, also called balusters, and a top handrail. With this in mind, balustrades must be designed and manufactured to meet specific Australian Standards (AS 1170.1 and AS 1288) about height and structural strength. Quality balustrades can be made of a wide range of materials such as stainless steel, timber, and, of course, the ever-popular glass options.
Glass balustrades are made of toughened or tempered glass and are designed with a thickness of between 10 and 15mm, which is secured to the floor or decking using specialised floor-mounted spigots or standoffs which are not only secure but also create a seamless and minimalistic aesthetic. Posts and rails are generally made of aluminium or stainless steel and function as rigid supports that allow for a transparent and tidy view of the surrounding space.
Glass is a Safe and Modern Approach for Coastal Home
Glass balustrades are a popular choice for coastal homeowners, and it’s easy to see why. Our team of expert installers has compiled a list of the top reasons why glass balustrades should make it to the top of your shortlist when you’re planning a remodel in your coastal home.
Glass Counters: Tea Staining and Marine Corrosion
The number one struggle every coastal homeowner experiences is countering the harsh effects of the marine environment. This is because high humidity combines with salt-laden air and shifting winds to create a considerably highly corrosive atmosphere that quickly damages traditional building materials. Opting for traditional metal balustrades will see rapid deterioration, which will eventually result in costly repairs.
It’s worth noting that even the more robust marine-grade 316 stainless steel options are susceptible to a coastal issue referred to as “tea staining”. This refers to a brown, rust-like, unsightly discolouration that typically forms on the surface of most metals when exposed to salt air and sea spray. Homeowners have to routinely wash these surfaces with fresh water and apply periodic chemical treatments. This can be costly and time-consuming.
Tempered glass solutions are inherently immune to the effects of oxidation, rust, and chemical corrosion. Glass balustrades won’t degrade no matter how much sea spray lands on them. Opting for a glass balustrade ensures long-term structural integrity.
Ensures Your View Remains Unobstructed
If you live along or near an Australian coast, chances are that you have an exquisite view to enjoy. Installing traditional metal balustrades, no matter what the design, will always obstruct some of this beautiful view.
Fortunately, glass balustrades are completely transparent, and both frameless and semi-frameless glass solutions provide a seamless and unobstructed view of your surroundings. Glass allows light to easily pass through the perimeter of your deck or balcony and, in the process, makes your space feel bigger and open, adding to the comfort of the space.
Offers Added Wind Protection
As beautiful as living on the coast can be, there’s also the harsh Australian coastal weather to contend with. This often includes dealing with strong and sharp sea breezes that can seriously spoil any time on your deck.
Glass balustrades are essentially large panels of reinforced glass, which means they also offer significant protection against sudden gusts of wind. These transparent glass solutions work to deflect harsh coastal winds upwards, which allows for a warm and sheltered microclimate on your balcony area. This means you and your guests will be able to enjoy your outdoor space all year round, no matter what the coastal climate is throwing at you.
Final Thoughts
Living in a coastal area means that you have to give extra consideration to the materials needed for remodels and installations. Not only should you opt for resilient materials, but they should also be able to counter the harsh effects of rust and tea staining without hampering your overall view.
Fortunately, glass balustrades tick all these boxes and, in addition, also offer a low-maintenance alternative to traditional metal options. A huge bonus of using glass balustrades is that they are not only functional in all areas, but look amazing, no matter where you install them!
