Glass Types
Frameless glass balustrades and pool fencing have become standard elements in modern Australian architecture, valued for their durability, safety, and aesthetic versatility. Selecting the appropriate glass for these applications involves understanding the technical specifications and visual qualities that align with structural and privacy requirements. Below, we detail the most commonly used glass types for frameless installations.
TYPES OF GLASS WE USE
• 12mm A grade Toughened Glass pool fencing
• 12mm A grade Toughened and Heat Soaked Glass balustrading under 5 metres FGL
• 13.52mm Laminated SGP Toughened Glass over 5 metres FGL (with toprail)
• 15.04mm Laminated SGP Toughened Glass over 5 metres FGL (without toprail)
All glass is available in Clear, Ultra Low Iron and Acid Etch
Toughened glass
Toughened glass also known as tempered glass, is a strong, durable type of safety glass that is ideal for frameless glass fencing. It's made through a heating and rapid cooling process, which increases its strength compared to regular glass. If broken, toughened glass shatters into small, blunt pieces rather than sharp shards, making it a safer choice for areas like pool fences and balustrades. This type of glass is highly resistant to impact, heat, and pressure.
Toughened Heat Soaked Glass
Toughened Heat Soaked Glass is a high-strength safety glass that combines the durability of toughened (tempered) glass with an extra heat-soaking process. The heat-soaking step helps detect and eliminate any impurities that could cause spontaneous breakage, making it exceptionally reliable. This glass is ideal for frameless fencing due to its enhanced strength, safety, and long-term performance.
Laminated SGP Toughened Glass
Laminated SGP Toughened Glass combines the strength of toughened (tempered) glass with a laminated SGP (SentryGlas® Plus) interlayer for added safety and durability. The SGP interlayer makes the glass more resistant to impacts and prevents it from shattering completely if broken, holding the pieces firmly in place. Ideal for frameless fencing, it provides excellent safety, durability, and clarity, even in high-stress applications.
POPULAR COLOUR OPTIONS
Clear glass is the most common choice for frameless glass installations due to its simple elegance and versatility. It provides a clear view of the surrounding area, allowing for a seamless, open look. Clear glass is ideal for pool fencing and balustrades, effortlessly fitting into a variety of architectural styles.
Ultra Low-iron glass, also known as "extra clear" glass, minimizes the greenish tint often found in standard glass. Its high clarity makes it ideal for frameless installations where a pristine, ultra-clear view is desired.
Acid-etched glass undergoes a treatment that gives it a soft, frosted look, making it perfect for areas requiring privacy without blocking light entirely. This glass type offers a smoother texture than sandblasted glass and is more resistant to fingerprints and smudges. Best choice for privacy with a sophisticated, smooth frosted finish that’s easy to maintain and resists fingerprints.
CUSTOM GLASS OPTIONS
Tinted glass is manufactured with a slight color that reduces glare and controls solar heat, making it a popular choice for frameless glass balustrading. It not only enhances privacy and comfort by minimizing sun exposure, but also brings a sophisticated, stylish look that complements modern architecture. Its main advantages are its functionality in softening sunlight and its design versatility, as it can subtly blend with or accentuate the surrounding decor, adding a refined and customized aesthetic to balconies, terraces, and pool areas.
Colorback glass offers versatile design options, from solid, opaque colors to patterned films applied to the back. Solid color choices give a clean, modern look that complements various spaces, ideal for making bold statements or maintaining a cohesive color scheme in outdoor areas like balconies and terraces.
For a more customized touch, patterned films allow for unique textures or intricate designs, adding depth and artistic flair. Both solid and patterned Colorback glass options provide durable, fade-resistant finishes that enhance privacy and withstand outdoor elements, making them a stylish and long-lasting choice for frameless balustrades.
Choosing the right type of glass for frameless balustrades and pool fencing involves considering the level of safety, durability, transparency, privacy, and style you want to achieve. Clear, tinted, low-iron, acid-etched, and colorback glass each offer unique features suited to different needs. With these options, you can create a safe, beautiful outdoor space that complements your property’s design .