Measure Once, Order Right: A Simple Guide to Planning Your Glass Balustrade
The secret to a flawless supply-only glass balustrade isn't the installation—it's the measurement. Because toughened safety glass cannot be cut or altered once it arrives, getting your dimensions right is the most important step in your DIY project.
At Glass Balustrades Ireland, we want your project to be a success. Follow this professional checklist to ensure a perfect fit every time.
1. Sketch Your Layout
Start with a "bird’s-eye view" sketch of your area. Mark where the walls are, where the stairs begin, and where the edge of the balcony or deck sits. Don’t worry about being an artist—a simple line drawing is perfect for noting dimensions.
2. Know Your Heights (Building Regs)
In Ireland, safety regulations generally require specific heights:
Indoor (Stairs/Landings): Minimum 900mm from the finished floor level.
Outdoor (Patios/Balconies): Minimum 1100mm to ensure safety against falls.
3. Account for "The Gaps"
When ordering bespoke glass panels, you aren't measuring the glass itself; you're measuring the total opening.
Post Systems: Measure from the center of one post to the center of the next.
Expansion Gaps: Always allow for a 10mm–20mm gap between glass panels and where glass meets a wall. This allows for natural expansion and makes fitting the panels much easier.
4. Use the Right Tools
Ditch the fabric tailor's tape. Use a high-quality steel tape measure or a laser measurer for precision. Measure twice—and if the numbers don't match, measure a third time!
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