DIY Success: 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Glass Balustrades

Installing your own supply-only glass balustrade is a rewarding way to add thousands in value to your home. However, because glass is a precision material, there is very little room for error.

To help your project run smoothly, avoid these five common pitfalls we see during DIY installations in Ireland.

1. Forgetting to Check the Substrate

The most beautiful glass system in the world is only as good as what it’s bolted to. Whether it’s a timber deck or a concrete balcony, the surface must be structurally sound and perfectly level. Bolting into rotten wood or thin paving slabs will lead to a wobbly, unsafe finish.

2. Ignoring "Plumb" and "Level"

If your first post is slightly tilted, by the time you reach the end of a five-metre run, the gap will be massive. Use a high-quality spirit level or a laser level at every single stage. Never assume your floor is perfectly flat—Irish homes, especially older ones, rarely are!

3. Over-Tightening the Clamps

It’s tempting to tighten everything as hard as possible, but over-tightening can put undue stress on the toughened safety glass or crush the rubber gaskets. Tighten until firm, but follow the manufacturer’s torque settings if provided.

4. Not Leaving an Expansion Gap

Glass expands and contracts slightly with temperature changes. If you wedge a glass panel tight against a wall or another panel, it has nowhere to go. Always maintain a 10mm to 20mm gap to allow for movement and easy cleaning.

5. Measuring Before the Floor is Finished

This is the #1 mistake! Never measure for your glass until your final floor tiles, timber planks, or paving are actually laid. Even a 5mm difference in floor height can throw off your entire project.

Visit our website for installation guides www.glassbalustradesireland.com