Handrail or No Handrail? The Frameless Balustrade Question
The sleek, uninterrupted look of a frameless glass balustrade is a popular choice for balconies and terraces across Ireland, but many customers are concerned about legal compliance. The short answer is: You can, in most cases, have a fully frameless system without a continuous handrail, provided you use the correct glass specification.
The Key to a Frameless Design: Laminated Toughened Glass
For a fully frameless look on a balcony or landing, the glass panel itself must be strong enough to take all the required load. This is why laminated toughened glass is essential for "no-handrail" systems:
Toughened: This means the glass has been heat-treated for superior strength.
Laminated: This means two layers of toughened glass are bonded together by a strong plastic interlayer (usually PVB or SGP).
The Safety Benefit: If one of the glass layers breaks (e.g., from a severe impact), the tough interlayer holds all the pieces together. The glass cracks, but the barrier remains in place, preventing a fall and removing the need for a structural handrail at the top to secure the panel.
Summary of Design & Compliance
Frameless Balconies/Landings: Go with a laminated toughened glass system (e.g., 21.5mm thickness is common for residential areas) installed in a robust base channel (like a U-Channel) to eliminate the need for a top handrail.
Staircases: A handrail is mandatory for support and is typically installed at a height of 900mm to 1000mm.
Overall Height: External balustrades must be at least 1100mm high, and internal barriers at least 900mm.
Always consult with a certified glass supplier and installer to ensure your design is specifically calculated to withstand the required line and impact loads for your property's use (e.g., residential vs. commercial).