We’ve talked a lot about the benefits of using glass balustrades inside your home. From their visual appeal to their wide-ranging practical benefits, there are plenty of reasons to pick glass for your interiors and we think we’ve made a compelling case for that.

However, we’ve not talked as much about the benefits of using them in your garden or on your patio. Glass balustrades have just any many advantages for use outside of your home as they do inside of it and make a great choice.

To even up our presentation, we thought we’d spend some time explaining the decorative and functional plus points of glass balustrades in your garden so read on to find out more.

What are the rules for glass balustrades in the UK?

The height and strength of external glass balustrades in the UK are covered by building regulations and standards. Meeting these legal requirements is the only way to make sure your glass balustrades are safe.

If you’re planning a balustrade for use outdoors, a lot of factors will impact which building regulations apply to you. For example, a balustrade that is used at or near ground level can be lower but if you use one near a large drop, it will need to meet a minimum height to prevent anyone accidentally toppling over it.

All glass balustrades will also have a minimum safety requirement around load-bearing strength to prevent them breaking and causing injuries. All balustrades need to use toughened glass but some may need specific types like laminated glass. These factors may be influenced by where the balustrades too.

This is why it is so important to find a reputable manufacturer if you are planning to install a glass balustrade. If you order with KLG Glass, we will talk you through your requirements and explain any modifications that may need to be made so they comply with building standards and regulations.

Why use glass balustrades outdoors?

There are a lot of reasons to use glass balustrades in your outside space. This includes both visual benefits and practical ones. Here are five of the most compelling reasons that could cause you to choose glass.

1. They are durable

The toughened glass used to create glass balustrades is incredibly strong, making it a perfect choice to use outside.

A well-made, correctly-fitted glass balustrade system can easily withstand the wilds of British weather conditions even in the depths of winter and they won’t suffer from heavy rains or moisture in the air.

2. They are safe

Being so strong, glass balustrades are also a safe choice. They need a very intense impact to break – an out-of-control football or accidental stumble won’t do any damage to them.

Depending on where you place your glass balustrade, it can even help you make your garden a safer space in general. As the glass panels used are solid, they are great for using around drops such as the edge of raised patios, garden decking and even around water. They will stop any small explorers taking a dangerous step making them a great choice for families or homes with pets.

If you’re concerned about the transparency of glass leaving it hard to spot in an outdoor space, then frosted glass will provide a visual barrier that eliminates even that concern.

3. They are easy to maintain

The shape and durability of glass balustrades also make them very low maintenance.

The smooth, flat glass surface is easy to clean, and dirt won’t get caked or ingrained into it. Cleaning them is just a case of warm, soapy water and a big soft sponge – followed by a dash of white vinegar to prevent streaks when they dry.

You also don’t need to worry about glass balustrades needing repairing, repainting or other maintenance. They won’t fade, warp or rot even under direct sunlight or wet weather. Instead, they will stay as attractive as the day they were installed without too much effort or care.

4. They show your garden at its best

Another benefit of external glass balustrades is that they can provide unobstructed views across your entire garden.

This makes them a fantastic choice to use for balconies, raised decking and patios, as you can keep these areas safe but still enjoy an uninterrupted view across your entire outdoor space. Unlike wood and metal railings that create barriers across your garden, severing sightlines and making your garden feel cramped, glass allows continuous views across the whole space.

Installing glass balustrades can even help improve the inside of your house too, as they won’t prevent natural light flowing into your house when they’re used in front of windows or patio doors.

5. They look fantastic

Of course, one of the biggest benefits that glass balustrades will bring to your outside space is the visual appeal they bring in themselves.

Pick a balustrade with a bright chrome handrail and fittings, and you can keep a clean, modern look across your garden. This goes wonderfully with a minimalist garden design, contrasting well with dark slabs, slate or gravel and complementing glass and rattan furniture.

Alternatively, a frameless glass design with simple panels will bring its own wow factor, a style feature in itself while also helping your garden feel brighter and even bigger. It is completely flexible across all furniture and garden designs and will add an elegant touch to any garden.

Are glass balustrades a good idea outside?

Choosing glass balustrades is a great way to improve the look of your garden, ensure its safety and even help create a sense of more space.

Here at KLG Glass, we can make you a bespoke glass balustrade system that looks fantastic and will last years. Contact us today to find out more.

 

Glass is a flexible, attractive and versatile material that has many uses around your home. From providing insulation with double glazing to helping your spaces feel bigger and brighter using mirrors, and even adding an eye-catching design touch in a glass splashback, glass can be found in a  variety of places around your home.

As a material, people often take it for granted and don’t tend to think too deeply about it. And even if people consider aftercare like how to clean glass or how to replace it, they will rarely think about preparing it. Or how to cut it.

In this blog post, we’ll look at one of the underappreciated aspects of using glass – cutting it. We’ll answer all the most commonly asked questions on the subject, such as what tools you need and what types of glass stand up to cutting – and which don’t. 

We’ll share all the important information you need to know if you’re deciding whether to enlist the help of a professional glass cutting service or to attempt the process yourself, to help you decide which is a more realistic option for you.

How hard is it to cut glass?

The first question most people ask about cutting glass is how hard it is. Unfortunately, the answer is not particularly specific- it really does depend on a number of factors.

With the right cutting tools, the right thickness of glass, and a steady hand, cutting glass is quite a straightforward task. It’s a delicate job but definitely doable by most people.

However, many different factors can increase the difficulty level. The type of glass, its thickness and the size of the glass pane will all make a difference.

The main issue with glass is that you usually only get one attempt. If your glass shatters or breaks or if you chip or scratch the surface, the glass is permanently damaged and often unusable.

We’d advise reading this whole article before you decide whether to try cutting your own glass. If it seems too risky, then enlisting a professional is an obvious alternative with a guaranteed great result.

What is the best tool for cutting glass?

The easiest way to cut glass safely and without breaking it is to use a glass cutter tool. These usually have two or three parts:

• the cutting wheel which will score a deep cut into the surface of the glass,
• the handle which you use to move the cutting wheel,
• sometimes, cutters have an in-built reservoir that adds oil to the surface of the glass to ease the cutting process.

Though this may sound like a simple setup (and it is), glass cutters are the quickest, easiest and most reliable way to cut glass. You can buy them at a range of price points too so they don’t have to be a major investment. We wouldn’t recommend trying to cut glass without one.

What type of glass cannot be cut?

Toughened, tempered and laminated glass are all difficult (if not impossible) to cut. These types of glass are all treated to increase their strength – in fact, they are up to 5 times stronger than untreated or standard glass.

The strengthening process also alters the structure of the glass, which means it breaks differently. For example, treated glass is harder to break because a higher pressure is compressed within it. To cut it, you need to disrupt this distribution and that will shatter the glass completely or weaken it so much it is no longer usable.

For this reason, it is better to have toughened glass or laminated glass cut to meet your exact requirements before it undergoes strengthening. So if you; ‘re ordering treated glass in a bespoke size, make sure to get accurate measurements before you order – and triple-check them too!

If you do desperately need to alter the size, contact a glass-cutting professional rather than attempt it yourself.

Can glass be cut into any shape?

It is possible to get standard glass cut into any shape. This includes shapes with straight edges, such as squares and triangles, and curved shapes such as waves or circles.

In fact, choosing shaped glass can help you add decorative detail to windows, doors and mirrors.

It is a lot easier to cut glass with a straight cut or edge using a guide. Look into cutting tools and guides if you’re planning a more detailed or difficult shape.

And, if you are looking for something particularly intricate or decorative then consider asking a professional glass cutter to cut it for you to ensure a clean cut that doesn’t damage the glass.

What thickness of glass can a glass cutter cut?

The easiest glass thickness to cut yourself is around 4mm. Glass thinner than this is more fragile and likely to break easily, while thicker glass will be much harder to score. If you are looking to cut 8mm thick glass (or thicker) you will struggle without the help of an industry-standard glass cutter. Again, it is better to enlist the help of a glazier.

However, any glass thicknesses around 4mm should be possible to do yourself, as long as you have the right tools, follow the right steps and are patient and steady with the process.

Is there a machine to cut glass?

When it comes to glass cutters, most professionals will do it using a specialist glass-cutting machine. This allows them to cut glass accurately without damaging it. These may be fully automatic, running from computer programming, or require some human input. Either way, the machine will make sure that the pressure is always perfect to protect the glass from being broken or scratched.

The ability to completely control pressure means that glass-cutting machines are also able to cut through thicker glass.

These machines use a variety of methods to cut panes of glass including diamond cut, water-cut and laser cut.

While glass machines are incredibly precise, efficient and reliable they are also expensive. They’re certainly not a worthwhile investment for most people.

Can I cut glass at home?

If you’re cutting small or cheap panes of glass it is definitely possible to cut your glass at home. It is best to make sure you have spare glass in case you need more than one attempt, and a good idea to test your skills on scrap glass before you attempt your final job too. With the right tools and a careful hand, you can get a great result with glass cut at home.

However, if you’re looking to cut large, thick or expensive panes of glass it is always best to get your glass cut professionally instead. Here at KLG, we will cut glass to any shape or size at competitive prices, so you don’t have to worry about carrying out a tricky task or wasting any resources.

Contact us today with your exact requirements to find out more about our glass cutting service.

 

If you’re looking to replace the windows in your home, you may not even have considered sash windows. Most people turn to casement windows as default and unknowingly, miss out on the many benefits and undeniable appeal of sash windows.

If you’re not sure what a sash window looks like, how it works, or whether it would suit your property, then we’ve put together this post to answer all your questions. 

We’ll look at the difference between a casement and a sash window, the benefits that sash windows have, as well as their disadvantages. We’ll cover all the common questions people ask about sash windows, and help you decide if a set of sash windows could be right for you.

What is A Sash in Window Terms?

A sash window is made of two window panes, these are called sashes. They open by sliding so that one pane sits behind the other to create an opening. Picture a set of sliding doors, sash windows open in a similar way. However, unlike sliding doors, they tend to open vertically rather than horizontally. 

Sash windows were first seen in the Georgian period and they became popular because their shape and structure could support much larger windows than casement ones could. They continued to be popular throughout the Edwardian and Victorian periods ans these days they are still the second most common window design in use.

What Is The Difference Between A Sash Window And A Casement Window?

The difference between sash and casement windows is the way they open. Sash windows slide to open, whereas you open casement windows by pushing them outwards. 

This makes a sash window a fantastic space-saving option for ground floor windows, particularly when they open onto narrow or frequently used paths or walkways. 

How Do Sash Windows Work?

Traditionally, sash windows open on a pulley system. This makes the window easier to open, distributing the weight and giving a smooth opening action. This is also what holds the weight of the window when it’s open and stops it from slamming shut under the pull of gravity. To do this, a counterweight is fitted to a ‘sash cord’ which runs over the pulley. 

Sash windows that work via this pulley system are called ‘Box Sash’ windows. This is the most common version of sash windows and the most reliable. However, this is not the only type of sash window available.

What Are The Different Types Of Sash Windows?

Box sash windows are an original style of sash window that has been used for centuries. However, there is another type of sash window available which is more modern, this is called a spiral balanced sash.

Rather than using gravity to hold the window open, a spiral balanced window uses a spring-based mechanism to counterbalance the weight. The appeal of this modern sash window is that it requires a smaller window frame, this is because the workings of the window (the counterbalance mechanism) are visible.

With a box sash window, the pulley mechanism is built into the frame of the window. This gives it a much sleeker look and protects the mechanism from dust and dirt so that it operates smoothly and has a longer lifespan. 

What Are The Benefits Of Sash Windows?

As we’ve outlined above, one of the biggest practical benefits of sash windows is that they are less obstructive.

They are also a great choice for family homes, as they tend to be a lot safer than casement windows. This is because they give you more control over how far you open them and they are also safer to fix into position.  Also, unlike the hinges on casement windows, the workings of a box sash window are neatly enclosed in the frame, making them much safer for smaller fingers.

The counterweight system also increases the safety of sash windows. If you are opening them upwards instead of outwards, there is no chance of losing your own balance if the window opens quicker or further than intended.

However, the biggest benefit of sash windows is undeniably their looks. The character and elegance of sash windows help them bring aesthetic appeal to any home. They can bring a classic and traditional touch to modern homes, adding personality and kerb appeal to homes that can sometimes be left with a bland appearance. They also fit in perfectly with a range of period properties from tall townhouses to smaller cottages.

What Is The Point Of Sash Windows?

Visual appeal is not the only reason you may want to invest in a sash window. This traditional window style dates back to the 17th Century making it a fantastic choice to install in period properties if you are trying to keep your home authentic.

If your home dates between the 1700s and the 1900s, then it was likely built with sash windows. This style was popular during these periods because it supported big windows to create bright rooms. 

These days having an authentic window design in older homes can help them hold – or even increase their value. It will always help create a more cohesive, consistent and attractive look for your home too. 

If you live in a designated or conservation area, you may even be required to have sash windows to support an authentic look for the street.

What Are The Disadvantages Of A Sash Window?

One of the big disadvantages of sash windows is their cost. Due to the mechanism that opens them they use more materials and are more complicated to make naturally this is reflected in the cost. 

Traditional sash windows may also offer less ventilation than a casement window. If they have a fixed panel, you will only ever be able to open half the window will limit the airflow that circulates through them, compared to having two panels of a casement window flung open.

Of course, this works the other way as well. Sash windows with two sliding sashes actually offer significantly better ventilation, as you can open them to create a gap at the top and the bottom of the window. This allows air to circulate more fully.

Will Sash Windows Add Value?

Did you know that installing a set of quality sash windows can even increase the value of your home?

Many original sash windows in period properties have since been replaced with standard casement windows as they were considered to have a ‘similar look’. They were also cheaper and boasted the same energy efficiency savings, though they will also have a lot shorter lifespan.

However, there is a massive difference in the quality and look of cheap casement windows and traditional sash ones. This meant that replacing the original sash design with casement windows seriously dented the visual appeal of many homes. The effect was so negative that it even reduced their resale value.

Returning to an authentic style sash window will add an impressive edge to the look of a Georgian or Victorian home. It will even add an elegant touch to more modern homes. In turn, this boost in ‘kerb appeal’ can be reflected in an increase in the property value.

Increasing the kerb appeal of your home can be difficult and often expensive. It is definitely worth considering when you are replacing your windows and doors, even if you don’t intend to sell your home anytime soon.

Are Sash Windows Worth It?

If you’re looking for a window that will bring its own character and visual appeal to your home, turning a simple functional item into a statement design feature, then sash windows can be worth every penny.

 They may cost a little more but they will help you stay faithful to the history of a period home. Their narrow profiles and structured frames can also sit beautifully in more modern homes. 

Of course, only you can decide if they are a worthwhile investment for your own home. If you want to learn more about updating your home with sliding sash windows, then take a look at our range or contact us today.