Over the last few years, glass railing in Canada has been one of the most preferred staining options by homeowners who want railing systems that have a sleek, minimalist look and that are also less intrusive. For stairs, balustrades or balconies, glass railing designs offer the optimum view and add to the overall beauty of a home. However, one challenge that most homeowners have is on the impacts of the glass railings on privacy and security. As much as the glass railings provide beauty and functionality it is vital to considers the ways that it affects such essential features of home safety and privacy.
1. Privacy Debates Relating to Glass Barriers
Canadian homeowners especially have some major considerations that they take when installing glass railings one of which being privacy. Standard industrial railings which might come in wood, metal or composite prevent onlookers from seeing inside the house or into the compound. Glass railings are transparent, and therefore can make some areas of a home more conspicuous especially when the balconies or decks are located outside.
Although glass railings add an aesthetic appeal to homes, they could pose a problem of privacy especially for homes; in urban areas or on popular streets. Part of the property is open to public viewing by neighbors or passerby especially balconies or other areas dedicated for relaxation within compounds with floor gardens.
2. Solutions to Enhance Privacy
As much as glass railings do not offer much privacy in the first place, here are some ways that homeowners may be able to remedy such. One of the best ways is to opt for frosted, tinted or etched types of glass. These types of glass offer clear glazed enclosures but are not clear because they offer a certain level of opacity and hence homeowner can get the best of the glass railings while at the same time get to have some measure of privacy.
Another related technique is a combination of landscape zones, for example, high hedges, partitions, or curtains in conjunction with glass panels. Gathered here are the features that can be added to the glass railing systems to provide a clearer division between the zones while keeping the glass railings’ aesthetical and protective benefits.
3. Security Issues with Glass Balustrades
Concerning security, Canadian glass railings may sound slightly less safe than in comparison to other types of materials including wrought iron or steel. Glass is generally associated with fragility and homeowners may feel that their possibility of breaking or being breached is very high. But today these glass railings are made of tempered or laminated glass which is even stronger than the normal glass. While tempered glass is heated in order to control the manner in which it breaks, it cannot shatter easily and if at all breaks is separable into small miniature pieces that can easily fall without causing harm on the people behind the glass, laminated glass on the other hand has an intermediate layer that joins the layers of glass even if they are cracked.
From the security aspect, they may also be less likely to encourage people to hang or climb on, which can happen with other popular railings such as the chain-link or wrought iron. Most of such materials present protruding firms where intruders can merely leap on to gain access to fences or balconies. While wood acts as a barrier it also provides certain amount of privacy and comfort and can become a discouragement for a potential burglar seeking for the easiest way to enter the house Glass does not possess these qualities and can actually put burglars off, hence it is not as safe as wood.
Moreover, secure mounting systems including both strong posts and anchors mean that outfitted glass railings in Canada guarantee functionality in case of any security concern without negating the ability to allow light filter through homes.
4. Balancing Aesthetics, Privacy, and Security
The main idea here is to get the best out of glass railings in Canada, and at the same time retain the privacy and security of buildings and structures. However, if clear visions have to be achieved at the same time privacy has to be observed frosted or tinted glass is an ideal solution. If security is of essence than it is recommended to work with a professional installer who would guarantee the glass being extra strong and well fixed.
At its core, glass railings are the perfect blend of both form and function and if properly selected, the homeowner can easily get the decoration and privacy he wants for his home.
Conclusion
Stainless steel railings are increasingly popular among Canadian homeowners looking for stylish and minimalist design for their interiors but privacy and security might be an issue with glass railings. Kirsch also reveals that through selecting materials like frosted or tinted glass and incorporating other privacy components like landscaping, homeowners can overcome these challenges easily. However, as technology in glass improves, these glass balustrades can be implemented as safely as they can be beautifully. A good example is the below deck glass rail which does not only add beauty in the house but also maintains privacy and security of the home.