Glass Railings in Coastal Homes: Durability and Design Considerations

Glass railing systems can fit in any location, regardless of the building type. However, there is something special about glass railings in coastal homes that is magical.

Homes and buildings in such locations offer owners breakingtaking views of the seaside, beaches, and ocean best enjoyed through luxurious balconies, terraces, and decks adorned with glass railings. For this reason, designers are increasingly constructing and renovating buildings with framed and frameless glass railings, offering an unobstructed view of the environment from indoor and outdoor platforms.

Yet, installing these guard railing types in such environments is not as straightforward as you may think. To ensure the systems are safe, several durability and design considerations must be made.

This article highlights why many homeowners and building developers choose glass railing systems for coastal homes and apartments. It details environmental challenges, durability considerations, maintenance requirements, and design factors to consider when using framed and frameless glass railings.

It also presents the building codes and local regulations associated with coastal construction and installations.

Why Choose Glass Railings for Coastal Buildings

Every homeowner or designer has their reason for installing glass railings in a coastal building. However, there are four major reasons why people select glass guardrails, which include:

• Unobstructed view;
• Minimalist design preference;
• Enhanced property value;
• Improved durability and decreased maintenance.

Unobstructed View

Most people who own coastal homes do so to escape high-paced city activities and enjoy the natural beauty of landscapes, sunsets, and the ocean. For many, this desire is best achieved by spending time on glass railing decks, terraces, balconies, and porches overlooking the horizon.

Through these outdoor spaces, homeowners can have an unobstructed view whether they are standing, seated, or reclining. As such, many designers shy away from using traditional railings made from metal or wood, which may stand in the way.

Minimalist Design Preference

More people prefer a minimalist approach to building design as it is aesthetically pleasing and in vogue. To achieve this look, glass guardrails, especially frameless glass railings, are used in coastal homes that offer clean lines that beautify most outdoor spaces.

Glass guardrails can give any location an appearance of space and openness, which is ideal for hosting guests and parties. Furthermore, framed and frameless glass railings can fit several building types, including beach cottages, beachfront villas, Victorian homes, and modern contemporary buildings.

Enhanced Property Value

Glass railing systems can easily increase the value of coastal properties. Many buyers are attracted to the contemporary look these guardrails add to buildings, which enhances demand.

Likewise, building owners who rent or lease out coastal homes can increase the pricing of their properties by installing glass guardrails in balconies, decks, and other indoor and outdoor spaces.

Improved Durability and Less Maintenance

Coastal environments mostly have high sun exposure, strong winds, high humidity, and saltwater. These factors can quickly degrade wooden and metal guardrails, leading to rot and corrosion of railing materials.

Properly installed glass railing systems are capable of withstanding coastal weather conditions, making them durable and requiring less maintenance compared to traditional guardrails.

Coastal Environmental Factors that Affect Glass Railings

Glass railing systems are also affected by coastal environmental factors that include saltwater, sun exposure, winds, and high humidity. These weather conditions usually accelerate the degradation of guardrails, especially outdoor railings.

Saltwater

Saltwater can quickly degrade any material it frequently touches. Therefore, glass railing hardware like brackets, posts, and fasteners can quickly start corroding, which can lead to significant degradation from rust.

To mitigate this problem, the hardware used for glass railings should be corrosion-resistant materials capable of withstanding the effect of saltwater.

Sun Exposure

Most coastal homes are constantly exposed to UV rays, which can weaken and fade glass panels and railing hardware over time. Selecting UV-resistant glass panels can reduce the effect of sun exposure by preventing discoloration of shaded or colored glass panels.

In addition, applying UV protection coatings on guardrail frames, glazing, and fixtures maintains the structural integrity of framed and frameless glass railings for a long time.

Storms and Winds

Coastal areas are naturally susceptible to storms and high winds, which can quickly damage or destroy glass railing systems. However, there exist heavy-duty glass panels and framing fixtures designed to withstand impact and pressure caused by tropical storms and hurricanes.

In most cases, reinforced railing hardware and thicker glass are used to prevent damage during extreme weather.

High Moisture and Humidity

Most coastal locations tend to be moist and humid due to frequent rainfall or proximity to large water bodies. This condition is usually unfavorable to wooden and metal guardrails, which rot and corrode from exposure to moisture and high humidity.

However, glass panels are not affected by moisture or humidity, making glass railings ideal for such locations. However, railing hardware used for framed and frameless glass railings must be moisture-resistant and humidity-resistant for them to last a long time.

Glass Railing Material Consideration

To build a durable and functional glass railing in a coastal area, care must be taken when selecting materials. Material consideration generally involves choosing the glass panel and hardware type.

It also includes protective measures that improve glass railing longevity.

Glass Panel Types

Glass panels are the main components of every glass guardrail system, especially frameless glass railings. Therefore, the prevalent weather conditions in a coastal area should determine the glass type used.

• Due to its safety features and strength, tempered glass is commonly used in many locations, including coastal homes. It is heat-treated to withstand loads and impacts. When it breaks, it shatters into tiny blunt pieces, minimizing the chances of injury.
• Laminated glazing is ideal for windy areas, which can carry high-impact objects capable of damaging glass. It is usually composed of tempered glass layers interlayered with plastic, which hold the glass in place after breakage, making it perfect for glass railings in coastal homes.
• Using UV-resistant glass reduced the sun’s ability to degrade glass panels while maintaining the appearance and structural integrity of glass panels.

In addition, edge-treated thick glass panels with a width of 12 mm (0.4 inches) and above should be used. Such glazing is capable of withstanding the load and pressure from high winds.

Hardware Considerations

Glass railing hardware matters a lot when installing guard railings in harsh weather conditions. Here are the two frequently used hardware types for framed and frameless glass railings in coastal areas.

• Powder-coated aluminum metal is corrosion-resistant, lightweight, and durable, making it ideal for glass railing hardware.
• Although expensive, marine standard stainless steel is a better alternative to power-coated aluminum metal. This material is the perfect choice for glass railing hardware capable of lasting a long time.

Glass Guardrail Design Consideration for Coastal Buildings

Glass railing generally offers a sleek, contemporary, and aesthetical look to coastal homes and buildings. As such, homeowners can choose between framed and frameless glass railings, depending on their preference.

• Framed glass railings appear safe by offering more structural support.
• Frameless glass railings are sleek and offer a minimalist design approach, allowing an unobstructed view of the coastal environment. Nonetheless, thicker glass panels and heavy-duty fixtures are used to compensate for fewer structural elements.

In either glass railing option, it would benefit homeowners to choose wind-resistant and UV-resistant design components, including reinforced hardware and thicker glazing. Furthermore, additional customization options like curved glass guardrails can be introduced to give a coastal home a unique look that complements that environment.

Building Code Considerations for Coastal Homes

Building codes mandate higher standards for coastal homes and buildings. These strict safety regulations ensure dwellings can withstand the effects of tropical storms and hurricanes.

Building codes require glass panels made of tempered or laminated glass capable of withstanding the effects of wind loads, and pressures. Therefore, building owners and contractors should carefully review local building codes before installing glass railing systems in coastal environments.

Glass Railing Maintenance Requirements in Coastal Homes

Choosing the right glass railing material helps you get a structurally sound and functional system. To keep glass guardrails in this condition, you will need to perform regular maintenance.

• You should frequently clean glass panels and framed structures to remove debris, dirt, and salt residue. To achieve this, you would want to use a soft cloth with a mild cleaner to clean areas without scratching surfaces.
• To prevent damage and discoloration from UV rays, you should apply UV protection films or coatings to glass railings.
• Always inspect railing systems after an extreme weather event. You would want to inspect for loose components or damage before a bigger problem occurs.

Conclusion

Glass railing systems, especially frameless glass railings, are ideal guardrail railings for coastal homes. It provides an unobstructed view and a minimalist design approach.

It enhances a building’s value while improving durability and decreasing maintenance requirements. Yet, glass railing installers must consider environmental factors like saltwater, sun exposure, winds, and humidity, which adversely affect glass guard railings.

Whether you opt for a framed or frameless glass railing, installations should include glass panels and hardware capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions. Likewise, installers should ensure that the guardrails deployed are building code-compliant.

After the installation of glass railings, homeowners should strictly adhere to the glass railing maintenance requirements for coastal areas.