Certainly all different titles that cast a slightly different light on to protecting your loved ones, I was recently reading a Great Article in Houzz about the disappearing handrail, it prompted me to piggy back off their great article and add some Aussie twists.
So first – let’s look at the subtlety of the definitions – is there a difference?
Handrail – A handrail is a rail that is designed to be grasped by the hand so as to provide stability or support. Handrails are commonly used while ascending or descending.
A Balustrade is a railing supported by balusters, especially one forming an ornamental parapet to a balcony, bridge, or terrace.
Whilst a Guardrail, is a rail at the edge of something such as a cliff or the deck of a boat that prevents people from falling off.
So in essence, they all mean protection – which word, you select to describe your needs is up to you and your Architect, however the fact that you will require one under Australia Building Code is a given. Each State, Territory and Country will have differing requirements to meet the definition of edge protection. It is vital you understand what requirements you must meet, before you decide on the aesthetics, of your new handrail, balustrade or guardrail.
Responding to some of the items raised in the Houzz article – here goes
- Protecting you glass – we would recommend the application of Enduroshield to your new glass balustrade to aid in the cleaning and long term protection of it,
- Mesh protection, obviously we would steer you towards Crimsafe – if you wanting this look, the breeze flows through it and the view is not interrupted,
- Adding levels or terraces and the prickle level of protection as a edge protection in Queensland will not pass our Building requirements, whilst you can certainly use this type of design to soften the handrailing to blend in to the background, it cannot be used for the purpose of edge protection.
Check out some of the images of our recent handrail, balustrade installations – remember You Dream It, We Make It at Central Glass and Aluminium.
Contact us to find out how we can solve your needs!
