Glass railings use safety glass, most commonly tempered, laminated, or tempered laminated glass. Tempered glass offers higher resistance to impact and temperature changes. Laminated glass remains attached to its interlayer when broken, helping the panel stay together. The right choice depends on the system, loads, location, and fixing method.
Tempered glass is heat-treated to improve its mechanical strength. If it breaks, it usually forms small fragments rather than long sharp shards. This reduces injury risk, but the panel loses its structural integrity.
Laminated glass consists of two or more glass layers bonded with an interlayer. When it breaks, the fragments generally remain attached to that interlayer. This makes lamination particularly important when the glass acts as a fall protection barrier.
| Glass type | Behaviour when broken | Typical role |
|---|---|---|
| Tempered | Breaks into small fragments | Panels in systems with additional protection |
| Laminated | Fragments remain bonded | Fall protection barrier |
| Tempered laminated | Combines both properties | Demanding interior and exterior applications |
Tempered glass may be suitable when the system is designed so that safety does not depend on one broken panel remaining in place. This can apply to some framed systems, vertical-post systems, or designs where other elements carry the load. It should not be selected by thickness alone without checking the complete system and its fixings.
Laminated glass is often preferred for staircases, balconies, terraces, and platforms where the panel should remain in place after breakage. In exterior applications, the interlayer, glass edges, seals, and drainage details must be suitable for moisture exposure.
Before ordering, clarify:
No. Safety depends on the complete system: glass, supports, anchors, substrate, and installation.
No. Holes and edge processing must be completed before tempering because later processing can cause breakage.
There is no universal answer. Lamination is often decisive for fall protection, while other systems may require tempering or a combination of both.
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