What to expect during a custom glass railing site measurement

Measuring for a custom glass railing installation is an exacting process that covers every detail. From the length of the railing, the number of glass panels, the type of mounting, and your preferred hardware. There are also special considerations to note like stairs, bends, and location (seaside, poolside, amount of use). Building codes also inform the process, as does fall height. Professional frameless glass railing contractors measure twice and cut once to ensure you have a beautiful, perfect addition to your home or business. Here are some examples of what to expect.

Custom glass railing installation process

• Structural assessment: To ensure a solid foundation for your railing; accounts for reinforcements if necessary
• Determine operational requirements for glass: I.e. frameless, corrosion resistance, fall height
• Determine operational requirements for hardware: Corrosion resistance, colour, finish, mounting type (base or side), connector types
• Measurements: length of railing, # of panels, corners (inside/outside), stairs (horizontal, vertical, & stringer lengths)
• Determine to what degree railing will conform to deck variations
• Note location of cut-outs or notches for glass preparation before tempering

Besides measuring, your contractor will go over other details involving use and location. For example, a railing next to a pool or subject to sea spray will need coatings to protect it in those environments. A railing that will get a lot of use, like one lining a path, has different requirements than one that doesn’t. What the railing will be attaching to (wood, stone, metal, etc.) will determine the type of fastening. And a railing that will be protecting against falls, such as on high deck, will have strict requirements that must meet building codes.

When hiring a frameless glass railing contractor to handle your custom glass railing installation, choose carefully. Look for experienced professionals who are not just familiar with local building codes but who keep up-to-date on changes.

The whole site measurement will take 1-2 hours. This ensures your expectations will be met–that you and your contractor are on the same page regarding what you want and how you want your railing to look and function. 

Contact Panorama Glass for a Free Consultation on installation of interior or exterior frameless glass railings and custom glass solutions in the Greater Vancouver BC, White Rock, Surrey, Langley and Sunshine Coast areas. 604-862-8955