Engineered Glass Balcony Replacement
Designed, Supplied & Installed
OVERVIEW
After a storm caused the partial collapse of a residential property’s glass balcony, the owners turned to 360 GSS to not only replace the damaged structure but ensure the new system was stronger, safer, and engineered to exceed modern performance standards.
Despite the original balcony having passed prior certifications, it was fundamentally unfit for purpose. 360 GSS delivered a premium replacement using cutting-edge materials, expert engineering, and a fully calculated structural design, restoring safety, durability, and peace of mind.
CHALLENGE
Challenge The original glass balustrade system failed due to several critical flaws:
Inadequate Fixings: The aluminium base channel retaining the glass was poorly secured into the underlying timber deck, allowing the panels to rotate and eventually dislodge under wind loads.
Structural Weaknesses: The system lacked intermediate support and relied on cantilevered connections that were not adequately designed to resist overturning or horizontal forces.
Decking Issues: Beneath the glass, the timber deck suffered from water retention due to a poorly sloped drainage system and insufficient ventilation, causing timber rot and fungal growth.
Insufficient Long-Term Planning: While it met building regulations when installed, the original design did not account for the real-world stresses of prolonged exposure to the elements, particularly in an elevated, wind-exposed location.
The result was a hazardous installation that posed risks to both property and occupants – making a full redesign, not just a replacement, essential.
Inadequate Fixings: The aluminium base channel retaining the glass was poorly secured into the underlying timber deck, allowing the panels to rotate and eventually dislodge under wind loads.
Structural Weaknesses: The system lacked intermediate support and relied on cantilevered connections that were not adequately designed to resist overturning or horizontal forces.
Decking Issues: Beneath the glass, the timber deck suffered from water retention due to a poorly sloped drainage system and insufficient ventilation, causing timber rot and fungal growth.
Insufficient Long-Term Planning: While it met building regulations when installed, the original design did not account for the real-world stresses of prolonged exposure to the elements, particularly in an elevated, wind-exposed location.
The result was a hazardous installation that posed risks to both property and occupants – making a full redesign, not just a replacement, essential.
SOLUTION
Solution 360 GSS delivered a comprehensive, engineered replacement solution designed for maximum durability, safety, and long-term performance, including:
Structural System
Heavy-duty galvanised steel structural subframe, providing a rock-solid foundation and eliminating reliance on failing timber-only supports.
Terrace subframe balustrade comprising approximately 15 metres of clear toughened and laminated safety glass panels, CNC precision-cut with polished edges, secured into a robust heavy-duty base channel system.
Glass panels installed to a height of 1100mm above finished floor level, compliant with all safety regulations.
Decking & Joist System
Recycled plastic lumber joists installed at 400mm centres, replacing vulnerable timber elements with rot-resistant, maintenance-free materials.
Intermediate support pedestals on protective rubber pads to eliminate bounce or flex underfoot.
Millboard enhanced grain decking boards, including bullnose edging and stainless steel Durafix screws for superior finish and long-lasting durability.
Front facia boards installed to cover the base channel, providing a clean visual finish, with bullnose edging completing the aesthetic detail.
Waterproofing & Roof Protection
Subframe anchored securely to the building’s back walls without any penetrations through the roof membrane, preserving the property’s waterproofing integrity.
Advanced Glass Treatments
Glass panels treated with Easyclean coating, provided free of charge, to reduce cleaning frequency and maintain a pristine appearance over time.
Professional Engineering Assurance
A full set of worked design and structural engineer’s calculations and report, providing detailed assurances that the entire system exceeds building regulations, accounting for wind loads, impact resistance, structural movements, and safety requirements
Structural System
Heavy-duty galvanised steel structural subframe, providing a rock-solid foundation and eliminating reliance on failing timber-only supports.
Terrace subframe balustrade comprising approximately 15 metres of clear toughened and laminated safety glass panels, CNC precision-cut with polished edges, secured into a robust heavy-duty base channel system.
Glass panels installed to a height of 1100mm above finished floor level, compliant with all safety regulations.
Decking & Joist System
Recycled plastic lumber joists installed at 400mm centres, replacing vulnerable timber elements with rot-resistant, maintenance-free materials.
Intermediate support pedestals on protective rubber pads to eliminate bounce or flex underfoot.
Millboard enhanced grain decking boards, including bullnose edging and stainless steel Durafix screws for superior finish and long-lasting durability.
Front facia boards installed to cover the base channel, providing a clean visual finish, with bullnose edging completing the aesthetic detail.
Waterproofing & Roof Protection
Subframe anchored securely to the building’s back walls without any penetrations through the roof membrane, preserving the property’s waterproofing integrity.
Advanced Glass Treatments
Glass panels treated with Easyclean coating, provided free of charge, to reduce cleaning frequency and maintain a pristine appearance over time.
Professional Engineering Assurance
A full set of worked design and structural engineer’s calculations and report, providing detailed assurances that the entire system exceeds building regulations, accounting for wind loads, impact resistance, structural movements, and safety requirements
RESULT
The new balcony installation delivered:
Superior Structural Integrity: With a steel-reinforced, precision-engineered subframe, the system is designed to withstand environmental stresses and pedestrian use without compromise.
Elimination of Past Weaknesses: The combination of rot-resistant recycled plastic joists, properly anchored heavy-duty components, and engineered drainage eliminated every flaw that contributed to the previous failure.
Enhanced Safety and Compliance:The system exceeds the requirements of current building regulations, providing long-term safety backed by professional structural documentation.
Aesthetics and Low Maintenance: The Millboard decking, polished-edge glass, and Easyclean coating deliver both visual appeal and reduced upkeep, enhancing the property’s value and usability.
Peace of Mind for the Client: With transparent engineering calculations and expert installation, the client can rest assured knowing their balcony is built to last.
Superior Structural Integrity: With a steel-reinforced, precision-engineered subframe, the system is designed to withstand environmental stresses and pedestrian use without compromise.
Elimination of Past Weaknesses: The combination of rot-resistant recycled plastic joists, properly anchored heavy-duty components, and engineered drainage eliminated every flaw that contributed to the previous failure.
Enhanced Safety and Compliance:The system exceeds the requirements of current building regulations, providing long-term safety backed by professional structural documentation.
Aesthetics and Low Maintenance: The Millboard decking, polished-edge glass, and Easyclean coating deliver both visual appeal and reduced upkeep, enhancing the property’s value and usability.
Peace of Mind for the Client: With transparent engineering calculations and expert installation, the client can rest assured knowing their balcony is built to last.
CONCLUSION
Conclusion This project showcases why 360 GSS is a leader in the field of glass and structural installations. We don’t just replace – we engineer.
By diagnosing the causes of structural failure and applying modern materials, advanced engineering, and a meticulous installation process, we deliver balcony systems that are stronger, safer, and built to stand the test of time.
When it comes to exposed structures like glass balconies, passing regulations is not enough. Exceeding them is where true safety and value lie – and that’s exactly what 360 GSS provides.
By diagnosing the causes of structural failure and applying modern materials, advanced engineering, and a meticulous installation process, we deliver balcony systems that are stronger, safer, and built to stand the test of time.
When it comes to exposed structures like glass balconies, passing regulations is not enough. Exceeding them is where true safety and value lie – and that’s exactly what 360 GSS provides.
ALL OF OUR BESPOKE GLASS OPTIONS
SHOWERS
- Walk-in Glass Shower Screens
- Loft & Sloping Enclosures
- Over-Bath Shower Screens
- Sliding Glass Shower Enclosures
- Custom Hinged Enclosures
BALCONIES & BALUSTRADES
- Glass Balconies
- Glass Juliet Balconies
- Glass Balustrades
BANNISTERS & PARTITIONS
- Glass Bannisters & Staircases
- Glass Partitions & Facades