Glass Railings Baros Vision

5 Key Differences Between Adjustable and Non-Adjustable Glass Railing Systems

Let’s start with an undeniable fact: in the modern world of architecture and interior design, the use of glass railings is becoming more popular and preferred with each passing year. That’s not a surprise considering the safety, sleek looks, and unobstructed views they offer.

There is a wide variety of balustrade systems on the market using a profile/channel for the glass. Some are heavier and can withstand more load, some are more compact and lighter, some are built for use in specific projects, etc. But product features aside, one of the most essential functionalities and differences between glass balustrade systems is the ability to adjust the glass.

adjustable vs non-ajustable glass railing systems

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at this topic and highlight 5 key differences between adjustable and non-adjustable (using wedges) glass railing systems. These differences are important not only to glass balustrade installers who want to present a flawlessly finished job and do it quickly but also to end customers in cases where some of the system parts such as the glass panels need to be replaced.

But before we dive in, let’s quickly explain what it means for a glass balustrade system (using an aluminum profile/channel) to be adjustable. In a few words, this means that the glass panels used for the railing can be adjusted (or tilted) forward or backward to achieve perfect alignment with each other. The result is not only visually pleasing but also helps the safety of the railing. Also, this contributes to achieving a completely frameless design, as there is no need for top handrails.

Without further ado, let’s see what the important differences are:

1. Efficiency of installation and completion of the project

The first difference between adjustable and non-adjustable glass railings is the time saved during installation and its impact on the overall completion of the project. As a manufacturer of glass balustrades, we at Baros Vision know that when it comes time for our products to be installed, in many cases there are already accumulated delays from the previous stages of the project(when talking about bigger projects) and therefore our customers are looking for a time-efficient solution.

Adjustable systems allow installers to fine-tune the position of the glass panels with ease, significantly reducing the time required for precise alignment. This efficiency results in faster project completion and increased productivity for installation crews.

Non-adjustable(standard) systems, which generally rely on wedges to secure glass panels can take longer to complete installation. The lack of built-in adjustment mechanisms means that achieving perfect alignment can take multiple tries and tricks, resulting in longer installation times and potentially increased labor costs. Sometimes the perfect alignment of balustrade glass panes may also require the mandatory use of top handrails.

The time-saving aspect of adjustable glass balustrades extends beyond individual installations. By reducing the time required for each project, contractors and installation crews can take on and complete more projects in a given timeframe. This increased efficiency can lead to higher profitability for contractors and at the same time – better customer satisfaction.

2. Adaptation to uneven surfaces

As strange as it sounds, in reality perfectly level mounting surfaces are rare. Whether it’s concrete, wood, stone, or any other material as a base – slight unevenness is common. Not only is the surface rarely completely flat, but many times there is an incline, small holes, or even “bellies” – small bumps on which the aluminum profile must be placed and installed.
неравна повърхност за монтаж

This is where Baros Vision’s Adjustable Glass Railings shine. These systems (BV9900 and BV8900 series) are designed to compensate for uneven surfaces, allowing installers to make small adjustments to ensure the glass panels remain perfectly aligned.

Non-adjustable systems (using wedges to secure the glass) often struggle with this challenge. When glass balustrade installers are faced with an uneven installation surface, they need to find a really good solution so that the finished installation is not distorted or misaligned. Not only can this affect the aesthetic appeal of the railing, but it can also compromise the structural integrity and safety of the railing system.

Read more about the general safety requirements for glass railings here.

3. Aesthetic appeal and flexibility of design

Adjustable glass railings offer a significant advantage in terms of aesthetic appeal. Because these systems allow for precise alignment of the glass panels, they often eliminate the need for a top handrail. This results in a truly frameless design, creating a sleek and modern appearance that offers an unobstructed view and complements contemporary architectural styles.

Non-adjustable glass railings may require the use of a top handrail to provide stability and to hide any misalignments between the glass panels. While this can still result in an attractive finished look, it lacks the clean, continuous lines that a fully frameless system provides.

4. Easy modification and long-term maintenance

When it comes to further adjustments, maintenance, or replacement of the glass panels, the differences between the two types of systems become even more apparent. Baros Vision’s adjustable systems make future modifications not only possible but easy. This ensures that the railing system will be perfectly aligned and secure over time, even as buildings settle or environmental factors cause slight changes.

For example, if a glass panel needs to be aligned or replaced, this can usually be done without disassembling the entire system or risk to break the railing glass in the process.

Unlike adjustable, non-adjustable systems that use wedges can be challenging to modify or maintain.

BV9900 монтиран на покривна тераса

Once installed, systems using wedges have limited capacity to adapt to changing conditions. Something that could be a prerequisite for possible system alignment and stability issues in the longer term. This applies especially to climatic environments where the railing is subject to large temperature fluctuations or structural movements. In such cases, modifying non-adjustable systems can be time-consuming and more difficult to implement – which in turn leads to higher repair costs.

5. Price difference

When comparing the costs of adjustable and non-adjustable glass balustrade systems it is important to look beyond the initial cost. While adjustable systems typically cost about 10-15% more in terms of the materials and technology they use, this price difference should be considered in the context of overall project costs and long-term value.

The increased efficiency during installation and easier maintenance of adjustable systems can offset the higher initial costs. The potential for a truly frameless design can justify the additional investment for many projects.

Important!

We must emphasize that with this article we want to show you the differences between the two types of systems, not tell you which ones to use and which ones not to. The choice of railing system should be made according to the needs of the project and the client. Non-adjustable glass balustrade systems are an extremely reliable option, but systems that offer adjustment are much more adaptable to changing conditions.

Conclusion

A comparison between adjustable and non-adjustable glass railings shows the advantages of using an adjustable system. From increased installation efficiency and adaptability to uneven surfaces to improved aesthetic options and easier long-term maintenance, adjustable glass balustrades offer significant benefits. Although they may have a slightly higher initial cost, the long-term value and efficiency of adjustable glass railings make them an attractive choice for many applications.

As the demand for elegant, minimalist architectural elements continues to grow, adjustable glass railings will become increasingly popular. Their ability to combine form and function while offering practical advantages in installation and maintenance positions them as a better choice for modern construction projects.

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