Glass Railings For Your Colorado Springs Property

For quite some time, wood has been the default item for interior railing systems throughout the country. This is in large part because wood is easy to work with. It requires the least specialized training, it is abundant and easy to access, and it is one of the most affordable options. However, as tastes have changed over the decades, cities like Denver and Colorado Springs have seen steep housing growth and the desire to explore railing materials beyond wood has increased. As a local welder in Colorado Springs, we build traditional and modern metal handrails for all kinds of projects from residential to commercial and even for industrial settings. But you may not have known that we also build glass railings for customers who are searching for that extra element to set the look of their property above the rest.

Tempered glass is the safest type of glass to use in a home or public setting because it is heat-treated which makes it far stronger and more resistant to extended heat if it is exposed to the sun all day. The increased safety comes from the way the glass breaks. If tempered glass is shattered, it will create an enormous amount of tiny pieces instead of large shards like you're used to seeing if you drop a drinking glass. When you're spending the money on a high quality product, you should also ensure that the glass is UV coated. When cured with a UV protective coating, the glass is better at shielding UV rays, it becomes harder to scratch, and can even help reduce fogging and glare on the glass' surface providing better transparency. When using a high quality glass that has been treated, your glass balcony railings will also be easier to keep clean. This means less fingerprints and easier removal of dirt and grime over time.

Let's look at some of the differences along with pros and cons of having glass railings installed in your house when compared to other types of railings.

When analyzing these options in an exterior setting, wood is the least durable and typically has the shortest lifespan. This can be extended by adding sealant or varnish to your wood which helps protect against moisture and constant usage. Stain can add color to wooden items, but is generally not considered a protectant. Another way to seal and preserve the wood is by painting it. When applied correctly and used with a primer, paint is even stronger to keep wood from aging quickly. Weather, insects, and heavy traffic can all take a beating on your exposed wood which will shorten the life of the product. Paint and sealant do not last forever so they need to be monitored an reapplied as they reach their end of their lifespan. For best protection, the old paint or sealant needs to be scraped, sanded or removed which can become a time consuming process even before you begin applying the next coat. While the lifespan is shorter, it's not so short that wood should be ignored altogether, especially since wood will be the cheapest of the three options.

Metal has different properties and different reactions to weather which can lead to more durability when carefully cared for. While issues with insects will not be a problem with metal, water can lead to rust on steel railings which can severely weaken the structure over time so owners will want to keep an eye out for any corrosion. If rust begins to form, it should be treated in a timely manner. This can be done with a wire brush or steel wool. Before any treatment is applied, it's best to remove as much rust as possible, trying to get to the raw metal. Vinegar is a safe substance to apply after cleaning and before painting but for more industrial products you can check at hardware stores or online for rust removers designed for metal surfaces. After a thorough cleaning and time to dry, a coat of paint will help keep the exposed metal sealed, preventing rust from reemerging for long periods of time. It's when cracks and chips happen in the paint that moisture is allowed to touch the metal and the oxidation process begins. While Coloradans don't have salt in the air from the ocean, we do see salt in our environments during snow season. By cleaning metal areas after a storm, this maintenance will help to avoid rust and keep your stairs lasting longer without more serious work.

If avoiding rust is a priority for you, talk to us about aluminum railing options. While aluminum material is lighter in weight and resistant to rust, it may not always be the best metal for a project. Aluminum may provide easier installation and transport because of its lighter weight, but it tends to be more expensive compared to steel. Both can be bent and shaped as well as painted and powder coated in any color as well as different finishes. In most instances, metal costs more than wood but some of the tradeoffs such as less maintenance and a longer lifespan can reduce your total spend over the life of the product.

When it comes to glass railings, the cost will be more than wood or metal, so these are usually reserved for clients that are paying a premium for a luxury item with a phenomenal look. Glass panels instead of wood or metal balusters are the least intrusive and least distracting way to share a gorgeous view with your guests. A short, crystal clear wall tells your visitors that you place a premium on the views and the experience. While routine cleaning will be required for interior or exterior glass railings, you won't ever have to worry about staining, painting, or touch ups over the course of their life. Some folks may shy away from the idea of glass thinking that it could be dangerous or less stable but that fears can be quieted when you use tempered glass. High quality materials will also assure a clearer view without green or milky panels. Anchors are another part of the equation that must be delivered at the highest quality when using a premium product.

Even though one may think that a clear view doesn't need to be stylized, you'll be surprised how many various options exist for glass railings. One of the most classy are frameless glass railings which have nothing more than metal anchors holding the panels in place to the surface of your deck or stairs. But you can also add in a wooden or metal handrail along the top that may tie into other elements of your interior design. Metal columns can also be fastened in between each panel if you prefer the look of a post-mounted glass railing. Anchors also come in various styles and colors allowing many choices to best suit your setting. When the glass extends below the edge of the balcony or stair case, heavy bolts or pins can be used which appear as nothing more than cylindrical pieces to hold the panels in place, looking extremely clean and modern. Some clients even add in LED lighting in traditional or colored versions to create an eye-catching visual along their railing. This doubles as a safety feature at night so you have a perimeter light along any ledges.