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Why Choose Glass Deck Railing?
November 26, 2018
Glass – The Clearest Choice
Since modern glass making was revolutionized in the 1950s, glass has been increasingly used for interior and exterior building applications due to its visibility and versatility. Glass railings are excellent examples of this, adding visibility and versatility to decks, balconies, stairways, pool enclosures, and more. Safety is a main purpose of railings and glass railings are an unobtrusive way to provide safety where you need it, whether inside or outside.
When used in interior applications, glass railings absorb, refract, and transmit light, brightening rooms with natural light and potentially lowering electricity bills. They can also make small areas appear more spacious by providing clear views, particularly in buildings with an open concept, which allows you to focus on the architecture and décor. When used in exterior applications, glass railings allow you to experience unimpeded views of the surrounding landscape. Whether coastal, mountain, desert, cityscape, or something in between, glass railings will showcase your outdoor panorama. In addition, glass railings serve as an , allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space in even the windiest environments.
Glass railings are a clear winner when it comes to ease of maintenance. Both the glass panels and the aluminum rail components are easily maintained by wiping them down with a mild soap and rinsing with water a couple of times a year, much like your home’s windows. At eGlass Railing™, we add a coating to our glass panels to keep your glass looking even better between cleanings and make them even more easy to clean compared to non-coated panels. Glass railings use tempered glass, which is about four times stronger than ordinary annealed glass and designed with safety in mind. Although extremely durable, if tempered glass does break, it is less likely to cause serious injury because it shatters into pebble-sized pieces instead of sharp jagged shards.
Unlike traditional railings where pets and small children can get caught between pickets, glass railings add an extra measure of safety with solid glass panels. In addition, toys and other items cannot be dropped through the glass panels to areas below like they can with pickets or cable railing. With the unobstructed view you have with glass railings, you can more easily see your children and pets at play, and they can be reassured by their ability to see you as well. In addition, glass railings are more difficult for a small child to climb.
Aluminum – Abundant Advantages
Aluminum is the most widespread metal on Earth, about 8% of Earth’s solid surface, and the third most common chemical element on our planet, after oxygen and silicon. Despite its prevalence, aluminum did not start being used on an industrial scale until 1888, when the first aluminum factories were established in France, Switzerland, and the United States. Due to its light weight, strength, durability, and functionality, aluminum is one of the essential engineering materials of our time.
Aluminum is one of the lightest engineering materials (approximately three times lighter than steel), making it easier to handle and less expensive to ship, yet it can have a strength-to-weight ratio superior to steel. Aluminum strength is a result of alloys added to it, like magnesium and silicon, and the processing technique used to produce it, some of which can make it as strong or stronger than steel. Lightness and strength are just two reasons aluminum is used so often in buildings and vehicles, both commercial and private.
Aluminum is extremely durable and corrosion resistant, the result of a thin, protective aluminum oxide layer that forms when aluminum is exposed to air. It will not warp, rot, or become infested by insects like wood, nor will it rust like steel or iron. At eGlass Railing™, we use 6005-T5 that has been heat treated for strength and for added corrosion protection. Although, 6005 aluminum is one of the most commonly used general-purpose aluminum alloys, it is also especially suited for marine environments due to its high corrosion resistance.
Aluminum is low maintenance. Unlike wood or steel that need frequent maintenance, aluminum railings shouldn’t need more than to be hosed down or wiped off occasionally. The powder coating won’t chip, peel, or need re-painting. Wood railings need to be painted, stained, or sealed every two to three years to prevent decay, which will lead to them needing to be replaced. Similarly, steel railings must be painted every few years to prevent rust.
Aluminum is 100% recyclable. It can be recycled over and over again without losing any of its fundamental properties. Nearly 75% of all of the aluminum produced since 1888 is still in use today. At eGlass Railing™, our aluminum components are manufactured with at least 50% recycled aluminum, which uses 95% less energy to produce.
Environment – Infinitely Recyclable
Protecting the environment could not be easier when you choose an eGlass Railing™ system. From being non-toxic and durable to recyclability and reducing carbon emissions, the components of our systems are an eco-friendly choice in a world where sustainability and green living are valued.
Aluminum railings are durable and will long outlast other railing materials, like wood and PVC, but when it does come time to replace them, they are 100% recyclable. Aluminum is one of the most recycled materials in the construction industry. It can be used, scrapped, melted down, and re-purposed over and over again, with no loss of quality.
This continuous life cycle loop means that nearly 75% of all aluminum ever produced is still being used today, with some of it having been through the loop countless times. Manufacturing recycled aluminum takes only 5% of the energy it takes to produce new aluminum, reducing carbon emissions. Additionally, since 1995, the aluminum industry has worked to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint by 40%, making aluminum an eco-friendly choice.
The powder coatings that add color and additional protection to aluminum contain no harsh chemicals. After the Clean Air Act of 1970 was passed calling for the elimination of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), these non-toxic coatings became more popular. In addition, glass railing maintenance requires no harsh chemicals, making them an excellent choice for the environment.
Explore the various systems offered by eGlass Railing™ and discover how safety, durability, strength, low maintenance, and great visibility, make us clearly the perfect choice to meet the needs of any project you have.
Company: eGlass Railing
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