Author: FramelessShowers

How Safe Are Glass Balustrades?

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How Safe Are Glass Balustrades?

Glass balustrades have risen in popularity as a sleek and modern alternative to wood, metal and other opaque materials. This is especially common on the Sunshine Coast, where we have kilometres of stunning coastline; a frameless glass balustrade is said to offer protection and security, without spoiling the view. But are glass balustrades really safe?

Glass sometimes has a bad reputation. Many people associate glass with being fragile and shy away from using glass barriers, concerned about injury and breakage. There’s a lot of misinformation out there, and the team at Frameless Glass Installations are here to clear up some of those myths and talk about the safety of using glass balustrades for your balcony or stairwell.

Glass balustrade with view on Maroochy River

Australian building standards

In Australia, there are a variety of rules and regulations in place when it comes to installing a balustrade or barrier. This includes considering the height of the drop from the upper level to the ground, the material being used, and the spacing and height of the barrier itself. Regulations also apply to the way the barrier is fixed to the building and includes specific impact and weather-resistant properties.

Each standard has been tested and defined to offer the highest level of protection, for people of all ages – the smallest gaps are considered in relation to a crawling child, while the height limits are designed to prevent climbing, or leaning too far and overbalancing.

For your safety, all of our products comply with or exceed the minimum safety requirements as defined by state and national regulations. All installations are measured and custom-designed to meet safety requirements, as well as your budget and aesthetic preferences.

Toughened glass balustrades

All of our frameless glass balustrades are made from 12mm toughened glass. By comparison, the minimum standard for window glass in Australia is 4mm, this extra material alone increases the strength of a glass balustrade.

Glass is toughened during manufacture by a process known as tempering. This involves heating the glass to an extremely high temperature and cooling rapidly. This process creates compression and tension within specific layers of the glass to improve the impact resistance. Tempered glass is 4 to 5 times stronger than regular glass, and can withstand greater temperature changes and high winds.

When you drop a wine glass, you may be familiar with large jagged shards that can easily draw blood. If toughened glass does break, it is designed to crumble rather than shatter, and form small, cube-like pieces that are safer and easier to clean up.

Additionally, glass balustrades are easy to maintain and clean and are not subject to rot or corrosion as wood or metal may be. As with windows, simply clean with a soft cloth and mild soapy water.

We don’t compromise on safety

At Frameless Glass Installations, we only use quality materials to ensure not only a flawless finish but the highest safety standards. This includes our 12mm thick toughened glass and marine grade fittings.

Our frameless glass balustrades are a safe and beautiful choice for stairwells, balconies and many other installations. With over 15 years in the industry, our experts will have an affordable and attractive solution whether you’re building from scratch or renovating.

Get in touch for a free quote today.

Is Your Pool Fencing Compliant To QLD Regulations?

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Is Your Pool Fencing Compliant To QLD Regulations?

Installing a pool fence is not only an essential safety measure, but a legal requirement in Queensland. As well as preventing a tragic accident, hefty fines apply if your pool is not secured properly.

At Frameless Glass Installations, we recognise the importance of protecting QLD residents and offer fencing solutions to suit a range of pools and backyards. Our glass pool fencing is not only a beautiful option but is installed to fully comply with Queensland pool safety regulations.

Pool with glass fence on the Sunshine Coast QLD

Why compliance matters

Building a fence around a pool yourself is not enough. Queensland law dictates a series of requirements to ensure pool fencing is compliant and offers as much protection as possible for homeowners.

A fence that does not meet regulations can allow children to enter a pool area unsupervised. Your four-legged family members may be at risk too, not all animals swim instinctively, and beloved pets can drown.

Pool safety standards have been updated, and an older fence may no longer be compliant. The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) lays out these regulations in full.

Ensuring your pool fence is compliant

The best way to confirm your pool fence is compliant is to have an installation performed by a reputable company. As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to confirm if your pool fencing is compliant, and Frameless Glass Installations is happy to help. We offer free measure and quote services to discuss your needs.

As well as a professional inspection, there are things you can do to make sure your pool fence is effective.

Clear the area

The QBCC states that there should be no objects within 900mm of the outside of the fence, or 300mm inside the fence. This includes objects such as planter boxes, dog kennels, or outdoor furniture. These could act as toeholds and allow a child to climb over the fence. Additionally, these objects may obstruct your view, and prevent you from seeing into the pool area if an accident does occur.

Measure your fence

Pool fencing must be at least 1200mm tall, with the latch on the gate at least 1500mm high. Gaps under the fence cannot measure more than 100mm in height. These measurements exist to prevent climbing over and squeezing between or under the fence. Full requirements are outlined by the GBCC.

Maintain your fence

Regularly inspecting your fence, especially after storm activity, is an important part of pool safety. Check for areas that are worn, bent, or loose, and that the gate latches securely. If any part of the fencing is not secure, the pool can no longer be considered safe, and you should arrange an immediate repair. Cleaning your glass pool fence regularly also improves visibility and the overall appearance of your fence.

A final note on safety

The most important part of keeping children safe around water is to never let them swim unsupervised. Children under 5 should always be kept within arm’s reach.

Frameless Glass Installations values your safety and enjoyment, so we are always here to help. Get in touch for your free pool fencing measure and quote.

Five Benefits of Glass Balustrades And Stairwells For Your Home

Posted on by FramelessShowers

Five Benefits of Glass Balustrades And Stairwells For Your Home

Looking for a stairwell solution that looks amazing and offers safe, reliable protection and support for stair users? If you haven’t already, it’s worth taking a look at the benefits of glass balustrades and stairwells for your home.

Frameless Shower Installations has been creating high-calibre, customised glass installations on the Sunshine Coast for the past twenty years. If you want the advantages that an experienced, professional glazing company can bring to your balustrades and banisters, we can deliver exactly what’s needed.

Staircase with glass balustrade

1. Exceptional safety

12mm toughened glass is designed to withstand heavy impact blows, as well as able to cope with a significant amount of pressure. This makes it a safe barrier for use on stairwells. In addition, the installation of a solid glass sheet, rather than stair rails that have a gap between them, reduces the risk of items accidentally falling through the stair barrier. Glass also has an extremely high melting point and doesn’t burn, making it a fire-safe option.

2. Fully customisable

When you opt for glass balustrades for your stairwell, the sky is the limit when it comes to the shapes, sizes and configurations you can select. Glass can be cut to any size, allowing stairwells large and small to benefit from a glass balustrade. Suitable for use on both interior and exterior stairwells, a skilled glazier is able to tailor a glass balustrade to match your exact requirements.

3. Extremely durable

Arguably one of the most durable building materials on the planet, it’s little surprise that glass features in almost all properties. Glass is immune to the effects of water, sunlight, acid rain or most chemicals. It’s also resistant to wind or temperature weathering, as well as resistant to biological weathering (very little will grow on vertical glass).

If you’re looking for a stairwell material that will last decades with no visible signs of deterioration, glass is an excellent choice.

4. Looks amazing

Perfect for properties that enjoy minimalist styling, the ability of glass to reflect light ensures that a glass stairwell provides a stunning feature that can become a powerful accent in a hallway, landing or entrance hall. As glass is transparent, there is the potential to create a breath-taking selection of visual effects by installing a suitable backdrop to the glass panels. A fantastic contemporary construction material, glass works well with both modern and more traditional interior design themes.

5. Easy to keep clean and maintain

Glass usually requires little maintenance beyond a wipe over with soap and water every so often. A very hygienic material, its impermeability ensures dirt doesn’t become trapped on your balustrades. If you want to opt for a stairwell that requires minimal maintenance, at the same time as providing a clean, fresh look, glass is the way to go.

With so many advantages, it’s little surprise that a large number of households are choosing glass balustrades for their stunning stairwells. Why not ask us about the glass balustrade designs we can install?

Call us on (07) 5479 0003 today.

Why Glass Pool Fencing Is So Wildly Popular In QLD

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Why Glass Pool Fencing Is So Wildly Popular In QLD

If you are a homeowner in QLD that has a pool in your garden, then the chances are that you are also going to have some type of fencing to go with it. Fencing isn’t only a safety feature for private swimming pools, it can also be seen as a big aesthetic benefit if you pick the right material.

Here at Frameless Shower Installations, we happen to think that the very best option for pool fencing is glass. There are various reasons why this is the case, and we want to let you know about a few of the most popular. Here are some reasons why glass pool fencing on the Sunshine Coast in QLD is so wildly popular.

Pool fencing with view on boat

Aesthetic Appeal

There is no arguing that glass pool fencing is the most attractive and appealing of all the fencing options. The transparent nature of the fencing means that it doesn’t do anything to interrupt the natural beauty of the rest of your garden, and you don’t need to worry about it clashing in any way with the pre-existing design choices that you have made in the direct vicinity.

Easy Maintenance

Compared to some other types of pool fencing, glass is by far the easiest to clean and maintain. Simple cleaning products and hose water should be enough to keep glass fencing in tip top condition, and the glass panels will have usually been treated to be scratch resistant so you don’t need to worry about visible damage starting to appear right after installation.

Luxury Look

Ultimately, glass peel fencing just looks like the most luxurious and up market choice available to you. If you want to replicate the fashionable, modern look of a five star hotel or spa pool, then you definitely need glass pool fencing to put the finishing touches on that kind of look. You will be surprised by just how more fashionable and classier the installation of glass pool fencing can make your swim area look and feel.

So, if you are interested in glass pool fencing on the Sunshine Coast, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here at Frameless Shower Installations. If you have any questions that you would like answered before making a big decision, then one of our trained and experienced team members will be more than happy to provide answers. We very much look forward to being able to assist you with your pool fencing needs.

Biggest Mistakes Homeowners Make When Installing Pool Fencing

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Biggest Mistakes Homeowners Make When Installing Pool Fencing

If you are planning on getting a private swimming pool installed in your back garden, then you are going to have to look into having pool fencing as well – you will need to comply with your state’s regulations. Not only does pool fencing add an extra touch of aesthetic appeal to the pool area, it also offers a number of other benefits including safety and privacy.

Just like the pool installation itself, there are lots of things that you need to get absolutely right when it comes to pool fencing, and here at Frameless Shower Installations we specialise in doing just that very thing for you. With that in mind, here are some of the biggest mistakes that homeowners can make when installing pool fencing.

Glass pool fencing installation Sunshine Coast

Saving Space

For most people, pool fencing is the last part of the overall job, and you would be amazed by how many homeowners simply forget to accommodate the space for that finishing touch. After you have reserved the space for the pool itself, you need to make sure that you then go even further out with your boundaries to ensure that you have made room for the fencing that is going to go around it.

Compromising On Quality

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that you can cut corners on the quality of the fencing to lower the cost of the overall project. Having a low quality fence is only going to cause problems for you in the future, both aesthetically and financially. If you are going to the trouble of paying for a private swimming pool in the first place, then you should make sure that the entire job is finished to the best possible standards, fencing included.

Plan Location

You need to make sure that the place and direction of your pool is best suited to the fencing that is going to finish it off. Glass fencing, for example, is always going to look better when it has a pleasing view to provide on the other side instead of something like a brick wall!

If you are interested in getting the benefits of pool fencing on the Sunshine Coast for yourself, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here at Frameless Shower Installations. Any one of our trained and experienced team members will be more than happy to have a conversation with you to find out exactly you are looking for. We very much look forward to hearing from you.

Remember These Tips When Choosing A Glass Splashback!

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Remember These Tips When Choosing A Glass Splashback!

The most hygienic, easy to clean and safe type of splashback for domestic use, many homeowners choose to purchase glass splashbacks for their Sunshine Coast homes. They are very attractive to install, and are able to add more light through reflection in kitchens which are quite dark. If you are thinking about buying a new splashback for your home, then our glaziers at Frameless Shower Installations have some ideas about the best way to make a choice.

Glass Splashback in mint color

Location

Perhaps the most important thing to consider is where your splashback will be placed. If you want your splashback to cover a small area, for example at the back of the hob area, then you may have more options than if you choose to cover the entire wall. You may also want to consider whether you need other locations covered, such as a sink or food preparation area.

Eye-catching display

Your glass splashback can be extremely eye-catching, and you may also benefit from being able to fit artistic works or photographs behind the splashback to give your kitchen a unique flavour. You can discuss your design ideas with Frameless Glass Installations before you buy from us.

Colours

What colours do you want for your splashback? Do you want a translucent tone, or something that will fit in with bench tops or cabinets? You might want to consider giving the glass a bold colour to make it a statement piece, although you should remember that your taste might vary and what looks good now might seem outdated in a year or so.

Accommodating power sockets

Most modern kitchens will have electrical sockets where you want your splashback to be. This means that you have to consider asking Frameless Glass Installations to cut and shape the glass in order to accommodate the sockets. Carefully placing the splashback will help you to reduce the amount of work that is required on the glass before it can be installed.

Talk to us about your choices

If you want to know more about the best choices to make when you are installing glass splashbacks in your Sunshine Coast home, then you can speak to Frameless Glass Installations. We can help you to have complete control over the design, including adding images of patterns, sizing the glass and adding colour. To find out more about our full range of services, message us through our enquiry form or call 07-5479-0003 now.

Why Pool Fencing is Essential For Young Families In QLD

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Why Pool Fencing is Essential For Young Families In QLD

Queensland is home to strict regulations about swimming pools, and in particular how homeowners have to protect their pools with a specific type of pool fencing on the Sunshine Coast and elsewhere.

For young families, these fences can be lifesavers, and Frameless Glass Installations are keen to tell you exactly why it is important that you install fences around your swimming pool.

pool fencing corner sunshine coast

Swimming pools can be harmful to children

Young children are still at risk of drowning, which remains the highest single cause of death for those under five years old, with the majority occurring in private or domestic pools. In order to reduce the number of deaths, it is important that children are only able to enter the swimming pool under suitable adult supervision.

A growing number of swimming pools

The obvious risk to young children is increased when you consider the growing number of swimming pools in Queensland state. The amount has nearly doubled since the last introduction of safety laws in the 1990s. This means that there are more risks to young children in their own back yard.

Pool fences must follow the law

A surprising number of fences put up by homeowners do not follow the law, and this means that you need to ask specialists like Frameless Glass Installations to help you find barriers that will fully protect your children.

Why fences fail

If you want to make sure that your fence is secure, you need to have a barrier height which is more than 120 millimetres above the ground, no fences have climbable rails, and that your gates are self-closing at all points. These are the most common ways in which pool fencing fellows to comply with the law.

Getting a new fence

If you want to make sure that you have the perfect pool fencing, you need to expert who can offer you good advice about how to make your fencing secure, protecting you and your young family from the risks of an accident in the swimming pool.

Talk to us about fencing

When you need help with your pool fencing on the Sunshine Coast, you need to speak to someone who can help you find the perfect solution to your quest. We can help you with both glass and aluminium fencing for your home, so contact us online today or call 07-5479-0003 now. 

The Benefits of Pool Fencing

Posted on by FramelessShowers

The Benefits of Pool Fencing

When you live anywhere in Queensland, Australia, law requires that you maintain a fence around your private swimming pool. These safety standard regulations require certain heights and durability of fences, strong gates and latches, as well as limiting access directly from a nearby building. If you are thinking about the type of pool fencing your Sunshine Coast property requires, Frameless Glass Installations has some advice about the best reasons to choose suitable glass pool fencing.

Pool in asian style with glass pool fencing

Protecting those around your living space

Queensland instituted a number of regulations to ensure that everyone in your outside space is safe. Drowning can be one of the main causes of death for those under 14, and children can fall into water in a blink of an eye. Glass pool fencing may be the best option, as it has fewer gaps for children to use as footholds.

Protection from the weather

If you want to swim outdoors in a cool and tranquil location, then you may benefit from using pool fencing to function as a windshield around the swimming area. Pool fencing can also be useful to protect you against cool breezes and can limit the amount of rain that comes into the pool area.

Add value to your property

If you want to add value to your property, then pool fencing from Frameless Glass Installations could be the ideal solution. It adds appeal to the home which is likely to increase interest from potential buyers, and it may also add a modern, stylish look which will naturally increase the worth of the property as a whole. 

Glass panels are easy to maintain

You may be torn between some of the very appealing pool fences that you can find online, but there are several reasons why Frameless Glass Installations think glass panels are best. Chiefly, they look good, and provide easy visibility to the pool, so you don’t have to sacrifice looks for security. Secondly, they are easy to clean and maintain so you don’t have to work hard to make them look good. 

Getting the most from glass pool fencing

If you want to find the absolute best in pool fencing for your Sunshine Coast home, then you will need to speak to Frameless Glass Installations. We are the experts in installing glass quickly and easily, so contact us through our online message form, or call 07-5479-0003 today. 

Types of Shower Screens

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Types of Shower Screens

Of all the rooms in your home that take the most effort and thought to renovate, the kitchen and bathroom are both up there at the top of the list. There are so many different elements and features to consider on both a bathroom and kitchen that it can sometimes feel overwhelming, so allow us to take one small part of it off your shoulders! 

Here at Frameless Shower Installations, what we can sort out for you is a good quality shower screen. Believe it or not, there are probably more types and variations than you might think! To help you out on this subject, here are some suggestions for the different types of available shower screens on the Sunshine Coast.

Glass shower screen in Sunshine Coast bathroom

Frameless

A frameless shower screen is the number one choice for anybody who is trying to evoke a really sleek and modern vibe in their bathroom. The lack of framing makes everything seem a lot more minimalistic, which can often be a really positive aspect for smaller spaces that you want to make seem larger and airier.

Semi Frameless

Semi frameless shower screens still possess a sleek and stylish vibe, but they also feature a subtle type of framing. This might be a good choice for you if you are looking for something that looks effortlessly modern, but that also has a slightly more durable and traditional aspect to it. A lot of people believe that semi frameless shower screens are the ideal combination of style and substance.

Sliding Doors

If you have a shower space that is set back into an alcove, then sliding doors are absolutely the best choice. You get all of the usual security and water sealing of a swinging door, whilst being able to save space and utilising the room that you have to play with within your bathroom. Bathrooms can often be the smallest room in a home and sliding doors can make a big difference by not having to worry about the space a conventional door needs to open.

If you are looking at new shower screens on the Sunshine Coast, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Don’t be afraid to start a discussion with one of our trained and experienced team members to have any questions that you might have answered. Our aim is to make an appointment in good time and have you set up with your dream shower screens in no time at all.