Why balustrades need expert attention
Australian Standards set strict requirements for barrier strength, glass type, fixing spacing and height because even a short fall can cause severe injury. Over time anchors corrode, brackets fatigue and unapproved aftermarket repairs undermine design integrity. A single impact can start a crack that creeps across toughened glass, while pool chemicals and coastal salt eat into frame finishes and bolts. Keeping a balustrade compliant is not just about avoiding fines; it protects occupants, preserves insurance cover and maintains property value.
Common triggers for replacement or upgrade include:
- Visible chips, cracks or delamination in any panel
- Loose or rusting base shoes, posts or patch fittings
- Height below the minimum 1 m required for balconies above one metre off the ground
- Absence of a handrail where code demands one
- Non-slip rating or gap size no longer compliant after regulatory updates
Addressing these issues promptly avoids the higher cost of structural damage or legal claims if failure occurs.
Our scope of balustrade works
Express Glass covers the full lifecycle of glass balustrades:
- Complete replacement of framed, semi-frameless and frameless systems in aluminium or stainless steel
- Panel swap outs for cracked, scratched or improperly glazed panels
- Anchor and fixing upgrades to meet revised load requirements or resist corrosion in harsh environments
- Height extensions where existing barriers fall short of today's code
- Pool fence repairs including self-closing gate hardware and latch alignment
- Compliance inspections with written reports for strata committees, builders and facility managers
All glass is cut and edge-worked to AS 1288, installed to suit AS/NZS 1170 loadings and, where relevant, finished to meet slip resistance, pool safety or bushfire zone rules.
Materials selected for performance and appearance
A balustrade must resist crowd loads yet remain unobtrusive. We work with:
- Toughened monolithic panels suitable for ground level or low fall applications
- Heat soaked toughened glass that reduces spontaneous break risk in sun-baked façades
- Toughened laminated glass that holds together if broken, ideal for high balconies or areas above public spaces
- Marine grade stainless steel hardware for coastal properties where rust can shorten hardware life
- Architectural powder coated aluminium posts and top rails in a wide colour range to match surrounding fixtures
Handrails can be slimline capping rails, offset brackets or fully integrated top rails depending on the design intent and compliance needs.
A proven seven-step replacement process
- Site consult and measure -- A trained estimator assesses existing barriers, notes substrate type and identifies code gaps. Precise laser measurements ensure new panels fit without on-site cutting.
- Specification and quotation -- We outline glass thickness, hardware grade, fixing method and any structural remediation then provide a fixed price with clear inclusions.
- Engineering review -- Where required, designs are checked by a qualified engineer to confirm compliance with wind region and occupancy load.
- Fabrication -- Panels are cut, polished and toughened in accredited facilities while posts, shoes and patch fittings are machined for exact alignment.
- Removal and preparation -- Old glass is removed safely, substrates are cleaned and anchor points are replaced or upgraded.
- Installation -- New components are fitted plumb and level, silicone seals are applied neatly and protective films remain until final clean.
- Certification and handover -- We issue documentation for council, certifier or insurance purposes and provide care guidelines so the new balustrade stays at peak performance.
Most residential balcony jobs finish in a single day, while larger staged projects keep common areas open where possible.
Safety and compliance at every stage
Installers carry current white cards, working at heights credentials and, when needed, rope access tickets. Safe Work Method Statements cover manual handling, glass breakage response and fall prevention. Public liability and professional indemnity insurance add layers of assurance for owners and managers.
Benefits beyond compliance
Upgrading a tired balustrade delivers immediate and long-term gains:
- Enhanced safety -- Stronger glass and fixings protect residents, visitors and passers-by
- Modern aesthetics -- Fresh hardware and crystal clear panels lift the visual impact of balconies, foyers and stairwells
- Unobstructed views -- Frameless or slimline rail systems maximise outlooks, boosting real estate appeal
- Higher property value -- A compliant, stylish balustrade signals diligent maintenance to buyers, tenants and insurers
- Reduced maintenance -- Quality hardware with proper isolators minimises corrosion, cutting future upkeep costs
Who we serve
Express Glass operates across metropolitan and regional centres, delivering consistent quality for:
- Home owners seeking peace of mind around decks or pools
- Strata committees tasked with keeping common property safe and compliant
- Developers and builders needing reliable supply and installation on multi-storey projects
- Hotels, shopping centres and public venues where crowd loads are high and downtime must be minimal
- Architects and designers looking for advice on glass selection, fixing methods and finish options during planning
Our central call line coordinates crews nationwide, ensuring fast response and unified standards.
Caring for your new balustrade
Glass needs only mild detergent and a soft cloth to stay clear. Avoid abrasive pads that can score the surface or scratch stainless steel. Rinse hardware in coastal areas every few months to remove salt residue, then dry with a microfibre cloth. Check fixings annually for tightness and report any chips or cracks promptly so small issues never become safety concerns.
Celebrating over four decades of trusted glazing
Since opening in 1985, Express Glass has grown into a national network recognised for prompt service and reliable workmanship. In 2025 we marked 40 years of keeping Australian buildings safe, weather tight and looking their best. That longevity is your guarantee we will be here tomorrow to honour every warranty and answer every query.
Ready to upgrade your balustrade?
If cracked panels, rusting anchors or outdated heights put your property at risk, talk to the experts. Express Glass will inspect, advise and deliver balustrade works that blend safety with style. Book your no obligation quote today and experience the confidence that comes from partnering with Australia's glass replacement specialists.