HOW WE FABRICATE THE STAIN GLASS | ALUFAB METALS
Despite it looking fragile, glass is actually very strong and there are many different types to choose from. It’s why you have the possibility of installing glass floors. If you decide to use transparent glass for the floor on the upper level for example, then your house will look very open and spacious.
GLASS WALKWAYS AND BRIDGES
A spectacular use for walk-on glass is in walkways and bridges. These allow for an amazing view below the bridge, while still ensuring that it is strong enough to walk across. These walkways can be used internally and externally and are often seen in shopping centers, office blocks, hospitals, hotels and colleges as well as bridging over outdoor locations to allow the best possible view. These can also be used as balconies and linking different parts of residential buildings to great effect.
WALK-ON GLASS FLOORS
A glass floor is a real statement piece and can be used for anything from a balcony floor, to steps or even as part of an internal room. It creates a feeling of space and allows for the best flow of daylight.
Internal glass floors are usually sunk into the structure so there’s no trip risk from protruding edges. Larger spaces sometimes have glazing bars to separate panels or have structural glass or steel to reinforce. It may also need to be rated for fire protection, variations are available, and an architect or builder can tell you which you need.
FINISHING THE GLASS
AluFab Metals has a few ways to finish the glass and to add more features to it. An anti-slip finish is recommended, as glass isn’t always very easy to walk on (especially when wet). It ensures the glass retains its light transmission properties while making it safe to walk on. We also etched the glass if you want to obscure some of the views or add internal blinds. Colored perimeter frames and LED lighting allow you to brighten up the area further in unique ways.
LOAD DESIGN CRITERIA
The loadings for any glass rooflight designed for deliberate foot traffic will depend on building type and specific use, but typically you might expect to see load capacities of the following magnitude.
DOMESTIC APPLICATIONS
- Uniformly distributed load (UDL) from 1.5kN/m2
- Concentrated load from 2.0kN
COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
- Uniformly distributed load (UDL) 4.0kN/m2
- Concentrated load 3.6kN
HEAVY-DUTY COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
- Uniformly distributed load (UDL) 5.0kN/m2
- Concentrated load 4.5kN
