Balustrade Height Extension

Balustrade Height Extension: Enhancing Safety and Compliance at Dio-Met Fabrications Ltd

At Dio-Met Fabrications Ltd, we recently completed a balustrade height extension project for a special care home, addressing critical safety concerns while ensuring compliance with current building regulations. This project showcases our expertise in designing and manufacturing bespoke solutions for clients seeking to extend or heighten their balustrades for enhanced safety, child protection, or to create windbreaks and privacy screens.

Meeting Safety and Regulatory Needs

The client approached us with a pressing concern: the first-floor stainless steel box section balustrade posed a potential safety risk for certain individuals in the care home. To mitigate this, they needed to increase the balustrade height beyond the standard external requirement of 1100mm, ensuring both safety and compliance with UK building regulations. Additionally, the extension needed to provide a secure barrier to protect vulnerable residents while maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the existing structure.

Not all glass balustrades can be extended, but the existing system—a robust stainless steel framed balustrade with box section posts—was ideal for modification. Our team at Dio-Met Fabrications Ltd saw this as an opportunity to deliver a tailored solution that combined safety, durability, and seamless integration.

Our Process: Survey, Design, and Manufacture

We began with a comprehensive site survey to assess the existing balustrade and understand the client’s specific requirements. Our design team then developed a custom glass balustrade extension to affix to the top of the existing structure, ensuring a perfect match in materials and finish. The extension was produced using 50 x 50mm stainless steel box section posts and handrails, paired with 10mm clear glass infills secured via proprietary clamps. This combination provided both strength and a sleek, modern appearance.

To enhance stability, we tied the extension back to the building through the handrail, ensuring the structure could withstand environmental factors and provide long-term reliability. Every steel component was manufactured in-house at our Sheffield workshops, allowing us to maintain strict quality control and deliver a product that met the client’s exact specifications.

Why Choose a Balustrade Height Extension?

Extending the height of an existing balustrade is a cost-effective and practical solution for homeowners, property managers, and care facilities looking to:

• Comply with building regulations: Achieve the required 1100mm height for external balustrades.

• Enhance child safety: Prevent climbing or accidental falls in family homes or care environments.

• Create windbreaks or privacy screens: Add functionality to outdoor spaces like balconies or terraces with the option for frosted privacy glass. 

• Improve safety for vulnerable individuals: Provide peace of mind in settings like care homes or hospitals.

Our stainless steel and glass balustrade extensions are designed to blend seamlessly with existing systems, offering a durable, low-maintenance solution that enhances both safety and aesthetics.

Why Dio-Met Fabrications Ltd?

This project highlights our commitment to delivering bespoke metal fabrication solutions tailored to our clients’ unique needs. With decades of experience in stainless steel and glass balustrade systems, we pride ourselves on:

• Precision engineering: From survey to installation, every step is executed with meticulous attention to detail.

• High-quality materials: We use premium-grade stainless steel and toughened glass for durability and longevity.

• Custom designs: Our in-house team can adapt to any balustrade system, ensuring a perfect fit.

• Compliance and safety: We ensure all our projects meet or exceed UK building regulations.

Ready to Extend Your Balustrade?

If you’re looking to heighten your balustrade to meet building regulations, improve safety for children, or add privacy and wind protection, Dio-Met Fabrications Ltd has the expertise to deliver. Our recent project at the special care home demonstrates how we can transform an existing balustrade into a safer, more functional feature without compromising on style.

Contact us today to discuss your balustrade height extension needs. Whether you’re upgrading balconies, terraces, or care facilities, we’ll work with you to design and install a solution that prioritizes safety and compliance. Visit our website or call our team to schedule a consultation and see how we can elevate your space.

Get in touch to discuss your glass balustrade extension requirements on 0114 243 9009 or sales@diometonline.co.uk