Compliance for Frameless Glass Balustrades with UNEX

There have been considerable changes around glass balustrades over the recent weeks. Frameless and semi-frameless glass balustrades without a top rail (as they have traditionally been installed) are no longer permitted.

What does this change mean?

The New Zealand Building Code (Acceptable Solutions B1/AS1 section) has recently adopted the revised NZ Glazing Standard NZS 4223.3:2016, effective from the 1st of June 2016.

This change means any new structural glass balustrade will now need an interlinking handrail or one of the following alternative methods to comply with B1/AS1.

Some possible solutions by UNEX:

Use the Spectra Semi-Frameless Glass Balustrade with Top Rail.
Select a UNEX Frameless Glass System and use standard monolithic safety toughened glass in conjunction with a UNEX interlinking rail. Common examples include the AZS Side Mounted Channel with ARN Top Rail (30 x 39mm) and the Metropolis AZM Top Mounted Channel.
Opt for the Vetro Semi-Frameless Glass Balustrade with a UNEX interlinking rail fixed to the side of the post or glazed on top of the glass.
Select a UNEX frameless glass system such as the AZS Side Mounted Channel, AZM Top Mounted Channel or Arena Points; use Toughened Laminate Glass (such as EVA) and either silicon or interconnecting clamps between each pane of glass. In the event of breakage, these will hold the glass panes in place.
To achieve the totally frameless look as traditionally installed, use a special glass with a stiff interlayer, such as Sentry Glas. This interlayer is designed to prevent a fall should both glass panes spontaneously break. Use in conjunction with a frameless glass system such as the AZS Side Mounted Channel, AZM Top Mounted Channel or Arena Points. Please note that the cost of this glass system is considerably more expensive than other options.

A few points to mention regarding the interlinking UNEX rail:

At the ends, it shall be attached to a structural building element such as to the wall or a balustrade post.
The rail can be either attached on the top edge of glass or using brackets off the side of the glass.
The interlinking rail must still meet the required serviceable barrier loads (Serviceability Limit State — SLS loads, specified in AS/NZS 1170 B1/VM1) should the pane of glass break.

There is a risk of delamination associated with laminated glass. This needs to be taken into consideration when selecting balustrade styles for external applications.

For further information, please contact the glass manufacturer.

Arena-Points Frameless Glass Balustrade

Unex Systems

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The Arena Points Frameless Glass Balustrade offers a sophisticated, minimalist solution that seamlessly blends safety with unobstructed views.

NZ Made

NZ-Owned Business

The Arena Points Frameless Glass style by UNEX can be used for both external and internal applications, including decks, balconies, stairways and landings, mezzanine floors, pedestrian gates, and pool fences.

Suitable for occupancy types 'A', 'B', 'E' and 'C3' in accordance with AS/NZS 1170.

There is a three standard fixing options available to fix to the sides of dry timber (with water-proofing considerations), steel PFC and concrete substrates. Site-specific specifications may also be provided upon request for those non-standard situations.

UNEX has designed its Arena-Points range to comply with the B1, B2, E2, F2, F4, and F9 requirements of the NZ Building Code and are suitable for occupancy types 'A', 'B', 'E' and 'C3' in accordance with AS/NZS 1170.

Producer Statements for all standard specifications can be created online in the registered area of the UNEX website.

For non-standard situations not covered by our specifications, a site-specific PS1 and specification may be prepared by UNEX upon request.

Vetro Semi-frameless Glass Balustrade

Unex Systems

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The Vetro’s recessed channels and absent top rail offer a crisp, clean-lined support that is significantly more economical than frameless glass.

NZ Made

NZ-Owned Business

The Vetro Semi-frameless Glass style by UNEX can be used for both external and internal applications, including decks, balconies, stairways and landings, mezzanine floors, pedestrian gates, and pool fences, etc.

UNEX balustrades are designed to and comply with 'A', 'B', 'E' and 'C3' loadings of AS/NZS 1170.1:2002 for residential applications, office, and work areas, as well as areas for moving people without obstacles.

A wide range of fixing options are available to fix to the top and sides of both timber and concrete substrates. Unex's DKG2 gutter bracket system is designed for membrane decks with gutters and waterproofing considerations. Site-specific specifications may also be provided upon request for those non-standard situations.

The standard powders used by Unex (the Interpon powder coat range) can be used right down to sea level, provided the care and maintenance instructions are adhered to.

Unex has designed its range of balustrade styles to comply with the B1, B2, F2, F4, and F9 requirements of the NZ Building Code and are suitable for occupancy types 'A', 'B', 'E' and 'C3' in accordance with AS/NZS 1170.

Producer Statements for all standard specifications can be created online in the registered area of the UNEX website.

For non-standard situations not covered by Unex's specifications, a site-specific PS1 and specification may be prepared by UNEX upon request.

Spectra Framed Glass Balustrade

Unex Systems

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Similar to the Camden but without the bottom rail, the Spectra features glass that spans horizontally between its posts and a gap beneath its top rail to allow for airflow while still providing protection from the elements.

NZ Made

NZ-Owned Business

The Spectra Framed Glass style by Unex can be used for both external and internal applications, including decks, balconies, stairways and landings, mezzanine floors, pedestrian gates, and pool fences, etc.

Unex balustrades are designed to and comply with 'A', 'B', 'E' and 'C3' loadings of AS/NZS 1170.1:2002 for residential applications, office, and work areas, as well as areas for moving people without obstacles.

The standard powders used by Unex (the Interpon powder coat range) can be used right down to sea level, provided the care and maintenance instructions are adhered to.

UNEX has designed its range of balustrade styles to comply with the B1, B2, E2, and F4 requirements of the NZ Building Code and are suitable for occupancy types 'A', 'B', 'E' and 'C3' in accordance with AS/NZS 1170.

Producer Statements for all standard specifications can be created online in the registered area of the UNEX website.

For non-standard situations not covered by UNEX's specifications, a site-specific PS1 and specification may be prepared by UNEX upon request.

Panorama Frameless Glass Balustrade

Unex Systems

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True to its name, the Panorama is simply superb for taking in those 360-degree views.

The AZS Side-Mount Channel by Unex Systems can be used for both external and internal applications, including decks, balconies, stairways and landings and pool fences, etc. Unex Systems’ Arena brand is designed to and complies with 'A', 'B', 'E' and 'C3' loadings of AS/NZS 1170.1:2002 for residential applications, office and work areas, as well as areas for moving people without obstacles.

There is a number of standard fixing options available to fix to the side of dry timber (with water-proofing considerations), wet/open timber, steel PFC and concrete substrates. Site-specific specifications may also be provided upon request for those non-standard situations.

Unex Systems has designed its Arena range to comply with the B1, B2, F2 and F4 requirements of the NZ Building Code and are suitable for occupancy types 'A', 'B', 'E' and 'C3' in accordance with AS/NZS 1170.

Producer Statements for all standard specifications can be created online in the registered area of the Unex Systems website.

For non-standard situations not covered by our specifications, a site-specific PS1 and specification may be prepared by Unex Systems upon request.

Metropolis Frameless Glass Balustrade

Unex Systems

View Product

Blink and you’ll miss the nearly invisible Metropolis, an ideal style for design-forward architecture in an urban setting.

The Metropolis Frameless Glass Style by UNEX can be used for both external and internal applications, including decks, balconies, stairways and landings, mezzanine floors, pedestrian gates, and pool fences, etc.

Unex Systems’ Arena brand is designed to and complies with 'A', 'B', 'E' and 'C3' loadings of AS/NZS 1170.1:2002 for residential applications, office, and work areas, as well as areas for moving people without obstacles.

There is a number of standard fixing options available to fix to the top of dry/membrane timber (with water-proofing considerations), wet/open timber, and concrete substrates. Site-specific specifications may also be provided upon request for those non-standard situations.

UNEX has designed its Arena range to comply with the B1, B2, F2 and F4 requirements of the NZ Building Code and are suitable for occupancy types 'A', 'B', 'E' and 'C3' in accordance with AS/NZS 1170.

Producer statements for all standard specifications can be created online in the registered area of the UNEX website.

For non-standard situations not covered by UNEX's specifications, a site-specific PS1 and specification may be prepared by UNEX upon request.

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