KINGSTAR GLASS
Laminated Glass Fence | Structural Safety Glass Railing and Balustrade Systems from KINGSTAR BUILDING GLASS
KINGSTAR BUILDING GLASS Laminated Glass Fence is a structural safety glass railing and balustrade system manufactured by bonding two or more plies of fully tempered or heat-strengthened glass with a polymer interlayer, typically polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ionoplast (SGP). When the glass breaks, fragments adhere to the interlayer rather than falling free, maintaining the barrier function even after impact. This post-breakage performance is the reason building codes mandate laminated glass for gua
A laminated glass fence is a railing or balustrade system constructed using laminated safety glass panels. Laminated glass consists of two or more glass plies bonded together with an interlayer, typically polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ionoplast (SGP). The interlayer holds broken glass pieces together after impact, which is why laminated glass maintains barrier function even when one ply fails.
Unlike tempered glass alone—which disintegrates into small fragments upon breakage and offers no residual capacity or protection until replaced—laminated glass remains intact after fracture and continues to perform as a safety barrier. This characteristic makes laminated glass the required material for guards and balustrades in most building codes.
| Feature | Laminated Glass | Tempered Glass Only |
|---|---|---|
| Post-breakage behavior | Fragments adhere to interlayer; barrier remains | Shatters into small fragments; barrier disappears |
| Building code requirement | Required for guards and balustrades | Permitted only with independent top rail |
| Impact resistance | High (fragments retained) | High but barrier lost upon breakage |
| UV protection | Yes (PVB/SGP filters UV) | No |
| Acoustic insulation | Yes | No |
| Typical applications | Balustrades, guards, pool fences | Shower doors, table tops |
KINGSTAR BUILDING GLASS offers laminated glass fence panels in multiple configurations:
KINGSTAR BUILDING GLASS laminated glass fences comply with major international building codes and standards:
IBC (International Building Code) Requirements:
European Standards:
UK Standards:
Ready to specify laminated glass fence systems for your next project? Share your requirements with our technical team for custom laminated glass fence solutions. We will provide configuration recommendations, compliance documentation, and a competitive quote tailored to your project requirements, backed by a decade of glass manufacturing expertise.
Q1: Why is laminated glass required for fences and railings instead of tempered glass?
A: Laminated glass is required because it maintains the barrier function even after breakage. When laminated glass breaks, fragments adhere to the interlayer and the panel stays in place. Tempered glass alone shatters into small fragments and the barrier disappears completely, offering no residual protection. The IBC requires laminated glass for guards and balustrades because post-breakage performance is the critical safety factor.
Q2: What thickness of laminated glass is recommended for balcony railings and pool fencing?
A: Recommended thickness depends on the application. For residential balcony railings, 10.38mm to 12.76mm laminated glass is typically used. For external balconies and roof terraces, 17.52mm laminated glass is commonly specified. For pool fencing, 10.38mm to 13.52mm is standard. For commercial and public buildings with higher load requirements, 21.52mm or thicker is recommended. Always consult local building codes for specific requirements.
Q3: Can laminated glass fences be installed in frameless configurations?
A: Yes. Laminated glass can be utilized in both framed and frameless railing applications. Frameless systems typically require thicker laminated glass (15mm minimum, commonly 17.52mm or 21.52mm) and use point-supported stainless steel hardware such as base shoes, spigots, or standoffs. SGP interlayers are often preferred for frameless systems due to their superior edge strength and load capacity.
Laminated glass (LG) is a type of safety glass that holds together when shattered. In the event of breaking, it is held in place by a thin polymer interlayer, typically of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), lonoplast polymers, cast in place (CIP) liquid resin, or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), between its two or more layers of glass.The interlayer, made through heat and pressure, keeps the layers of glass bonded even when broken, and its high strength prevents the glass from breaking up into large sharp pieces. This produces a characteristic 'spider web' cracking pattern when the impact is not enough to completely pierce the glass.
Extremely high safety
The PVB interlayer withstands penetration from impact. Even if the glass cracks, splinters will adhere to the interlayer and not scatter. In comparison with other kinds of glass, laminated glass has much higher strength to resist shock, burglary, burst and bullets.
Energy-saving building materials
PVB interlayer impedes the transmission of solar heat and reduces cooling loads.
Create aesthetic sense to buildings
Laminated glass with a tinted interlayer will beautify the buildings and harmonize their appearances with surrounding views which meet the demand of architects.
Sound control
PVB interlayer is an effective absorber of sound.
Ultraviolet screening
The interlayer filters out ultraviolet rays and prevents the furniture and curtains from fading effects.
Total thickness: 6.38-17.52mm. Max. size:For architecture 96' x 236' (2438mm x 6000mm). PVB Colors
Milky White
French Green
Light Blue
Bronze
Light Grey
Dark Grey
Ocean Blue etc.
PVB Thickness
0.38mm, 0.76mm, 1.14mm, 1.52mm
Laminated glass is used for architecture, glazing, automobile safety, photovoltaic, UV protection, and artistic expression. The most common use of laminated glass is skylight glazing and automobile windshields. In geographical areas requiring hurricane-resistant construction, laminated glass is often used in exterior storefronts, curtain walls, and windows.