Glass balustrade fixing to Glulam beam

[BotusBuild]

Hello all. The final stairs are in place and we need a balustrade along the Glulam beam in the picture below. For reference it is 360mm deep by 142mm wide.

 

Our preference is for a glass balustrade possibly with a hand rail on top. We have two options for fixing - either point fixing to the side face (example in second picture for reference only), or a rail fixing on the top of the beam (example in third picture for reference only). I know there are also side fixed rail systems as well but they will not meet the desired/required "look".

 

I know the main issue is going to be fixing (bolts/screws) into the glulam beam. You can see we have clear access to top and bottom of the beam, but would have to disturb the plasterboard (yes, already painted!) to get access to both sides of the beam, which I'm prepared to do if necessary. What would be your approach (top rail or point fixing) and what fixing would you recommend?

 

One "outside the box" idea I had was a routed groove in the top of the beam and using relevant rubber seals (as would be used in a rail fixing) fit the glass into the routed groove. Anyone care to comment on this idea.

 

[Nickfromwales]

18 minutes ago, BotusBuild said:

One "outside the box" idea I had was a routed groove in the top of the beam and using relevant rubber seals (as would be used in a rail fixing) fit the glass into the routed groove. Anyone care to comment on this idea.

BCO may not sign you off with a DIY solution.
 

Plus, you’d be interfering with the structural integrity of the beam, so would need prior approval from both SE and BCO.

 

I like both other options, so as ever this is down to the decision maker in the house 👀. 

[BotusBuild]

Never thought it would work to be honest, just one of those "brain not doing enough so fill it with craziness" moments 🙂

 

OK folks, so its down to recommended fixings to use for each of the proper two options.

[BotusBuild]

These? (the M10 version)

Edited January 24 by BotusBuild
M10

[Nickfromwales]

On 24/01/2026 at 14:24, BotusBuild said:

These? (the M10 version)

Should be plenty beefy enough. Just need to have these in reasonably high frequency if the glass is to be leant against / accident / misadventure etc. 

[BotusBuild]

14 minutes ago, Nickfromwales said:

Just need to have these in reasonably high frequency

Agreed. Would go for twice the recommendation for a rail, and around 20-40% more for the point fixing

[Nickfromwales]

Just now, BotusBuild said:

Agreed. Would go for twice the recommendation for a rail, and around 20-40% more for the point fixing

Not the kind of thing you want falling off     

[lookseehear]

How do you know that the fixings and the beam will pass the 25mm deflection test at 0.36kn/metre at 1100mm? I assume this needs a calc from an engineer or the beam to be specced for this purpose?

[JohnMo]

I bought mine from here

https://www.made2measure.co.uk/glass-balustrades/?mh_keyword=balcony glazing system&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=12052583245&gbraid=0AAAAADv1etNOPVsB6l6fBCLWEMa72dGOx&gclid=Cj0KCQiAnJHMBhDAARIsABr7b844WI-m1FTO32K-Blto5enxEUMAp2YkU1fodvh8LLpF7khwS1hhwYMaAhGSEALw_wcB

 

Go to the useful information section, all the design certification is there, with approved mounting schemes for the various products etc.

 

 

Just bought the appropriate hardware, downloaded the certificate and structural engineer signed it all off. Zero thought, fully approved, simple.

[BotusBuild]

Thanks, I shall take a look 

[Stratman]

This manufacturer has guidance for fixing their channels in various conditions  https://posiglaze.co.uk/

[BotusBuild]

32 minutes ago, Stratman said:

This manufacturer has guidance for fixing their channels in various conditions  https://posiglaze.co.uk/

Certification/Accreditation only mentions concrete and steel. I have messaged them about fixing to the glulam beam.

[BotusBuild]

Happy Days.

 

Made2Measure (link in JohnMo's message above) has wood connection certification with M8/80mm long at 200mm spacing (400mm with no wind loading) using Fisher FPF-WT YZP (https://www.fischer.co.uk/en-gb/products/screws/wood-construction-screw-powerfast/powerfast-fpf-wt-zpp)