Weld Rich & Steel
structural welding company
structural welding company
Precision-engineered glass railing systems that deliver unobstructed views, structural clarity, and a sleek, contemporary aesthetic.
Glass railings are the definitive choice for homeowners seeking to blend safety with a minimalist aesthetic, eliminating visual clutter to achieve seamless integration with their surroundings. The value of a glass system lies not just in the clarity of the view, but in the precision of its installation and the structural strength of its components.
Unlike traditional metal railings, glass systems require specialized structural engineering to ensure the glass panels themselves serve as a secure barrier.
At Weld Rich & Steel, we focus on the structural integrity of the glass and the concealed support mechanisms, creating systems that meet the strict demands of modern architectural design while adhering to Canadian safety codes.
Specialized Glass Railing Systems
We specialize exclusively in custom-engineered glass railing solutions, moving beyond standard designs to deliver specialized systems that address unique architectural and safety requirements for both modern interiors and challenging exterior environments.6 Points (No images/cards):
Minimalist systems where glass is secured via base shoe mounts or spigots, eliminating the need for vertical posts and maximizing transparency.
Systems utilizing metal posts (aluminum or stainless steel) with glass infill panels, offering a blend of visibility and defined structure.
Custom-cut glass panels designed for interior stair landings and open runs, providing safety without compromising sightlines.
Exterior systems engineered for high wind loads, providing weather protection and clear views from elevated outdoor spaces.
Glass panels are mounted using specialized steel pins drilled directly into the fascia or side of the structure, creating a modern floating effect.
Code-compliant glass barriers are used around pools and hot tubs, combining high safety standards with an aesthetically seamless enclosure
Materials overview
The performance and aesthetic of a glass railing system depend entirely on the quality of the glass and the precision of the hardware. We use specific grades of tempered and laminated glass, along with selected metal components, to ensure durability and structural compliance in the Canadian climate.
Material / Finish | Key Feature | Best For | Architectural Style |
Tempered Safety Glass | Up to 5x stronger than standard glass; shatters into small, blunt fragments upon failure. | All exterior and interior guardrail applications require adherence to safety codes. | Minimalist, Contemporary. |
316 Marine-Grade Stainless Steel | Superior resistance to corrosion, pitting, and chloride exposure (e.g., salt, pool chemicals). | Spigots, standoffs, concealed mounting hardware, and wet-area installations. | High-End Modern, Industrial Chic. |
Powder-Coated Aluminum | Lightweight, highly rust-resistant, and available in an extensive range of custom finishes. | Base shoe channels, posts, and top rails (where required by design or code). | Residential Contemporary, Versatile Modern. |
Laminated Safety Glass | Two glass panes bonded with a plastic inter-layer; remains intact even if fractured. | Elevated balconies, structural glass walls, and high-wind-load areas where maximum safety is paramount. | Luxury Residential, Structural Clarity. |
Engineering focus
The precise installation of glass barriers is paramount to safety and aesthetics. Our process addresses specific engineering challenges unique to transparent systems to ensure long-term stability and code adherence, ensuring all critical decisions are made before fabrication begins.
Determining the required thickness and type of safety glass (e.g., 10mm, 12mm tempered, or laminated) based on the specific load requirements and mounting system.
Ensuring the base channel or spigot system is securely anchored and incorporates integrated drainage to prevent water accumulation and corrosion at the glass base.
Calculating the horizontal (line) and vertical (impact) loads to guarantee the system, especially frameless designs, meets the required force resistance without relying on a top rail.
Minimizing stress points during fabrication and installation to prevent thermal breakage, and ensuring perfectly polished edges for a clean, architectural finish.
Gallery
Explore our recent projects featuring customized frameless, spigot-mounted, and post-supported glass railing systems across interior and exterior residential spaces in the GTA.
FAQ
Yes, provided they are engineered correctly. Frameless systems use thicker, often laminated, structural glass and are anchored via heavy-duty base shoe systems or spigots, which provide the required strength to meet building code line-load requirements.
Standard glass cleaning is sufficient. For exterior applications, we recommend specialized hydrophobic glass treatments that repel water and minimize mineral deposits and staining from rain.
Spigot-mounted systems use individual clamps at the base of the glass, leaving a gap beneath the panel for drainage and a floating appearance. Base shoe systems use a continuous metal channel to conceal anchoring hardware, providing a cleaner floor transition.
While the homeowner is ultimately responsible for permits, Weld Rich & Steel provides all necessary stamped engineering documentation. It ensures the system design complies with the current Ontario Building Code (OBC) requirements for guardrails.
We use high-grade Stainless Steel (316 Marine Grade for maximum exposure) or powder-coated aluminum, chosen for superior corrosion resistance in outdoor and moist environments.
If you’re considering glass railing options for outdoor spaces, view our Balcony Railings. Browse all services on our Residential Metal Fabrication page.
Applications & uses
Glass railings are highly adaptable and are utilized wherever protective barriers are required without visual interruption, significantly modernizing both the interior and exterior of a home.
Common residential applications:
