Construction Law
Glass Flooring: A Safety Guide
Glass flooring is a relatively new trend that is opening up new possibilities for architects, interior designers, and developers. Selecting the perfect glass flooring for your project can be tricky, and the skyrocketing popularity of glass floors means the number of options and configurations will only expand as time goes by.
Although glass flooring is designed with specialized glass that can handle lots of weight, there are other safety concerns to consider when you decide to incorporate glass flooring in your project. In this article, the Naples contractor lawyers at Cotney Attorneys & Consultants will examine some of the safety features your glass flooring project can utilize to ensure your glass floors don’t cause a slip or fall.
Engineered Systems
You wouldn’t invest in something expensive without knowing that it had been designed and engineered with care and diligence. High-grade glass flooring should come with some assurance of quality, too. Many glass and framework systems have gone through architectural testing to ensure that they are suitable for their owner’s needs. Home and commercial building owners should both consider investing in engineered systems. Engineered systems are more expensive, but they guarantee a high-quality product upon completion of your project.
Anti-Skid Surfaces
Smooth top surfaces are usually sufficient in projects that won’t see very much foot traffic or reveal something below the floor. However, most glass flooring projects benefit from using an anti-skid surface. These textured surfaces utilize sandblasted ceramic glass frit on the top surface to enhance grip between the person walking and the floor. A lesser known benefit of anti-skid surfaces is their role in minimizing scratches. A completely transparent glass floor can pick up noticeable scratches quickly. Textured glass doesn’t suffer from this issue.
Waterproofing
Whether or not your project requires waterproofing is entirely dependent on your specific application of glass flooring. An exterior glass deck won’t require waterproofing since water can spill off the deck and continue flowing downward. You won’t need to rely on waterproofing if you install a glass floor between two interior floor levels either since the floor is completely indoors. On the other hand, if you were to install glass flooring on a roof that had a bedroom directly below, you would want to waterproof your glass flooring so precipitation doesn’t enter your home. Waterproofing is expensive, approximately 2.5 the cost of normal glass flooring, so consider your budget and whether or not your design requires waterproofing before you begin ordering materials.
If you plan on installing glass flooring in your next project, a Naples contractor lawyer can help guide you through the safety concerns associated with glass flooring and how to prevent an accident.
If you would like to speak with a Naples contractor attorney, please contact us today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.