SK Fung installs glass balustrades, handrails and protective barriers for balconies, terraces, indoor and outdoor staircases, rooftops and light wells, as well as glass walls. We inspect, repair and replace loose barriers, corroded clamps and chipped or broken glass.
Free on-site measurement, design and quotations. Call 3709 2164 or WhatsApp 6686 7879 to enquire.
Registered Minor Works Contractor MWC(W) 42/2014, with window inspection qualifications. Barriers have statutory height, opening and loading requirements. Read the APP-110 and structural glass code guidance before work begins.
Service Overview
Glass balustrades preserve open views while providing protection on balconies, staircases and estate boundaries. We recommend dimensions, glass thickness and handrail materials for the site and provide aftercare.
A balustrade is primarily a protective barrier, preventing people or objects passing through or falling over it to a lower level. Appearance alone cannot determine height, openings, glass, impact testing, loading or fixings. Statutory and code requirements apply, with appropriately qualified construction supervision.
Statutory requirements
Compiled from Buildings Department APP-110, Protective Barriers, revised January 2026, and related regulations.
Building (Construction) Regulations 36 / 37 and Building (Planning) Regulation 3A require protection at edges of balconies, verandahs, floors, roofs, stairs, platforms and projections, and external wall openings above ground floor. Regulations 9 / 38 address design and construction, preventing people or objects falling, rolling, sliding or slipping through, and preventing climbing over.
Measure from the adjacent finished floor level accessible to people. A curb top is not treated as that level in the following cases:
Measure projection horizontally between the barrier's and curb's inside finished faces, excluding bevels steeper than 45 degrees. APP-110 Appendix A illustrates acceptable arrangements.
Structural design must meet applicable codes and imposed loads under regulation 9. Barriers controlling movement must resist the minimum horizontal imposed loads in Schedule Table 3, applied separately. Values depend on premises use and require professional calculation; experience alone is insufficient.
This summary of public information is for reference, not legal or engineering advice. Apply Department requirements and the responsible professional's judgement to each case.
Glass Specifications
The Code of Practice for Structural Use of Glass 2018 covers glass barrier design and typical freestanding fixing details. Toughened glass, structural sealants and spider fixings also require compliance with APP-37. Industry guidance favours laminated glass for barriers and large glass wall systems to retain fragments.
| Glass | Properties | Balustrade considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Laminated glass | The interlayer retains fragments and improves residual capacity after breakage. | A preferred direction for barriers and large glass walls, especially freestanding and high-level systems. |
| Toughened (tempered) glass | Higher strength and small fragments, with a small spontaneous-breakage risk. | ISO 9001 manufacture, heat-soaking and code-compliant clamps and handrails are required. |
| Toughened laminated glass | Combines strength with fragment retention. | Common in freestanding systems without continuous handrails. |
| Low-iron glass | Less colour tint and greater clarity. | An appearance option for views; statutory requirements still apply. |
| Frosted / translucent glass | Provides visual screening. | Useful for balconies facing neighbours; consider daylight. |
| Tinted glass: grey / bronze | Complements the design style. | Estate appearance may be restricted by the DMC and management rules. |
For glass barriers, and windows or glass walls acting as barriers under regulation 8, Department conditions require impact testing to at least BS EN 12600:2002 Class 1, with no glass breakage during the test.
Heat-soaking rejects glass containing NiS inclusions before delivery, reducing spontaneous-breakage risk identified in the 2018 glass code. The principle also applies to shower screens and glass house roofs.
Fixing systems
| System | Method | Features and considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Base-channel / freestanding | Glass sits in an aluminium or stainless steel channel, secured with blocks and infill. | A clear, minimal appearance; demanding base strength, setting-out and drainage, usually with thicker glass. See code details for freestanding fixings. |
| Clamp-fixed | Stainless steel clamps secure the glass at points to the structure. | Flexible and easier to inspect or replace; clamp number, position and screw tightening govern stability. |
| Bolted / point-fixed | Fittings pass through pre-drilled holes in the glass. | Light appearance and precise hole positioning. Holes must be formed before processing; spider fixings must comply with APP-37. |
| Framed | Frames support glass on three or four sides. | Even load distribution and greater tolerance; a heavier appearance and corners that collect dirt. |
The system determines glass type and thickness, anchors, loads on the existing structure and future maintenance. The responsible professional must specify it against loads and code details.
Handrails and components
Stainless steel, aluminium or timber rails distribute loads, protect glass edges and link panels if one is damaged. Some freestanding designs instead use thicker glass and reinforced fixings without a continuous rail.
Stair handrails should connect smoothly through corners and landings. Gaps and level changes affect safe grip and must be checked at completion.
Calculate anchor type, embedment and position. APP-110 requires plans showing anchors, supports, materials, connections and protection specifications.
Choose corrosion resistance for coastal and humid locations; use compatible screws, bases and main components.
Direct contact can cause galvanic corrosion. Isolate metals with suitable washers or treatment, especially outdoors.
Drain base channels and waterproof floor junctions to prevent water entering the slab along fixings.
Applications
Outdoor systems must resist wind, rain and salt. Match glass to fixings, waterproof and drain the base, protect metals and consider privacy glazing. Check estate appearance restrictions before alterations.
Coordinate slopes, landings, corner glass panels, step-edge detailing and continuous handrails. Height and 100 mm opening limits still apply. Wall-enclosed stairs without an open well are excepted from the lowest 150 mm solid requirement.
Check the fixing structure and waterproofing alongside height and openings. Coordinate with glass houses or canopies to avoid conflicting anchors. Rooftop metal and mesh barriers are minor works; some qualifying small arrangements are exempted.
Mall atriums, clubs and restaurant mezzanines face more traffic and impact, requiring suitable glazing, fixings, edge protection and routine inspections. Upper seating areas in public entertainment premises have additional 30-degree slope and concave-surface requirements.
Statutory procedures
APP-110 permits certain barrier erection, alteration, repair, replacement or removal under the Minor Works Control System simplified requirements instead of prior approval. See Schedule 1 of the minor works regulations and APP-147. Classes I / II / III include items 1.6 / 2.5 / 3.3, depending on location, height and structural conditions.
An RSE may include typical details, layouts and notes in superstructure plans instead of submitting separate barrier plans. General building plans still show barrier locations, layouts and elevations for approval.
APP-110 requires appropriately qualified supervision to ensure approved-plan and standard compliance. SK Fung undertakes minor works within registration MWC(W) 42/2014. Projects needing plans or beyond our minor works scope require the relevant professionals to design and submit first.
Common-area works also require appropriate co-owner or corporation and management consent, and DMC compliance.
Problem diagnosis
Arrange prompt inspection if these occur; avoid leaning on a suspect protective barrier.
Possible loose clamps or anchors, failed channel blocks or infill, or inadequate supporting structure. Inspect fixings internally rather than applying surface sealant.
Edge defects concentrate stress and may develop into fractures, especially in toughened glass. Replace damaged protective glazing promptly.
White edges, bubbles or delamination can indicate moisture or UV damage, reducing fragment retention after breakage.
Coastal humidity, surface contamination, carbon-steel debris, chlorides and galvanic corrosion can cause rust. Clean and check fixing strength.
Blocked drainage accelerates corrosion and block deterioration and can admit water to the slab. Regular cleaning helps prevent this.
Aged base and glass seals admit moisture to fixings. Remove and renew, checking internal corrosion.
Our process
Maintenance
Combine checks of window seals and hardware, safety screens and rooftop canopies. We can coordinate with an existing mandatory window inspection notice.
Service coverage
Our office is at Room F11, 10/F, How Ming Factory Building, 99 How Ming Street, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong. We serve Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories.
Frequently Asked Questions
30 questions covering dimensions, testing, systems, procedures, diagnosis, quotations and maintenance.
APP-110 specifies at least 1.1 metres, measured from the accessible adjacent finished floor.
The lowest 150 mm must be solid, except qualifying enclosed stairs. Openings must prevent objects with a smallest dimension over 100 mm passing through, and prevent falls and climbing.
Regulations 36 / 37 and Planning Regulation 3A cover edges of balconies, verandahs, floors, roofs, stairs, platforms and projections, and external wall openings above ground floor. Regulations 9 / 38 govern design and construction.
APP-110 excludes specified curbs from the adjacent floor level: curbs over 500 mm; projections under 75 mm for non-railing barriers; and qualifying lower curbs for railing systems subject to the 250 mm bottom-rail or curb limit. Measure projection between inside finished faces, excluding bevels steeper than 45 degrees.
Apply relevant codes, regulation 9 imposed loads and Schedule Table 3 minimum horizontal loads, applied separately. Values depend on the use and require professional calculation.
Laminated glass retains fragments and is favoured for barriers and large glass walls. Follow the 2018 glass code, including freestanding fixings, and APP-37 for toughened glass, structural sealant and spider fixings.
For glass barriers and glazing performing that function under regulation 8, provide evidence meeting at least BS EN 12600:2002 Class 1 without glass breaking during testing.
ISO 9001-certified manufacture; heat-soaking every pane to BS EN 14179-1:2016 or equivalent; and thermocouple calibration every 6 months under HOKLAS guidance. Heat-soaking rejects panes with NiS inclusions before use.
Yes, where toughened glass is used. The 2018 code addresses heat-soaking. Edge damage, concentrated clamp loads and poor alignment also increase fracture risk.
Base channels provide a minimal freestanding appearance but demand precise bases and drainage. Clamps ease inspection and replacement. Point fixings need accurate pre-drilled holes. Frames support three or four sides with even loading. Follow code details for freestanding systems.
It depends on the engineered system. Rails distribute loads, protect edges and connect panels if damaged. Some systems use thicker glass and stronger fixings instead; a professional must determine compliance.
Certain items qualify under APP-110, Schedule 1 and APP-147 simplified procedures, including Classes I / II / III items 1.6 / 2.5 / 3.3. Determine the applicable scope first.
Framing, members, anchors and supports; loads and codes; materials; connections and protection; and calculations for the existing structure, adequacy, stability and deflection. An RSE may incorporate typical details into superstructure plans as a simplified alternative.
Yes. APP-110 requires appropriately qualified supervision for approved-plan and standard compliance. Use contractors with the relevant registration.
General requirements do not cover inaccessible areas used only by maintenance staff, but the 2021 external maintenance access code and occupational safety regulation 6 still apply.
Upper seating-edge barriers need surfaces sloping 30 degrees towards seats with a concave profile, or another arrangement that securely accommodates only small objects without falling below.
Outdoor barriers emphasize wind, drainage, waterproofing and corrosion. Stairs emphasize slopes, landings, corners, continuous rails and edge details. Height and opening requirements remain, while loads and installation details differ.
Small elastic deflection can occur under load. Obvious movement, loose bases or unusual sounds require prompt inspection of clamps, channel blocks, anchors and supporting structure. Avoid leaning on it meanwhile.
Yes. It concentrates stress and can initiate a crack. Arrange replacement for chips, cracks or delamination and bubbles rather than delaying.
Persistent water accelerates metal corrosion and block deterioration and may enter the slab. Provide and clear drainage holes, clean channels and check outdoor base seals.
Surface contamination, carbon-steel contact, chlorides and galvanic corrosion can cause tea staining. Choose appropriate grades, compatible fixings, metal isolation and regular fresh-water cleaning.
Often in clamp or framed systems; channels depend on their condition and infill. Point-fixed panes must match existing holes exactly. Inspect anchors and bases and verify replacement glass type, thickness and testing.
Possible, but it changes height and loads and constitutes alteration. Apply minor works or prior approval procedures as appropriate, with qualified design and supervision; do not simply add a panel.
Obtain appropriate co-owner or corporation and management consent and comply with the DMC. Establish minor works or approval requirements and estate appearance rules.
Use water or neutral detergent and a soft cloth; easy-clean coatings may reduce marks. Clean joints and channels. Safe access is essential outside or at height; never climb or sit on barriers.
Yes, for privacy or style, considering daylight and estate restrictions. Appearance choices cannot reduce required glass, thickness or test performance.
Length, height, glass, system, handrail materials, anchors, bases, removal and repairs, access and safety measures determine cost. Plan submissions add professional services. Free measurement and design quotations are available.
Usually measurement and specification precede fabrication, followed by installation. Glass cannot be cut or drilled after processing, so accurate confirmation is essential. Outdoor work and large-pane lifting depend on weather.
Inspect annually, especially before typhoons: movement, screws, clamps, glass, laminated edges, channel drainage, base seals and handrail joints. Arrange professional inspection for defects.
SK Fung holds registration MWC(W) 42/2014, window inspection qualifications and CIC-certified aluminium window technicians. Browse the glass balustrade gallery and related glass house, partition and window photographs.
Related pages
Explore balcony, staircase and rooftop glass barriers, statutory dimensions and loads, laminated glazing, impact testing, fixing systems, corrosion protection, repairs and maintenance across Hong Kong.
