If you're seriously afraid of heights, then no type of protective device between you and the "edge" will appear to be safe. However, in most cases you may trust the design capability of the barrier, and when it comes to home design, you may be more worried about its aesthetic. For example, how can you make sure that a rooftop deck is safe while taking full advantage of the glorious view? You may think that you need something that is made out of steel for protection purposes, but you may be better off turning to glass. How can this be the best solution?

Take Advantage

Face it, you have put your entertainment area on the roof so that people can take advantage of not just the sunshine, but that view. Most of the time, they are going to be sitting down in loungers or deckchairs, and if you have a traditional metal barricade around the perimeter, they're not going to be able to see anything. In this case, you need to choose a custom-made glass balustrade that, when carefully designed, will afford an unobstructed view of the countryside.

Best Approach

Still, a traditional glass panel creation may be held together with a lattice of metal posts and handrails, and this would still interfere with the vista. You can overcome this issue by using laminated glass that's installed with a special type of hardware.

Mounting Points

For example, you can use pressure screw clamps or a custom-made aluminium "shoe" that is secured using epoxy or cement and is perfectly capable of standing up to the challenge. This will give the impression that the structure is frameless and there will be no horizontal bar at the top to get in the way and spoil the view of your visitors.

Special Glass

You should also make sure that you choose the right type of glass, and specifically, panels that have reduced iron content. Otherwise, the glass in question may need to be relatively thick, and the traditional iron content would give it a decidedly green tint. You may have to pay a little more for your glass panels at the outset, but once again, this approach will help you to enjoy the distant view.

Working With Experts

Remember, a glass balustrade does need to be carefully designed and installed in order to ensure maximum safety and "viewability." You will need to work with contractors who are experienced in this field and who can help you to create a hospitality area that others will envy.