TERMS & CONDITIONS
ALL ORDERS ARE BOUND BY THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS
DUE TO THE BESPOKE NATURE OF OUR BUSINESS, ORDERS CANNOT BE CANCELLED OR RETURNED ONCE AN ORDER HAS BEEN PLACED
1 DAMAGE/DEFECTS
1.1 Any damages must be reported within 24 hours of installation. If Balustrades Online agree damage is at our fault, they will be remedied FOC. If we deem damage is by the customer/third party, then a new purchased order is required for the damaged articles and labour to install.
2 GLASS
2.1 All glass is sourced from UK manufacturers and inspected to GGF guidelines as set out below:
2.1.1 Glass and glazing Federation (GGF) Visual quality standard for installed insulating glass units constructed from flat transparent glass
2.1.2 Transparent glass used in the manufacture of insulating glass units is identical to that used traditionally for single glass and will, therefore, have a similar level of quality.
2.1.3 Both panes of the sealed unit shall be viewed at right angles to the glass from the room side standing at a distance of not less than 2 metres but for toughened, laminated or coated glasses (not less than a distance of 3 metres) in natural daylight and not in direct sunlight with no visible moisture on the surface of the glass. The area to be viewed is the normal vision area with the exception of a 50mm wide band around the perimeter of the unit.
2.1.4 Flat transparent glass, including laminated or toughened (tempered) glass, shall be deemed acceptable if the following phenomena are neither obtrusive nor bunched: totally enclosed seeds, bubbles or blisters; hairlines or blobs; fine scratches not more than 25mm long, minute embedded particles. Obtrusiveness of blemishes shall be judged by looking through the glass, not at it, under lighting conditions as described in 2.1.3
2.1.5 When thermally toughened glass is viewed by reflection, the effect of the toughening process may be seen under certain lighting conditions. The visibility of surface colouration or patterns does not indicate deterioration in the physical performance of the toughened glass. Because of the nature of the toughening process, distortion will be accentuated when the glass is viewed in reflection or incorporated in insulating glass units.
2.1.6 Visible double reflection can occur under certain lighting aspect conditions, especially when viewed from an angle. This is an optical phenomenon arising from multiple surface reflections in sealed units.
2.1.7 The manufacture of flat laminated glass does not usually affect the visual quality of the glass incorporated in insulating glass units. However, the faults generally accepted in Paragraph 3 may be increased in number if several glasses and interlayers are used in the production of laminated glass. When viewed under certain light conditions, insulating glass units incorporating clear or tinted flat laminated glass may show a distortion effect caused by reflection on the multiple surfaces of the components of the laminated glass.
2.1.8 Brewster’s Fringes The appearance of the optical phenomenon known as Brewster’s Fringes is not a defect of the glass and can occur with any glass of high optical and surface quality. This phenomenon is a result of the high quality now being achieved worldwide by modern methods of glass manufacture. Brewster’s Fringes occur if wavelengths of light meet up with each other when they are exactly 180º out of phase – an example of the phenomenon known to physicists as the interference of light. The effect is similar to, although usually much smaller than, the interference fringes which can sometimes be seen on toughened glass windscreens. Brewsters’ Fringes occur when the surfaces of the glass are flat and the two panes of glass are parallel to each other, i.e. when the light transmission properties of the installation are of a very high order. This phenomenon is not a defect of the product, being dependent on the laws of physics and not on the quality of the insulating glass. In fact, it arises because modern glass made by the float process is flat, therefore, free of the distortion inherent in sheet glass. The occurrence of Brewster’s Fringes is in its nature rather like (though very much more rare than) the fact that under certain conditions, the observer will see a reflection of himself in any window or door – and no-one could claim that this was a defect of glass.
2.1.9 Note: Patterned Glass The above criteria do not apply to patterned glass, as due to the method of manufacture, imperfections such as seeds and bubbles are deemed to be acceptable
2.2 Types of glass used
2.2.1 Laminated safety glass
This is normally two pieces of annealed glass bonded together by a special interlayer. When broken, the glass is retained by the interlayer and if well supported has an increased likelihood of staying in place. Toughened glasses and heat strengthened glasses can also be laminated.
The nature of the EVA laminating process / interlayer will naturally affect visible light through a completed panel. Unilam EVA has a light transmittance figure of 91.7% for 0.38mm interlayer and this will reduce if thicker interlayer / multiples are used and when manufactured with thicker glass. It is normal to expect a degree of loss of clarity especially on thicker laminate compositions as the interlay and indeed glass will reduce LT. This will appear different when looking through single pane glass for example as the LT figure will differ and typically single panes will not comprise EVA laminate. In contrast to other interlayers EVA is highly durable and resistant to moisture ingress which makes it ideal for exposed external balcony installations.
2.2.2 Toughened safety glass
This is annealed glass that has been heat treated after all cutting and other work has been completed. Toughened glass is four to five times stronger than annealed glass of the same thickness and is well suited to most safety critical applications. It is not unbreakable.
Its increased strength enables it to be supported by two or even one edge and allows the safe use of glass in ways not possible with other glass types, all-glass doors being but one example. Its use overhead, at high level and in barriers must be subject to careful consideration.
If broken, the glass will shatter into small relatively harmless pieces that will no longer support a load or act as a barrier. On rare occasions toughened glass has broken in service for no apparent reason. This can be caused by a variety of reasons including damage, impact or inclusions within the glass. One particular type of inclusion, nickel sulphide (NiS), has attracted publicity and it is important that specifiers understand its characteristics and the risk of breakage in service.
NiS is formed naturally within the glass making process but is of concern only in glass that is subsequently toughened. The inclusions are too small to be visually detected by the glass manufacturer and when heated in the toughening process undergo a phase change that reduces their size. Cooling of the glass is far too rapid to allow reversal, and this takes place over a period of time. If an inclusion is sufficiently large and is located within the centre of the thickness of the glass it can cause spontaneous breakage. It is important to appreciate that the risk is very small. Glass manufacturers estimate the incidence at less than 1 in 13,000kg.
3 STEEL
3.1 Stainless steel
There are many grades of stainless steel, we use both 304 and 316.
3.2 Grade 304 is the most common stainless steel and satisfies a broad demand for adequate performance at an affordable price. It has good corrosion resistance in a wide variety of environments. It is the best choice for indoor use (except swimming pools).
3.3 Grade 316 has a higher level of corrosion resistance and is often referred to as marine grade. Typical applications are architectural components where they are exposed to extreme weather conditions and climatic conditions, such as near the coast, near heavy industrial sites or in/around swimming pools.
3.4 Stainless steel is not maintenance free but maintenance friendly and when using stainless steel material outdoors, you need to clean periodically, especially in aggressive environments like coastal areas or swimming pools. The chlorine rich atmosphere driven in from the sea can affect in-land stainless as far as 20 miles from the coast
3.5 Maintenance
Besides pollution by industry, traffic and maritime influences also the choice of materials and surface treatment play an important role. Environmental factors determine how large the degree of pollution is and thus the cleaning method and frequency.
3.6 Warning: Stainless steel, which is not regularly and properly cleaned, pollutes and can eventually pass into corrosion of the product itself.
If pollution or inadequate maintenance takes place this will pass into persistent pollution which can lead to corrosion (contact). Corrosion can eventually be at the expense of durability but in each case the appearance. And it is precisely for this last reason often stainless steel is chosen.
3.7 Light contamination (surface rust)
Light contaminated Stainless steel can be cleaned with an alkaline medium and rinsed with large amounts of clean cold water. After drying protect it with a stainless steel protecting agent. Whit a properly cleaning frequency this simple treatment is sufficient. Although experience shows that many cleaning companies fear cleaning of stainless steel, even a slightly contaminated stainless steel can be easily cleaned with this simple cleaning procedure.
3.8 Heavy contamination (product rust)
Heavy or persistent contamination (product rust) can only be cleaned with aggressive agents and therefore only by specialist companies. Regular cleaning companies do not have the expertise nor the resources to remove this. Apart from the cleaning a specialist Stainless steel cleaning company can also return its original shine, any damage as dents and scratches and give it a special protection.
3.9 Maintenance, cleaning and protective equipment
Apart from the normal, commercially available cleaners, there are also specially developed agents for stainless steel cleaning products
4 ALUMINIUM
4.1 Standard
All aluminium profiles meet European standard EN573-3 for chemical composition. All glass profiles are produced from alloy 6063-H T6, the rest of the profiles from alloy 6063-T5
4.2 Maintenance
Periodically cleaning will prevent a negative effect on the anodization layer. Anodizing layers are sensitive to acids, salts and other aggressive substances and wear out faster. In addition, thick dirt layers absorb more moisture and increases the corrosion of the anodizing surface.
4.3 Cleaning method:
4.3.1 Use of soft cleaning materials with no abrasive effect, such as cotton (do not use, steel wool or sandpaper etc.).
4.3.2 Use a neutral non-abrasive and PH-neutral (pH 6-8) cleaning agent. Do not use solvents (petrol, acetone), alkaline products (ammonia, sodium), acid products (sulfuric acid, acetic acid)
4.3.3 Rinse parts after cleaning carefully with plenty of fresh water. Sea salts must be removed as soon as possible.
4.3.4 Visually inspect the anodized layer after cleaning for areas where the integrity of the protective anodization layer is breached, in these areas’ professional restoration of the anodization layer is needed
5 INSTALLATION
5.1 Hardstanding
Whilst we can advise on suitable materials for affixing our systems the preparation/installation of the hardstanding are outside of our scope of works, as such if a material has weaknesses due to quality or incorrect installation, we will not accept liability for any damages, this will include fractures or breaks in paving/coping stones, mortar joints separating, loose/separated materials.
A solid, no compressible, material is essential. If it becomes apparent during the installation that the hardstanding is unsuitable, we will need to postpone our works until suitable strengthening has been undertaken by the client
5.2 Substrates
We have assumed that substrates are level to a 10mm tolerance. If additional structural packing is required, due to uneven surfaces, extra cost may be incurred.
5.3 Glass Spacing
All systems to have no gaps at no greater than 99mm in line with Section K building control, where possible we will minimise these gaps.
5.3.1 Posts systems will typically have 22mm spacing between the posts and side of glass panels, 80mm spacing between the handrail and the top of glass panel and 50mm between the hardstanding and bottom of the glass panel.
5.3.2 Spigot systems will typically have 15-20mm of spacing between glass panels and 40mm between hardstanding and bottom of glass
5.3.3 Channel systems will typically have 15-20mm of spacing between glass panels.
5.3.4 Whilst these measurements are what we would typically expect, all systems where gaps do not exceed 99mm would be within our tolerances as they conform with building regulations.
5.4 Water Ingress
5.4.1 Manchester Balustrades do not accept any responsibility for water ingress or damages caused by water ingress as a result of our installations.
5.4.2 Whilst we take all precautions to make good the installation site as part of our works, if we top/side mount through a material designed to create a waterproof barrier we do so at the customers risk and do not accept any liability for water ingress.
5.5 we have not included for any fixing 'pull-out' tests. These would be an extra cost if required.
5.6 Our quotation does not include for removal of existing balustrade systems unless specifically stated. If this is included as an extra cost, it does not cover removal of materials from site.
6 DELIVERY
6.1 Delivery of the Goods by Balustrades Online shall be to the Buyer at a place within the United Kingdom specified in the Buyers order and/or the Company’s acceptance as the location to which the Goods are to be delivered.
6.2 We strongly advises that no installation plans are implemented until the Buyer is in receipt of the Goods and fully satisfied with the product. No reimbursements will be offered for any Buyer's costs incurred due to neglect of the aforesaid.
6.3 Dates or periods quoted for delivery or installation of Goods are approximate, given for reference only and time for delivery shall not be of essence unless previously agreed in writing by ourselves.
6.4 Failure for any reason of Balustrades Online to comply with delivery dates shall not constitute a breach of contract and shall not entitle the Buyer to treat the contract as terminated or to any other remedy against Balustrades Online.
6.5 If the Buyer fails to take delivery of the Goods or any part of them on the pre-arranged delivery date and/or fails to provide any instructions, documents or consents required to enable delivery of the Goods, Balustrades Online shall be entitled to store or arrange for the storage of the Goods and then risk in the Goods shall pass to the Buyer.
6.6 In the event of Clause 6.5, delivery shall be deemed to have taken place, and the Buyer shall pay to Balustrades Online all costs and expenses relating to the subsequent storage and insurance costs along with the cost for re-delivery of Goods.
6.7 In the event that Balustrades Online fail to deliver Goods on a specified delivery date outside of the Company’s reasonable control or be it the Buyer’s or carriers fault we shall hold no liability in respect of such late delivery.
6.8 Balustrades Online strongly advises that no installation plans are implemented until the Buyer is in receipt of the Goods and fully satisfied with the product. No reimbursements will be offered for any Buyer's costs incurred due to neglect of the aforesaid.
6.9 Deliveries will need to be handballed from the wagons, some of these products can be heavy and as such the buyer will need to ensure they have the capability to receive the goods. We would recommend a team of at least two persons be available to receive orders.
