How to add a frameless glass fence to a deck?

[JasG]

I constructed a Deck about 4 years ago using the following structure:

1 - 90mm Full Post Anchor set in concrete footers - span between footings 1200mm

2 - Bearers set into the Anchor - 2 x 90 x 45 MGP10 H3 Structural Pine beams attached together with no nails glue and galvanised nails.  Beams attached to Stirrups with Galvanised Coach Screws and Bolts.

3 - Joists 75mm x 35mm MGP10 H3 Structural Pine span is about 400mm - 4500mm - there are parts that have additional joists.  I was forced to use 75mm joists to get the height of the deck to align with the alfresco door brick level.  The joists are attached to the bearers using Pryda Minigrip 54 x 35 brackets on both sides of the joists using galvanised nails.

4 - Eko Deck attached to the joists.

This was all DIY and purchased all the above from Bunnings.

We are now in the process of getting a pool and looking having a frameless glass fence running along the deck.  As such I need to add additional Noggins/support.  My thoughts were adding 100 x 100mm F7 H4 Structural Pine Posts  to sit on to the bearers with 25 mm notches cut out so that the post sits flush with the top of the joists.  Attach the posts with screws into the bearer and add some additional joists and noggins to support the post in place.

what are your thoughts on this?  is this adequate support for the frameless glass spigots ( using  10mm x 100 mm stainless steel coach screws)

Are there any alternative solutions or ideas

[EricL]

Hello @JasG 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's marvellous to have you join us, and thank you for sharing your question about glass pool fencing.

Before I give any recommendations, would it be possible for you to post a few photos of your deck and the proposed location of the pool? One of the things I'm concerned about is bottom support and footing for the glass panel. The typical weight of a glass pool panel is around 46kg. If you were to install around 6 of those panels that would be a static weight of 276kg.

It's important that these glass panels are fully supported to prevent them from swaying or wobbling in high wind.

If you need a hand posting the photos, please let me know.

Eric

[JasG]

[JasG]

There are two Fence Runs:

Fence Run A - From the Fence to the Support Pillar = 2895mm.  This run will have the Pool Gate in the following configuration: 600mm Panel (Near Fence), 900mm Gate, 1300mm Panel (Near Support Pillar).

Fence Run B - From Support Pillar to Brick Wall = 3895mm.  This run will have the following configuration: 2 x 1900mm Panels

The Red line on the previous pictures represents the fence post noggins i propose to run the full length of the deck, from the fence to the pole and then from the pole to the brick wall.  i was also intending to add additional lateral support to the noggin attaching it to the bearers and joists. 

[EricL]

Hello @JasG 

Thank you very much for sharing those extra pictures and your fence panel plans. Before you begin, I suggest speaking to the glass fence provider and asking them if they have recommended installation techniques when anchoring onto timber decking. I only mention this because a D.I.Y. installation might cancel your warranty.

The main issue with installing onto a timber surface is movement. Because timber is a natural product, and it tends to shrink and expand with the weather. This movement translates into misalignment and possible structural failure when too much bending or twisting stress is applied to the glass panel.

In this particular instance, I recommend engaging the services of an accredited pool fence installer. This means that the installation will be under warranty and the glass panels will be under warranty as well because you used a proper installer.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric