WHY US?
The Maintenance Problem with Traditional Railings
Wood railings demand constant attention. You stain or seal them every 1-2 years. You replace rotted sections. You sand and refinish weathered surfaces. Each maintenance cycle costs hundreds in materials and full weekends of labor.
Conditions
Built for BC Coastal Weather and Conditions
Engineered to resist corrosion, mold, and UV- built to thrive where others fail.
Life on the West Coast is beautiful - but it’s tough on materials. That’s why Tenmar’s exterior glass and aluminum railings are specifically engineered to handle Vancouver's coastal climate and the moisture-rich environment of the Fraser Valley.
Coastal Exposure
Exterior glass railings are engineered for year-round coastal exposure. Rain, salt air, UV exposure, and temperature swings test every material. Glass handles all of it without degrading like wood or corroding like metal.
Impact & Moisture Protection
Laminated safety glass resists impact and moisture penetration. UV exposure does not fade or yellow glass. Salt air does not corrode it. Temperature changes do not warp or crack properly installed panels.
Corrosion Resistance
Marine-grade stainless steel hardware or powder-coated aluminum resists coastal corrosion. Hardware is selected based on your proximity to saltwater. Homes near the ocean get stainless steel. Homes inland can use powder-coated aluminum. Both last 20+ years without rust or degradation.
Each Tenmar railing system is climate-tested, code-compliant, and low-maintenance - engineered for a lifetime of clarity, strength, and visual appeal in the toughest BC weather.
Gallery
Built for the Coast: Exterior Glass Railings That Endure in Every Season
Benefits
Curb Appeal and Home Value Impact
Exterior updates visible from the street contribute more to perceived home value than interior updates buyers have not seen yet. Glass railings signal recent investment and modern sensibility. This matters in neighborhoods where homes compete for buyer attention.
Realtors photograph exterior features for listings. Updated glass railings appear in every photo that shows your deck, balcony, or entry stairs. Dated railings make your entire home look older in listing photos even if you have updated everything inside.
Appraisals account for exterior condition and updates. Modern materials and low maintenance features add value. Glass railings check both boxes. This creates measurable return on investment when selling and immediate satisfaction while living in your home.
Railing Types
Frameless vs. Semi-Frameless for Exterior Applications
Both systems meet BC Building Code requirements for exterior installations. Your choice depends on your home's architectural style. Contemporary homes suit frameless. Traditional homes can use semi-frameless to maintain some classic elements while updating materials.
Frameless Systems
Frameless exterior glass railings provide the cleanest modern look. No posts interrupt the glass panels. Your home's facade shows continuous glass from end to end. This suits contemporary and modern architecture. Pricing typically ranges from $300 to $400 per linear foot.
Semi-Frameless Systems
Semi-frameless railings use aluminum posts spaced up to 42 inches apart with glass panels between them. Posts provide vertical definition that works with traditional or craftsman home styles. This option costs less, typically $250 to $350 per linear foot.
Retrofitting
Replacing Existing Exterior Railings
Most exterior glass railings replace existing wood or metal systems. Old railings are removed down to the deck structure. The deck frame is inspected to ensure it can support glass railing loads. Most standard decks can, but older structures may need reinforcement.
New mounting hardware attaches to solid framing. Glass panels are then custom-cut to fit your exact dimensions. The process updates your railings without rebuilding your entire deck. You get a new look without the cost of deck replacement.
Installation timeline runs 6 to 8 weeks from measurement to completion. This includes removing old railings, preparing mounting surfaces, manufacturing custom glass panels, and installing the new system. Your deck may be out of use for a few days during installation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Exterior Glass Railings
Here are the top questions our clients ask about exterior glass railings before getting started.
How do exterior glass railings handle wind?
Glass railing systems are engineered for wind loads based on your location and deck height. Glass thickness, hardware spacing, and mounting methods are calculated to handle coastal wind conditions. Properly installed systems stay secure during storms.
Are exterior glass railings safe?
Yes. Tenmar’s glass railings use engineered safety glass and secure mounting systems that meet or exceed BC Building Code requirements for strength and impact resistance.
How do glass exterior railings handle maintenance?
Glass railings are virtually maintenance-free. Occasional cleaning keeps panels clear, no painting, staining, or rust prevention needed.
What if I'm replacing railings on an older deck?
The deck structure is inspected before installation. Most decks built to code can support glass railings. Older or damaged structures may need reinforcement. This is identified during the initial consultation so costs are known upfront.
Where do you install exterior railings?
We serve Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Surrey, Langley, Abbotsford, and all Fraser Valley communities, offering complete design, fabrication, and installation services.
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