If your flat roof is already waterproofed and signed off, the last thing you want is someone putting holes in it. One penetration can mean leaks, damp ceilings voided roofing warranty. That’s exactly why we engineered our no drill glass balustrade system. It delivers a strong, elegant glass barrier without a single fixing through the roof surface. We fix only into the wall; the balustrade stands on the roof on protected feet, so the membrane stays intact.
This article explains how the system works, why it’s different, where it fits best, and what homeowners, builders and architects should know before planning a terrace upgrade.
Most modern roofs EPDM, GRP, single-ply or torch-on felt depend on a continuous, unbroken surface. Traditional balustrades need base plates or channels bolted down through that surface, then patched. Even when patched well, those points become future maintenance risks and can conflict with your roofer’s warranty. Many terraces also have delicate copings or parapets you don’t want disturbed. Our roof balustrade without drilling avoids all of this and is ideal for finished terraces, newly waterproofed roofs, and retrofits where you’re turning a flat roof into safe, usable outdoor space.
At the heart of the installation is a galvanised and powder-coated steel box-section frame that forms a perimeter base. Short legs with protective pads sit on the roof to spread loads and keep the membrane untouched. There are no fixings into the roof anywhere. Lateral strength is taken back into structure with wall fixings in A4/316 stainless steel for maximum corrosion resistance, and we return the handrail into the wall as well, so the whole assembly works as a braced unit.
The frame accepts both common glass layouts. Prefer a classic look? Choose a post-and-handrail arrangement. Want a cleaner line? We fit a U-channel glass balustrade so panes rise seamlessly from the base. In both cases the glazing is toughened-laminated for overhead safety and the visible hardware is marine-grade stainless steel, chosen to last on exposed roofs.
“Free-standing” doesn’t mean flexible. The steel base gives weight and a broad footprint; the handrail return and the stainless wall fixings add the brace. Loads are carried back to the wall, not through the roof. The top edge feels calm and secure under a steady lean, because the system is designed to meet typical UK residential line-load and height requirements in plain, buildable engineering. You enjoy the view and forget the detail.
We designed this specifically for waterproofed flat roofs and terraces, but we also use it on dormer terraces, roof-to-wall junctions and lightwells where through-roof anchors aren’t acceptable. The feet stand clear of outlets so water can reach the drain; the frame follows the roof fall so nothing ponds around the glass edge. In overlooked locations we can switch to obscure (frosted) glass for privacy while keeping daylight.
Every exposed steel component is galvanised and powder-coated for long-term protection against rust. All fixings into the wall are A4/316 stainless steel, the marine-grade choice that resists tea-staining on coastal and city sites. Handrails, brackets and visible screws are 316 as well, so the finish stays smart with simple cleaning.
Because we don’t drill the roof, the process is quick and tidy. After surveying, we fabricate the frame and handrail in our workshop. On site we set the frame to the roof fall, place the protected feet, make the 316 stainless wall fixings, and complete the handrail return. The glass is then aligned and clamped off. Most homes see minimal disruption, and there’s no need to coordinate roof patching or re-warranty paperwork. Tight access isn’t a problem we bring the frame up in sections and assemble in place.
A long-lasting terrace comes from simple, consistent detailing. We keep weep paths clear so water never sits against gaskets; the base stands slightly off the surface so debris can’t clog the joint. Laminated glass edges are kept out of standing water, and all interfaces are sealed to suit the roofing type. The handrail return isn’t just a neat finish; it braces the run and helps keep the top edge aligned over time. Because there are no roof penetrations, your membrane warranty remains intact removing the most common route for slow leaks.
When you include the true cost of roof penetrations (patching, extra trades, delays, re-warranty), a non-penetrative glass balustrade is often the better value. Ongoing care is simple: rinse and wash the glass with a pH-neutral cleaner, wipe stainless along the grain, and keep outlets free of leaves. Powder-coated, galvanised steel components need only an occasional wash. If a pane is ever damaged, our dry-glaze system allows straightforward replacement without disturbing the frame or the roof.
Homeowners get a safer terrace without risking leaks or voiding warranties. Construction companies keep programmes moving because there’s no roof patching to coordinate. Architects and designers gain a detail that respects membranes and still reads as modern, minimal architecture. On planning-sensitive streets the low-profile look sits quietly behind parapets.
This is our own, in-house solution designed, fabricated and installed by SM Glasstech. We take responsibility for the whole package: the galvanised and powder-coated base, 316 stainless wall fixings and handrail return, glass specification, and finishing. Because we control the process end-to-end, you get consistent quality and one point of contact. Clients find us searching for no drill glass balustrade, roof balustrade without drilling, non-penetrative glass balustrade, glass balustrade for waterproofed roof, and retrofit roof terrace balustrade and they stay because the finished terrace feels rock-solid and looks right.
Will this void my roofing warranty?
No. We never drill the roof; we fix only into the wall and sit the frame on protected feet.
What about drainage?
The frame follows the roof fall and stands clear of outlets so water can reach drains.
Is it removable?
Yes. It’s mechanically fixed and can be dismantled without disturbing the membrane.
Can I have U-channel instead of posts?
Yes. The same base supports post-and-handrail or U-channel layouts.
Send SM Glass Tech a photo of your terrace, rough sizes and your roofing type. We’ll return a clear proposal with drawings of the base, 316 stainless wall fixings and handrail return, plus glass options for privacy or pure clarity. If you need a no drill glass balustrade that protects your waterproofing and still feels built like a permanent structure, this is the detail that lets you enjoy the space with confidence.
Send us your contact details and a specialist will get in touch with you.