Operable Glass Panel: Definition

An operable glass flooring panel can be used in either commercial or residential settings. Because it’s not a waterproof system, they are most often incorporated into interior spaces.

The most common glass trap door installations include the following:

• Visually appealing basement access
• Storage display units for the art or other collectibles
• Wine cellar access



Wine cellar glass doors are particularly popular today and speak to a growing movement toward wine cellars and modern design. According to Sandy Horwitz of Innovative Wine Cellar Designs, “about 80 percent of the cellars we do now have glass enclosures.”

The trend makes sense. A wine cellar glass trap door gives you the advantage of enjoying the aesthetic of the wine collection; displaying that collection to guests; and also having seamless, easy access to the space.

• Antislip Glass
  Without the proper treatment, glass can be slippery. This can pose safety concerns. Make sure your operable glass flooring panels have an antislip treatment.
  
  
• Walkable Glass
  Yes, the idea behind these doors is that they can open and shut, but first and foremost, they need to be designed to safely support the weight. Think through all these factors when designing a custom walkable skylight.
  
  
• Failure Redundancy
  This is a pretty standard safety feature for any walkable glass, but make sure your structural glass floor panels are designed to hold intact even in the unlikely event the glass shatters or fails.
  
  
• Customization Options
  From the size and color of the glass to the internal texture or pattern, choose a glass manufacturer who can create a wholly custom product. This will ensure it complements your home’s design scheme and constitutes exactly what you want in your home. This should extend to the frame’s specifications of material and color as well.
  
  When designing your hinged glass trapdoor, ask whether it can be made lockable. These doors often provide access to valuables. A lock can offer extra peace of mind.