Glass Railing: Building Code Considerations

Glass railings lend an effortlessly modern visual appeal to both exteriors and interiors. However, glass railing code requirements need to be met in order to comply with safety guidelines and earn inspection approval.

No matter the material you choose, a railing that is not to code presents safety issues and will result in costly construction delays and the need for reinstallation. Decisions about aesthetics or cost-effectiveness, from glass material choice to the inclusion of a top hand rail, have significant impact on safety guidelines and installation. Beyond coding, substandard railing construction can also lead to unsightly imperfections and inconsistencies that diminish the quality of its overall appearance.

In this post we will list some of the codes you’ll need to consider for your glass railing project to ensure you get the most value from your railing installation.

Requirements to be aware of

When choosing a glass railing system always compare its specifications against standard glass railing code requirements. Here are some some key code considerations to be aware of:

International Building Code (IBC) — The International Building Code is considered a foundational building safety standard by governments and regulators around the globe. Known for balancing safety with ease of use, the IBC is a base level of protection that architects and contractors should adhere to in order to ensure public wellbeing.

The IBC is revised every three years. It’s important to note that not all cities or counties utilize the most recent version of IBC — some still use previous versions.

The 2018 IBC railing requirements state that fully tempered or heat strengthened laminated glass is needed over walkways or anywhere that falling glass could potentially harm individuals. Monolithic tempered glass is only allowed where the walking surface is protected from the risk of falling glass. Overlooking this guideline could lead to a costly rebuild that would impact timelines and cut into profit margins.

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) — Railing height and design are important for meeting basic safety standards set by the NFPA. While many of the standards set by the NFPA aren’t related to fire safety per se, they’re nonetheless vital to preventing falls and other safety hazards.

Accessibility considerations (ADA and ABA) — Glass railings aren’t just aesthetic choices. They’re also functional architectural elements that serve a practical purpose for people with disabilities.

There is an entire section in the ADA guidelines dedicated to ADA compliance for stairways and railings. For facilities like post offices that are built using federal funds, additional guidelines in the Architectural Barriers Act also ensure standards for accessibility related to stairways, mezzanines, and other structures that may have glass railing.

Accessibility is a quality of life factor for disabled people, so adherence to these guidelines is both very important and closely monitored. If you’re unsure about ADA compliance, consult with an experienced professional.