Minnesota Building Code for Glass Railing

The Minnesota Building Code is the most crucial documentation in the Minnesota building industry. It guides renovation and new construction work, including glass railing installation.

This guideline provides specific glass railing requirements, which include glass panel and railing height specifications. It also highlights essential safety regulations for frameless glass railings when used as pool enclosures.

Reading this article should help you understand the Minnesota Building Code for glass railing and why it is essential for user safety.

What is the Minnesota Building Code

The Minnesota Building Code is a set of safety regulations that define all construction work within the state. The 2020 version of the Minnesota Building Code, which is based on the 2018 International Building Code (IBC), has been in use in the state since March 31, 2020.

This building code is managed and adopted by the Construction Codes & Licensing Division (CCLD), which is under the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). This division is expected to adopt appropriate updates to the code by 2026, in line with the state legislation.

Frameless Glass Railing Overview

Frameless glass railings are currently in vogue as most new and renovation projects adopt these guardrail types. These systems are safe and offer various advantages, including sleek aesthetics, minimalist finish, and an appearance of more space.

Glass railings also reduce the need for daytime use of artificial lighting. On the other hand, these guardrails increase users’ view when used outdoors.

Framed and frameless glass railings are used based on specific safety regulations in the Minnesota Building Code. Some of these building safety compliance guidelines include the following.

• Elevated platforms raised over 762 mm (30 inches) from the adjacent walking space require guardrails. This requirement is not needed on loading docks, stages, and similar platforms.
• Except in industrial occupancies, frameless glass railings and other equivalent guardrails must not have openings wider than 100 mm (4 inches).

Frameless Glass Railing Requirements

Frameless glass railing requirements ensure the safe and functional use of elevated platforms. As such, the Minnesota Building Code requires specific building safety compliance guidelines, which include glass panel and railing height requirements.

Glass Panel Requirements

The glass panel requirements contribute to the overall strength of frameless glass railings. As such, a specific glazing type must be used.

Here are the requirements for glass panels as stated in the state’s building code.

• Glass type suitable for frameless railings is heat-strengthened or fully tempered glass, which complies with Class A of ANSI Z97.1 or Category II of CPSC 16 CFR Part 1201 standard.
• Single fully tempered glazing may be used in locations where broken glass cannot harm users.
• The minimum thickness for glass panels used for frameless glass railings is 12 mm (0.5 inches).
• There is no restriction on the tint, shade, or color of a glass panel as long as it is free of visible defects.

Guardrail Height Requirements

For a frameless glass system to meet the required safety standards, it must conform to specific height specifications. The height requirement is put in place by the Minnesota Building Code to prevent users from falling off.

Here are some frameless glass railing height specifications to consider.

• Frameless glass railing systems must be at least 1067 mm (42 inches) high when used in public, commercial, or residential buildings.
• Glass railings that are 914 mm (36 inches) high are allowed in some individual dwelling homes under the groups R-2 and R-3 of the building code.

Pool Enclosure Safety Regulations

Like most regulations around the country, the Minnesota Building Code mandates specific safety regulations for swimming pools and similar water bodies. These recreational water bodies require frameless glass railings or equivalent enclosures if the depth exceeds 610 mm (24 inches).

Over-ground and underground pools must have enclosures with the following safety regulations.

• Frameless glass railings that enclose pools, hot tubs, and spas should be at least 1219 mm (48 inches).
• Openings that lead into swimming areas must have gates equipped with self-latching and self-closing devices.
• Glass railing must not have openings that are wider than 100 mm (4 inches) or higher.
• The thickness of glass panels used in swimming areas should be at least 12 mm (0.5 inches).
• No one, including the owner, can use a pool that does not comply with the stated enclosure glass railing requirements.

Local Considerations and Amendments

The Minnesota Building Code offers building owners and contractors general safety regulations that protect users from hazards. However, county and city considerations and amendments exist, which add or remove from the requirements covered by the state code.

For instance, St. Paul and Minneapolis tend to have compliance guidelines that require the placement of visual markers on framed and frameless glass railings when used in high-rise buildings and public spaces. In addition, contractors working in some communities should check with local property managers to ensure glass railings conform with homeowners’ associations' policies, which specify community guidelines for outdoor modifications.

In addition, all designs and modifications should pass through local officials, which minimizes the likelihood of future amendments.

Building Code Compliance Tips

Complying with the Minnesota Building Code is easy if you are familiar with the code. However, many DIYers may fall into common pitfalls, leading to building code violations.

Here are some problems you would want to avoid:

• Ensure you use laminated or tempered glass panels for glass railing design and installation. Using other glazing types can prevent you from getting a permit as it endangers lives.
• Avoid using improper anchoring, especially when installing frameless glass railings. Although it may be tempting, do not use an anchoring system meant for framed guardrails on frameless glass railings.
• The effect of climate should be considered, especially when installing guardrails in locations with extreme weather systems. Therefore, installers should consider the possibility of loose supports or stress fractures when the system expands or contracts.
• Only purchase glass panels and anchoring materials from certified vendors with a good understanding of the Minnesota Building Code and state climate.

Conclusion

Safe construction of buildings in Minnesota requires the use of the Minnesota Building Code. This document provides detailed safety regulations covering all construction work, including frameless glass railing design and installation.

As such, this document specifies glass railing requirements, which highlight glass panel and railing height specifications. It also has a special section for using frameless glass railings for pool enclosures.

To ensure the safety and functional use of frameless glass railings, local considerations and amendments should be considered. Likewise, the building compliance tips highlighted can prevent unnecessary problems during and after installation.

FAQs for Minnesota Building Code for Glass Railing

What is the building code for deck railings in Minnesota?

Glass deck railings elevated more than 762 mm (30 inches) above the ground must have frameless glass railings or equivalent. However, the minimum height of the guardrail may vary from 914 mm (36 inches) to 1067 mm (42 inches) depending on the building type.

What is the minimum gap allowed for railings?

Guardrails should not have gaps or openings that are wider than 100 mm (4 inches) except in industrial occupancies.

What glass panels can be used for frameless glass railings?

Fully tempered or laminated glass panels are required for frameless glass railings.