Alaska Building Code for Glass Railing

Alaska has a building code referred to as the Alaska Building Code (ABC). This document contains safety regulations for construction projects all across the state.

It also has sections for glass railing design and installation, which is useful to homeowners and contractors. More specifically, it defines glass railing requirements, including glazing specifications, guardrail height details, and more.

This article should give you an overview of the ABC as it relates to the glass railings in Alaska.

What is the Alaska Building Code

The Alaska Building Code is a set of standards defining all construction and renovation projects in Alaska. It details occupancy classifications, fire safety requirements, building height, structural design, and more.

The active code used is the 2021 ABC and it came into effect on October 28, 2022. In addition, most sections of the building code are based on the 2021 International Building Code (IBC), which serves as a standard in the country.

The administration of the Alaska Building Code is carried out by the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation and the Alaska State Department of Public Safety. These bodies ensure all building projects, including glass railing system installation conform to local requirements.

For example, all construction work and installation must withstand the harsh and cold weather prevalent in Alaska.

The Alaska Seismic Hazards Safety Commission regularly recommends steps for improving and enforcing the building, ensuring buildings and installations are earthquake-resistant.

Functions of Glass Railings

Framed and frameless glass railings offer several benefits to building owners, which include the following.

• Properly installed glass railings can significantly enhance the aesthetics of any building. It improves the market value of homes and offices.
• Glass deck railings are easy to install and maintain.
• When used in balconies and other outdoor spaces, glass guardrails offer unobstructed views.

More importantly, glass railings are safe and serve as guardrails capable of protecting users from falling. However, these systems must conform to specific building safety compliance guidelines for protection.

Below are the essential safety regulations for glass railing systems in the Alaska Building Code.

• Ramps, mezzanines, balconies, stairways, porches, and other raised floor platforms must have glass railings or other guardrails if raised higher than 762 mm (30 inches) above adjacent walking surfaces.
• To prevent falling, Ramps and stairways with opensides not closed by walls must have railings.
• Glass railings should not allow the passage of objects that exceed 100 mm (4 inches) in diameter. This building safety regulation prevents young children from passing through guard railings.

Glass Railing System Specifications

Overall, the Alaska Building Code pays close attention to safety regulations for glass railing systems, which include glass panel type and guardrail height requirements. It also provides specific guidance for pool enclosures.

All these glass railing requirements are provided to protect lives and properties.

Glass Panel Types

Regular glass panels are unsuitable for use in guardrails. Here are the glass railing requirements for all glass panels used in railings.

• Glass panels of any color or shade can be used for glass deck railings and other platforms if they are free from visible and structural defects.
• The minimum allowable thickness for glazing is 12 mm (0.5 inches).
• Single fully tempered glass that complies with Class A of ANSI Z97.1 or Category II of CPSC 16 CFR Part 1201 can be used in glass railing systems.
• The preferred safety glazing is heat-strengthened or fully tempered glass that complies with the standards stated above.

Glass Railing Height Safety Regulations

The Alaska Building Code pays close attention to height requirements for buildings and installations, including glass railing systems. The height regulation is usually optimized to ensure functionality and building safety.

• The minimum height for framed and frameless glass railing systems in residential buildings is 914 mm (36 inches).
• The code requires commercial buildings to have glass railings with minimum heights of 1067 mm (42 inches).

Pool Fencing

Unlike other states, the Alaska Building Code does not have a provision for pool fencing. Nonetheless, pools in Alaska must conform to the Virginia Graeme Baker Federal Pool and Spa Safety Act.

Therefore, the act encourages the installation of fencing around above-ground and below-ground pools. For this reason, many states adopt a minimum height of 1219 mm (48 inches) for pool glass railing fencing.

Likewise, gates, covers, and alarms are used to limit access by unauthorized users and children. People who decide to use glass railings to enclose pools in Alaska must ensure guardrails conform to the glass panel and railing height requirements.

Considering the snowy weather in Alaska, the outdoor pool must also be fully enclosed to regulate temperature and protect users against environmental elements.

Tips for Glass Railing Maintenance in Alaska

Alaska has a unique environment that is mostly cold and covered with snow year-round. As such, maintenance of frameless glass railings and other guardrail systems is crucial.

Home and building owners must pay close attention to glass railings after installation. Here are some steps to ensure the functionality of glass railings.

• With mild soap and water, use a non-abrasive sponge or soft cloth to clean glazing and remove tough stains. In particular, quickly clean glass after a storm to remove chemicals or salt before they freeze.
• If your budget allows it, install a heating system that prevents ice from forming. Alternatively, you should have a broom or plastic shovel to remove snow that accumulates on frames and glazing.
• Regularly inspect glass panels and hardware for defects, corrosion, and loose glass railing hardware. Also, look out for worn-out sealants that allow moisture to seep between the glass and railing frame structure. Invite a glass installation professional once you identify a problem that can compromise user safety.
• Apply appropriate lubrication to gates and other movement parts of glass railings to ensure functionality when temperatures drop.
• Apply a high-quality hydrophilic coating that can repel ice, snow, and water.
• To prevent damage to systems, carefully remove snow from elevated surfaces close to glass railing systems.

Conclusion

The Alaska Building Code serves as the ultimate safety guide for construction work in Alaska. It is useful for contractors, ensuring all projects conform to local and national standards.

The ABC has a special section dedicated to glass railing system design and installation based on specific compliance guidelines, considering Alaska's susceptibility to earthquakes and heavy snowfall. As such, glass panel types and railing height must be resistant to these natural elements while ensuring user safety.

Although pool safety is crucial, the Alaska Building Code does not have pool enclosure safety regulations. However, federal regulation encourages pool fencing installation and the use of other safety regulations.

The maintenance tips highlighted above should keep glass railings functional and safe in the face of heavy snowfall and earthquakes.

FAQs for Alaska Building Code for Glass Railings

Does Alaska have building codes?

Alaska has a building code called the Alaska Building Code. This safety regulation is designed to withstand environmental and climatic challenges.

What is the ANSI code for glass?

The ANSI code is the American National Standard for safety glass panels used for construction work. Under the ANSI Z97.1, contractors are given testing methods and specifications that ensure the safety of glass railings and other glazing materials.

Where can I find local building codes?

Local building codes within Alaska provide additional guidance for construction work. You can find detailed information on websites for local governments or building regulatory agencies.