Alberta Building Code for Glass Railings
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The Alberta Building Code for glass railings defines safety regulations for the design, installation, use, and maintenance of glass railing systems. These guidelines are critical for ensuring the structural integrity and durability of traditional and frameless glass railings.
Furthermore, this code specifies glass and railing height requirements for elevated platforms, including ramps, balconies, decks, and other indoor and outdoor spaces. The Government of Alberta closely monitors the implementation of this document to ensure compliance with building safety.
As a result, this article presents the Alberta Building Code and how it defines compliance guidelines for glass guardrails. It also provides tips and measures to ensure the successful installation and use of glass railings.
Understanding the Alberta Building Code
The Alberta Building Code (ABC) is a document containing standards and rules that define building safety, accessibility, and sustainability. It guides homeowners, contractors, developers, and equipment installers during the design, construction, commissioning, and maintenance of buildings.
The ABC was first introduced in 1990. Since then, this code has been periodically reviewed by the Building Industry & Land Development Association Alberta and the Safety Codes Council.
In recent years, the Government of Alberta has periodically domesticated and adopted the National Building Code (NBC) of Canada. As such, Alberta uses the 2023 National Building Code - Alberta Edition - for construction and installation in this province.
Therefore, the Alberta Building Code has the same requirements as the NBC with just a few exceptions.
Specific functions of this code include providing details about construction methods, new materials, and relevant technology required for enhancing quality and building safety.
Where Glass Railing Systems are Required
Many surfaces that provide access to users, including ramps, flights of steps, porches, mezzanines, exterior landings, and galleries may require railing systems on at least one side with no wall protection. Below are details of these glass railing requirements.
- Platform at least 610 mm (24 inches) above the adjacent floor or walking surface requires guardrails.
- Guardrails or handrails are necessary for stairways with stair tops that reach 610 mm (24 inches) mm in height.
- Exterior stairs with more than 3 risers require guardrails or handrails.
Specific Regulations for Glass Railing System
The Alberta Building Code provides specific regulations for using glass railing systems in residential and public buildings. This code guides glass specification and railing height requirements.
Therefore, installers and developers must understand and implement these regulations when designing and installing glass guard railings.
Glass Specifications
The Alberta Building Code glass specifications specify the glass composition, height, color, quality, and thickness for railings systems as follows:
- Glass panels must be free from visible defects, including cracks and chips.
- Any color or shade of tempered and laminated glass panels must conform to CAN/CGSB-12.1 certification.
- Glass panels must have a thickness of at least 6 mm (0.2 inches).
- Except for industrial occupancies, there should be no openings between panels and the frame structure should be more than 100 mm (4 inches) in diameter.
Guardrail Height Requirements
The Alberta Building Code provides guardrail height requirements that ensure glass railings are safe and prevent users from falling over. Below are details homeowners and installers should know.
- Sides of stairs, ramps, balconies, mezzanines, and other spaces with no walls and are elevated 610 mm (24 inches) above the floor should have guardrails.
- All glass guardrails for residential, commercial, and public buildings must be at least 914 mm (36 inches) if the platform is less than 6 ft from the base level. Similarly, the glass railings for staircases must be the same height above the outer edge of each stair tread.
- Glass railings must be 1067 mm (42 inches) if the platform is more than 6 ft from the base level.
Pool Enclosure Specifications
All provinces within Canada have strict pool enclosure specifications. The Alberta Building Code is no exception to this rule.
As such, pool installation in this province cannot occur without one or more permits.
The ABC compliance guidelines specify the following regulations for pool enclosures.
- Enclosures must prevent access by unauthorized users.
- All enclosures for private pools must be at least 1800 mm (6 ft) higher than the outside ground level.
- All other pools must have an enclosure of 2000 mm (6 ft 7 inches).
- An opening into the enclosure must have a gate of the same height equipped with a self-closing latch.
- The self-closing latch inside the gate should not be below 1500 mm (59 inches) from the ground level.
- A fence may not be required if the portion of a swimming pool has a wall that is not less than 1800 mm (6 ft) and 2000 mm ( 6 ft 7 inches) for private and public pools, respectively.
Other Specifications
Other essential specifications to consider include:
- All guardrail systems, including frameless glass railings, must comply with concentrated load tests.
- Two railings are required for staircases wider than 1100 mm (43 inches). Therefore, all ramps must have 2 guardrails or handrails.
- The portion between 140 mm (5.5 inches) and 914 mm (36 inches) of a glass railing system must not be climbable.
Installation and Safety Considerations
A homeowner or contractor should consider several installation and safety tips before installing glass railing systems. Using these tips should easily adhere to the Alberta Building Code and minimize the likelihood of noncompliance.
Some of these considerations include:
- Only use certified glass railing installation contractors for installing residential and commercial guardrails.
- Only heat-strengthened laminated and tempered glass panels are used for frameless glass railing installations.
- Homeowners should not just buy outdoor pools without making provisions for enclosures and acquiring the necessary permits if the depth of the pool exceeds 610 mm (24 inches).
- Periodic guardrail inspections must be done to ensure the railing system and the glass panels are in good condition.
- Appropriate wall and adjustable connectors should be used to secure glass panels onto the railing system.
In Conclusion
The Alberta Building Code offers valuable guidance for the design and installation of frameless glass railings and glass railing systems. This regulation is currently based on the 2023 National Building Code of Canada.
It highlights spaces within residential, commercial, and public buildings that require guard rails. In addition, it guides the selection of glass panels and the design of the railing system to meet height and safety requirements.
The ABC provides detailed rules for the installation of private and public pools. Installation and safety considerations highlighted in this article should ease compliance with provisional guidelines.
FAQs for Alberta Building Code
What is the standard height of a glass railing in Alberta?
A balcony or deck elevated 610 mm (24 inches) above the floor must have guard railings of 914 mm (36 inches) if the platform is less than 6 ft. If the level exceeds 6 ft, the frameless glass railings or guardrails must be at least 1067 mm (42 inches).
What is the building code for railings in Alberta?
The Alberta Building Code is the guideline responsible for regulating railings in this province. In particular, this code is an adaptation of the 2023 National Building Code of Canada.
What is the minimum thickness for frameless glass railings in Alberta?
Alberta requires panels for frameless glass railings to be at least 6 mm (0.2 inches) thick.
Let customers speak for us
from 123 reviews![39.6" High Tempered Glass Panels 12mm (42" total height with spigot)](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0660/6143/5065/files/glass-railings_70x70.jpg?v=1720555928)
We are so pleased with the service of this company! We live 3 provinces away and the ordering and delivery both went smoothly. Everything came in a crate delivered right to our door with free shipping! All intact. Thank you so much. The quality appears great but I guess we will see when the rails are up and in place.🙂
![39.6" High Tempered Glass Panels 12mm (42" total height with spigot)](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0660/6143/5065/files/glass-railings_70x70.jpg?v=1720555928)
I shopped for quite a long time and search from website to website but they were the only one to have the measurements I needed
![39.6" High Tempered Glass Panels 12mm (42" total height with spigot)](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0660/6143/5065/files/glass-railings_70x70.jpg?v=1720555928)
I was hesitating between the glass railing store and invisirail but ultimately landed here because of better quality. Beautiful product, will buy again for other projects
![39.6" High Tempered Glass Panels 12mm (42" total height with spigot)](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0660/6143/5065/files/glass-railings_70x70.jpg?v=1720555928)
I'm so happy I found you guys because I was getting quotes for like $180 per linear foot which is crazy! I was able to install it with my son for half of that because of glass railing store. Thank you so much for all the help in crafting the project, I will be recommending you guys from now on
![6" Engineered Spigot](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0660/6143/5065/files/spigot-black-photo2_70x70.jpg?v=1719424498)
Beautiful job! Incredibly happy with your prompt delivery and beautifully finished glass, will definitely be using your services again. 5-Stars!
![46" High Tempered Glass Panels 12mm (48" total height with spigot)](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0660/6143/5065/files/IMG_6232-min_70x70.jpg?v=1720555981)
Very satisfied with my order, glass is thick and strong. I love how the corners are a little rounded, I didn't even know that was going to be the case
![39.6" High Tempered Glass Panels 12mm (42" total height with spigot)](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0660/6143/5065/files/glass-railings_70x70.jpg?v=1720555928)
good quality to price ratio, I recommend
![Sidemount Spigot](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0660/6143/5065/files/sidemount-black-2_70x70.jpg?v=1719427256)
Thank you so much to the team for delivering my glass railing! I am super grateful that I found you guys it just looks great! My husband installed it last night so I have a beautiful sunset picture for you guys to enjoy!
All my neighbours are going to order too, can I have a discount for referring
![Wall Connector](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0660/6143/5065/files/wallconnector-small-black_70x70.jpg?v=1719424615)
good
![6" Engineered Spigot](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0660/6143/5065/files/spigot-black-photo2_70x70.jpg?v=1719424498)
Just beautiful, will be ordering again for my son's house
![6" Engineered Spigot](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0660/6143/5065/files/spigot-black-photo2_70x70.jpg?v=1719424498)
I was a little skeptical at the beginning as I was worried that they may be cheap, but Marine in customer service assured me that they were good. They arrived last week and WOW they weight like 5 pounds each (of stainless steel!!) and come with adjustable screws (didn't even know)
The quality is amazing and I highly recommend them for hardware, this is really heavy duty stuff. I also like that they have a 10 year warranty on the rust, that we will have to wait 10 years to comment on but pretty good. Once again, thank you marine for assisting me
![Wall Connector](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0660/6143/5065/files/wallconnector-small-black_70x70.jpg?v=1719424615)
same review as the other connectors
I personally went with the big connectors as I have stronger winds coming from the lake, but I can see how someone may choose the smaller ones for less hardware.
I think the big ones offer more support
![33.6" High Tempered Glass Panels 12mm (36" total height with spigot)](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0660/6143/5065/files/DSC00851-rt-pre_2_-min_70x70.jpg?v=1720550258)
I had some doubts at the beginning as I have no clue how they ship glass, but everything arrives in a crate in great shape!
I mean look at that, definitely one of the most affordable options online too, especially compared with invisarail or like the home depot alternative.
Got the coupons too for an extra discount
![Hinge Kit (2 units)](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0660/6143/5065/files/hingekit-model2-black_70x70.jpg?v=1719424634)
Installation was a breeze. These hinges work perfectly.
Just don't forget to follow the instruction thing for the closing speed!
![90-Degree Gate Latch](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0660/6143/5065/files/90gatelatch-model1-black_70x70.jpg?v=1719424644)
So far so good, installation was pretty straight forward but I have been doing my concrete pouring too. Let's see how this holds up the next 20 years
![](http://glassrailingstore.com/cdn/shop/files/glass-railing-on-lake.jpg?v=1720276429&width=1500)
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