Alberta Building Code for Glass Railings

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) 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 12 mm (0.5 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 12 mm (0.5 inches) thick.