Arkansas Building Code for Glass Railing

The Arkansas Building Code is the construction manual in Arkansas State. It provides engineers, architects, and designers with safety regulations and compliance guidelines required to develop safe and functional homes, offices, and public buildings.

This code also encompasses standards for glass railing design and installation, ensuring functionality and building safety without diminishing aesthetics. To achieve this, the building code guides guardrail height and glass panel quality.

Reading this article should help you understand the Arkansas Building Code as it relates to framed and frameless glass railings.

What is the Arkansas Building Code

The Arkansas Building Code is a state-wide regulation specifying safety standards for structures and building construction. It also provides compliance guidelines for structural design, building height, occupancy classification, fire safety, and more.

The current building code used in the state came into effect on January 1, 2023, and is officially titled the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code Volume II. It is based on the 2021 International Building Code (IBC) with a few additions and amendments specific to the state, superseding the 2012 IBC initially adopted in Arkansas.

The review and adoption of the Arkansas Building Code is periodically carried out by the Arkansas Energy Office (part of the Department of Environment Quality), Arkansas Energy Office, Arkansas Department of Health, and the Arkansas State Fire Marshal’s office. Periodic review and inclusion of the latest safety regulations in the state building code offer several benefits, including the following.

• It enhances building safety by adopting relevant safety regulations that minimize the likelihood of structural collapses, structural failures, electrical risks, fire hazards, and other dangers.
• It improves efficiency in the use of buildings and energy, which increases accessibility and conservation of energy.
• It ensures all buildings have similar standards, which streamlines construction work, maintaining a minimum set of safety regulations.
• It makes the building capable of withstanding daily use and prevailing natural disasters.

The periodic review of the Arkansas Building Code also has an impact on the design and installation of glass railing systems used across the state.

Where Glass Railings are Installed

Glass deck railings and other glass guardrails can be used in all locations requiring guard railings. As such, you can install appropriate framed and frameless glass railings in balconies, ramps, stairways, patios, landings, terraces, and other elevated platforms.

Glass railings can enhance the aesthetics of buildings. They transform spaces while offering the same level of safety as traditional railings with fewer maintenance requirements.

Building owners who install glass railings must do so based on the following safety regulations.

• Raised or elevated indoor and outdoor spaces that are 762 mm (30 inches) above the floor must have glass guard railings.
• To prevent kids from falling over, the glass guardrails used for these platforms must not allow passage of a spherical body with a diameter of more than 100 mm (4 inches).

Glass Railing Requirements

The Arkansas Building Code specifies minimum glass railing requirements that ensure the safe use of guardrails all across the state. These building safety regulations define glass railing height and glass panel compliance guidelines.

In addition, this code gives guidance in creating safe and effective enclosures for swimming pools, spas, and other recreational water bodies.

Glass Guardrail Height Requirements

Glass railing height is optimized to ease use and ensure the safety of users. Therefore, the following height safety regulations are adopted in the Arkansas Building Code.

• All glass railing must be at least 914 mm (36 inches) high on the opensides of porches, landings, balconies, and similar platforms.
• Raised platforms with heavy foot traffic like schools, offices, and other public buildings are encouraged to use glass guardrails that are 1067 mm (42 inches) high.

Glass Panel Quality Requirements

The quality of glass panels is not taken for granted in the Arkansas Building Code. As such, glass panels used in guardrails must adhere to the following safety regulations.

• All glass panels used must be at least 6 mm (0.2 inches) thick. Frameless glass railing usually has a higher thickness requirement, which can start at 12 mm (0.5 inches).
• Glazing can be of any color but free from visible and hidden defects.
• Heat-strengthened or fully tempered glass panels that comply with Class A of ANSI Z97.1 or Category II of CPSC 16 CFR Part 1201 standard are preferred.
• Single fully tempered glass panels that comply with the same standards are acceptable.

Pool Enclosures

Pool enclosures are widely adopted across most American states with a few exceptions. They are designed to limit access to swimming pools by small children and unauthorized individuals.

The Arkansas Department of Health does not regulate pools used in residential buildings. However, local laws across the state have pool enclosure safety requirements.

• All pool glass railings must have a minimum height of 1219 mm (48 inches). However, many municipalities recommend pool enclosures to be 1524 mm (60 inches) high or higher.
• Glass guardrail must not allow openings wider than 100 mm (4 inches).
• When a building serves as part of the pool enclosure, alarms must be attached to windows and doors.
• All gates that lead directly into the pool area must have self-latching and self-closing devices installed beyond the reach of kids.

Maintaining Glass Railings

Installing glass railings is a huge investment, especially if you have a big home or office. As such, you must maintain these systems in good condition.

Here are some maintenance tips you should consider using.

• Clean framed and frameless glass railings with a soft cloth at least once a month using warm water. Doing this prevents the accumulation of hard-to-remove stains.
• Avoid using hard chemicals that promise to remove tough stains. Instead, use vinegar with an appropriate water level.
• Pay attention to metal frames, which can easily rust due to humidity. You can use rust-resistant polish or coating to protect components from corrosion.
• Perform regular inspections and stability tests. Once you detect a problem, promptly take action to prevent falls and other accidents.

Conclusion

The Arkansas Building Code is a useful tool for construction and renovation work in the state. Based on the IBC, it is regularly reviewed and updated by a handful of state agencies.

This code has a special section for all glass railing systems, providing building compliance guidelines for glass panel selection and guardrail height requirements. Together with local laws, this building code provides safety regulations for swimming pool enclosures.

Adhering to the maintenance tips highlighted in this article should keep glass railing systems safe for users and in good working condition.

FAQs for Arkansas Building Code for Glass Railings

What building code is used in Arkansas?

Arkansas uses the Arkansas Building Code as the standard for construction, which is based on the International Building Code. The 2021 version of the IBC is currently adopted in the state with some amendments and additions.

Are there building codes in rural Arkansas?

The Arkansas Building Code applies statewide, including unincorporated and rural areas.

What requires a building permit in Arkansas?

Permits are required for all new and renovation works in Arkansas, including for glass railing system installations.