California Building Standards Code for Glass Railings

The California Building Standards Code (CBSC) is a useful tool in the construction industry in California. It guides renovations and new construction to ensure safety and functionality.

This code is also essential for detailing the design and installation of glass railing systems necessary for building safety while maintaining functionality and aesthetic appeal. To achieve this, this documentation defines specific compliance guidelines, including glass railing system height, glass specifications, and pool enclosure requirements.

Read this article to learn more!

What is the California Building Standards Code

The California Building Standards Code is the regulation that governs all construction work in California. Also known as Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, the 2022 CBSC came into effect on January 1^st, 2023, based on the International Building Code (IBC) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requirements.

Although emergency supplements for this code are released when required, the California Building Standards Code is updated every 3 years to ensure compliance with state, national, and universal safety regulations.

The CBSC has several functions, which include:

• Its primary function is to protect lives and properties.
• It ensures the adoption of a national consensus for functionality and safety for new and remodeling projects.
• This code allows designers, architects, and engineers to implement efficient yet creative designs while maintaining building safety.
• It supports the implementation of newer and better technologies that ease construction methods and safety.

These functions of the California Building Standards Code highlighted above also apply to its use in the design and installation of glass railings.

Functions of Glass Railing Systems

Glass railings systems function as guardrails in private, commercial, and public buildings. As such, using a framed or frameless glass railing not only improves aesthetics but promotes building safety.

Glass railing requirements across the state require elevated platforms within and outside buildings to have guard railings protecting balconies, stairways, ramps, mezzanines, and other elevated surfaces. Below are the basic glass railing requirements for all buildings in California.

• Guard railings are required for ramps, landings, balconies, and other elevations that rise 762 mm (30 inches) more than the adjacent surface.
• Frameless glass railings and other glass guard rails must be capable of withstanding 50 lbs per linear foot load and a single concentrated load of 200 lbs applied at any point and in any direction.
• Glass railing systems and other glass guardrails should have openings not exceeding 100 mm (4 inches) in diameter.
• Glass railing systems can allow the passage of a sphere less than 534 mm (21 inches) for appliances requiring service or roof hatch openings, located 10 ft of an open side or roof edge of a walking surface, with the open side or roof edge located more than 762 mm (30 inches) above the grade, roof, or floor.

Unlike other states, California strictly enforces these glass railing requirements in private, commercial, and public buildings.

What is the California Glass Guardrail Compliance Guideline

The California Building Standards Code for glass railings provides detailed information about railing system height and glass panel requirements. It also offers detailed guidelines for pool fencing, which safeguards lives.

These details ensure safety without compromising functionality and aesthetics.

Glass Railing Height Requirements

Glass deck railings and other guards are required for platforms that rise 762 mm (30 inches) above the grade or floor. Other critical height requirements to consider include:

• Guardrails for frameless railings used for the open side of stairs should be at least 864 mm (34 inches) high from the treads’ leading edge. Similarly, the same height for framed guard railings from the guard’s top must not be less than 864 mm (34 inches) and should not exceed 965 mm (38 inches).
• Glass railings for balconies, decks, and other elevated surfaces in residential, commercial, and public spaces must be at least 1067 mm (42 inches) high from the adjacent floor.

Glass Railing Panel Requirements

To adhere to safety regulations, the California Building Standards Code requires glass railing panels to be of a specific type, quality, and thickness.

• The minimum allowable thickness for any glass railing panel is 6 mm (0.2 inches). Depending on the glass guardrail function, glazing thickness requirements can reach 16 mm (0.6 inches).
• Category II of CPSC 16 CFR Part 1201 or Class A of ANSI Z97 fully compliant laminated tempered or heat-strengthened glass should be used in glass railing systems.
• Colored or shaded glasses can be used in guardrails as long as they are free from visible imperfections like cracks and chips.

It is worth knowing that guardrails with structural glass baluster panels require a handrail or top rail attached to the system. However, handrails and top rails become optional when laminated glass is used.

Pool Fencing

The California Building Standards Code requires remodeled or new pools and spas to have a fence with the following requirements.

• A glass railing system enclosure used for a pool must be at least 1524 mm (60 inches) high, completely enclosing and isolating the pool from buildings.
• The fencing should have a self-latching and self-closing gate. In addition, the latch should also be 1524 mm (60 inches) high above the ground level.
• To prevent children from passing through the fencing, no glass guardrail enclosure should have an opening more than 100 mm (4 inches) in diameter.

Removable mesh fencing can be used to secure pools, spas, and other qualified water bodies. Despite the presence of an enclosure, pools and spas require either a self-locking or an approved cover.

Maintaining Glass Deck Railings

Having a maintenance process is crucial for keeping your glass deck railings and other guardrails in excellent working condition. Here are some easy tips to consider:

• Ensure no gaps exist within glass guardrails, especially on platforms higher than 1 story and pool enclosures. Doing this helps prevent small children from falling from high platforms or drowning by crawling into swimming areas.
• Regularly check entire lengths of glass railings for loose parts, breaks, and cracks. Ensure problems are fixed immediately to guarantee building safety.
• Closely inspect fittings for fading, rust, and other signs of wear. Seeing any of these should fast-track the need for maintenance.

Conclusion

The California Building Standards Code guides construction and remodeling projects, including glass railing design and installation across the state. Based on the International Building Code (IBC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), this code contains safety regulations that protect building users.

It details glass railing compliance guidelines, specifying glass railing systems function, height requirements, glass panel specifications, and more. It provides safety guidance for homeowners with pools and spas.

Adhering to the maintenance tips presented in this article should prevent accidents and keep glass guardrails in good working condition.

California Building Standards Code for Glass Railings FAQs

What is the code for glass railings in California?

Glass guardrails for stairways must be between 864 mm (34 inches) and 965 mm (38 inches) in height. Likewise, all other glass barriers must be a minimum of 1067 mm (42 inches) high.

Where is tempered glass required in California?

The California Building Standards Code requires the use of laminated tempered glass or heat-strengthened for most glazing requirements, including glass railing systems. Therefore, the glass in guardrails must comply with Category II of CPSC 16 CFR Part 1201 or Class A of ANSI Z97.

What are the Title 24 building standards in California?

Title 24 California Building Standards Code comprises several building requirements, including construction, maintenance, remodeling, energy conservations, and services.