Delaware Building Code for Glass Railing

Glass Railing Systems

The Delaware Building Code is an instrumental tool in the construction industry within the state. It provides detailed safety regulations for projects in Delaware.

This building code also has sections for guardrails, including glass railing systems. In particular, it highlights building safety compliance guidelines for glass railing height, glass panel specifications, and swimming pool enclosure details.

Therefore, this article should highlight information about the Delaware Building Code, which defines glass railing design and installation. Keep reading to learn more!

What is the Delaware Building Code

Glass Guardrail

The Delaware Building Code is a safety regulation for the state's new and renovation construction jobs. It specifies design and construction guidelines to ensure the safety of indoor and outdoor spaces.

Effective April 1, 2021, the state decided to adopt the 2018 International Building Code (IBC) as the base code in Delaware. However, similar to Connecticut and Colorado, building code review and adoption takes place at the municipal and county level with appropriate reviews and amendments.

In that regard, the 2018 IBC is widely used within the state, with a few exceptions. Since then, several amendments have been made at state, municipal, and county levels.

The function of Glass Railing Systems

Frameless Glass Railing

The popularity of glass railing systems is rapidly increasing as more residential, public, and commercial buildings use these guardrails for indoor and outdoor spaces. Many building owners and contractors use framed and frameless glass railings due to the sleek and minimalist finish they offer.

Furthermore, these systems perform the same function as traditional guard railings by supporting and preventing people from falling off platforms. To maintain these safety regulations, the Delaware Building Code highlights the following basic standards that protect lives and properties.

  • Balconies, terraces, stairways, porches, and other raised indoor and outdoor spaces must have guardrails if they are elevated more than 762 mm (30 inches) higher than the adjacent floor. This minimum high requirement has been determined based on research.
  • Glass deck railings and conventional guardrails cannot have openings wider than 100 mm (4 inches). This guardrail regulation is put in place to prevent children from passing through.

Glass Railing Requirements for Delaware Building Code

Pool Glass Railing

Although each municipal and county may have a slightly difference building code, the basic glass railing requirements generally remain the same. Railing system height and glass panel specification are always considered when designing and installing glass railing systems, especially frameless glass railings.

In addition, significant attention is given to glass pool enclosures, which limit the number of swimming-related accidents in residential areas.

Glass Railing Height

The open sides of balconies, stairways, ramps, porches, and other elevated platforms that meet the minimum height requirement of more than 762 mm (30 inches) must have glass railing or equivalent guardrails. The Delaware Building Code requires these indoor and outdoor spaces to have glass railings with a minimum height of 914 mm (36 inches) in some building types.

However, the standard height glass guardrail requirement for residential, commercial, and public buildings is 1067 mm (42 inches). Failure to adhere to these glass railing height requirements can lead to legal action, especially when people fall or get injuries when accessing non-compliant residential or public spaces.

Glass Panel Requirements

Using the right glass panel is crucial for the safety of glass guardrails. As such, the Delaware Building Code provides basic building safety compliance guidelines that define glass panel selection.

Therefore, glazing used in guard railings should conform to the following glass railing requirements.

  • Glass panels used for guardrails must have a minimum thickness of 12 mm (0.5 inches). However, a higher thickness requirement may be needed depending on the guardrail's purpose.
  • Glass panels must be laminated glass made of fully tempered or heat-strengthened glass and comply with Category II or CPSC 16 CFR Part 1201 or Class A of ANSI Z97.1. Similarly, glazing used in guardrails with in-fill panels must conform to the same specification.
  • A single fully tempered glass complying with the above-mentioned standard can be used if a railing system is located above an area with no walking surface or the location beneath cannot be affected by falling glass.
  • Glass panels with visible cracks or chips cannot be used in railings. However, there is no restriction on the color or shading of glazing.

Pool Glass Fencing

The Delaware Building Code requires swimming pools and other outdoor water bodies to be enclosed if their depths exceed 610 mm (24 inches). This regulation applies to traditional guardrails and glass railing systems.

It is put in place to prevent children and unauthorized individuals from accessing swimming areas, which minimizes the likelihood of accidental drowning. Although each municipality and county adopts its building code, here are some basic glass railing requirements for pool enclosures across Delaware.

  • Glass railing pool fencing must have a minimum height of 1219 mm (48 inches). In some cases, municipalities or counties recommend railings to be 1829 mm (72 inches).
  • If a wall forms part of the enclosure, doors and windows must remain closed and equipped with alarm systems.
  • Self-latching and self-closing devices must be installed on all gates leading into the pool areas. Similarly, all gates must be of the same height as the pool enclosure and open into the area.
  • The thickness of the glass panel used for the pool enclosure must be at least 12 mm (0.4 inches) thick or higher.

The installation of enclosures for in-ground and above-ground pools, spas, and hot tubs cannot proceed without a permit if the depth exceeds 610 mm (24 inches).

Maintaining Frameless Glass Railings in Delaware

Glass Railing Maintenance

Appropriate maintenance of frameless glass railings in Delaware allows these systems to remain functional and aesthetically pleasing for a long time. Maintaining these guardrails based on standard practice is critical, considering extreme weather events like tornadoes and cyclones occur in this state.

Following the steps below should keep guardrail systems safe, durable, and compliant with the Delaware Building Code.

  • Glass panels should be regularly cleaned with glass cleaner or mild detergent as it removes fingerprints, smudges, and most dirt types.
  • Building owners or caretakers should periodically inspect metal components like clams, brackets, and other glass railing hardware for looseness, rust, and corrosion.
  • Since Delaware is a humid environment, appropriate drainage systems must be in place to minimize water damage at the base of glass railing systems.
  • In coastal areas, anti-corrosion treatments should be applied to metal parts, limiting the negative effect of salt.

Conclusion

The Delaware Building Code is useful in the construction of residential, commercial, and public buildings. Based on the 2018 IBC, this building code is adopted, reviewed, and localized across different municipalities and counties in the state.

It also has special sections dedicated to glass railing requirements, ensuring adherence to building safety compliance guidelines. Glass railing height, glass panel specifications, and pool enclosure requirements are the basis for railing design and installation.

Furthermore, effective maintenance of framed and frameless glass railings allows these systems to remain functional and aesthetically pleasing throughout their lifespan.

FAQs for Delaware Building Code for Glass Railings

Do glass railings need to be tempered?

Most building codes require the use of tempered glass panels for railing systems. In some cases, laminated tempered glass panels can offer extra protection against broken glass. However, although not as strong, heat-strengthened glazing is also acceptable in most building codes.

How safe are glass railings?

Glass railing systems, including frameless glass railings, are safe for use on decks, rooftops, and other elevated platforms. However, the minimum standard requirements for glass panel and railing height specification must be achieved to ensure safety.

What is the regulation for railings?

Railings are required for a platform elevated 762 mm (30 inches) higher than the adjacent walking floor. In addition, all guard railings must not have openings wider than 100 mm (4 inches) except when used in industrial buildings.

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