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!
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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