Georgia Building Code for Glass Railing

In this modern day, building safe and functional buildings is impossible without standard building codes, which serve as guides. As such, each state within the US has adopted its own set of standards based on federal guidance.

In Georgia, the Georgia Building Code provides detailed safety regulations for building owners, designers, contractors, and other people involved in construction. It has several sections that highlight glass railing requirements, ensuring the design and installation of user-friendly glass guardrails.

To achieve this, the building code defines glass railing height requirements and glazing type specifications. As such, this article presents essential information about the Georgia Building Code, what it says about glass guardrails and best practices in design and installation.

What is the Georgia Building Code

The Georgia Building Code is a combination of safety regulations and compliance guidelines used in the construction and renovation of buildings in the state. It is a statewide guidance adopted through the Georgia State Codes Advisory Committee and Georgia Department of Community Affairs Building Codes Division.

Officially named the Georgia State Minimum Standard Building Code, this building code came into effect on January 1, 2020. It is also based on the 2018 International Building Code (IBC).

Despite the existence of a statewide building code, municipalities and cities have the choice to adopt this guideline. However, any jurisdiction that adopts the Georgia Building Code uses the same code (2018 IBC) adopted at the state level.

Glass Railing System Overview

Glass railings come in different sizes, shapes, and designs. The systems can be classified into framed and frameless glass railings.

There are various modifications of glass guardrails, including semi-frameless and curved glass railings, to name a few. Many of these guardrail types significantly enhance indoor and outdoor spaces by achieving a sleek and minimalist outlook, which increases their popularity.

However, the primary function of glass railings remains the same, providing support and protection for users. To achieve this, all glass railing systems must conform to standard guardrail safety regulations.

Here are a few glass railing building safety compliance guidelines to consider.

• Elevated indoor and outdoor platforms like decks, balconies, stairways, and similar spaces require railings if they are raised more than 762 mm (30 inches) above the adjacent walking floor.
• Glass deck railings and other guardrails protecting elevated platforms must not allow passage of spherical bodies with a diameter wider than 100 mm (4 inches).
• The railing structure must be capable of withstanding a minimum point load without failing.

All these safety regulations are put in place to safeguard lives and properties while protecting the building owner and contractor from legal liability when an accident occurs.

Glass Railing System Requirements

The design and installation of glass railing systems is not an arbitrary process. It involves careful consideration of railing requirements as stipulated in the Georgia Building Code.

In general, the glass railing requirements include glass panel and railing specifications, which form the basic details for the design.

On the other hand, these two requirements are considered when designing and installing glass railing enclosures for pools, spas, and hot tubs.

Glass Panel Specifications

When designing glass railing systems, the type and quality of glass panels matter a lot, especially when dealing with frameless guardrails. As such, the Georgia Building Code has highlighted specific safety regulations, ensuring only the right glass panel type is used in all guard railing system types.

• There is no requirement for glass panel color or shade if it is free of physical and structural defects.
• The building code mandates the use of laminated glass made of fully heat-strengthened or tempered glass, which complies with Class A of ANSI Z97.1 or Category II of CPSC 16 CFR Part 1201 standard.
• The building code allows the use of a single fully tempered glass that conforms to either of the earlier mentioned standards when a guardrail is located where falling glass does not pose any risk to users.
• Glass panels used in railings must be at least 12 mm (0.5 inches) thick or higher.

Glass Railing System Height Specifications

The height of glass guardrails for porches, terraces, mezzanines, and other elevated platforms matters when considering safety regulations. The open sides to such platforms, which are guarded with shorter than required guardrails, pose a significant risk to users who may easily trip and fall over railings.

To prevent such accidents, the Georgia Building Code requires glass railings to have the following height requirements.

• Glass railing systems that are 864 mm (34 inches) and 914 mm (36 inches) are allowed in individual dwellings and three-story buildings, respectively.
• 1067 mm (42 inches) is the minimum height requirement for all glass railings for commercial and public buildings.

Glass Pool Enclosures

Enclosing pools, spas, hot tubs, and other water bodies is a critical safety regulation that saves lives. It prevents unauthorized access to the swimming area.

It also prevents small children from crawling into pool areas, minimizing the risk of accidental drowning. As such, building owners who install glass railings to enclosure pools and similar structures should use the following compliance guidelines.

• Above-ground and underground pools and similar structures that reach a specific depth require guard railings.
• Glass guardrail pool fencing must be at least 1219 mm (48 inches) high and completely enclose a pool.
• A wall or a building can form parts of a pool’s enclosure. However, all doors and windows that open into the enclosure must always be locked and equipped with appropriate alarm systems.
• Glass railing pool enclosures must have at least one gate with the same height as the fencing. All gates must be equipped with self-closing and self-latching devices.
• There must be no opening below the fence or within it that can allow passage of a 10 mm (4 inches) wide object.

Glass Railing Installation Best Practices

The Georgia Building Code provides homeowners and contractors with details of best practices for glass railing installation. Highlighted below are essential steps DIYers and professionals should take before and during the installation of framed and frameless glass railings.

• It would be helpful to learn about local building codes before you start any glass railing installation, considering different counties may or may not have adopted the statewide building code.
• Ensure you speak to local authorities or professionals about safety regulations before you start an installation.
• Only use building code-compliant glass panels and support structures for all glass railing system installations.
• Use the right tools for each installation step to get the best result.
• Perform all necessary safety tests and checks before commissioning any glass railing project.

Conclusion

The Georgia Building Code is helpful to building owners and contractors by highlighting building safety regulations. Based on the 2018 IBC, this building code provides statewide compliance guidelines for municipalities and cities that choose to adopt it.

This code has specific sections dedicated to glass railing requirements, highlighting the minimum elevation that necessitates guard railing installation. It also provides detailed information about glass panel requirements, railing height specifications, and pool enclosure boundaries.

To have functional and safe framed and frameless glass railings, DIYers and professional installers should adhere to the glass railing installation best practices inferred by the Georgia Building Code.

FAQs for Georgia Building Code for Glass Railings

What are the requirements for a pool fence in Georgia?

Private pools and similar structures require 1219 mm (48 inches) high enclosures that protect the entire swimming area.

What is the code for railings in Georgia?

Railings must be installed on elevated platforms more than 762 mm (30 inches) above the adjacent walking floor.

What's the difference between glass and tempered glass?

Tempered glass is stronger than ordinary glass by a factor of at least 4. In addition, the tempered glass breaks into harmless smaller pieces when it shatters, making it safer than regular glazing.