Hawaii Building Code for Glass Railing

The Hawaii Building Code for glass railings helps homeowners and designers design and assemble safe and functional guardrails. It achieves this through the adoption of universal and location-specific glass railing requirements.

The fundamental frameless glass railing requirements include glass panel types and guardrail height. This article presents essential details on the Hawaii Building Code and its relationship to the International Building Code (IBC).

It specifies critical glass railing compliance guidelines that homeowners and designers should know. Finally, you will learn essential safety and maintenance tips to keep your railing systems functional.

What is the Hawaii Building Code

The Hawaii Building Code provides safety regulations that ensure the construction of safe and functional buildings in Hawaii. This code highlights statewide guidance with the option for amendment by municipalities and counties.

This building code is officially referred to as the Hawaii State Building Code. The officially recognized version of this code is based on the 2018 International Building Code (IBC).

It was adopted on April 20, 2021, by the State Building Code Council, which is responsible for reviewing and updating the state building code. However, building code amendments in Hawaii have been suspended by the Governor’s proclamation on affordable housing.

Although the 2021 IBC has become part of the state’s building code, amendments are required by the State Building Code Council before its adoption, keeping the 2018 Hawaii Building Code the substantive state code. When the 2021 IBC or a new version is eventually adopted, all jurisdictions within the state have the option of amending and adopting the code based on local requirements.

The state-adopted building code becomes the default building code for counties that exceed the 2-year duration for amendment and adoption until they can localize their version of the building code.

Frameless Glass Railing Function

Frameless glass railings provide the same function as framed glass systems and traditional guardrails covering the opensides of balconies, decks, patios, and other elevated platforms. Therefore, these guardrails offer support and prevent users from falling off raised surfaces.

Beyond all these, frameless glass railings provide a different look than other guardrails by offering a minimalist and sleek outlook, making it a popular option among designers and homeowners. In addition, this glass railing system has a unique way of expanding spaces by admitting more light due to fewer obstacles.

Although different, frameless glass railings adhere to the following Hawaii Building Code glass railing requirements.

• Glass railings are required for stairways, ramps, balconies, and other raised platforms elevated higher than 762 mm (30 inches).
• Glass deck railings should not have openings that can pass objects with diameters that are more than 100 mm (4 inches).

Glass Guard Railing Specifications

The Hawaii Building Code provides strict compliance guidelines for glass railing system design and installation, which ensures building safety. To ensure user safety, the code highlights railing height and glass panel specifications that minimize the likelihood of injuries.

It also provides guidance for using frameless glass railings as enclosures for pools, spas, and hot tubs.

Guardrail Height

Glass railings used for mezzanines, balconies, terraces, and other platforms must reach a minimum height requirement to conform with the safety regulations highlighted in the Hawaii Building Code. Failure to meet this basic specification can lead to accidents, injuries, and unwanted legal action.

To prevent this from happening, building owners and glass railing installers should stick to the following guardrail height specifications.

• The standard height for glass railings in public and commercial buildings is 1067 mm (42 inches).
• However, three-story buildings and individual dwelling units are allowed to have glass guardrails with minimum heights of 914 mm (36 inches) and 864 mm (34 inches), respectively.

Glass Panel Requirements

The glass panel type used for frameless glass railings is crucial to the guardrail stability. As such, the Hawaii Building Code requires strict adherence to the following glazing compliance guidelines.

• Glass panel thickness should be a minimum of 12 mm (0.5 inches) for frameless systems.
• Railings with glazing should have laminated glass composed of fully tempered or heat-strengthened glass that complies with Category II of CPSC 16 CFR Part 1201 or Class A of ANSI Z97.1 standard.
• Glass guardrails installed where falling glass cannot harm people can have single fully tempered glass, which conforms to any of the mentioned standards.
• Clear, tinted, and colored glass panels can be used, which are structurally sound and free from visible defects.

Glass Pool Fencing

The Hawaii Building Code has specific guidelines for frameless glass railings that ensure human safety by preventing access to pool areas by unsupervised children and unauthorized adults. As such, here are some critical glass pool fencing safety regulations to consider.

• Underground and above-ground pools, hot tubs, and spas must have guardrails when they exceed a specific depth.
• Frameless glass railings for pool fencing must enclose the swimming area and be a minimum of 1219 mm (48 inches) high.
• The thickness of glass panels used for pool enclosures should be a minimum of 12 mm (0.5 inches) and above.
• Openings less than 10 mm (4 inches) in diameter are allowed in frameless glass railings that enclose pools.
• Gates that lead into the pool area must be the same height as the enclosure and should have self-latching and self-closing devices.

Safety and Maintenance Tips for Frameless Glass Railings

A decent safety and maintenance culture can keep frameless glass railings in excellent working condition. It also ensures glass railing systems are always in compliance with the Hawaii Building Code.

Here are a few safety and maintenance tips for guardrails all building owners should know.

• Ensure glass panels used for frameless guardrails are laminated or tampered glazing with a thickness of 12 mm (0.5 inches) while conforming to the stipulated building safety compliance guidelines.
• Consider using coasted aluminum or marine-grade stainless steel, which can withstand corrosion due to coastal environmental elements.
• Ensure the installer uses the best glass railing hardware, which can hold the system against occasional high winds that occur in Hawaii.
• Perform periodic inspections to ensure the railing structure is rust-free and in good working condition.
• Clean glass panels and hardware materials with soft cloth and non-abrasive cleaners.
• Consider applying a glass coating or sealant that prevents mineral build-up and repels waters, allowing you to clean railing systems.

Conclusion

The Hawaii Building Code is the ultimate guide for construction and renovation work in this state. It is based on the 2018 International Building Code, which is used within Hawaii with some local amendments.

In addition, this building code defines the function of frameless glass railings. It specifies glass railing specifications, including guardrail height and glass panel requirements.

The Hawaii Building Code has a special section for pool fencing, which secures swimming areas from unauthorized access. Furthermore, strict adherence to safety and maintenance tips highlighted in this article should enhance the longevity of glass railing systems.

FAQs for Hawaii Building Code for Glass Railing

What are the building code requirements for railings in Hawaii?

The Hawaii Building Code for glass railings requires public and commercial buildings to have glass guardrails that are at least 1067 mm (42 inches) in height. On the other hand, it allows for guard railings in three-story buildings and individual dwelling units to have railings with heights of 914 mm (36 inches)  and 864 mm (34 inches), respectively.

What building code does Hawaii use?

Hawaii uses the 2018 Hawaii State Building Code based on the 2018 International Building Code.

What glazing type is allowed by the Hawaii Building Code

The building code allows for the use of fully tempered or heat-strengthened glass, which conforms to the national standards.