Idaho Building Code for Glass Railing

The Idaho Building Code is essential to the construction industry. It provides guidance for homeowners, contractors, and designers when undertaking projects.

This code also includes guidelines for glass railing design and installation based on guardrail height and glazing specifications. Therefore, DIYers and installers must closely adhere to the safety regulations highlighted in the code when installing frameless glass railings.

Reading this article should help you understand the Idaho Building Code, how it applies to glass railing systems, and more.

What is the Idaho Building Code

The Idaho Building Code is a set of safety regulations defining construction and renovation standards for residential, commercial, and public buildings. The 2018 Idaho Building Code was adopted on January 1, 2021, and is based on the 2018 International Building Code (IBC).

The state statute adopts new building codes in Idaho, which requires passage through the legislature. Once passed, local governments can add more requirements to the passed code.

However, local government cannot adopt requirements that are less than state requirements.

Glass Railing System Overview

Glass guardrails, especially frameless glass railings, are popularly used for residential, commercial, and public buildings. These guard railings enhance living spaces by improving aesthetics and offering a minimalist and sleek outlook.

Unlike what many people may believe, frameless glass railings are safe and offer the same function as traditional guardrails. In addition, these systems are cost-effective in the long run due to low maintenance requirements.

As such, installers must strictly follow the Idaho Building Code compliance guidelines when installing glass guardrails for mezzanines, balconies, terraces, and other elevated surfaces. Some of the basic building safety regulations to consider include the following.

• Elevated outdoor and indoor spaces raised above 762 mm (30 inches) from the adjacent walking floor must have frameless glass railings or equivalent.
• Glass railing systems used in residential, commercial, and public buildings must not allow passage of spherical objects with a diameter wider than 100 mm (4 inches).

Glass Railing Requirements

Idaho Building Code is specific about glass railing requirements by providing guard railing and glazing specifications. These two specifications ensure frameless railings are safe and functional without compromising aesthetics.

Railing Height Requirements

To ensure adherence to building safety compliance guidelines, porches, mezzanines, terraces, and balconies require frameless glass railings with the following specifications.

• The standard height of glass railings for indoor and outdoor buildings is 1067 mm (42 inches).
• Depending on use, some individual dwelling units and residential buildings allow frameless glass railings to be 864 mm (34 inches) or 914 mm (36 inches).

However, adhering to the 1067 mm (42 inches) height requirement is the best practice for all glass railing applications except for pool enclosures.

Glazing Requirements

The glass panel used in

Glass railing safety regulations require the use of specific glass panels with known specifications as provided in the Idaho Building Code. Here are some glazing requirements all installers must conform to.

• Single fully tempered glass panels that comply with Category II of CPSC 16 CFR Part 1201 or Class A of ANSI Z97.1 standard can be used if there is no walking surface below or falling glass cannot injure people.
• For all other locations, fully heat-strengthened or tempered glazing that complies with Category II of CPSC 16 CFR Part 1201 or Class A of ANSI Z97.1 must be used in frameless glass railings.
• The minimum thickness allowed for frameless glass railings is 12 mm (0.5 inches).
• Glass panels with cracks or chips are not suitable for glass guardrails.

Pool Glass Railings

Pools, hot tubs, spas, and other recreational water bodies require guardrails made of frameless glass railings or other conventional guardrails. This requirement is detailed by the Idaho Building Code to prevent accidental drowning, which frequently occurs in residential pools.

Most counties will require homeowners to get a permit before they construct or install an underground or overground pool. In addition, temporary barriers would be required during the construction phase to prevent accidents.

Highlighted below are fundamental pool glass railing requirements every homeowner and installer should have.

• To prevent unauthorized and unsupervised access to swimming areas by adults and children, pool glass railing enclosures should be at least 1219 mm (48 inches) high.
• Building structures like walls can form part of pool fencing. If any doors or windows exist on these walls, these openings must remain closed and equipped with alarm systems.
• Similarly, gates that lead into swimming areas should be the same size as the pool barriers, open into the enclosure, and have self-latching and self-closing devices.
• The glass panel thickness for frameless glass railings around a pool should not be less than 12 mm (0.5 inches) thick.

Glass Railing Installation Best Practices in Idaho

The Idaho Building Code gives you a set of building safety compliance guidelines to follow, which ensure safe and functional glass railing. To achieve this, here are some glass railing installation practices to consider.

• Only use laminated or tempered glass panels in guardrails, which conform to the Idaho Building Code.
• The thickness of glass panels matters, especially when installing frameless glass railings. As such, ensure all glass guardrails have glazing with a minimum thickness of 12 mm (0.5 inches), making them capable to withstand different loads and pressures.
• Depending on the location, weather conditions can vary from hot summers to cold winters. For this reason, you must select glass railing hardware that can withstand extreme and changing weather conditions.
• Similarly, appropriate use of UV-resistant glass panels can reduce the degradation and fading of railing systems.
• When hiring local contractors, ensure installers have the experience and license to complete your work.
• For complex projects in commercial spaces, always work with experienced structural engineers who understand glass railing requirements.
• Ensure you take care of glass railings after installation through regular cleaning and inspection.

Conclusion

The Importance of the Idaho Building Code cannot be over-emphasized within the state’s building landscape. Based on the International Building Code, this document allows for the construction of safe building spaces.

It also guides the installation of glass railing systems, including framed and frameless glass railings. To achieve this, the Idaho Building Code provides designers and installers with guard railing and glass panel specifications capable of supporting residential, commercial, and public use.

In addition, this building code recognizes the importance of safety in pool, hot tub, and spa areas, thereby requiring the installation of frameless glass railings or equivalent guardrails around swimming areas. Furthermore, adhering to the installation best practices highlighted in this article should keep glass deck railings and other glass railing systems functional and safe for users.

FAQs for Idaho Building Code for Glass Railings

What is the building code for railings in Idaho?

The building code for railings in Idaho requires elevated platforms like balconies, decks, stairways, and similar raised surfaces to have glass railings or other guardrail systems if over 762 mm (30 inches) high above floor levels. The standard glass railing height for all guardrails is 1067 mm (42 inches).

What is the minimum thickness for glass railings?

The minimum thickness for framed glass railing systems is 6 mm (0.2 inches). However, the minimum thickness for frameless glass railings is 12 mm (0.5 inches.

Does Idaho have building codes?

Idaho has a building code called the Idaho Building Code, which is based on the 2018 International Building Code.