Illinois Building Code for Glass Railing

The Illinois Building Code for glass railing guides contractors and homeowners who want to install code-compliant guardrails. It provides essential glass railing requirements based on state safety regulations.

This code highlights glass panel and guardrail height details, which ensure users' safety. It also guides the installation of frameless glass railings for pool enclosures.

As such, this article presents detailed information about the Illinois Building Code and how it defines glass railing requirements.

What is the Illinois Building Code

The Illinois Building Code is a combination of regulations that allow the construction of safe and functional buildings. From December 15, 2019, to November 30, 2020, this state adopted the 2018 International Building Code (IBC) with some amendments.

Since this 2018 code expired on November 30, 2020, the state has not adopted a state-wide code. As such, local government units get to adopt the building code that adheres to their priorities.

In 2024, Illinois State passed legislation that would adopt an amended version of the 2021 IBC on January 1, 2025. Before that date, most towns and municipalities use the 2018 Illinois Building Code for construction, renovation, and installation jobs.

Furthermore, the 2018 and the soon-to-be-adopted building codes have sections dedicated to glass railing requirements, including glass panel and guardrail height.

Glass Railing System Function

Glass railing systems perform the same function as conventional guardrails, which involve providing support and protection to people using elevated platforms. Examples of raised surfaces requiring glass railings include balconies, ramps, stairways, terraces, mezzanines, decks, and other elevated platforms.

Besides offering safety, framed and frameless glass railings beautify indoor and outdoor spaces. Many homeowners and building developers choose glass deck railings and other guardrails due to the sleek and unobstructed view it offers.

Similar to conventional railings, frameless glass railings must adhere to the following building safety compliance guidelines.

• All elevated platforms raised higher than 762 mm (30 inches) require glass railing systems.
• Frameless glass railings must not have openings wider than 100 mm (4 inches).

These safety regulations apply to the 2018 and the yet-to-be-adopted Illinois Building Code.

Glass Railing Requirements

The Illinois Building Code prioritizes the design and installation of glass guardrails. To achieve this, the building code provides details for the glass panel and railing height.

It also highlights information about glass railings used as pool enclosures.

Glass Panel Details

The safety of many elevated platforms is based on the glass panel used, especially frameless glass railings. For this reason, stringent guidelines are put in place to ensure glazing is building code-compliant.

Here are the glass panel building safety compliance guidelines to consider.

• Glass panels used for railings must comply with Category II of CPSC 16 CFR Part 1201 or Class A of ANSI Z97.1 standard.
• Fully tempered or heat-strengthened glass panels are recommended for all guardrails.
• Single, fully tempered glazing is allowed on elevated platforms if falling glass cannot harm people walking close to the location.
• The minimum thickness for glazing in Frameless glass railings is 12 mm (0.5 inches).
• Glass panels with visible defects cannot be used in guard railings.

Glass Railing System Height

To prevent people from falling, the Illinois Building Code provides detailed glass railing system height requirements. These safety regulations have been tested and verified to keep most adults and children safe when using glass railings.

However, the height requirements may vary between building types.

• The general rule requires all glass railing systems in residential, commercial, and public buildings to have a minimum height of 1067 mm (42 inches).
• Yet, individual dwelling units and occupancies not more than three stories can have glass railings with heights not less than 864 mm (34 inches) and 914 mm (36 inches), respectively.

To remain compliant with future building codes, homeowners and contractors are advised to use frameless glass railings that are 1067 mm (42 inches).

Frameless Glass Railings for Pools

Frameless glass railings can secure pools, hot tubs, and spas as specified in the Illinois Building Code. It secures swimming areas by preventing access to such areas for unauthorized adults and unsupervised children.

Here are some crucial pool glass railing safety regulations to learn about.

• Some towns and municipalities require residential above-ground and underground pools to have glass railing enclosures with a minimum height of 1067 mm (42 inches).
• Other locations, like Rockford, require jacuzzies, pools, and other water facilities deeper than 1067 mm (42 inches) and frameless glass railings that are at least 1219 mm (48 inches) high.
• A minimum glass thickness of 12 mm (0.5 inches) is required for glass panels used for guardrail fencing.
• All gates should open into the pool enclosure and be equipped with self-latching and self-closing devices.
• Similarly, pool fencing must not have openings wider than a diameter of 10 mm (4 inches).

Common Glass Railing Problems and Solutions

Contractors and homeowners experience many general and compliance challenges when working with glass railings. Here are some problems and solutions.

• Many people struggle to get the right load-bearing specifications for glass railings as specified in the Illinois Building Code. The best way to solve this problem is to work with certified installers who have an excellent understanding of the code.
• Choosing the right glass panel and railing specifications can sometimes be tricky unless a homeowner is an experienced DIYer. A review of the prevailing building code should provide details about laminated or tempered glazing, glass panel thickness, and railing height.
• Substandard installation processes, incorrect hardware use, and inadequate support can make glass railings unstable, posing potential safety hazards. Engaging with experienced installers who understand the Illinois Building Code should give homeowners and new contractors the information they need to build safe and functional glass railings.
• Inspection processes and permits may be confusing and time-consuming, especially for newbies. Conducting extensive research before work begins should help prepare homeowners and installers to efficiently handle bureaucratic processes that may delay glass railing installation.

Conclusion

The Illinois Building Code is an essential building safety compliance guideline that ensures safe and functional buildings. Between December 15, 2019, and November 30, 2020, the 2018 Illinois Building Code was used across the state, which is based on the 2018 International Building Code.

Since November 30, 2020, all towns and municipalities can use their preferred building code until January 1, 2025, when an amended 2021 IBC becomes adopted. Also, either of the building codes provides glass railing requirements, including glass panel, railing height, and pool enclosure details.

Finally, this article highlights common glass railing problems and solutions homeowners and installers must contend with.

FAQs for Illinois Building Code for Glass Railing

What is the minimum glass panel thickness for guardrails?

Framed glass systems require a thickness of at least 6 mm (0.2 inches), while frameless glass railings require a minimum thickness of 12 mm (0.5 inches).

Does Illinois have a building code?

Illinois has a building code, which is referred to as the Illinois Building Code. This code is basically based on the International Building Code.

Do glass railings need to be tempered?

Fully tempered or heat-strengthened glazing based on specific standards is required for glass railings.