Indiana Building Code for Glass Railing

The Indiana Building Code is fundamental to construction work in Indiana. It gives stakeholders crucial guidance for designing and developing buildings that comply with state and national safety regulations.

The code specifies details of the glass panel and guard railing height, which are critical glass railing requirements. Furthermore, it details pool fencing parameters used for frameless glass railings and traditional guardrails.

This article should help you understand the Indiana Building Code, glass railing installation requirements in the state, and more. Keep reading to learn!

What is the Indiana Building Code

The Indiana Building Code guides the construction of safe and functional public, commercial, and residential buildings. It is also useful for the installation of framed and frameless glass railings.

Like most states, Indiana adopted the International Building Code (IBC). Indiana uses the 2014 Indiana Building Code, based on the 2012 IBC, making it one of few states using an older version of the IBC.

Since its adoption on December 1, 2014, this code has guided construction work, occupancy classification, building height requirements, design specifications, and more.

The building code in Indiana is reviewed and adopted by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security - Fire and Building Safety. Once a version of the IBC is reviewed and adopted, towns and municipalities cannot make local amendments.

Where Frameless Glass Railings are Required

The Indiana Building Code requires guardrails along the open sides of elevated platforms like ramps, stairs, mezzanines, balconies, terraces, and other elevated surfaces. Therefore, these railing systems support and prevent building users from falling off surfaces.

In addition, frameless glass railings go beyond conventional guardrails by beautifying indoor and outdoor locations. These are ideal for contemporary buildings, offering a clean and sleek finish that complements or contrasts spaces.

In general, all glass railing systems must adhere to the following safety regulations.

• All indoor and outdoor platforms elevated more than 762 mm (30 inches) above the walking surface must have guard railing systems.
• Opening and spaces between glass guardrail systems must not exceed a width or diameter of 100 mm (4 inches).

Glass Railing Systems Compliance Guidelines

The Indiana Building Code provides detailed building safety compliance guidelines, ensuring the functionality and safety of framed and frameless glass railings. In particular, details of guardrail height and glass panel type are the most crucial glass railing requirements to consider.

Furthermore, homeowners and building developers should have a decent understanding of pool enclosure requirements for glass railings.

Glass Guardrail Height

The height requirement for glass deck railings used for mezzanines, ramps, stairways, and other raised platforms is clearly defined in the Indiana Building Code, as highlighted below.

• All railings, including glass railing systems used indoors or outdoors, are required to be a minimum of 1067 mm (42 inches) high.
• The heights of 864 mm (34 inches) and 914 mm (36 inches) are acceptable for glass guardrails for individual dwelling units and residential buildings not more than three stories.

Glass Panel Types

The Indiana Building Code cares about glass panel types used for guardrails. As such, this document highlights the following compliance guidelines.

• Glass panels of all shades and colors can be used if they have no visible defects.
• A fully tempered or heat-strengthened glass panel conforming with Class A of ANSI Z97.1 or Category II or CPSC 16 CFR Part 1201 standard is preferred for all glass railing systems.
• Single-tempered glazing conforming with that same standard can be used if there are no walking paths around or people cannot get injured from broken glass.
• A thickness of 12 mm (0.5 inches) is required for frameless glass railings.

Pool Enclosure Glass Guardrail

The use of pools is regulated by the Indiana Building Code. As such, glass railings used for pool enclosures must comply with the building safety compliance guidelines.

These safety regulations are specifically put in place to protect access to pool areas from unauthorized individuals. Similarly, they help limit minors' entry into the swimming space.

All residential pools and similar water bodies below or above ground deeper than 610 mm (24 inches) must have a guardrail with the following specifications.

• The minimum allowable height for glass railings used to enclose swimming pools is 1219 mm (48 inches).
• Gates leading into the pool must have self-latching and self-closing devices, which have the same height as the frameless glass railings.
• Glass railing systems must completely enclose pool areas and decks, if any.
• Glass guardrails thicker than 12 mm (0.5 inches) or more must be used to fence pools.

Indiana Building Code Benefits

If you are unsure about the importance of the Indiana Building Code, this section will highlight its benefits.

• The strict safety regulations detailed in the building code ensure user safety. It minimizes the risk of injury after an accident.
• Railing height and glass panel height are deliberately designed to make glass guardrails safe and functional for all user types. In addition, handrails may be put in place to ease accessibility to people with disabilities.
• Glass railing installation that does not comply with the state building code may lead to penalties and fines once local inspectors learn about non-compliance. Strict adherence prevents legal problems and fines.
• Code-compliant framed and frameless glass railings are crucial when selling a property. Non-compliant railings may delay refinancing or sale if inspectors refuse to certify a building. By extension, properly installed glass railings can significantly enhance the value of real estate.
• Using the right glass railing hardware can improve the durability of guardrails based on the required structural integrity, weather resistance, and load resistance.
• Adhering to the Indiana Building Code is helpful when remodeling some or all parts of a building.

Conclusion

The Indiana Building Code is an essential document defining construction and remodeling work in the state. It is helpful for regulators, homeowners, contractors, and designers.

This code is developed based on the 2012 International Building Code, providing state-wide guidance with specific amendments. It defines the functions of glass railing systems, primarily used on the open sides of elevated platforms like balconies, terraces, stairways, ramps, decks, and more.

To ensure building safety, homeowners and installers must follow glass railing requirements, including guardrail height, glass railing specifications, and pool enclosure details. The benefits of the Indiana Building Code underline the importance of designing and installing code-compliant glass railings, especially frameless glass railings.

FAQs for Indiana Building Code for Glass Railings

Is a permit required for glass railing installations in Indiana?

To ensure compliance with the building code, glass railing installations for indoor and outdoor deployments require permits from local inspectors.

What is the best glass type for railings?

The building code in Indiana recommends the use of a fully tempered or heat-strengthened glass panel conforming with Class A of ANSI Z97.1 of Category II or CPSC 16 CFR Part 1201 standard. However, a single tempered can be allowed in some circumstances.

How do I ensure glass guardrails comply with the Indiana Building Code?

The best way to ensure adherence to the state building code is to hire a licensed installer who knows the code. You should conduct extensive research and consultation if you choose to DIY a frameless glass railing project.