Mississippi Building Code for Glass Railing

Construction work in Mississippi is governed by the Mississippi Building Code. It ensures building owners and construction workers adhere to crucial safety regulations.

In particular, this building code provides contractors and DIYers access to building safety compliance guidelines such as guardrail height and glazing requirements. Furthermore, it guides the use of frameless glass railings for pool enclosures and similar structures.

This article should help you understand the Mississippi Building Code and sections relating to glass railing system design and installation.

What is the Mississippi Building Code

The Mississippi Building Code provides safety regulations for construction and installation in the state. This building code is officially referred to as the Mississippi Building Code 2018 and it is based on the 2018 International Building Code (IBC).

This code is applicable statewide. However, local jurisdictions have the option of adopting or amending building safety compliance guidelines.

Apart from building construction, this code covers structural design, building height specifications, occupancy classification, fire safety, and much more. It also has a section dedicated to glass railing design and installation to ensure user safety.

Overview of Frameless Glass Railings

Frameless glass railings have a wide application in residential, commercial, and public spaces. The glass railing system offers building owners the option to transform offices and homes into contemporary settings.

Having less supporting structure and more glass panels allows light to permeate in indoor spaces. Similarly, this feature gives users an unobstructed view of the environment when frameless glass railings are used in outdoor settings.

The Mississippi Building Code safety regulations require elevated platforms like decks, patios, and stairways to have guardrails based on specific compliance guidelines. To ensure user safety, here are critical railing regulations you should know.

• Platforms elevated higher than 762 mm (30 inches) above the base ground must have frameless glass railings or equivalent guardrails.
• Guard railing used for decks, terraces, balconies, and other elevated platforms should not allow passage of a body with a diameter higher than 100 mm (4 inches) except in industrial occupancies and similar settings.

Guardrail Specifications

There are specific compliance guidelines that govern the design and installation of guardrails, especially frameless glass railings. As such, homeowners or building owners should know what the Mississippi Building Code says about glass railing before starting in installation or design process.

Railing height and glass panel types are crucial guardrail specifications every building owner or installer should learn about. Failure to comply with these specifications can engager lives or lead to future legal challenges.

Railing Height Specifications

The height of the frameless glass railing is an essential parameter for ensuring functionality and preventing users from falling. As such, the building code provides a minimum glass height specification as highlighted below.

• Frameless glass railings or equivalent guardrails should have a minimum height requirement of 1067 mm (42 inches). This height requirement is recommended for most building types and mandatory in specific projects.
• Glass railings can be 914 mm (36 inches) high in buildings classified as groups R-2 and R-3 individual dwelling homes.

Glass Panel Specifications

Not every glass panel is suitable for frameless glass railings. Therefore, the Mississippi Building Code requires specific glazing types, which are highlighted below.

• Glass panels used for frameless glass railings must comply with Category II of CPSC 16 CFR Part 1201 or Class A of ANSI Z97.1 standard. In addition, these glazing types must be made of laminated glass, which is heat-strengthened or fully tempered.
• Single fully tempered glass panels can be used where falling glass cannot harm users.
• The minimum thickness of glass used in frameless glass railings is 12 mm (0.5 inches).
• There is no restriction on shade, tint, or color of glass panels.

Glass Railings for Pool Enclosures

Pool enclosures are required for most residential use of pools, spas, and bathtubs. This safety regulation prevents unauthorized access to swimming areas, reducing the likelihood of accidental drowning, especially with children.

Here are essential safety regulations for the use of frameless glass railings as pool enclosures.

• Frameless glass railings should be at least 1219 mm (48 inches) high and enclose the entire pool area. Walls and other building structures can form part of the enclosure if windows and doors remain closed all the time.
• Openings that lead into the swimming area should have gates equipped with self-latching and self-closing devices.
• The minimum size of any opening on the enclosure should not be more than 100 mm (4 inches).
• Glass panels that are at least 12 mm (0.5 inches) thick should be used for pool frameless glass railings.

Tips for Successful Installation and Maintenance of Glass Railings

The Mississippi Building Code ensures strict adherence to standard safety regulations when designing and installing glass railings. These compliance guidelines are in line with the requirements of the 2018 IBC.

To ensure functional and safe frameless glass railings, here are some installation and maintenance tips you should learn.

• Ensure you choose the right glass panels based on the required standards. Similarly, glazing used for frameless glass railings should meet the minimum height and thickness safety regulations.
• Before mounting, the surface must be prepared and capable of holding glass railings while considering the overall system weight and pressure to be applied during normal use. Therefore, the input of a structural engineer may be required, especially in complex high-rise buildings.
• Corrosion-resistant brackets and fasteners should be used outdoors and in humid locations. Likewise, anchoring points should be capable of holding railings before installation begins.
• Structural members and glass panels should be installed such that a spherical body wider than 100 mm (4 inches) cannot pass through.
• Avoid DIYer projects when installing frameless glass railings. If you have to, ensure you understand the Mississippi Building Code before you start any installation.
• After installation, regular inspections should be conducted to ensure user safety and system longevity. Issues with loose hardware or damaged glass panels should be immediately addressed.
• Mild chemical cleaners and a soft cloth should be used to clean glass panels.
• Marine-grade anchoring parts should be used in moist or coastal areas.

Conclusion

The Mississippi Building Code is a statewide construction safety regulation that develops functional and safe buildings. It provides contractors and installers with building safety compliance guidelines for the design and installation of framed and frameless glass railings.

It specifies railing height and glass panel requirements based on strict safety regulations. It also provides specific compliance guidelines for using frameless glass railings for pool enclosures.

To ensure user safety and longevity of the system, the Mississippi Building Code for glass railing encourages adherence to the tips highlighted for installation and maintenance of guardrails.

FAQs for Mississippi Building Code for Glass Railing

What is the minimum height for a glass railing?

The minimum height requirement for glass railings is 1067 mm (42 inches) in most residential, commercial, and public use cases. However, 914 mm (36 inches) is allowed in some specific residential dwellings.

What is the standard thickness of glass railings?

Framed glass railings can have a thickness of 6 mm (0.2 inches). However, frameless glass guardrails should be at least 12 mm (0.5 inches) thick.

What is the gap between glass railings?

The minimum gap between glass railings should be 100 mm (4 inches) except in industrial occupancies.