New Brunswick Building Code for Glass Railings

The New Brunswick Building Code is the installation, renovation, and construction standard used in New Brunswick. It provides building specifications, which cover the design and installation of glass railings in this province.

This document specifies panel and glass railing requirements for homeowners and installers to safeguard lives and properties. It also governs glass guardrail use in residential, public, commercial, and industrial buildings.

This guide will provide crucial information about the New Brunswick Building Codes for glass panels and guardrail specifications. It will also highlight essential building safety compliance guidelines for the installation and maintenance of glass railing systems.

About the New Brunswick Building Code

The building code in New Brunswick was created in the mid-20^th century. Over the years, this regulation has undergone several revisions to enhance safety and accommodate emerging technologies and construction.

Like most building codes in Canada, the New Brunswick Building Code (NBBC) is an adaptation of the National Building Code of Canada (NBC). As a result, the guideline currently used in this province is the 2021 New Brunswick Building Code, based on the 2015 NBC.

The existing NBBC took effect on February 1, 2021, after the New Brunswick Government passed the Building Administration Act. Since then, all construction projects have been governed by the 2015 NBC.

Glass Railing Systems Framework

The framework for glass railing systems in New Brunswick requires the provision of guardrails in various parts of residential and commercial buildings. It mandates the installation of railings on stairways, decks, balconies, ramps, landings, and other elevated platforms to prevent users from falling off.

Therefore, the building safety regulations in this province specify the following.

• Guardrails are required for platforms with a height difference of 610 mm (24 inches) from the finished floor.
• The height requirement of glass railing systems increases as the height difference between a platform and a finished floor increases.
• Glass railing height requirements vary from residential to commercial buildings.
• Glass guard railings must not allow openings that exceed 100 mm (4 inches) in diameter.

Glass Railing Systems Specifications

Glass railing systems have two primary components, which are glass panels and railing structures. Therefore, the New Brunswick Building Code stipulates compliance guidelines for the design, installation, and use of glass railings based on these components.

To ensure user safety, this code also details specific glass railing requirements for pool enclosures.

Glass Panel Requirements

The NBBC offers specific glass railing safety regulations, specifying glass quality, thickness, type, and certification requirements. Below are specifications to consider during the design and installation of all railing systems, including frameless glass railings.

• The glasses in guardrails should not have any visible deformity, which may include cracks or chips.
• Glass panels should either conform with CAN/CGSB-12.1 certification specification for laminated or tempered safety glazing or CAN/CGSB-12.11-M certification for wired glass.
• The safety glazing used for each railing system must be uniform and of the same composition.
• For residential buildings, the minimum thickness for glass panels in guard is 12 mm (0.5 inches).
• Glass panels can be any color, tint, or shade as long as they conform to the specifications within the New Brunswick Building Code.

Guardrail Height Requirements

The NBBC is quite strict about guard railing height specifications due to the need to safeguard lives. Thus, this code mandates all buildings to conform to the following railing height requirements.

• All interior and exterior platforms (decks, stairways, balconies, etc..) in residential buildings elevated more than 610 mm (24 inches) above the finished floor must have glass guardrails with a minimum height of 914 mm (36 inches).
• All exterior platforms in residential buildings elevated more than 6 ft from the finished floor must have glass railing systems with a minimum height of 1067 mm (42 inches).
• Glass railing systems in non-residential buildings must be at least 1067 mm (42 inches) tall for exterior and interior platforms.

Due to the high risk of drowning, pool enclosures/fences have special height requirements.

Pool Fencing Requirements

Pool fences are an essential requirement for residential buildings. These enclosures prevent unauthorized access to private pools.

Also, fencing regulations limit the likelihood of children accessing swimming areas without supervision, which significantly minimizes the risk of accidental drowning.

Below are New Brunswick Building Code fencing guidelines for the design, installation, and use of pools.

• A building owner must obtain a permit before they begin pool construction.
• A pool must be constructed as approved in the permit.
• Pool glass enclosures must reach a minimum of 1500 mm (59 inches) high with a maximum height of 2000 mm (6 ft 7 inches).
• The distance between the edge of the pool and the fencing must be at least 1200 mm (47 inches).
• All gates must have self-latching and self-closing devices on the interior of the gate. Also, devices must be a minimum of 1300 mm (51 inches) from the lowest part of the gates. If a fence has two gates, one must remain fixed in place and the other equipped with the devices mentioned below.
• All enclosures must not have projections that enable climbing.
• The fencing should have no opening wider than 100 mm (4 inches).
• The glazing used for pool enclosures must be at least 12 mm (0.5 inches) thick.
• An inspection must be carried out once the work is completed.

Temporary enclosures are required during pool construction that must be replaced with permanent fencing within 90 days. In addition, these enclosures must be at least 1200 mm (47 inches) tall and surround the pool.

Glass Railing System Compliance Guidelines Tips

Strict adherence to compliance guidelines for glass guardrails helps building owners install safe and reliable railings. The tips below will ensure glass railings meet the New Brunswick Building Code safety standards.

• Homeowners should only work with installers certified by the New Brunswick Government agency.
• Homeowners must keep records of design and installation documents for inspectors.
• After installation, building owners must regularly inspect glass railings for dents and structural faults. Problems must be addressed as soon as they are detected.
• Building owners must avoid non-compliance as it can lead to mandatory modification orders or fines. For this reason, homeowners should insist installers use high-quality hinges, gate latches, and other installation accessories.

Conclusion

The New Brunswick Building Code for glass railings offers homeowners and installers critical information required for using glass guardrails in residential and commercial projects. The compliance guidelines used in this province are based on the 2015 National Building Code of Canada which was codified in 2021.

Glass railings used in all buildings must follow the safety regulations stipulated in the NBBC. Therefore, glass panel specifications and railing height must meet the minimum standards.

Finally, following the glass railing system compliance guidelines tips highlighted earlier should help prevent mandatory modification orders or fines.

New Brunswick Building Code for Glass Railings FAQs      

Does New Brunswick have a building code?

New Brunswick has a building code called the New Brunswick Building Code (NBBC). It is an adaptation of the 2015 National Building Code of Canada. The NBBC together with the National Fire Code determines how buildings are built and renovated.

What requires a building permit in New Brunswick?

All renovations, modifications, and new buildings require permits in this province. Similarly, glass guard railings installation requires permits that specify provincial and municipal requirements.

What is the glass railing code for New Brunswick?

The New Brunswick Building Code for glass guardrails highlights glass panel and railing height specifications for homeowners and installers. It specifies safety glazing that complies with CAN/CGSB-12.1-M or CAN/CGSB-12.11-M certifications. Furthermore, it requires platforms to have glass railing systems with minimum heights of 914 mm (36 inches) once the elevation from the finish floor exceeds 610 mm (24 inches).