Newfoundland and Labrador Building Code for Glass Railings

Demolitions, renovations, relocations, and new constructions consistently take place within Newfoundland and Labrador. If you own a building within this province, you cannot perform any of these activities without adhering to the guidelines.

Therefore, you must adhere to the guiding principles of Newfoundland and Labrador Building Code (NLBC). These rules define every aspect of construction work from start to finish.

If you want glass railing systems in your building, you must pay attention to the sections of the code that guide the design, installation, and use of glass guardrails.

In particular, it provides glass panel and railing specifications in line with safety regulations. This article should educate you enough to navigate the Newfoundland and Labrador Building Code for Glass Railings.

Overview of the Newfoundland and Labrador Building Code

Unlike Quebec or Alberta, the Newfoundland and Labrador province does not have a dedicated building code. Instead, municipalities within this province use the latest version of the National Building Code of Canada (NBC) as a standard.

For this reason, all construction projects within Newfoundland and Labrador, including glass railing system installations, must conform to the NBC. However, some cities and towns within this province may have special building safety compliance guidelines that provide additional guidance.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Building Code is managed by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador through the Department of Digital Government and Service NL. With the help of municipal inspectors, this department oversees the issuance of licenses and permits to installers and building owners.

Building Spaces that May Need Glass Guardrails

Glass railings can significantly beautify indoor and outdoor spaces within your building. However, the Newfoundland and Labrador Building Code requires you to follow specific guidelines for the installation process.

The code expects you to install railings on stairways, landings, mezzanines, and other elevated platforms that exceed a specific height limit above the floor. As such, the following glass railing requirements exist to minimize the likelihood of falls on elevated platforms within your building.

• Glass railings are mandatory on all platforms elevated at least 610 mm (24 inches) high from the base level.
• The higher the elevated floor is from the ground, the higher the minimum required guard railing height. Similarly, railing height increases from residential to commercial/public buildings.
• Glass railing systems must not have openings that allow a spherical object larger than 100 mm (4 inches) in diameter to pass.
• Glass railing systems must not have openings or attachments between 140 mm and 914 mm (36 inches) that can facilitate climbing.

Working with a certified glass deck railings installer should help you navigate through the Newfoundland and Labrador Building Code. However, you can always review these guidelines with your contractor to ensure strict adherence to these compliance guidelines.

Glass Railing Requirements

Now that you understand areas that may need guardrails in your building, you must learn about the requirements for installing glass railings. Knowing this should help you pass through all inspections without incurring any fines or remodeling orders.

Glass railing requirements can be broadly classified into glass panel and guardrail system specifications.

Glass Panel Specifications

Glass panels are the primary attractions of any glass railing system. These components must be attractive and safe for use.

As such, you should ensure your local contractor uses glass panels that conform to the following safety regulations.

• Glass panels used for a guard should conform with CAN/CGSB-12.1 standards when using laminated or tempered glazing.
• Wired glass panels can be used if they conform with the CAN/CGSB-12.11-M standard.
• The minimum allowable thickness for laminated or tempered glazing is 6 mm (0.2 inches).
• Glass panels used must be uniform and free from visible chips and cracks.

You can choose glazing of any color or shade if it conforms to these compliance guidelines.

Guardrail Height Specifications

The Newfoundland and Labrador Building Code provides building safety specifications for guardrail height. This requirement limits the risk of falling from elevated buildings.

To avoid accidents, fines, and possible legal troubles, all glass railing systems within your buildings must conform to the following height safety regulations.

• The height of glass railing systems decks, balconies, and other elevated spaces starts at 914 mm (36 inches) if a height of 610 mm (24 inches) exists between the platform and the finished floor level. These glass railing specifications are primarily used in single-family residential homes.
• The guard railing height requirement increases to 1067 mm (42 inches) once any of these elevated platforms exceeds 6 ft from the finished floor level. Multi-family residential homes and public/commercial buildings must adhere to these requirements.

However, this regulation does not cover pool enclosures or fencing. The Newfoundland and Labrador Building Code for glass railings has stricter guidelines for private swimming areas.

These requirements are put in place to restrict unauthorized access to pool areas by strangers and small children. As such, temporary and permanent swimming pools that exceed 910 mm (3 ft) in depth must be fenced.

So, if you want to install a pool, ensure you get a permit and the glass fencing conforms to the following building safety requirements.

• A pool fence should not exceed 1800 mm (5 ft 11 inches) in height. In addition, the fencing must have a uniform height and completely enclose the swimming area to control access.
• The minimum allowable height for pool enclosure begins at 1500 mm (59 inches), allowing the Town of Gander to adopt this requirement as its standard.
• There should be a minimum distance of 1800 mm (5 ft 11 inches) between the enclosure and the pool.
• The glass enclosure must have at least one gate with the same height specifications as the fencing.
• Each gate must be equipped with self-latching and self-closing devices from inside the gate.
• There must be no openings greater than 100 mm (4 inches) in diameter at any part of the fencing.
• The pool fencing should have no projection that can support climbing.
• Fencing is not necessary for hot tubs that have locking covers.

These building safety regulations are required by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador but are rarely enforced. However, you will most likely be sanctioned if you are caught violating any of these guidelines.

Safety Tips for Building Owners

As a building owner, you must consider various safety tips before and after installing a glass railing system.

• Ensure you consult and hire experienced installers for the design and installation of glass guardrails.
• Never attempt to DIY guard railings in your home unless you have the expertise required.
• You must frequently check the entire railing system for loose fitting and structural problems on the glass.
• Ensure you strictly follow pool fence guidelines to avoid problems with relevant authorities.

Summary

The Newfoundland and Labrador Building Code is your go-to guide before and after installing glass railing systems in your home. This guideline should help you get an amazing deck or balcony view without compromising safety regulations.

Closely work with your local installer to ensure they use the right glass panel and guardrail height specifications. If you are building a pool, you must stick to all the building safety compliance guidelines highlighted in the NLBC.

Finally, pay close attention to all safety tips to maintain the beauty and integrity of your frameless glass railings.

FAQs

What building code does Newfoundland and Labrador use?

All municipals within Newfoundland and Labrador use the National Building Code of Canada as a guide for the construction and installation of glass guard railings. However, additional requirements may exist in some cities and towns within the province.

What agency is responsible for enforcing the building code in Newfoundland and Labrador?

The Department of Digital Government and Service NL oversees the building code in Newfoundland and Labrador. However, local government inspectors enforce national, provincial, and local laws.

Can I use a pool without an enclosure in Newfoundland and Labrador?

You can have a pool or hot tub without an enclosure if its depth does not exceed 910 mm (3 ft). However, pools deeper than 3 ft must be fenced with glass railings or other appropriate fencing materials.