Ontario Building Code for Glass Railings
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The Ontario Building Code for glass railings is an essential regulation that ensures the integrity and safety of buildings and construction projects within this province. This guideline regulates the conception, construction, operation, and maintenance of private and public buildings to protect life and property.
Glass railings installed on decks, balconies, rooftops, ramps, and stairways can significantly enhance the appearance of indoor and outdoor spaces. However, installing and using glass railings is heavily regulated as improper deployment can pose major safety risks, especially when adequate maintenance is lacking.
This guide highlights the safety regulations for Ontario glass railings that homeowners and contractors need to know to guarantee the safety of buildings.
General Building Code Overview for Ontario
The Ontario Building Code, also known as OBC, first came into use in 1975, superseding all municipal regulations governing building design, construction methods, material selection, and safety procedures in this province. Since then, this guideline has gradually undergone several reviews, incorporating changes in safety regulations and innovations in construction technology.
The OBC has several benefits, including the following:
- It ensures the design and installation of glass railings, which guarantees the safety of users.
- It ensures the structural design of glass railings can withstand many loads.
- It ensures the glass planes used in railings are of the required thickness and quality to minimize the likelihood of breakage.
- It ensures glass railings adhere to all other accessibility requirements stated in the OBC.
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is the regulatory body responsible for supervising and enforcing the building code within Ontario. It uses the OBC to ensure all construction projects conform to standards that ensure sustainability and safety.
Structures That Require Guard Railings
Many spaces that rise above the ground require guard railings. In particular, decks, terraces, landings, and balconies 610 mm (24 inches) above a base or floor require a guard railing.
Similarly, stairways with more than 3 risers require a handrail or guard railing.
Glass Railings Specific Regulations
The Ontario Building Code provides specific glass railing requirements that ensure the safety and durability in residential, commercial, and public buildings. Architects and engineers involved in construction projects must consider these compliance guidelines for glass specifications and railing height requirements.
Glass Specifications
The specifications of glass railings include the thickness, height, composition, color of the panel, and more. These requirements are essential for minimizing the likelihood of glass panel breakage and injury to people who may fall due to failed or broken glass.
Glass Panel Quality
The glass panels used for railings must be free of cracks and chips before and after installation.
Glass Panel Thickness
The glass panels used for railings must have a thickness capable of withstanding different impacts and loads based on the CAN/CGSB 12.1-2017 certification. Therefore, the thickness of glass used depends on the location, type, and function of the railing, ranging from 6 mm (0.2 inches) to 12 mm (0.5 inches). For example, a residential glass railing must have a thickness of at least 12 mm (0.5 inches).
Glass Panel Composition
Glass railing compliance guidelines require tempered panels between the top and bottom rails. Tempered glass is used for residential buildings as the panels are less likely to shatter due to the heat treatment it undergoes during production.
In some commercial and public buildings, heat-strengthened laminated panels are used for railings. The multiple layers of panels prevent the glass from shattering when it breaks.
Glass Panel Color
The Ontario Building Code does not specify color requirements for glass railings. As such, the panels can be of any color as long as the glass selected meets all performance and safety regulations.
Railing Height Requirements
The glass railing height requirements deal with the building safety compliance guidelines for building use and building type. Glass panels must reach a minimum height that prevents people from falling.
For this reason, the height safety regulations require a glass railing system to be at least 914 mm (36 inches) tall. A typical glass railing should not pass anything below and above the glass.
As such, the space between each panel should not exceed 100 mm (4 inches) for the safety of children who may want to stick their heads.
Single Residential Family Homes
- Landings, decks, or balconies with a drop less than 5 ft 11 inches must have railings of 914 mm (36 inches).
- If the drop is more than 5 ft 11 inches, the railings must be 1067 mm (42 inches).
- Stairway railings must be 914 mm (36 inches).
Multi-residential Family Homes and Commercial Buildings
- Landings, decks, or balconies must have railings of 1067 mm (42 inches).
- Stairway railings must be 914 mm (36 inches).
Pool Enclosures
- Glass railings for pools must have a height of 1219 mm (48 inches) to make them non-climbable and secure.
- To increase safety, all gates should have self-closing mechanisms.
Installation and Safety Tips
The longevity and safety of any glass railing directly connect with the quality of installation. Below are some installation and safety tips to consider.
- Glass railing installation must only be performed by a certified professional installer with extensive experience working with glass to guarantee safety and quality finishing.
- Contractors should only use tempered glass or heat-strengthened laminated glass for railing to prevent unexpected glass breakage from imperfections.
- Anchoring glass railings to building structures limits the likelihood of panel detachment. This can be achieved through the appropriate use of support systems, including brackets and fasteners capable of handling different design loads as stipulated in the compliance guidelines.
- After installation, regular inspections must occur to ensure the functionality and safety of glass railings. Once any loose fittings, cracks, or damage are detected, appropriate maintenance actions must be taken to prevent accidents.
Comparison with National Standards
The Ontario Building Code and the National Building Code of Canada (NBC) are similar regulations. In particular, both building safety regulations highlight the need for structural integrity and safety of glass railings when choosing the composition, height, and thickness of glass.
Yet, Ontario glass railing requirements include additional guidelines specific to local building practices and conditions.
Conclusion
The Ontario Building Code for glass railings is crucial to ensure safety and functionality. As such, balconies, landings, and staircases require railings based on predetermined glass panel requirements and height specifications.
Installing a functional glass railing requires strict adherence to the OBC and NBC regulations, which provide local and national guidance to installers. In addition, both building safety compliance guidelines ensure structural integrity and safety glass railings without forgoing aesthetics.
FAQs for Ontario Building Code
What is the railing code in Ontario?
The OBC requires decks, ramps, landings, and all raised platforms that reach a certain height above the ground to have guard railings. It also provides detailed guidelines regarding the height and quality of materials used for installing railings.
Do glass railings need to be tempered?
All glass railings in Ontario must be tempered glass to prevent injury from cracks or breakage. Some commercial and public buildings can use heat-strengthened laminated glass panels for railings. However, any glass used must conform to the CAN/CGSB 12.1-2017 certification.
How high does a glass railing need to be?
Glass railings must be high enough to prevent users from falling over. Single-family homes, commercial buildings, and pool enclosures glass railings must reach a height of least 914 mm (36 inches), 1067 mm (42 inches), and 1219 mm (48 inches), respectively.
What is the thickness of glass railings?
The thickness of glass railings ranges from 6 mm (0.2 inches) to 12 mm (0.5 inches). However, all residential buildings are required to install glass planes with a thickness of nothing less than 12 mm (0.5 inches).
Let customers speak for us
from 123 reviews![39.6" High Tempered Glass Panels 12mm (42" total height with spigot)](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0660/6143/5065/files/glass-railings_70x70.jpg?v=1720555928)
We are so pleased with the service of this company! We live 3 provinces away and the ordering and delivery both went smoothly. Everything came in a crate delivered right to our door with free shipping! All intact. Thank you so much. The quality appears great but I guess we will see when the rails are up and in place.🙂
![39.6" High Tempered Glass Panels 12mm (42" total height with spigot)](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0660/6143/5065/files/glass-railings_70x70.jpg?v=1720555928)
I shopped for quite a long time and search from website to website but they were the only one to have the measurements I needed
![39.6" High Tempered Glass Panels 12mm (42" total height with spigot)](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0660/6143/5065/files/glass-railings_70x70.jpg?v=1720555928)
I was hesitating between the glass railing store and invisirail but ultimately landed here because of better quality. Beautiful product, will buy again for other projects
![39.6" High Tempered Glass Panels 12mm (42" total height with spigot)](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0660/6143/5065/files/glass-railings_70x70.jpg?v=1720555928)
I'm so happy I found you guys because I was getting quotes for like $180 per linear foot which is crazy! I was able to install it with my son for half of that because of glass railing store. Thank you so much for all the help in crafting the project, I will be recommending you guys from now on
![6" Engineered Spigot](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0660/6143/5065/files/spigot-black-photo2_70x70.jpg?v=1719424498)
Beautiful job! Incredibly happy with your prompt delivery and beautifully finished glass, will definitely be using your services again. 5-Stars!
![46" High Tempered Glass Panels 12mm (48" total height with spigot)](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0660/6143/5065/files/IMG_6232-min_70x70.jpg?v=1720555981)
Very satisfied with my order, glass is thick and strong. I love how the corners are a little rounded, I didn't even know that was going to be the case
![39.6" High Tempered Glass Panels 12mm (42" total height with spigot)](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0660/6143/5065/files/glass-railings_70x70.jpg?v=1720555928)
good quality to price ratio, I recommend
![Sidemount Spigot](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0660/6143/5065/files/sidemount-black-2_70x70.jpg?v=1719427256)
Thank you so much to the team for delivering my glass railing! I am super grateful that I found you guys it just looks great! My husband installed it last night so I have a beautiful sunset picture for you guys to enjoy!
All my neighbours are going to order too, can I have a discount for referring
![Wall Connector](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0660/6143/5065/files/wallconnector-small-black_70x70.jpg?v=1719424615)
good
![6" Engineered Spigot](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0660/6143/5065/files/spigot-black-photo2_70x70.jpg?v=1719424498)
Just beautiful, will be ordering again for my son's house
![6" Engineered Spigot](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0660/6143/5065/files/spigot-black-photo2_70x70.jpg?v=1719424498)
I was a little skeptical at the beginning as I was worried that they may be cheap, but Marine in customer service assured me that they were good. They arrived last week and WOW they weight like 5 pounds each (of stainless steel!!) and come with adjustable screws (didn't even know)
The quality is amazing and I highly recommend them for hardware, this is really heavy duty stuff. I also like that they have a 10 year warranty on the rust, that we will have to wait 10 years to comment on but pretty good. Once again, thank you marine for assisting me
![Wall Connector](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0660/6143/5065/files/wallconnector-small-black_70x70.jpg?v=1719424615)
same review as the other connectors
I personally went with the big connectors as I have stronger winds coming from the lake, but I can see how someone may choose the smaller ones for less hardware.
I think the big ones offer more support
![33.6" High Tempered Glass Panels 12mm (36" total height with spigot)](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0660/6143/5065/files/DSC00851-rt-pre_2_-min_70x70.jpg?v=1720550258)
I had some doubts at the beginning as I have no clue how they ship glass, but everything arrives in a crate in great shape!
I mean look at that, definitely one of the most affordable options online too, especially compared with invisarail or like the home depot alternative.
Got the coupons too for an extra discount
![Hinge Kit (2 units)](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0660/6143/5065/files/hingekit-model2-black_70x70.jpg?v=1719424634)
Installation was a breeze. These hinges work perfectly.
Just don't forget to follow the instruction thing for the closing speed!
![90-Degree Gate Latch](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0660/6143/5065/files/90gatelatch-model1-black_70x70.jpg?v=1719424644)
So far so good, installation was pretty straight forward but I have been doing my concrete pouring too. Let's see how this holds up the next 20 years
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