Quebec Construction Code for Glass Railings

The Quebec Construction Code for glass railings is a set of guidelines for homeowners, contractors, and installers, which provides critical compliance guidelines required to ensure the safety of users. These safety regulations provide standards for the design, construction, and use of glass railings in public and private properties.

Glass guardrails installed following these regulations do not affect the beauty of buildings. Instead, the structures ensure users get the best out of rooftops, balconies, and decks without compromising safety.

Keep reading this article to learn about the Quebec building code for glass railings.

About the Quebec Construction Code

The Quebec Construction Code (QCC) came into existence in 1941. The QCC’s primary function is to provide building safety compliance guidelines for residential, commercial, and public buildings.

As such, the Quebec building code provides minimum standards detailing protection, safety, and accessibility requirements for different buildings. It guides new construction projects, demolitions, renovations, relocations, and building alterations.

In particular, the Quebec Construction Code also defines glass railing requirements for glass guardrails for different spaces by guaranteeing the following.

• It guides the conception and installation of glass guardrails.
• It specifies detailed information regarding glass panel and guardrail specifications.
• It ensures the glass railings are designed to withstand varying loads, including a point load of 51 kg (112 lbs).
• It provides accessibility requirements essential for a functional building.

The Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) is the authority that enforces the construction code in Quebec. In addition, the RBQ provides licenses and support to contractors within the construction industry.

Building Spaces That May Need Glass Guardrails

Homeowners or contractors who want to use glass guardrails must do so in some elevated building spaces. In particular, decks, landings, and ramps 614 mm (24 inches) above the ground require guard railings. Depending on the location, stairways with at least 3 risers must have a guardrail or handrail.

Glass Guardrails Safety Regulations

The Quebec Construction Code is useful for installing different glass deck railings in residential public and commercial buildings. As such, installers and contractors must comply with these building safety requirements that define glass railing specifications.

The Quebec building code prioritizes the functionality and safety of buildings by defining glass guardrail requirements for all dwelling types. Glass specifications and guardrail height are two crucial elements outlined in this code.

Glass Specifications

The guardrail specifications give installers details about the quality, color, height, thickness, and composition of glass panels.

Glass Quality

Glass panels deformed by chips and cracks cannot be used for guardrail installation. Likewise, panels that sustain any visible deformation must be replaced.

Glass Color

The QCC allows contractors and homeowners to use any color or shade of glass panels for guardrails.

Glass Thickness

All glass panels must conform with CAN/CGSB 12.1-2017 certification for thickness. As such, the panel thickness for railings can range between 12 mm (0.5 inches) to 16 mm (0.6 inches).

Glass Composition

The Quebec Construction Code specifies tempered and laminated tempered panels for guardrails. Tempered glass panels are commonly used in residential and commercial buildings. Laminated tempered panels are mostly used in high foot traffic areas. 

Glass Guardrail Height Requirement

The Quebec building code mandates the installation of glass deck railings or similar structures when a platform exceeds 610 mm (24 inches) above the floor base. Other essential height requirements include:

Staircases, Mezzanine, Balconies, and Other Platforms

• Staircases with more than 3 risers have glass guardrails staircases must be a minimum of 914 mm (36 inches) tall within residential buildings.
• Spiral staircases and stairways wider than 1100 mm (43 inches) must have two guard railings.
• Mezzanines require glass guardrails that are at least 1067 mm (42 inches) tall. Similarly, Balconies and other exterior platforms that exceed 6 ft from the floor require railings of 1067 mm (42 inches) in height. This specification is commonly used for multi-family residential homes and commercial buildings.
• Glass guardrails for platforms higher than 4200 mm (165 inches) must not have any attachments or openings that facilitate climbing except in industrial occupancies.

Pool Enclosures

Residential pool enclosure rules in Quebec have drastically changed to limit children's access to pools since 2010. In the past, pools built before November 1, 2021, did not have to comply with this guideline.

New safety compliance regulations stipulate enclosures for the following residential pool types:

• Inground and semi-inground pools;
• Aboveground pools with walls below 1200 mm (47 inches) in height;
• Portable pools with walls below 1400 mm (55 inches) in height.

The guidelines now affect new pools and old pools. Pools built before 2010 have until September 30, 2025, to comply with the following new rules to prevent drownings and other pool accidents.

• Glass pool enclosures must be at least 1219 mm (48 inches) high to prevent users from climbing.
• The guardrail and glass panels must not pass a ball with a diameter of 100 mm (4 inches) or more.
• There may be no fixtures or projections that allow for the climbing of enclosures.
• A clearance zone of 1000 mm (39 inches) out of the enclosure must be given and free from any equipment.
• All pool enclosures have at least one access door with a self-latching closing mechanism.
• Glass panels used for railing must be sturdy and of thickness of at least 12 mm (0.5 inches).
• The wall of a garage or house can form part of the enclosure if it does not have an access door that leads directly into the pool. If a door exists, additional fencing is required around the door.
• Shrubs, hedges, and trees cannot form part of a pool enclosure.

Safety and Installation Guidelines

Strict adherence to safety and installation guidelines allows installers to deploy beautiful yet functional glass decks and guardrails. Therefore, contractors will want to stick by these tips when installing glass railings.

• The contractor should engage certified glass railing installers with practical experience working with guardrails.
• Heat-strengthened laminated and tempered glass panels should be used for guard railings to prevent users from getting injured from accidental breakage.
• Only high-quality clamps, connectors, and clips should be used to secure glass panels onto the structural frame.
• Homeowners should perform regular inspections to ensure glass panels are free from defects due to use. Once a problem is detected, appropriate maintenance action must be taken to prevent accidents.
• Terraces, stairs, balconies, and platforms that project into municipal property require a permit that allows for permanent occupancy of public property.
• Safety and installation guidelines are quite strict in Quebec. Although inspections rarely occur, homeowners and contractors should pay close attention to glass railing guidelines to prevent penalties and sanctions.

National Building Code of Canada

The National Building Code of Canada (NBC) is the overall building safety compliance guideline that defines glass guard railing installation and other construction processes. This code shares a lot in common with the Quebec Construction Code.

The NBC provides general building guidelines for the whole of Canada. On the other hand, the QCC gives the same requirements plus additional local guidelines specific to Quebec.

Contractors should use the QCC when working with Quebec. Also, using local codes for specific municipalities like Montreal should give you precise guidance suitable for each locality.

Summary

Quebec Construction Code (QCC) provides a framework for construction work, including glass deck railings and similar glass guardrails installation guidelines. It gives contractors and installers safety and installation requirements for mounting glass railings in residential, public, and commercial buildings.

The Quebec building code guides working with glass guardrails and other building development practices within the province. Similarly, the National Building Code of Canada defines general construction requirements that cover all aspects of construction within the country.

FAQs for Quebec Construction Code

What is the building code for railings in Quebec?

The Quebec Construction Code is the building code that guides building work and glass railing installation. Established in 1941, this requirement works closely with the National Building Code of Canada to provide guidelines for contractors and installers.

What is the height of glass railings on stairs?

Stairways with at least 3 risers must have railings of at least 914 mm (36 inches) high in residential buildings. Other buildings may require glass guardrails of 1067 mm (42 inches) in height.

What is the minimum thickness for glass railings?

The minimum thickness for glass panels is 12 mm (0.5 inches). This value may increase to 16 mm (0.6 inches) for pool enclosures.

How high should glass deck railings be?

Glass deck railings must reach a height of 914 mm (36 inches) if the platform is 614 mm (24 inches) above the floor. Such rails must be 1067 mm (42 inches) in height if the deck exceeds 5 ft 11 inches from the base level.