Saskatchewan Building Code for Glass Railings

All new and renovation construction works in Saskatchewan are governed by the Saskatchewan Building Code (SBC). This guideline provides building owners and contractors with the information they require to develop buildings that are safe for users.

Likewise, this document provides essential compliance guidelines for glass guardrails. These glass railing requirements safeguard users by providing building safety rules and defining glass railing system specifications.

As such, all residential, commercial, and public buildings and spaces must adhere to the guidelines for glass railings or risk fines and possible litigation. Read this guide to the end to prevent potential future problems.

Overview of the Saskatchewan Building Code 

The Saskatchewan Building Code follows a familiar pattern of adopting the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) like Prince Edward Island. The province adopted the 2020 edition of the NBCC on January 1, 2024, under the Construction Codes Act.

The decision by this province helps to further unify glass deck railing guidelines across the region by minimizing ambiguities. Furthermore, it streamlines safety requirements backed by evidence from the research conducted by the National Research Council of Canada.

However, municipality rules remain relevant when designing and installing glass railings. Therefore, homeowners and contractors must consider local regulations for glass guardrails.

Conditions for Using Glass Railing Systems

Glass railing systems can beautify the interior and exterior of your buildings. However, you are required to place these guards within spaces in your building to meet predetermined standards.

In general, stairways, mezzanines, ramps, decks, and many elevated spaces require glass guardrails for the safety of users. While considering aesthetics, the Saskatchewan Building Code specifies the following safety regulations for functional glass railing systems.

• Glass guardrails must be installed for all elevated platforms at least 610 mm (24 inches) high above the finished floor or an adjacent base level.
• In residential buildings, stairways used outdoors with more than 4 risers require guardrails. However, indoor stairs with just 3 risers must have railings.
• A frameless glass railing can have projections and openings that facilitate climbing unless the platform it protects exceeds the height of 13 ft 19 inches (1 story) from the finished floor.
• Guardrails and glass railing systems cannot have openings wider than 100 mm (4 inches) in diameter except in industrial buildings.

Saskatchewan Glass Railing Requirements

It is logical to learn about glass railing requirements once you know where guard railings are required. The Saskatchewan Building Code for glass railings through the 2020 NBCC covers this by providing detailed building safety guidelines for the design and installation of guardrails in private and public spaces.

This code offers details, highlighting glass panel and railing requirements to ensure strict adherence to safety regulations.

Glass Panel Specs

Glass panel specifications determine the safety of guardrails, especially when using frameless glass railings. As such, the Saskatchewan Building Code provides strict compliance guidelines, defining glass quality, composition, and thickness.

Failure to use this safety regulation during design and installation can endanger lives and properties.

Glass Composition

Glass in guardrails can be either laminated or tempered safety glazing, which adheres to CAN/CGSB-12.1 requirements. The code also allows for the use of wired glass as detailed by CAN/CGSB-12.11-M.

For extra safety, you can use heat-treated laminated safety glass, which combines the desired characteristics of tempered and laminated glazing.

Glass Thickness

It is universally accepted that glass used for guardrails cannot be less than 12 mm (0.5 inches) in thickness. However, some municipalities within Saskatchewan require the use of thicker glazing, especially on pool fencing and platforms elevated beyond a certain height.

Glass Physical Appearance

Saskatchewan Building Code accommodates the use of colored, tinted, or shaded glasses. However, it does not allow the use of broken, chipped, or cracked glazing for guardrails.

Glass Railing Height Specs

Building safety rules ensure all framed and frameless glass railings reach a minimum height requirement. The following standards are put in place to minimize the likelihood of accidents.

• All platforms, including mezzanines, stairways, and decks elevated 610 mm (24 inches) high above the ground must have 914 mm (36 inches) tall guardrails.
• Platforms whose elevation exceeds 6 ft above the floor require guard railings of 1067 mm (42 inches) in height.

The safety regulations apply to residential, commercial, and public buildings.

Swimming Pool Enclosure Specs

The Saskatchewan Building Code is not silent about swimming pool safety as it recognizes the dangers associated with unauthorized access to such areas. For this reason, above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and hot tubs that are 610 mm (24 inches) in depth require fencing.

Furthermore, you cannot start constructing a pool without a permit. Once you have the necessary local authorization, your pool or hot tub enclosure must adhere to the following specifications.

• The pool enclosure must be 1800 mm (71 inches) high and must be in place before water is added.
• The fencing must not have an opening or a gap that exceeds the diameter of 100 mm (4 inches).
• A walkway must exist between the fencing and the pool that is at least 750 mm (30 inches) wide.
• All gates that lead into the enclosure must have self-latching and self-locking mechanisms while swinging outwards.

How to Safely Maintain Glass Guard Railings

To keep your glass deck railings in good condition, you must learn how to safely maintain the system. These steps should help you maintain your glass guardrails while observing building safety compliance guidelines.

• Ensure you regularly inspect your frameless glass railings for signs of damage, including cracks or chips. Promptly contact an installer to replace damaged glass railing system hardware once detected.
• Regularly clean and polish the glass panels and railing structures with appropriate cleaners.
• Apply anti-slip treatment to your glazing to enhance user safety. Similarly, you should consider using a UV protection agent to reduce the aging process of glass panels.

In Conclusion

The Saskatchewan Building Code is a guideline for building construction and renovation in this province. It ensures all projects are safely conducted from start to finish.

Likewise, this code provides glass railing requirements for safe use of elevated platforms, including balconies, decks, stairways, ramps, and mezzanines. Each of these platforms requires specific glass panel requirements based on composition, thickness, and appearance.

In addition, glass guardrail systems elevated above the floor may require guard railings if the platform's height from the ground exceeds a specific level. Finally, knowing how to safely maintain your glass railing system should extend the lifespan of your glass guardrail.

Saskatchewan Building Code for Glass Railing FAQs

What is the deck railing code in Saskatchewan?

Glass railings for decks and similar elevated platforms must be 914 mm (36 inches) high when elevated 610 mm (24 inches) above the ground. The height of railing systems must be 1067 mm (42 inches) if the platform is more than 6 ft from the ground level.

What is the gap between a deck and its railing?

The gap between a deck and its railing must not be more than 100 mm (4 inches). These safety regulations are used across Canada to prevent children from crawling between glass guardrails.

Do I need planning permission for railings?

You do not need permission when installing glass railings for platforms that are less than 610 mm (24 inches) high above the ground floor. However, spaces above this height and swimming pools require a permit before glass railing system construction begins.