South Carolina Building Code for Glass Railings

Every state in America has a building code, including South Carolina. The code for this state is referred to as the South Carolina Building Code (SCBC), which serves as a reference for engineers and architects in the construction and remodeling industry.

This code is useful to homeowners who are capable of doing DIY. Additionally, the SCBC has special sections, specifying glass railing requirements for the design and installation of framed, semi-frameless, and frameless glass railings.

This article is for you if you live in South Carolina and want to know about glass deck railings and other glass railing systems. It highlights essential information about the South Carolina Building Code and glass railing safety regulations, which include where guardrails are required and glass panel specifications.

You will also learn about guard railing height and pool fencing requirements. So, keep reading to learn more!

What is the South Carolina Building Code

The South Carolina Building Code governs construction and remodeling for homes, commercial buildings, and public offices. It provides detailed safety regulations that safeguard the lives of users.

The South Carolina Building Codes Council is responsible for modifying and adopting the state's building code. Effective January 1, 2023, the 2021 SCBC was adopted in South Carolina, which is based on the 2021 International Building Code (IBC) with state-specific modifications.

Many modifications made in the 2021 South Carolina Building Code center around reviewing definitions and specifications. Likewise, some sections of the documents were removed to enhance building safety.

Where Glass Railings are Required

The building regulations require guardrails in specific locations for indoor and outdoor safety. As such, you can install glass deck railings and other glass guardrails in balconies, mezzanines, patios, and other elevated platforms at least 762 mm (30 inches) high from an adjacent walking floor.

Other critical building safety compliance guidelines include:

• Ramps with a slope that exceeds 8.44% must have a guardrail or handrail.
• Unless stairways have a structure that prevents falling, all its sides must have guardrails that support users.
• To prevent children from crawling through, Frameless glass railings and other guardrails must not have openings wider than 100 mm (4 inches) in diameter.
• A spherical opening of 533 mm (21 inches) in diameter is allowed in railings that pass service pipes and wires.

All glass railing systems installed in residential, commercial, and public spaces must adhere to these safety regulations. Failure to do so may lead to fines by the relevant local authorities in South Carolina.

South Carolina Glass Railing System Specifications

The South Carolina Building Code has specific rules for using glass railings. All glass guardrails must conform to some railing height and glass panel type specification.

Therefore, the frameless glass railings you use in your home must be made of specific glass and reach the required height. Similarly, if you have pools, you must provide fencing that conforms with SCBC safety regulations.

Glass Guard Railing Height

The IBC through the South Carolina Building Code provides safety regulations specifying height requirements for all glass railings used in elevated platforms and stairways. Below are the height requirements to consider.

• Glass railings used for decks, staircases, porches, patios, and similar areas must have a minimum height of 1067 mm (42 inches).
• For stairways and ramps, handrails may be required on guardrails between the height of 864 mm (34 inches) and 965 mm (38 inches).

Above specific heights, some counties prevent glass railings from having projections or openings that support climbing.

Glass Panel Details

The glass type used for framed and frameless glass railings matters when considering safety regulations. Therefore, only safety glazing with the following specifications is allowed for all glass railing systems.

• The thickness of glass panels used in decks, patios, and other locations must not be less than 12 mm (0.5 inches). Some use cases of glass railings may require thicker glass panels beyond the minimum safety requirement.
• The standard glass panels you can use are laminated fully tempered or heat-strengthened glass, which complies with Category II of CPSC 16 CFR Part 1201 or Class A of ANSI Z97.1.
• You can also use single fully tempered glass panels that also comply with the same standards mentioned above.
• There is no safety regulation or compliance guideline that compels you to use a glass railing of any shade, color, or tint. However, you must ensure glass panels used for guardrails are free from physical defects.

Pool Enclosures

Residential swimming pools are dangerous to children and adults if access is not limited. As such, the South Carolina Building Code requires fencing for all pools deeper than 610 mm (24 inches).

Here are key pool fencing building safety requirements to consider.

• For below-ground and above-ground pools, glass railing systems, including frameless glass railings used as pool enclosures must be 1219 mm (48 inches). A dwelling house or accessory building can form part of the fencing if its windows and doors are closed and are equipped with alarms.
• All gates into the pool area must open into the pool area and have self-latching and self-closing devices.
• As stated earlier, pool fencing must also not allow passage of a spherical object that is wider than 100 mm (4 inches).

Front yard enclosures cannot be higher than 1219 mm (48 inches) in South Carolina. As such, you may have to build a pool in your backyard if local safety regulations require pool enclosures higher than 4 feet.

The South Carolina Building Code does not explicitly state you need a permit to erect a pool enclosure. However, city and local requirements may force you to apply for one before you start any work.

In some cases, temporary barriers may also be required during the construction of pools.

DIY Glass Railing Installation Tips

You must follow carefully the South Carolina Building Code for glass railing if you choose to DIY a glass guardrail. In addition, here are some installation tips you can consider.

• Select the right glass panels that comply with the building safety regulations. Also, choose corrosion-resistant glass railing hardware to make your guardrail system durable and safe.
• Buying or renting the right tools and equipment gives you an aesthetically pleasing look.
• To avoid expensive mistakes, carefully measure each glass panel before cutting.
• Closely follow the glass panel and hardware spacing requirements to ensure building safety.
• Use a bubble or laser level to ensure glass panels, rails, and posts perfectly align.
• Wear gloves, safety glasses, and safety boots to protect yourself from injury while working.
• Double-check that each bracket and fastener are secure and tightly in place.
• Perform a stability test before commissioning any glass railing system.

Conclusion

The South Carolina Building Code is an invaluable document that aids design and construction work in South Carolina. It includes sections providing guidance for glass railing installation, specifying glass panel type, and guardrail height.

If you intend to build a pool in your backyard, this building code will show you how to secure it with an appropriate pool enclosure. Likewise, the glass railing system DIY section offers great tips for installing a safe and functional frameless glass railing.

FAQs for South Carolina Building Code for Glass Railings

What is the building code for glass railings in California?

All glass railing systems in residential, commercial, and public buildings used for stairways, ramps, and balconies must be at least 1067 mm (42 inches) high. However, staircases and ramps may also require handrails.

What is the minimum size of openings in guard railings?

All guardrails including glass railing systems and other guard railings must not have openings wider than 100 mm (4 inches).

Do you need a fence around your pool in SC?

A fence with a minimum height of 1219 mm (48 inches) is required around your pool in South Carolina. This enclosure must also have self-closing and self-latching devices that always keep gates closed.