Washington Building Code for Glass Railings

The Washington Building Code (WBC) is an essential building safety regulation in the state. It provides design and implementation guidelines to engineers, architects, and designers for constructing and renovating homes and buildings.

This code also has special sections that highlight the installation and use of glass railing systems based on glazing quality, guardrail height, and other glass railing requirements. These guidelines are put in place to maximize user safety and functionality.

This article provides a brief highlight of the Washington Building Code and how it applies to glass railings. It also details critical considerations for the design and installation of glass railings in homes, offices, commercial buildings, and public spaces.

What is the Washington Building Code

The Washington Building Code is a safety regulation defining construction and renovation standards for non-building and building structures across Washington State. As such, all buildings must conform to the standards specified in the code by submitting and obtaining permits before starting projects.

The 2021 Washington Building Code is used in the state and came into effect on March 15, 2024. Based on the 2021 International Building Code (IBC), the WBC was adopted by the State Building Code Council after specific amendments were made.

The Washington State Building Code has specific safety regulations for construction plans, structural designs, occupancy classification, and building materials essential for executing projects. In addition, the WBC considers region-specific safety regulations based on natural occurrences, including earthquakes, floods, and landslides.

Glass Railing System Function

The primary function of frameless glass railings and other glass guardrails in homes and offices is to provide support and protect users from falling when using open-ended elevated platforms. Therefore, glass railings are mostly used in patios, terraces, decks, and balconies.

Homeowners looking to upgrade their homes turn to framed and frameless glass railings, which improves indoor and outdoor aesthetics. Furthermore, glass deck railings are easy to install and maintain and fit into most building types.

The Washington Building Code has specific guidelines for the design and installation of glass railings as highlighted below.

• Elevated surfaces, including decks and mezzanines, require glass guardrails or similar railings if the surface is 762 mm (30 inches) high above the ground floor.
• Opensides of elevated platforms require guard railings.
• Openings not more than 100 mm (4 inches) in diameter are acceptable for framed and frameless glass railing systems.

Design and Installation of Glass Railing Specifications

The Washington Building Code provides detailed safety regulations for the design and installation of glass railings, based on railing height and glass panel quality. When used for enclosures, glass guardrails must also conform to specific compliance guidelines.

Railing Height

A minimum safety height is used by building codes as specified in the IBC. However, each state can increase these requirements beyond the recommended value if it is based on hard facts.

Like California, Washington State has strict glass railing height requirements mandating residential, commercial, and public guardrails to be at least 1067 mm (42 inches) in height. For accessibility to more users, handrails are required in some buildings between the height of 762 mm (30 inches) and 965 mm (38 inches).

Glass Panel Quality

The glass used in guardrails must conform to specific safety regulations as highlighted in the Washington Building Code. Failure to adhere to these requirements leaves railings vulnerable to failure, which puts users at risk of injury.

To prevent this, all glass panels used for framed and frameless glass railings must conform to these glass railing requirements.

• All glass panels used must be a minimum of 12 mm (0.5 inches) thick to be used in railing systems. When used in roof balconies, pool enclosures, and other high-risk locations, a thicker requirement may be specified.
• The recommended safety glass suitable for glass railings is laminated fully tempered or heat-strengthened glass complying with Category II of CPSC 16 CFR Part 1201 or Class A of ANSI Z97.1.
• However, a single full-tempered glass panel can be used if it conforms with Class A of ANSI Z97.1 or Category II of CPSC 16 CFR Part 1201.
• As long as it is free from structural and visible flaws, the shade and color of glass panels do not matter.

Pool Fencing

Compared to other codes, the Washington Building Code has one of the strictest safety requirements for pool fencing. These safety regulations are particularly designed to minimize drowning by limiting children and unauthorized individuals from accessing pool areas.

Therefore, pool fencing in Washington must conform to the following glass railing requirements.

• Pools with less human traffic, particularly residential swimming pools must have glass railing enclosures that are at least 1524 mm (60 inches) high.
• Pools accessed by multiple swimmers in public areas require fencing of at least 1829 mm (72 inches) in height.
• Enclosures should not have openings that allow passage of a sphere wider than 100 mm (4 inches) in diameter.
• There must not be protrusions or indentations that can facilitate climbing along the span of pool barriers.
• Gates leading into pool enclosures must be equipped with a latch that continuously locks. Alternatively, coded locks or equivalents can be used on gates.

Maintenance and Safety Tips for Frameless Glass Railings

You must adhere to maintenance and safety tips to keep glass railing systems, especially frameless glass guardrails in good condition. Here are some tips to consider.

• Regularly clean and maintain glass railings with non-abrasive or soft chemical cleaners. In most cases, a soap and water solution can do the job.
• Inspect stainless steel glass railing hardware for loose fittings, wear, and corrosion. You should immediately replace damaged components and tighten loose fittings when required. Also, it is always a good idea to clean stainless-steel components with specific cleaners that maintain a polished appearance and prevent corrosion.
• Ensure all glass panels are free from chips and cracks. Likewise, inspect seals and fittings, and take appropriate action once you see any sign of failure.
• Do not attempt to install or maintain glass railing systems unless you have the requisite experience.
• Carefully convey objects that can break, chip, crack, or damage glass panels through locations with glass railings.
• Do not sit or hang heavy items on glass railings systems as doing so can stress guardrails beyond the requirement.
• Use appropriate anti-slip coating solutions on floors close to frameless glass railings. Doing so prevents accidents, especially in outdoor situations.

Conclusion

The Washington Building Code is the primary safety regulation for all construction work across the state. It helps building owners construct and renovate buildings based on building safety compliance guidelines that protect lives and properties.

The WBC as stated provides detailed information about using glass railing systems in elevated platforms like stairways and balconies. It also guides the selection of glazing and railing height determination.

Adherence to maintenance and safety tips highlighted above should keep glass railings safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing for a very long time.

FAQs for Washington Building Code for Glass Railings

Does Washington have a building code?

The Washington Building Code exists and it is based on the International Building Code after the inclusion of specific amendments. Compared to many states, Washington State has one of the strictest safety regulations specified in its building code.

Do glass railings need to be tempered?

Tempered glass panels are recommended for glass railings. However, fully tempered or heat-strengthened glazing can be used for guardrails if it conforms with Category II of CPSC 16 CFR Part 1201 or Class A of ANSI Z97.1.

How thick does a glass railing need to be?

The internationally acceptable thickness for glass railings is 12 mm (0.5 inches).