Safety Glass: The Various Residential Code Requirements For Glass

Safety glass is used for windshields of automobiles, in laboratory work, and in many other applications to protect people from injury if shattered. In Canada, residences must abide by local codes in using safety glass for specific components. Here is everything you need to know about safety glass and the various residential code requirements for them.

Doors

Canadian code states that all glass in any position must use safety glass for its construction regardless of its size and shape. Technically speaking, all glass ports within a 24-inch door arc must use safety glasses if its bottom edge is less than 60 inches above the working surface. However, if 3-inch balls can’t pass through the glass port, residents won’t need to use safety glass.

Windows

Any window that measures greater than 9-feet square with bottom edges less than 18 inches must use safety glass windows. However, in some cases, the code requires you to use tempered safety glass, such as if the window’s top edge is more than 36 inches above the floor with a walking surface within 36 inches of the glass. These prevent shattering and possible injuries.

Staircases

If your property uses glass stair rails, you must use safety glass at all times with structural reinforcement. Plus, tempered glass should make up any areas adjacent to your stairs, ramps, and landings if there’s a 36-inch space of the walking surface. All exposed glass surfaces within 60 inches above any walkway should use tempered glass.

Get The Best Glass That Will Always Last

All Team Glass is a highly-experienced team of glass manufacturers with the best knowledge and equipment available to achieve the project results you need. Look through our portfolio and see the potential we can bring to your glass projects. Contact us today to learn more about everything that we can do for you.