Window safety glazing when adjacent to door - InspectionNews

Eric Kuzma · #1 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 03:08 PM

I'm wondering if someone can help me with an explanation and/or clarification for the code provision concerning window(s) needing to be saftey glazed when within a 24" arc of a door. More specifically the exception addressing locations where there is an intervening wall.

First question, what is the actual basis for this code provision?

Second the intervening wall, (I'm assuming refers to a wall perpendicular to the wall containing the wall and window, and between them) does there need to be an intervening wall on both sides of the wall (containing the window and door) or does one side suffice, and if so, does it matter which side?

Thanks.

I'm new to this forum, I searched for this topic and didn't find it specifically addressed, if it has been, could someone please direct me to the link.

John Arnold · #2 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 04:22 PM

Here's a thread from the archives:
Tempered Glass - InspectionNews.com

John Arnold · #3 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 04:25 PM

Here's another thread which may overlap/reference the first one:

Tempered Glass for Replacement Windows

Eric Kuzma · #4 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 05:54 PM

Thank you for directing me to those previous posts,
I looked them over but didn't really see my question specifically addressed.

I'm probably splitting hairs, but without knowing the basis of the code requirement for window saftey glazing within 24" of a door, in trying to understand the exception which adresses intervening walls, it's not clear to me whether the intervening wall needs to be on both sides or if as the code states (singularly) on one side suffices.

Jerry Peck · #5 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Kuzma

I'm probably splitting hairs, but without knowing the basis of the code requirement for window saftey glazing within 24" of a door, in trying to understand the exception which adresses intervening walls, it's not clear to me whether the intervening wall needs to be on both sides or if as the code states (singularly) on one side suffices.

The basis for the code is to include safety glazing in the area around the door in which you might: a) poke your hand through the glass; b) fall through the glass.

An intervening wall stops you from coming in contact with the glazing on the other side of that intervening wall - which mean there is no need for it to be safety glazing.

Eric Kuzma · #6 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 11:18 PM

I'm sorry to persist on this.....
We just had this come up on a jobsite and there was never really resolution.
So, if the door is on an exterior wall, and swings indoors, and there is an intervening interior wall between the door and an adjacent window (within a 24" arc) but no intervening exterior wall, does the window still need to be saftey glazed?

Thanks again.

John Arnold · #7 (**permalink**) 11-06-2009, 04:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Kuzma

...
So, if the door is on an exterior wall, and swings indoors, and there is an intervening interior wall between the door and an adjacent window (within a 24" arc) but no intervening exterior wall, does the window still need to be saftey glazed?...

As Jerry said, the idea is to provide some protection in case a person tries to put their hand through the glass or fall through it, so, if there is no wall to prevent that from happening, interior or exterior, then the window needs to be safety glazed.

Jerry McCarthy · #8 (**permalink**) 11-15-2009, 05:19 PM

Eric
Do you have a copy of the IRC 2009? If not, you should, assuming you’re in any state but California and then you would need the California Building Code 2007.

Back to the 2009 IRC, check section 308.4, and then note exceptions.
I'm not as patient or as thorough as EC Jerry, therefore do not cite codes word for word as I believe ever single serious home inspector should have a building code book collection and keep it current as they usually come up with new versions at every 3 year cycle.

This area you are asking about is a vital one in that its addressing occupant safety and that is probably the single most important area that home inspectors address – bar none !

Philippe Heller · #9 (**permalink**) 11-16-2009, 06:33 AM

Here is a good article with illustrations written by Douglas Hansen, author of the Code Check series.

http://codecheck.com/cc/images/Safet...gArticle07.pdf