A home improvement company is telling me that a national code or federal regulation prohibits them from installing non-tempered (or keep-safe) window glazing in windows that are less than 18 inches from the floor. Can someone verify this for me?

Using keep-safe glass is adding around 3,000 bucks (2.75/united inch) to my window replacement project! Thanks.

Frank

 

Your home improvement company is correct.

Most building codes require that any glass less than 18 inches above a floor must be safety glazed.

For example, the International Residential Code of the ICC (International Codes Council) for 2003 states:

"[B]R308.4 HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS. The following shall be considered specific hazardous locations for the purpose of glazing:


7. Glazing in an individual or operable panel......(sic: where):

7.2 Bottom edge (sic: of the glass is) less than 18 inches (457mm) above the floor..."

Safety glass is required in areas deemed hazardous by the code.

Your contractor is correct. You need safety glass by code and by law for your replacement windows.

 

I could buy a couple real nice exterior doors with that three grand. Thank you for the information.

 

If you want new windows you need to pay for the new safety glazing first....then think about the safety glazing required for new doors.

There is no getting around your window or door problem so do it right.

 

I appreciate your help. The windows have been ordered with safety glazing; the doors will just have to wait a few years.

You misunderstood my last post, but after seeing the "reason" for your edit I see you misunderstand many things.

 

As a builder trained in code enforcement I understood your last post just fine.

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