Window above bathtub

Converted a barn into a house and put the bathtub underneath a 48"x48" window. Didn't realize it needed to be tempered glass.

Does anyone have a creative suggestion on how to get around this code violation? We don't have the time or $$ to order a new tempered glass window, and would prefer not to have to tear out and redo al the drywall and exterior around this window.

Is there such a product as a fiberglass film that can be applied to the glass to keep it from shattering? Guard rails?

We're open to any suggestions or ideas. Hoping someone has some input for us.

Thank you

 

Do you mean under as in a skylight??? My '03 IRC codebook says that skylights 16 sq ft or smaller do not reguire tempered glass. But a screen to catch broken glass is required above that size. Local code can vary.

 

There is no way around it. Even placing an interior storm made with tempered glass won't meet code if the main glass isn't safety glass. The glass above the tub has to be tempered, period (or laminated glass, even more costly). You have two choices as far as I can tell: Either replace the entire window or just replace the glass. If you replace the glass (or sash) only, it's not necessary to retrim/redrywall/replaster.

While you're at it, it would be good to get the most energy-efficient glass available. If you're in a cool climate, windows by a water source are the most condensation prone since they usually have more humidity in the area.

 

Here is a link to a picture:

http://home.earthlink.net/~alkeeney/bathtubwindow.jpg

Supposedly, if the window is higher than 60" from floor it doesn't have to be tempered.

Am meeting with the Building Department head Friday morning to discuss options for dealing with this issue.

Current window is brand new Low-E from IWC. They make an acrylic "glass block" window, but it doesn't open (and would entail redoing all the plaster and exterior trim work around the window.

 

"Supposedly, if the window is higher than 60" from floor it doesn't have to be tempered."

Something isn't right..............That would mean that almost every window in the house would have to be tempered. Are you sure it's not 36"?

 

Hi johnam, we're talking about a window directly above a bathtub here, not just any random window in the living room for example....

 

Alkeeney,

What's your life worth? Your wife's life? Kids?

I am not being a smart##s here, I am being totally serious.

That window in that location is DANGEROUS. They used to make shower doors out of annealed glass before they changed the code to tempered - why did they change the code? Because people DIED using non-safety glazed shower doors - usually kids.

This is not a "throw-away" code. There is a very significant potential for serious injury or death with a non-safety window above a bathtub.

And serious injury can involve dismemberment - and since we are dealing with a bathtub - certain "parts" can potentially be dismembered in an accident that I am sure you would prefer to keep.

Forget trying to get around the code and get it done right.

okay - off my soapbox.

 

see if you can have security film applied to the glass. works great.

 

Had a meeting with the building inspector who accepted us putting a guard rail in front of this window.

We definitely don't want someone slipping in the tub and getting "shredded" by the broken glass and are very concerned about the safety issues. [just wish we had thought about this prior to the window going in, or that a previous inspection had brought this to our attention prior to the drywall going in...]

Realistically, this tub will probably be used about three or four times a year, but still safety is key. So we're installing the guard rail. Received several quotes to replace the window from $500 to $900. Guard rail cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $30 and was accepted by the building inspector.

So we'll install the guard rail...

Thank you for your comments, suggestions, etc. ! I really appreciate having this forum.

Al

 

Alkeeney,

I am really surprised that the inspector has accepted using a guard rail - he has left himself open to a potentially serious problem because that "fix" is totally in violation of the applicable safety codes - (CPSC 16CFR1201 specifically - federal safety code pertaining to windows and doors and glass).

No matter.

Security film as suggested by Tae is also not code compliant and I would never suggest using it in your application EXCEPT that in your specific circumstance it would add a huge layer of protection that the annealed glass alone does not have - guard rail or not.

The film doesn't cost much and it is relatively easy to apply and while it does not meet code - it may one day keep you or a family member out of the emergency room. Also, make sure it is security film and not a film intended for solar control. Solar control or any tint film is not adequate for safety needs.

 

Oberon is absolutely right. Could you post a picture after you install the $30.00 guard rail. I can't believe that it would give you the safety protection you need. Shame on the inspector!!!!

 

I'm a State licensed PA residential building inspector, I would NOT have approved this - there is a reason safety glass is Required in specific areas.

I wouldn't have it in my house and would do what I could to keep it out of any house. I would have turned you down and let you appeal it to the local UCC Board. If they gave it to you, it'd be out of my hands.

Take the window out - it's better to pay the 900.00 now then waiting until someone is injured or killed and then wish you'd done it right.