Clarification on Safety Glass

[jweinberg]

Do the muntins in the center arched window make the "exposed area of glazing" less than 9 square feet, or not (i.e. about 1 square foot per individual pane)?

The center arched window has the following characteristics:

1. Outer window frame measures about 15 square feet of exposed glazing.

2. Bottom edge is less than 18" from floor

3. Top edge is greater than 36" above floor

4. Window is within 36 in of a walking surface.

Additionally, the horizontal muntins are not 1.5" high and there is not one between 34 - 38 inches from the floor (There is one at about 39" from the floor).

There were a lot of doors with glass in them that were not safety rated so I reported this window along with the doors in my report. But I'm not sure if I would report this window if I encountered it without the doors needing safety glass too.

Do the muntins in the center arched window make the "exposed area of glazing" less than 9 square feet, or not (i.e. about 1 square foot per individual pane)?

2. If so...would you still recommend safety glass for this window in your report anyway?

[Larry D. Kage]

Originally Posted by jweinberg

Do the muntins in the center arched window make the "exposed area of glazing" less than 9 square feet, or not (i.e. about 1 square foot per individual pane)?

I wouldn't think the muntins would hold back a falling person so I would recommend the tempered safety glass or a 1 1/2" protective bar 36" above the floor and across the glass.

[Russel Ray]

There was a very lengthy discussion at inspectionnews.com earlier this year. I think it was a consensus that the muntins broke up the window surface. I remember part of the discussion focused not on falling into a window or door, but not seeing the window or door and walking through it. The muntins are there to help with perception. Windows in slippery areas like bathtubs and showers was a different story. I would have no problem with the windows in the photos.

[Russell G. Cloyd]

Jeff,

If the glass between the muntions is one solid piece of glazing > 9 square ft.,
the answer is no. If the glass between the muntins are individual small panes the answer is yes.

Regards,

[Barry Adair]

I’ll paraphrase a learned, esteemed, retired home, and now code enforcement inspector:

“When discussing code we all need to realize and remember code is not good, better, or best, per se code is simply the absolute minimum a builder can legally get away with and the minimum standards construction products can be built.”

“Nor does a code reference mean we have to inspect to that Absolute Minimum.”

This is my part:

Whenever I see glazing in the proximity of foot traffic areas I notify the client of the potential hazard regardless of the dimensions. I have warned them in writting and provided them with options.

This action may provide me with legs to stand on in the future, if required.