I'm trying to figure out if I can bypass requirement for tempered glass.
I have 3 windows 40×69 ea, installed in a row separated by 1 1/2 inch material (2×8), all of this is installed in a rough opening in the front of the house. (most people have a bay/bow window there, in that rough opening, but the house I bought has these 3 windows)
The interior seat (sill) is only 15 inches from the floor.
2018 International Building Code (2406.4.3) specifies that tempered (safety) glass is needed if all these conditions exist:
- The exposed area of an individual pane is greater than 9 square feet (0.84 m2).
- The bottom edge of the glazing is less than 18 inches (457 mm) above the floor.
- The top edge of the glazing is greater than 36 inches (914 mm) above the floor.
- One or more walking surface(s) are within 36 inches (914 mm), measured horizontally and in a straight line, of the plane of the glazing.
Now I want to replace these 3 windows with possibly 5 windows to bypass rule (1) – 9sq ft area rule.
By splitting that huge opening into 5 (instead of the current 3), the window glass pane area of each window could possibly be below 9 sq. ft.
Is this acceptable?
Best Answer
Some areas may allow you to apply a safety window film. I have only seen it on heritage houses where the original windows are essential to the character of the house but I hear it's common in commercial applications. It's worth looking into. As long as it is up to your local codes.