Do commercial windows need to be tempered?

I've received numerous questions over the years in relation to when and how tempering glass should be used in homes. The majority of the house is older and replacement windows were installed. The most frequent questions: "Does the replacement glass need to be tempering?" or "Is it a requirement to have glass that has been tempered?"

The first thing to note is that an inspector of homes is not an inspector of codes however, with that being said an inspector of homes must have a basic understanding of the laws that impact the safety of the residents of the house. In the International Residential Code: "The intent that the law is designed to set basic requirements to protect the public's health, safety and general well-being, by providing accessibility structural strength, methods of egress and stability, sanitation lighting and ventilation, energy conservation, and protection of the property and life from fire hazards and other dangers that are a result of buildings." When you think of glass that is tempered, the most important term is "safety." I first discovered the requirement to use tempering glass in homes in 1975, when Indiana adopted building codes.

The issue I have encountered is when a house was constructed before 1975 and has replacement windows. I've read that, by law, replacement windows are not required to be tempered, unless the home has been renovated. But it is also my understanding that larger windows of any older house require replacement with tempered glass whenever the real estate contract contains "safety things" within the agreement. The inspector for the home must be able to point out the necessity of glass that is tempered, and let negotiations be left to the agents in the process.

A window is tempered glass if the following requirements are satisfied: there are more than nine square feet within one piece of glass that is not more than 18 inches from the floor. The glass's top is more than 36 inches higher than the floor, and it has a 36-inch walk to either side of it.

The most dangerous locations are doors to exit and entry with sidelights up to 24-inches of the doors and storm doorsand sliding doors swinging doors that are not framed, French doors, tub and shower doors and glass enclosures for pools and saunas, whirlpools, hot tubs, mirror glass for a swinging or bi-folding closet door, as well as windows in the area next to a staircase or landing.

There are many more unique regions that require tempered glass therefore it is important to conduct the necessary research. Tempered glass is identified by a permanent marking which is inserted into the glass by the maker through the use of acid, such as sandblasting embossed, ceramic-fired mark or any other mark which cannot be removed without damaging the glass.

Com-AL commercial windows in Perth is a certified master inspector of the Australian Society of Home Inspectors. Send him questions about home improvement in the mail at Address: 16 Madrid Pl, Maddington WA 6109, Australia or e-mail him at admin@com-al.com.au.

Com-Al Windows specialise in the design, manufacture and installation of commercial aluminium window, door and curtain walling systems.