Knowing the institutionalized criteria, including tempered glass safety standards, is crucial for architects, builders, and homeowners. These standards ensure the safety of the occupants, protecting them against potential hazards like shattering glass. When it comes to safety and durability, tempered glass ranks high compared to ordinary annealed glass products.
Tempered glass, also known as toughened glass, is a type of safety glass processed by controlled thermal treatments to increase its strength compared with normal glass. When broken, it crumbles into small granular chunks, thereby reducing the risk of injury. This safety feature makes it the preferred choice for many applications, including shower doors, passenger vehicle windows, and architectural glass doors and tables.
The tempered glass safety standards are set by professional organizations such as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), International Code Council (ICC), and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). These standards are put in place to ensure the optimum safety and performance of the tempered glass.
Most importantly, the standards stipulate that tempered glass should have a surface compression of at least 10,000 psi or an edge compression of not less than 9,700 psi. This level of compression makes the glass four to five times stronger than annealed glass of the same size and thickness, ensuring high glass impact safety.
Learn more: ASTM Certified Sliding Doors for Kids: Bringing Safety First
This standard applies to safety glazing materials used in buildings and stipulates that the glazing material meet certain requirements to minimize the likelihood of injury from human contact with the glazing material.
The IBC provides the complete set of rules that apply to all types of buildings. Section 2406, Safety Glazing, provides the necessary guidelines for installing tempered glass in hazardous locations such as doors, shower enclosures, and any other high-risk areas.
This rule applies to architectural glazing materials used for windows, sliding doors, and shower doors. It stipulates specific breakage patterns and impact resistance for tempered glass to minimize potential injuries.
Apart from the strict manufacturing process, tempered glass must meet specific impact-resistance tests before it can earn the ANSI or any other recognized certification. Certified stamps are then applied in a corner of each tempered glass pane.
For sliding doors, windows, and other architectural applications, the value of certified sliding systems can’t be overstated. These systems ensure that the tempered glass used not only meets the required safety standards but also guarantees durability, enhanced security, and an aesthetically pleasing finish.
In response to hurricane-related devastation, Miami-Dade County and the broader Florida region have some of the most stringent building codes in the country. Part of these regulations are provisions for the installation of impact-resistant windows and doors.
According to the Florida Building Code, all new or replacement glass doors and windows in both residential and commercial buildings must have impact-resistant glazing or shutters. Tempered glass, because of its high strength and safety features, usually passes these requirements.
In Miami-Dade County, products including tempered glass undergo rigorous tests to receive the Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA), the highest level of product approval in the state. With the NOA, you’re assured that the product meets the county’s high wind resistance standards.
Tempered glass safety standards play a vital role in ensuring that both commercial and residential properties are safe and durable. Whether in Miami, Florida or elsewhere, knowing the specific requirements and regulatory codes can help you make informed choices.
At APAClosetDoors.com, we adhere to all tempered glass safety standards in manufacturing our products and value the safety of our customers above all else. Whether you need high-quality and certified sliding systems or any other glass products, you can trust that our products meet and exceed the recommended safety standards.
Choose quality. Choose safety. Choose APAClosetDoors.com.
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