These large shards of glass can be dangerous to adults, kids, and even pets. If a door or window with non-tempered glass breaks, the sharp pieces of glass are likely to fly around or fall off. Because non-tempered windows are a definite safety concern, renovating an older home is another situation where is tempered window (glass) necessary. In older or renovated homes, there may be glass in windows and doors that would be unsafe by today’s stricter standards. Do Older Homes Have (or Need) Tempered Glass? Where a hot tub is outdoors, all glass must be tempered if the bottom edge is less than five feet above the walkway and five feet away from the water’s edge, according to the International Residential Code. You must temper all glass if its bottom edge is less than five feet above a walking or standing surface such as a shower floor. The greater risk of slip and fall injuries in wet areas means that bathrooms, saunas, and hot tubs are places where is tempered window (glass) necessary. This is when is it a good idea to use tempered window (glass). It is necessary to temper all glass next to stairs, landings, and ramps if it is within three feet of a walkway and the glass’ exposed surface is less than five feet above that walkway. Unless your window meets all these criteria, it’s not a situation where is tempered window (glass) necessary.

It has a top edge that’s more than three feet above the floor It has a bottom edge that’s under 18″ from the floor The window measures more than nine square feet Why is tempered window (glass) necessary: While the code applies to every home in the US, some states’ laws have stricter requirements on where is tempered window (glass) necessary Using Tempered Glass in Windows Additionally, it is required to temper any glass located within 24″ of a door if the bottom edge is less than five feet above the floor. Tempered Glass in DoorsĪccording to the International Residential Code, you must temper all glass and panels in swinging, sliding, operable, fixed, and bifold doors, regardless of the panel’s size. In most places, residential building codes answer the question of where is tempered window (glass) necessary.

When the glass is heated and rapidly cooled, it becomes tempered or safety glass. Following Residential Building CodesĪs mentioned above, when conventional glass breaks, it usually forms dangerous shards. Here, readers can learn what it is and where is tempered window (glass) necessary. What does tempered window (glass) do? When it shatters, it turns into small square pieces that are less likely to pose a safety risk. The treatment involves rapid heating of the glass followed by quick cooling, which makes the glass stronger and changes the way it breaks. Tempered glass is that which has been treated to make it up to five times stronger than conventional glass.

Tempered glass window