*
Is the use of glass block as a window over a tub code compliant? I see a lot large glass block windows around garden tubs but the code requires saftey glass inside of 60″ from tub. What’s the catch?
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
Skim-coating with joint compound covers texture, renews old drywall and plaster, and leaves smooth surfaces ready to paint.
Featured Video
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
*
That's a good question.
As far as durabilty I'd say they are. But they aren't shatterproof, meaning they can break into shards if subjected to sufficient point impact. Honestly, I have never come across this issue.
*Good question! Back a few years ago, we trimmed for one builder who used them regularly for picture windows over garden tubs, and don't remember him mentioning any problems with inspections in a fairly tough code enforcement county.I used some fake glass block windows from Hy-Lite(if I remember correctly) on a couple of houses and they worked pretty well, but you gotta' protect them as the plastic scratches easily. They nail in from the outside with flanges and then you wrap the opening on the inside just like a standard aluminum or vinyl window. They don't look bad, but you can tell they're not the real thing.My codebook's at the office so can't look it up. They're used all the time for shower walls, though, so there couldn't too much of a problem.Anybody else know fer sure?
*David,Due to the thickness of glass block, (those by pitts. corning, etc.) they are naturally more impact resistant than a pane of window glass. Also, a small size of less than 1 sq. ft. adds to the units strength. B.O.C.A. recongnizes glass "block" as a glazed masonry unit, sec. 2105.6. Sec. 2115.0 describes suitable uses and construction. Many contemporary homes using entire walls of glass block(nonloadbearing). Glass block is also a common material used in shower construction. I can find nothing prohibiting its use in bath construction other than it must not be loadbearing, and must meet joint reinforcement, joint material, size of panel limitations, etc. provisions as per code.
*Pittsburg Glass Block faxed me an explanation yesterday. Basically it started by explaining why the codes adopted regulations on "glazings" in hazardous locations. Them explained impact resistance, "coloring" or obscuring glass would make it more visible as would dividing it into small pane sizes. They finished by saying the glass block accomplishes these goals but,....since glass block is not a glazing, it is not required to meet this criteria. The local inspector (very thorough) accepted this explanation and allowed the installation.