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Cable Railing Code Compliance

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Understanding Glass Railing Codes

Interpretation of Glass Railing Codes Glass railings allow us to preserve our views while also providing a safe and attractive wind break on exterior decks. Interior uses for glass panels are also numerous when we consider modern stairways, lofts and breezeways often encountered in high end homes. According to some sources glass creation has been around for 4000 years or more and used in architecture for hundreds of years. We know it works well, but todays codes can be hard to understand when it comes to glass panel railings. Included below are some of the more commonly encountered topics about glass railing codes pertaining to railing projects: One of the most popular questions we receive about glass railing codes is “Do I need a top rail on my glass railing?” The answer is Yes and possibly No… According to the ICC (International Code Council) – Guards with structural glass baluster panels shall be installed with an attached top rail or handrail. The top rail or handrail shall be supported by a minimum of three glass baluster panels. Or shall be otherwise supported to remain in place should one glass baluster panel fail. Exception: An attached top rail or handrail is not required where the glass baluster panels are laminated glass with two or more glass plies of equal thickness and of the same glass type. To break this down further : Two sheets of 1/4″ glass that are laminated together are considered to be one @ 1/2″ laminated glass panel. In theory the laminated panel would further prevent breaking and also prevent falling glass from leaving the railing infill. If you use this type of glass you MAY be exempt from using a top rail. ALWAYS check with your local building department. Free Standing Glass Panels and Glass Clip Railing Systems The previously referenced top rail and laminated glass railing codes most commonly pertain to free standing or clipped glass panels. These type of railing systems do not secure the glass with a top rail, thus requiring more stringent requirements that are harder to interpret. The safest way to guarantee that the requirements are met is by discussing the requirements with the local building authority. When it comes to building inspections the field inspector will ultimately have the final say and has likely encountered many glass railing projects. Height and loading requirements for glass railings are very similar to cable railings and other balustrade railing types. In California, a 42″ net height is required for glass barrier railings. Stairs will require handrails between 34″ and 38″ high regardless of design. The lateral loading requirement of  a minimum 200 lbs applied to the top rail at any location also applies to glass railings. Minimum Panel Thickness for Glass Railings The minimum panel thickness associated with most railing systems is 1/4″ thick tempered glass. Does railing glass have to be tempered?-  Yes. Almost all architectural applications call for tempered glass. As far as the minimum thickness call out of 1/4″ glass; thicker glass is becoming more and more common these days. Frameless systems may require thicker glass and/or lamination as stated earlier in this post. 1/4″ glass is commonly seen in full framed glass railings like the photo above. Most tempered glass panels have a stamp, and this visible symbol is often required in order to pass inspection. “Glazing” is the process of using glass (or other panelized materials) as an infill for windows, doors, railing panels etc. For the most part our modern railing codes deal with human impact, structural and/or wind loads associated with glass panels. Much of the published material on code requirements deals with glass thickness and also requirements involved with tempered glass. San Diego Cable Railings furnishes complete glass railing systems. We offer wooden, steel and aluminum framing options for interior and exterior glass applications. Additionally, we are an authorized distributor of Feeney design rail systems. For customers who require a turnkey sales and installation; we have a network of preferred installers specializing in glass railing installation.  If you have questions about glass railing codes or would like an estimate for a glass railing system; please visit the quote request page.    

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California Grab Rail Requirements

I’m remodeling my stairs and adding a new cable railing; do I need a grab rail? The short answer is most likely yes. Graspable rails are necessary in almost every situation involving stairs. The interpretations of the code and requests by different inspectors do make the requirements a bit confusing in some situations. In this article we will summarize the specifications most often reviewed during inspections on our railing projects: Grab Railing Height- Graspable railings are to be set at a height between 34″ and 38″ above the nose of each stair; measured vertically from the nose of the stairs. The measuring tape should not be angled when attempting to confirm this measurement. Stairs should be uniform in size; meaning if the stairs are not consistent that the grab rail height can change. It’s important to measure each stair prior to installing a grab rail; setting the height at a fixed measurement from the top and bottom stair. We find that a set height of 34″- 36″ is comfortable in most situations for most people. Diameter of a Graspable Rail- The minimum outside diameter of a round graspable railing is 1.25″ and the maximum outside diameter is 2″. These size requirements should allow for hands of all different sizes to firmly grasp the railing section. Square or rectangular grab railings can get a bit trickier; the total perimeter dimension of a non-circular member is 4″ minimum and 6.25″ maximum. The translation is basically a square railing that is minimum  1″ to maximum 1.5″ member. There is an allowance for larger members if a finger recess is provided in the railing member to allow for graspability. Wall Spacing and Returns – A minimum 1.5″ space is required between the graspable railing and the wall to allow room for hands to wrap the railing unimpeded by the wall. Grab rail ends should return into the wall at a 90 degree angle.  It’s important not to create a pinch point or leave an open rail that may catch a sleeve with an open end. Interpretation Examples- “I have a 2×4″ top rail at a 36″ height; do I need a grab rail?” The short answer is yes. A standard 2″x4″ timber has a total perimeter dimension of 10″ which exceeds the maximum allowable dimension for a graspable railing. Inspectors often have final discretion when it comes to a completed inspection; meaning there are exceptions and different interpretations of the code; however the safest bet is to reference and stick to the code requirements. If you have questions about grab rail requirements or would like a quote on a graspable railing, please visit the quote request page or give our pros a call at 844-277-7327. We offer pre-fabricated wooden and steel grab railings made to your specifications, as well as turn key installation of these products.

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Framing Considerations for Cable Railings

Structural Framing Considerations for Cable Railings A successful deck installation is dependent on quality materials and good planning . Creating a detailed design and thorough material take off can cut labor hours and ensure all the parts and pieces are available prior to construction. One important detail that is often left out is how to frame for the railing. Framing considerations for cable railings must take in to account the attachment method/s for the railing posts and the necessary blocking thickness needed to guarantee a proper connection.  Mounting Types-  Two of the most common attachment methods for any type of railing system are “Fascia Mounted” and “Surface Mounted” connections. A fascia mounted post is directly attached to the outside perimeter fascia board using a side mounted position. Alternatively, a surface mounted post is bolted to the deck surface using a deck mounted post position. Cable railing posts must be securely attached to framing members and/or structural blocking in order to provide the lateral load strength and resist heavy tension loads from cables. Joisting and/or Blocking- A double rim joist or solid blocking at each post location can be utilized for proper cable railing post attachment. Fascia mounted posts should be attached to a minimum double 2″x8″ timber or 3″ structural material thickness with a height not less than 7.5″. Surface mounted posts should be attached to a minimum double 2×6″ or  3″ material thickness and a width not less than 5.5″ laid flat beneath the deck surface. All blocking should be directly attached to joisting on all sides of each block. The photo (right) gives us a perfect visual of structural backing for a surface mounted deck post installation. Here a 2″x8″ rim joist is backed by a 4×4″ block and sandwiched by another 1.5″ thick block. The blocking is fastened on all 4 sides and provides enough backing material for adjustment in all directions. If you have questions about framing considerations for your cable railing give our pros a call at 844-277-7327 or submit a quote request via the online form.    

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Safe Deck Railings

Safe deck railings and the question of safety on raised decks has become increasingly popular on discussion boards throughout the building community. When it comes to cable railings, manufacturers are encouraged to follow even tighter guidelines than some traditional deck railings. The recent growth in popularity of cable railings has expedited the need for proper standards and testing.  San Diego Cable Railings prides itself on the structural integrity of our railing systems. We are continually performing in house tests, as well as field testing on our railing systems. The North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) is dedicated to safe building practices and the promotion of deck safety. The (NADRA) website is a great resource for deck builders, homeowners, manufacturers and design professionals. Additionally, you can locate inspectors by geo location and read articles pertaining to deck safety on this comprehensive web resource. Anything and everything related to deck construction and safety can be found at (NADRA).  They provide photos and workshops, articles, and links to material suppliers and deck builders. Safe deck railings require structural considerations, proper backing, and high quality materials to secure raised deck barriers. As proud members of NADRA, San Diego Cable Railings is dedicated to quality construction and high quality cable deck railings. We encourage safe building practices as well as the promotion of licensed contractors that specialize in deck and railing construction. Our preferred installers have spent years constructing decks, fences and cable railings exclusively with our product line. We continually conduct safety meetings, testing, and trade consultations in order to provide our customers safe and attractive railing systems. We encourage our customers to visit our profile at the North American Deck and Railing Association by clicking the on the link to the (NADRA) website. If you have questions about safe deck railings, code compliance, or about any of our railing products give us a call at 844-277-7327.  

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cable railing pool fencing, cable railings for pools, cable rail fencing

Cable Railing Pool Fencing

Cable Railing Pool Fencing projects have recently become a more common design element to compliment exterior remodeling projects. As the desire for a minimalistic style gains popularity, stainless cable for pool fencing provides a transparent barrier that is much more attractive than wooden or composite pickets. Pickets and picket fencing have become dated and technology has rapidly improved fencing and railing systems. We have more choices today, and we have superior choices for durability and maintenance. Stainless steel cable fencing has become a staple in the construction and remodeling industries, but when it comes to pools does it satisfy barrier standards? The answer to this question is most commonly YES! At San Diego Cable Railings we have provided both product and preferred contractor installations for cable railings as pool fencing. Most of our experience has come from Californian municipalities and customers must ALWAYS check local codes and building departments prior to installing cable railing pool fencing. Despite stringent standards in previous years,  most cities have adapted to the popularity of cable railings and fences and our customers are having great success with cable fencing packages. Pool fencing standards differ from railings in several ways but the main difference is height. Pool barriers are commonly 48″-60″ and will require more cables and possibly sturdier framing than a standard 36″ or 42″ cable railing system. Cable fences require 3″ cable spacing to avoid a 4″ spread which causes the need for more cables as the fence gets taller. Additionally pool fencing projects usually require self closing gates and a continuous perimeter either around the pool or the entire yard. At San Diego Cable Railings we provide customized cable fencing packages and stainless steel cable gates for pool projects. Pools are a beautiful addition to any landscape and a large investment that should be enjoyed and unobstructed. Poolside decks are another great place to utilize cable railing systems. If you have questions or would like a quote for cable fencing, please visit the quote request page or call us at 844-277-7327

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Cable Railing Code Compliance

Cable Railing Code Compliance- Cable railings are also sometimes referred to as wire railings. The horizontal cables are typically threaded through a variety of different deck railing posts, and the cables are then tensioned to provide rigidity and ensure safety. Cable railing installations have raised some questions throughout the years about code compliance. The horizontal nature and deflection associated with cable railings differs from the standard solid vertical balusters we’ve grown accustomed to for so many years. Stainless steel cable railings have become very popular due to the clean lines, and unobstructed views through the cables. In addition T316 marine grade stainless steel is ultra corrosion resistant. But are cable railings safe? Do they satisfy building code? Although codes and municipalities vary and you should always check your local codes; the answer is YES!

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About SDCR

San Diego Cable Railings provides high quality cable railing systems to contractors and DIY installers nationwide. Our products are made in house based in San Diego, CA. – built to withstand harsh conditions and coastal environments.

What We Do

Cable Railing
Glass Railing
Gates and Fencing
Hardware Products
Installation Services

Contact Info

1365 N JOHNSON AVE #117 EL CAJON, CA 92020 (Visits by appointment only)

Shop@sandiegocablerailings.com

(888) 389-0003

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