When it comes to commercial glazing, compliance with building codes and industry standards is essential for ensuring the safety and functionality of the finished product. These codes and standards are put in place to protect the public and to ensure that buildings are constructed to a certain level of quality and durability. Below, we will discuss some of the key building codes and industry standards that apply to commercial glazing and explain why they are important.
Building Codes
When we refer to building codes, we are talking about a set of regulations that are put in place by local governments to ensure the safety and functionality of buildings. These codes typically cover things like structural integrity, fire safety, and accessibility. When it comes to commercial glazing, several key building codes must be followed.
The International Building Code (IBC) is a widely used building code that sets standards for the design and construction of buildings. The IBC includes specific requirements for commercial glazing, such as minimum glass thickness, maximum allowable glass size, and requirements for impact resistance.
Another important building code is the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z97.1 standard, which sets safety requirements for the use and construction of architectural glazing materials. This standard covers things like impact resistance, load-bearing capacity, and energy efficiency.
Industry Standards
In addition to building codes, several industry standards apply to commercial glazing. These standards are put in place by organizations like the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) to ensure that commercial glazing products meet certain performance criteria.
The AAMA 506-13 standard, for example, sets performance criteria for the structural design and testing of storefronts, curtain walls, and sloped glazing systems. This standard covers things like load-bearing capacity, air and water penetration resistance, and thermal performance.
The NFRC 100-2010 standard, on the other hand, is used to rate the energy performance of windows, skylights, and doors. This standard covers things like solar heat gain coefficient, visible transmittance, and U-factor (a measure of a window’s thermal performance).
Why Compliance is Important
Compliance with building codes and industry standards is important for several reasons. First and foremost, it ensures the safety and functionality of commercial glazing products. Building codes and industry standards are put in place to protect the public and to ensure that buildings are constructed to a certain level of quality and durability.
Additionally, compliance with these codes and standards can also help to improve the energy efficiency of commercial glazing products. Many codes and standards now include requirements for energy efficiency, which can help to reduce the amount of energy that is required to heat and cool a building.
Finally, compliance with building codes and industry standards can also be important for insurance purposes. Many insurance policies require that buildings be constructed to certain codes and standards in order to qualify for coverage.
Commercial glazing is essential. Building codes and industry standards set standards for the design and construction of commercial glazing products, and compliance with these codes and standards can help to improve the energy efficiency and safety of buildings. Additionally, compliance with building codes and industry standards is also necessary for insurance purposes. Compliance is a must for all commercial properties.
