The building inspector came by for a final inspection of my addition. (Bathroom, 2 closets). He noticed that the four new Andersen windows next to the clawfoot bathtub are not tempered glass. Now, no one ever mentioned that before. It makes sense, of course, but it’s going to be expensive to remove the existing (double) glass and replace them with tempered units. Someone mentioned a possibility of having a safety film (4 mil) applied to the inside instead.
Has anyone tried this? I haven’t checked with the building inspector yet. Obviously he would have to go for it.
Replies
>Now, no one ever mentioned that before.
It IS code, and not particularly obscure code, either. Tempered is required within certain distances of a tub, so that if you slip and reach your hand out to brace yourself, and said hand goes through window, you won't be sliced and diced. Might even be other reasons, too.
Wasn't this on the prints? Who did the prints? Who ordered the glass?
any glass 18" of the deck needs to be tempered. It is as automatic as tempered in doors.
This is something that gets me double checked and questioned along with egress sizing every time I order windows. Who and how at your job?
Welcome to the
Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
where ...
Excellence is its own reward!
And glass < 60" above drain in a shower/tub enclosure or on the wall forming a shower/tub. That's current NC code. Local may be diff, but in general it falls under the hazardous locations subsection of glazing code. I agree it's something that should be caught by any number of people along the way. Designer, GC, window supplier, installer should all potentially know better. Won't point the finger without knowing more be/c ya never know who switched what when. More than once I've been told something wasn't on my prints...until I point out the page and drawing # where it's in b&w and just wasn't read.
There are a number of outfits that sell safety film. A number of sellers seem to oreient their pitch toward hurricane and tornado areas. Do a Google on "window safety film" or similar and you should have lots to look at.I have not actually dealt with the stuff, but if it is applied similar to the tinted window film for automobiles, it is squeeged on using a soapy water solution. I have seen some pretty poor applications on automobiles, however, so if you want a really smooth job with no ripples or bubbles, you probably want a professional to do the job. Of course, you first need to check with your "authority having jurisdiction" to see if the film can actually be substituted for tempered glass in your area and application. Some of the films are reportedly quite strong, so it should do the job - but rules is rules (or more specifically "codes is codes"...)A sample from the Google list:http://www.llumar.com/na-eng/Safety/safety-security.html
I did it because I knew it was code, but when I did my plans review with my local building official (the only one we have), he said, "we don't require that here."
Well, the other guys have chastised you for the screwup (and rightly so), so I'll answer your question. Do a search on google for safety film. I have installed it for commercial buildings in bad neighborhoods. Properly doen, it is crystal clear. (One window we did, there was a black magic marker number written on the glass. Some how it got missed when the windows were cleaned. Now it is permanently trapped betwen the glass and the film.)
There are various levels of safety film available, and different types of installation. One way is to apply the film to the glass in-place, another way is to remove the glass and apply the film then re-install. The difference is ... if you remove the glass first, then the film is trapped by the frame and it will hold the broken pieces in the frame. The other way, the broken pieces will be trapped by the film, but the whole glass pane will fall out of the frame.
Anyway, do a search, download some literature, find a local installer, and run it past the inspector.
Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!" Then get busy and find out how to do it. T. Roosevelt
"but it's going to be expensive to remove the existing (double) glass and replace them with tempered units."
Not really so expensive to replace the glass. You don't need to replace the sash, just order tempered glass units from a local supplier (or Andersen), remove the stops and untempered units, plug the new units in, replace the stops and viola!, it's done. (Using local glass will probably void your Andersen warranty, however)
We frequently do this on remodels, since most older homes don't have tempered.
Filming will void your Andersen warranty.
Order new sash as needed.
He should be concerned about the warranty on windows he is going to replace?
Joe H
That's how I'd go, but some folks will spend .90 to save a dollar.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
It's a greater difference than that, though. The film (4 mil) can be professionally applied for $75 for the four windows. To replace the glass will be around $500, I'd guess.
Well, I was off by a factor of 3! Andersen wants $1400 for the four sashes. If I replace the glass only (from a local glass shop) it voids my 20-year warranty.
Now, I originally bought these windows through Home Depot. They looked at my plans and selected these windows. I don't suppose they would consider this their fault? (Ordering non-tempered glass for around the bathtub)
Now, I originally bought these windows through Home Depot. They looked at my plans and selected these windows. I don't suppose they would consider this their fault? (Ordering non-tempered glass for around the bathtub)
Duck.
I never met a tool I didn't like!
Flatfive, don't worry about the warranty. You'll just have to self warrant the glass for twenty years. Most insulated glass will easily last that long.
blueWarning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. Although I have a lifetime of framing experience, all of it is considered bottom of the barrel by Gabe. I am not to be counted amongst the worst of the worst. If you want real framing information...don't listen to me..just ask Gabe!
Our local insulated glass fabricating shop warrantees their glass for one year. Some other local shops will warranty it for five years. Andersen 20 years.
If you replace it with other then Andersen glass, there may be a color difference with the other windows.
Film not only voids the warranty, but it can crack the glass.
Price the sashes from different sources. Andersen has Circle of Excellence Dealers who have competitive pricing.
jocobe
Safety films for windows are widely sold, often targeted at hurricane and tornado-prone areas. These films are applied similarly to automotive tinted films, using a soapy water solution and a squeegee. Poor applications, common in car tints, can result in ripples or bubbles, so professional installation is recommended for a smooth finish. Before proceeding, check with your local authority to ensure the film meets regulations as a substitute for tempered glass. Some films are very strong and effective, but compliance with local codes is crucial. A quick Google search for "window safety film" will provide numerous options. https://www.cosmosunshield.com/product/safety-security-films
https://www.cosmosunshield.com/blog/window-films-for-bathrooms also