Window Safety - Floor to Ceiling Windows

I recently purchase an apartment in a newly constructed building which has floor to ceiling windows on the third floor. The windows do not open, however, I am worried that someone could lean against the windows or crash into them and break through. Given there are many floor-to-ceiling windows in the city and I can’t find instances of this ever happening, my theory is that code must require windows that are sufficiently “impact resistant” but I can’t seem to fund anything on the web to confirm. Also not sure whatever the code says what windows are actually installed in my apartment.

bbslewje

in About Brooklyn 11 years and 1 month ago

8

Please log in, in order to post replies!

8 replies

Newest Oldest

boredatwork | 11 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5060 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5048 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(4) "2719"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(11) "boredatwork"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BiaWeactc21lMA9OeuKVxu36Aie4Iz/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(17) "bored-at-work-2-2"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(18) "nyc372@hotmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(55) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/bored-at-work/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-17 21:39:27"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(13) "bored at work"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(2719)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Maybe you should ask the builder/developer for information on the glass. That at least gives you a starting point. Then you can decide if its worth getting an engineer to look at the glass or other elements of the unit. Did you have an inspection before purchase? What did it say?

bowlofdicks | 11 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5059 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5058 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "179921"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(11) "bowlofdicks"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BUHfL0AmC15nSaCdez5etKSzfiuZJ30"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(11) "bowlofdicks"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(18) "cbfarch1@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2013-07-16 17:01:15"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(11) "bowlofdicks"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(179921)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

If you can’t find a label in one of the corners (it would be acid etched directly onto the glass, not a sticker) then you have laminated annealed which does not require a label but is still safety glass by code. The term “safety glass” only deals with how the glass breaks. Glass thickness is most important for impact resistance. Glass thickness is determined by a) window frame size and b) code tolerances already mentioned by Jim Hill. The architect typically calculates what thicknesses of glass are required to meet the impact code. Glass manufacturers do their own calculations prior to their fabrication at which time any errors are typically addressed (the window guys don’t want to be sued either!). I’m sure whatever is installed at your building is fine.

bbslewje | 11 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5055 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5061 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "181906"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(8) "bbslewje"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(63) "$wp$2y$10$7wtWdhwNu5QWqK2OwwTSZ.lsbt00HP9QsNuiB6nkwamj1/LCruUdG"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(8) "bbslewje"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(21) "adam_emmert@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:46:16"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(8) "bbslewje"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(181906)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Thanks for the response. I don’t see any label on the pane of glass. I do understand that code requires it to be labeled. Do you know where specifically I am meant to look? Thanks again for the responses.

bowlofdicks | 11 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5060 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5062 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "179921"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(11) "bowlofdicks"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BUHfL0AmC15nSaCdez5etKSzfiuZJ30"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(11) "bowlofdicks"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(18) "cbfarch1@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2013-07-16 17:01:15"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(11) "bowlofdicks"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(179921)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Since you have large floor-to-ceiling windows, you probably have double pane insulated glass (air space in the middle). Any glass surface that is within 18″ from the floor must be safety glass on the **interior** side only. This could be 1 layer of tempered glass, or more likely laminated annealed glass (cheaper). The label on the bottom of the window will tell you what glass you have. What are the dimensions of your window?

bbslewje | 11 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5061 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5059 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "181906"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(8) "bbslewje"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(63) "$wp$2y$10$7wtWdhwNu5QWqK2OwwTSZ.lsbt00HP9QsNuiB6nkwamj1/LCruUdG"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(8) "bbslewje"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(21) "adam_emmert@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:46:16"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(8) "bbslewje"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(181906)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Thanks very much for your response. If I wanted to retain someone to a) explain the technical details as to why this is safe and provided for by the code and b) confirm that the installation and windows in my apartment are up-to-code do you know would that be an architect or engineer that I would speak with? Do you have any suggestions?

dazednconfused2 | 11 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5062 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5055 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "209624"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(15) "dazednconfused2"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BghKLTB3pwiNsI5BhQ/fSb/bBQWxiL0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(15) "dazednconfused2"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(22) "un.perceived@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2024-07-04 18:01:21"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(15) "dazednconfused2"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(209624)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

There should be no danger associated with someone just leaning against the glass. The testing standard depends upon the size of the glass. If it’s over 9 square feet of glass, which I’m guessing yours is as it’s floor-to-ceiling, it’s something like a 100 pound bag (though it doesn’t say of what) dropped onto a horizontal piece of glass from 48 inches without breaking the glass.

bbslewje | 11 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5059 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5060 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "181906"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(8) "bbslewje"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(63) "$wp$2y$10$7wtWdhwNu5QWqK2OwwTSZ.lsbt00HP9QsNuiB6nkwamj1/LCruUdG"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(8) "bbslewje"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(21) "adam_emmert@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:46:16"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(8) "bbslewje"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(181906)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Thanks Jim. Do you know what that means for impact-resistance or the danger associated with someone leaning against the glass?

dazednconfused2 | 11 years and 1 month ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5061 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5063 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "209624"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(15) "dazednconfused2"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BghKLTB3pwiNsI5BhQ/fSb/bBQWxiL0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(15) "dazednconfused2"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(22) "un.perceived@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2024-07-04 18:01:21"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(15) "dazednconfused2"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(209624)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

The code requires that windows within a certain distance from the floor be tempered, so that there will be no shards if they break. I can’t remember offhand what that distance is, but if your windows go to the floor, they need to be tempered. There should be a stamp on the glass, usually in a bottom corner, that states it’s tempered. It may also have other information on it that you might be able to look up online or use to contact the manufacturer of the glass.