| Author |
Message |
Anon (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Thursday, January 10, 2013 - 01:03 pm: |    |
Searching, searching for code restriction for using reflective glass in entrance doors. Is there a restriction; if so, where is it located? |
ken hercenberg
Senior Member
Username: khercenberg
Post Number: 406
Registered: 12-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, January 10, 2013 - 03:30 pm: | |
I can't imagine that there is a code restriction. If you have a solid door at your entrance, do you have to include a view port?
I've had projects with reflective glass at entrances. They have looked less than acceptable when all was said and done. Besides, people walking into the building can't see people coming out. You also can't see someone waiting to mug you. If you're going to do it, please have dedicated in-ies and out-ies. |
Ronald L. Geren, AIA, CSI, CCS, CCCA, SCIP
Senior Member
Username: specman
Post Number: 1072
Registered: 03-2003
| | Posted on Friday, January 11, 2013 - 12:09 am: | |
The only criteria is in Section 1008.1 (2012 IBC), which states, in part:
"Means of egress doors shall be readily distinguishable from the adjacent construction and finishes such that the doors are easily recognizable as doors. Mirrors or similar reflecting materials shall not be used on means of egress doors."
That means in reflective for the direction of egress trael. So, if the reflectivity is from the exterior, there is no problem since people are typically leaving a building during an emergency and not entering it.
However, if there is an outdoor space, such as a courtyard, that requires entry into the building to egress through it to exit, then there might be a problem with reflective glazing on those courtyard doors.
Ron Geren, AIA, CSI, CCS, CCCA, SCIP
www.specsandcodes.com |
Ronald L. Geren, AIA, CSI, CCS, CCCA, SCIP
Senior Member
Username: specman
Post Number: 1073
Registered: 03-2003
| | Posted on Friday, January 11, 2013 - 11:57 am: | |
Sorry about my grammar above--the first sentence in the third paragraph should read:
"That means: not reflective in the direction of egress travel."
Ron Geren, AIA, CSI, CCS, CCCA, SCIP
www.specsandcodes.com |
spiper (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Friday, January 11, 2013 - 09:29 am: | |
There is no code restriction that I know of (assuming it is exterior only as already stated). However it could be an issue for other reasons depending on what the building function is.
Reflective glass will be a hazard for birds and if this is the entrance to a resturant then dead birds might not be very appetizing. If this is the entrance to the ornithology building at a zoo then is could be downright distasteful.
From the standpoint of the code I don't believe you have any problems but reflective glass could have some downsides for other reasons. It may also be the appropriate product for your situation because every situation is different. |
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