Los Angeles Requirements for Impact Glazing on Windows

Windy Areas

• Section 1609.1.2 of the Los Angeles Building Code states that glazed windows located within 30 feet of ground level, in wind-borne debris regions, must be capable of passing the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) large missile test; glazed windows located more than 30 feet above ground level must be able to pass the small missile test. The large missile test involves firing a piece of two-by-four lumber at the window while the small missile test fires small steel balls at the window. The length and weight of the two-by-four, as well as the speed at which it’s thrown, vary depending on various factors such as the window’s location.

Repairs and Alterations

• According to Section 6101.1 of the Los Angeles Building Code, owners of certain residential buildings must submit a sworn affidavit agreeing to replace all sliding glass door panels with approved safety glazing or safety film before they can be given a permit to make repairs, alterations or additions to their property. The owner must swear that the safety glazing or film complies with Section 2406 of the building code. Exceptions are made for wardrobe doors, bathroom shower doors and French-type wooden doors. This requirement only applies to residential buildings in R-1 through R-4 zones that meet specific requirements spelled out in the code. Any residential building that is being sold or exchanged, however, must also comply with this requirement.

Home Sales

• Single or two-family dwellings, condominiums and apartments can’t be sold in the city of Los Angeles unless impact-hazard glazing, or an approved film such as a polyester film coating, has been installed on all sliding glass door panels -- with the exception of wardrobe doors, bathroom shower doors and French-type wooden doors. Impact-hazard glazing has to be installed before entering into an agreement of sale or contract of exchange. Owners are also obligated to submit a copy of the written certification to the Department of Building and Safety. Buyers are obligated to submit a written statement that certifies that impact-hazard glazing will be installed within 30 days of entering into a sales agreement.

Tempered Glass

• Tempered safety glass is usually made by heating ordinary glass to a temperature of more than 600 degrees Celsius and then using a blast of high-pressure air to cool the surface of the glass. This kind of safety glass is about four times stronger than ordinary glass. When it does break, it breaks into small pieces that don’t have sharp edges.

Safety Film

• Safety film is also known as glass fragment retention film or anti-shatter film. It’s made by laminating several layers of polyester film together. The more layers a particular film consists of, the more resistant it is to breaking. Safety film is usually applied to the inside surface of existing glass windows to provide them with a protective coating that resists shattering. When the glass does break, it tends to remain within its frame instead of exploding like ordinary glass