Interpretation #8580
Published November 05, 2021
Original Request
- Code Version
- 2021
- Code
- BUILDING
- Code Description
- Chapter
- Section
- 1015.8
- Topic
- window opening control devices
Question
Can a sliding glass door used as a full length window on a second floor of a condo with grade over 72" below be used without guards if a Window Opening Control Device (WOCD) is utilized to keep door from opening over 4"?
Answer Published 11/05/2021 at 9:44 AM
A sliding glass door is not typically considered to be a window and, as such, would not subject to the requirement. However, if the question is could a WOCD be used on a SGD, the answer is probably, if the use is voluntary and the installation will meet the manufacturer's specifications and instructions as shown in their product approval. The code does not require a WCOD on sliding glass doors. As a door, the code does require a landing on both sides of the per 1010.1.5 or R311.3. If the landing is then more than 30" above grade per R312.1.1 or 1015.2, a guard would then be required.
Commentary
None