Do glass railings need to be tempered?

Glass railings are popular for their clean sightlines and modern look, but safety—and code compliance—comes first. In most jurisdictions the International Building Code (IBC) and related standards require safety glazing for guards and handrails: glass panels must be laminated and constructed of either fully tempered or heat-strengthened glass to resist impact and reduce hazard from breakage.

For homeowners, tempered glass is commonly used because it is strong and shatters into small, less-dangerous fragments; however, laminated glass (tempered plies bonded with an interlayer) is increasingly specified—especially for commercial, high-rise, or balcony applications—because it holds together on breakage and reduces fall risk. Local code variations (and wind/load requirements) often determine whether tempered alone is sufficient or laminated is mandatory.
Designers should also note newer code updates that affect system design (for example, requirements for top rails or specific load capacities). Always verify local building-department rules and use certified glazing that meets ASTM/ANSI or CPSC safety standards before installation.