Have you ever thought about how important windows and doors are for the safety and energy efficiency of a home or building? In Ontario, the Building Code has some specific requirements for windows and doors that are designed to ensure that they meet minimum standards for energy efficiency, safety, accessibility, and fire protection.
These regulations are in place to make sure that buildings are safe, comfortable, and sustainable for their occupants. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what the Ontario Building Code requires for windows and doors, and why it’s important to follow these guidelines when installing or upgrading them.
Energy Efficiency Requirements
In Part 9, the energy efficiency standards for windows and doors are outlined in Section 9.36. According to the code, all new windows and doors must meet specific energy efficiency standards to reduce heat loss and improve overall energy efficiency. The specific regulations depend on the climate zone, building type, and other factors.
For example, in Climate Zone 5 (which includes most of Ontario), the minimum energy performance specifications for windows are based on the U-factor, which is a measure of the rate of heat loss through the window. The maximum U-factor allowed for windows in this zone is 1.6 W/m²K.
Similarly, for doors, the energy performance standards are based on the door’s U-factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), which measure the amount of solar radiation that enters a building through the door. The maximum U-factor for a door in Climate Zone 5 is 1.90 W/m²K, and the maximum SHGC is 0.35.
This helps to reduce energy consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and save building owners money on heating and cooling costs. In addition, energy-efficient windows and doors can improve the comfort and livability of a building by reducing drafts and minimizing heat loss.
To comply with these requirements, it’s important to select those that are properly rated for the climate zone, building type, and other factors. Installation must also be done properly to ensure that they perform as intended. This may include adding weatherstripping, sealing gaps and cracks, and using appropriate flashing and insulation.
Safety Glazing
Safety glazing is designed to reduce the risk of injury in the event that a window is broken or shattered. The specific requirements for safety glazing are outlined in Part 3: Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility, and Part 9: Fire Protection and Life Safety.
In Part 9, the stipulations for safety glazing are described in Subsection 9.7.2. This subsection outlines the types of locations where safety glazing is required, including:
- Glazing in any door, side panel, or other panels beside a door within 1.5 meters of the floor and 900 mm of the hinge side of the door.
- Glazing in any part of a wall that is less than 900 mm from the floor, and within 300 mm of a walking surface.
- Glazing in any shower and bathtub enclosure or beside any bathtub where the width of the glazing is greater than 150 mm.
- Glazing in any public area where the bottom edge of the glazing is less than 900 mm above the floor or walking surface and the area is subject to human impact.
The stipulations for safety glazing in each of these locations are further described in the code, including the specific types of glazing that are acceptable (tempered glass, laminated glass) and the minimum thickness and size specifications.
When tempered glass or laminated glass breaks, it does not shatter into sharp pieces like regular glass, but instead breaks into small, rounded pieces that are less likely to cause cuts or injuries. Similarly, acrylic plastic is a shatter-resistant material that is often used in windows to reduce the risk of injury.
Accessibility
To comply with safety glazing requirements, it’s important to select windows that are properly rated for the location and purpose. This may include adding additional framing, reinforcing the glass, or using appropriate hardware.
The Ontario Building Code requires that doors and windows meet specific accessibility requirements under Section 3.8, “Barrier-Free Design“.
One of the key accessibility regulations for windows and doors is the width of the opening. The code requires that all doorways have a minimum width of 32 inches, and all passageways, including corridors, have a minimum width of 36 inches. These requirements make it easier for people with mobility aids, such as wheelchairs, to pass through the opening comfortably.
In addition to width, the code also has specific stipulations for the height of door thresholds. The maximum height for a door threshold is ¾ of an inch, which makes it easier for people with mobility aids to move in and out of a building without tripping.
For windows, the code requires that at least one window in each room of a building be operable by a person in a wheelchair. The window opening must be located no more than 1,200 mm above the floor, and the operable portion must have a minimum area of 900 cm².
By requiring these accessibility specifications, the Ontario Building Code ensures that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can use and navigate through a building safely and comfortably. This is particularly important for people with disabilities who may have difficulty using standard doorways and windows.
Fire Safety
The Ontario Building Code requires that doors and windows meet specific fire safety requirements under Section 3.2, “Protection of Occupants”.
The code requires that all windows and doors in a building that are located in fire-separated walls or firewalls have a fire-resistance rating. This rating indicates how long the window or door can resist the spread of fire and smoke, and it is typically expressed in minutes.
For example, a door with a 20-minute fire-resistance rating means that it can resist the spread of fire for at least 20 minutes, giving building occupants time to evacuate or for firefighters to arrive and contain the fire. Additional standards include:
- Self-closing devices must be installed on all fire-rated doors to ensure they close automatically in case of fire.
- Doors in exit stairwells, exit passageways, and other fire-rated enclosures must not be equipped with any latch or lock that requires a key, special knowledge, or effort to operate from the inside.
Windows in exit stairwells, exit passageways, and other fire-rated enclosures must be kept closed at all times unless equipped with a mechanism that automatically closes them in case of fire.
- Windows in bedrooms or below ground level that are used for emergency escape or rescue must meet specific size and accessibility requirements.
Hire Simpson Windows & Doors for Your Window or Door Installation
By adhering to these specifications, builders and homeowners can ensure that their buildings are safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient, while also providing accessibility for all occupants.
At Simpson Windows & Doors, we specialize in high-quality window and door installation that meets and exceeds the stipulations of the Ontario Building Code.
Our team of experienced professionals can help you select the right windows and doors for your project and install them to the highest standards of quality and safety. Contact us today to learn more about our services and to get started on your next window and door installation project.
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