Portal Design Inc Hi Tracy,
No, an engineers stamp was not required on this particular component, but it is not uncommon for it to be required. We had a structural engineer on retainer anyways as it was a major renovation.

Good luck with your project!
Charlene

samfayth Anyone know installers in Toronto area?

Portal Design Inc Thanks for asking about this design - we only know installers of glass railings in the Northwest. However, if you google search for glass railing fabricators, or glazing contractors in the Chicago area I am certain you will find a local qualified installer.

suzifray What is the installation system used for the glass? We are in Ontario and are looking for a glass balcony railing for our boathouse....does this have an engineer's stamp because there is no top rail?

Portal Design Inc Hello suzifray thanks for the question. This application is great for a boathouse!!! The need for the top rail varies by jurisdiction, some require it, some do not. A quick check with the local building department will determine if you even need a top rail. If the top rail is required by your local code or bylaws an engineers stamp may not do you any good. First confirm the capless railing is allowed, and then find out if they require an engineers stamp.

This installation was proprietary to the glazing company that installed it - we showed them what we wanted, and they engineered and guaranteed the method of installation. You should be able to do the same with a local glazing company that installs glass railings in your area.

If you are installing the railing on your own, there are prefabricated options such as this one from CR Laurence that allow you to purchase the components.

http://www.crlaurence.com/crlapps/showline/default.aspx?GroupID=37369&History=39327:37369

Good luck!

Charlene
Portal Design Inc.

logoguy Thanks for the quick response. The gap is the last thing we have to decide before proceeding, and we're struggling between too wide and too tight. Big commitment. I think we'll do an inch; we have our fingers crossed.

Portal Design Inc An inch should do just fine, and the glass installer may have their own recommendations based on their system. Good luck with your project.

ledroit thanks for your reply! I will consider it for our remodeling project for sure.

W. David Seidel, AIA - Architect I see two benefits for this type guardrail: it is very invisible and will have minimal visual impact on the whole house elevation, by having a gap between deck and glass, rainwater can drain off without a problem. Since there is no top rail keeping panels straight, the craftsmanship has to be perfect.