AskCodeMan

Hey Jerry
As far as I can tell the FBC defines glass block as masonry.
Why is it required to be protected from windborne debris down here in Palm Beach and Broward counties.... and if you know where "It is written" I would live to know. Thanks.

David

David,

Unless I keep missing something, I have not found any exception to the requirement for protection of glazed opening for glass block (glass unit masonry) wall areas.

I've searched for exemptions in technical amendments in the various counties and have not found any.

While 'glass unit masonry' is addressed in section 2110 within Chapter 21 Masonry, 'glass unit masonry' is still "glass" as in "glass and glazing" and thus the opening is still a "glazed opening" and would fall within:
- FBC-B 1609.1.2 Protection of openings.
- FBC-R R301.2.1.2 Protection of openings.

As such, glass block windows are still "glazed openings" and require protection in wind-borne debris areas.