Safety Glass

 

Certain locations require the use of safety or (aka)tempered glass

This is important due to the fact , people want to buy places with a view, and one of the best ways to see that view is by having large windows.

Many of the Homes and Condo's I inspect have huge windows, which if not checked for proper safety could prove to be a danger to those inside.

There is a certain national safety standard Chicago Home Inspectors go by when examining a property, which helps insure protection of people and property.In certain locations and safety glass must meet CPSC guidelines.

Tempered or Safety glass (interchangable) is made by rapidly cooling the outside layers of glass which causes it to harden to around four times the strength of common glass.

To find out if it is safety glass ,look for a small label near one of the lower corners.

It will look something like this.....

 

A simple rule of thumb as to where you should find safety glass is if it is 18 inches or lower to the ground , has at least 9 sq feet in size ,and extends to at least 36” above floor.

Doors are another story and all storm doors along with glass panels in doors must comply.

If a 3 inch diameter sphere can pass through them,then they need to be safety glass.

Bathrooms are another area of concern as shower and tub encloses must of course all be safety glass.

Imagine slipping and going through sharp pieces of glass.

Windows that start 60 inches or less above the plumbing drain must also be safety glass.

This is not a complete guide , but should help determine just how safe you and your family are when it comes to Glass and Protection of People and Propery

 

A Rose is beautiful but has thorns

Glass allows us to see beauty but can be dangerous

During any Home ,Condo , or Building Inspection one of the things a good inspector looks for is how safe the dwelling is in regard to the glass which surrounds us.

Forms of glass have been around since the dawn of time through accidental mixing in nature, however the ancient Romans back around 3,000 - 2,000 BC are the ones credited with actually making the substance intentionally.

Today it is everywhere, allowing us to bring healthy and uplifting light into our lives.

There are certain locations around Home and Workplace which require special glass which can protect us in case of accidental falls.

All of us fear the thought of going through a glass pane and having it cut us, which can result in injury or death.

When buying any property, safety concerns should always be your number one priority.

My next post will explain details of where you need certain types of glass or protection, and when exceptions are allowed, along with the reasons why.

Just a helpful reminder as the Real Estate buying season gets into full swing.
Many of you are taking a close look at buying foreclosures , and I have found a few obstacles that may not be there otherwise.
Foreclosure properties often have the present owners no longer living there as the Bank or mortgage holder has already taken the Home or Condo.
Often these businesses will try and cut expenses by turning of the utilities .
In one recent case I had the water shut off and as with all inspectors I am not allowed to turn it back on.
This has to much liability as the pipes can burst and we would end up paying for it.
I had one bold client turn it on for me to check and I did the inspection , but heres the catch.
The appraiser was out there before me and reported no running water.
This may be hard to believe but his Loan got held up due to the fact the appraisers report said there was no running water.The lender would not give him the loan on a property with no running water.
So please make sure to have your Agent or whom ever is your Representative tell the mortgage holder they need to have utilities turned on , not just for me , but for the purchase to go through in some cases.
Lucky he was able to show them my report later , but had a big holdup.
The last thing you need is some crazy little hitch stopping you from what you wish for.
BOB

Aren't you glad Bob Elliott's final walkthroughs are free




There are certain times I may have a hard time inspecting the entire house and a day like this makes a roof inspection impossible.
If you call someone else find out if they charge on a final walkthrough.
Some Inspectors quote a discount rate to drum up business then do very little with a quick inspection and hard to understand report that looks  generic as a horoscope.
Ask them to come out a second time and they charge you all over again.
I am here to help you any way I can with free final walkthroughs in most cases.You may call and ask for help anytime even if you are not my client.
This is what I do , and what I love.