Do I need fall protection for my porch? It's a common question, and for good reason. If your porch is higher than 30 inches off the ground, building code requires some form of fall protection.
When it comes to safety, functionality, and style, you have options with Sunspace Porch Windows. Check them out in the video below!
Fall Protection Options for Porch Windows
The need for railings or guardrails is one of the most common questions we get from people who are either building a new porch or retrofitting from an existing screen porch.
When Do You Need Fall Protection?
Any porch that's more than 30 inches off the ground is required to provide fall protection by building code. Basically, this requirement is in place to keep somebody from falling out.
With our vertical four-track porch windows, they open from the bottom up or top down, exposing only a screen, and that just isn't enough to meet the code requirement. Luckily, we have several options that meet building code requirements if you're in need of fall protection.
Fall Protection Options
Traditional Railings
If you choose to go with traditional railings for your Sunspace Porch Windows, you’ll find that the railing style is reminiscent of a picket fence or baluster. These railings integrate with our window and screen system and provide ample air flow throughout your porch.
Take a look at more of our windows with a traditional railing system >>
Tempered Glass
Tempered glass panels are installed on the bottom 36 inches of your windows in place of a traditional railing. The glass panel doesn't open, so you do lose a little bit of airflow when using this method, but you also don't have the look of the individual pickets. Additionally, glass railings provide enhanced visibility and style.
Check out more of our stunning windows with glass railings >>
Knee Wall
The third option you have is to do a solid wall or "knee wall." Some people will incorporate siding, cedar, or some kind of design element into this wall. This option is popular for those who want to have electrical outlets on their porch and run them around the perimeter of the room.
This option gives more of a closed in feel, as when you sit down on your furniture and the wall is 36 inches high, it's most likely that you'll be eye-level with the wall.
Creating the Perfect (and Safe) 3-Season Porch
Sunspace Twin Cities offers stunning fall protection options that look amazing, provide great functionality, and keep you and your family safe.
Ready to get started? Contact us to set up an appointment, request a quote, or learn more about how to design your dream porch with our FREE eBook!
