Do I need tempered glass for windows near my front door?

Yes, you likely need tempered glass for windows within 600mm (about 2 feet) of your front door, according to Ontario Building Code requirements for safety glazing.

The Ontario Building Code requires tempered or laminated safety glass in several locations around entry doors to prevent injury from accidental impact. This includes sidelights next to your front door, windows within 600mm of the door opening, and any glazing in the door itself. The rule applies to glass panels larger than 0.5 square meters (about 5.4 square feet) that are located within 1.5 meters of the floor.

Safety glazing is especially important in high-traffic areas like entryways where people might accidentally walk into glass or where the door could swing open and hit adjacent windows. Tempered glass is four times stronger than regular glass and breaks into small, relatively harmless pieces rather than dangerous shards. Many homeowners also choose tempered glass for ground-floor windows throughout their home for added security and peace of mind.

In Ottawa's climate, you'll want to ensure any safety glazing also meets energy efficiency standards. Modern tempered glass can include Low-E coatings and be part of double or triple-pane units to maintain your home's thermal performance while meeting safety requirements. This is particularly important given Ottawa's cold winters and the need to minimize heat loss around entry areas.

Professional installation ensures proper compliance with both safety glazing requirements and energy codes. City of Ottawa requirements may vary for specific situations, so it's best to confirm details with your installer, who can assess your exact door and window configuration.

For a free estimate on safety glazing around your entry door, request a quote from Ottawa Window Pros to ensure your installation meets all current building code requirements.