Can we make our 1960s internal glass doors meet building regs?

2 years ago

last modified: 2 years ago

We recently bought at 1960s bungalow and are having a fair bit of work done (loft conversion, knocking the kitchen & dining room into one, creating a family bathroom from the shower room & separate toilet etc.) this means that the work will be inspected by building control. The bungalow still has an original textured glass inner-porch door and kitchen door. I love them and would really, really like to keep them but the builder says they won't meet the safety glass requirements. I don't think we can use a safety film because of the texture... Has anyone on here had a similar issue? Any suggestions gratefully received!

Featured Answer

Victoria

2 years ago

Only the new work needs to meet building regs. If you aren’t changing them, my understanding is that they can stay.

I am prepared to be corrected on that.

However, if you have little people, you may wish to reconsider on safety grounds.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (15)

User
2 years ago
I had original 60s reeded glass doors in my porch and living room. Both been replaced now though.
Related Discussions
Comprimising on Open Pla
Q
Comments (22)
I would go with what the architect suggested. That was my immediate thought and also means that you will get light into your living area all day since the kitchen would be at the front and the living room at the back. It will be a nicer space to live in. If you really can't face bedrooms at the front though could you do something like this? It clearly isn't to scale!! You probably sacrifice a bit of space in that smallest bedroom but gain much more liveable floor space at the front of the house. It also gives your husband the open pan area he likes. It does sacrifice a separate entrance way though. I'd also shift the bathroom wall out and steal some space from the utility room so that you have a larger bathroom.
...See More
Win a design consultation at The permanent tsb Ideal Home Show!
Q
Comments (74)
Hello Houzz Ireland, We are currently renovating a 1960's build - so as you know, there is a lot of decisions to be made!! So it would be nice to get some gems of advice from the experts to help us through this daunting task. Areas where we would really like some inspiration for - small bathroom downstairs. I would really like to do something fun with this room and although small, I think it could work really well with some funky wallpaper or possibly tiles?! I'm just not sure what to do with it. Also - pulling a whole house together?! Where do we start? We have the bigger pieces of furniture but how do I know what nest of tables goes best with a suite? Or what accessories will bring a room together? I'm due a second baby in 2 weeks time so any help at this stage would be so amazing - to guide me on the right interior design path for our new house. Thanks, Laurie
...See More
Win an iPad - Vote for your favourite Irish photo!
Q
Comments (145)
I love the cabin in the woods, its a intimate setting where you are drawn to the outside whilst keeping snug indoors. The use of fabrics sets it apart from the usual cold designs of other modern rooms. The attention detail in the selection of furniture pieces keeps it modern yet functional.
...See More
Houzz Live Chat - Designing a Dream Kitchen, 1 pm, 15 July 2016
Q
Comments (80)
A15) @Dara Cooke: If you can't afford a quartz or granite worktop from day one then I would recommend using a laminate worktop as a temporary solution. If you don't put tiles up as a backsplash then replacing the worktops can be relatively easy in a couple of years.
...See More
Angie
2 years ago
Often the texture is on one side of the glass so you may be able to apply film to the other side. Angie
Jonathan
2 years ago
I agree with Victoria- I don’t think the buildings regs people are looking to upgrade the original building just make sure the changes you are making are compliant. (Unless the kitchen is in this space and doesn’t have its own door that offers 30 minutes fire resistance).
Liz Marler
Original Author
2 years ago
Thanks everyone, that's really helpful. One of the glass doors is currently the kitchen door so would not offer 30 minutes fire resistance, however we if we made that that the lounge door instead and replaced it with a suitable door hopefully that will be OK. I think we'll get the safety film and apply it to the smooth side of the glass as we have four and six year old daughters...
Jeanne Durbin
2 years ago
We have recently bought a 1960s bungalow. Had loads of work done but it has a conservatory attached to living room. We wanted to open it up but building control said we had to keep and up grade the glass doors separating both. This we did and now have sliding glass doors. The living room is also an odd shape. I am at my wits end on how to arrange furniture in living room which also has a fire place off centre. Help! Why did we buy this place!!
Tim Baker
2 years ago
I don't believe you are obliged to to have a fire door to your kitchen or indeed to have a door. The main place you need one is to an integral garage. Different rules apply to HMOs and properties on more than 2 floors.
maxibird145
2 years ago
Yes when we did our total renovation the only place we had to have a fire door was on the new integral garage, we actually put it in a recess then added another doorway with a door that matched all the rest. they didnt mention doors anywhere else at all
R Bolton
2 years ago
I’d replace the glass in them for safety reasons. my 11 year old daughter put her foot through our old glass door in our kitchen totally by accident. luckily she was wearing ugg type boots or she might have been badly hurt.
gold895
2 years ago
I would definitely replace with safety / toughened glass.
Mark R
2 years ago
Take the door off abd replace with a suitable door but store the old door until the children are older, then put it back
Sarah Hunter
2 years ago
I had similar concerns when we moved into our 1930s house. I put a protective film on a textured glass pretty successfully.
Rebecca Geddes
2 years ago
We had 1960s glass in double sliding doors that we replaced with safety glass when grandchildren came arrived. Shortly after, a friend's wee boy fell downstairs and went through a non safety glass door to a vestibule and cut an artery. You can imagine the panic. Fortunately he was blue lighted quickly to hospital and was ok. We were relieved for them all and glad we had done what we could to prevent an accident like this in our house. I would replace the glass if I were you.
HU-850553524
6 months ago
Hi, do you know the name of the pattern of the glass in the second photo? We have it in our house and we are trying to replace a cracked panel. Thanks, Craig
tim_baker921
6 months ago
Pilkington are the main/only uk manufacturer of textured flat glass. You'll probably get your best match from their catalogue.

Can we make our 1960s internal glass doors meet building regs?

Victoria

Comments (15)

User

Related Discussions

Angie

Jonathan

Liz Marler
Original Author

Jeanne Durbin

Tim Baker

maxibird145

R Bolton

gold895

Mark R

Sarah Hunter

Rebecca Geddes

HU-850553524

tim_baker921

COMPANY

EXPLORE HOUZZ

CONNECT WITH US

Can we make our 1960s internal glass doors meet building regs?

Comments (15)

Related Discussions

Liz MarlerOriginal Author

COMPANY

EXPLORE HOUZZ

CONNECT WITH US

Liz Marler
Original Author