BCAB #1321 - Mirrored Glass Closet Doors, Article 9.6.5.3

August 19, 1993

BCAB #1321  

Re: Mirrored Glass Closet Doors, Article 9.6.5.3

Project Description

This Appeal concerns the use of mirrored glass doors on walk-in closets in dwelling units.

Reason for Appeal

Article 9.6.5.3. permits the use of mirrored glass doors only at the entrance to clothes closets and the doors must conform to CAN/CGSB-82.6, "Doors, Mirrored Glass, Sliding or Folding, Wardrobe." The scope of CAN/CGSB-82.6 is limited to doors for reach-in closets only.

Appellant's Position

The appellant contends that mirrored closet doors conforming to the standard but modified by the addition of a hardboard backing should be permitted for walk-in closets. He refers to Building Standards Branch Interpretation 93-33 which suggests that a standard interior door with a mirror attached might be acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction for walk-in closets. The appellant does not consider occupant safety to be the issue in this case but rather the adequate functioning of the doors. Test results have been provided showing that the doors with the hardboard backing added will meet the requirements of Clause 5.4 of CAN/CGSB-82.6 which requires the doors to go through 50,000 operating cycles with out failure of the hardware or exceeding a set operating force.

Building Official's Position

The building official maintains that Article 9.6.5.3. effectively prohibits the use of mirrored glass doors at the entrance to walk-in closets because the only mirrored doors permitted are those conforming to CAN/CGSB-82.6 which applies only to doors for reach-in closets.

Appeal Board Decision #1321

It is the determination of the Board that the mirrored glass doors referred to in Article 9.6.5.3. are doors constructed of mirrored glass within a frame and these doors must comply with CGSB-82.6. Such doors are restricted to the entrance to clothes closets and CGSB-82.6 limits their use to reach-in closets. Article 9.6.5.3. is not intended to prohibit the use of a regular door, such as a flush wood door, with a mirror attached and such doors could be used at the entrance to walk-in closets.

George R. Humphrey, Chair