BCAB #1396 - Mirrored Closet Doors, Article 9.6.5.3.

May 17, 1995

BCAB #1396

Re: Mirrored Closet Doors, Article 9.6.5.3.

Project Description

This appeal concerns bifold and sliding mirrored closet doors at the entrance to walk-in closets in dwelling units.

Reason for Appeal

Article 9.6.5.3. permits mirrored glass doors only at the entrance to clothes closets and requires such doors to conform to CAN/CGSB-82.6, "Doors, Mirrored Glass, Sliding or Folding Wardrobe." Appendix A points out that the standard limits these doors to use on reach-in closets only.

Appellant's Position

The appellant contends that the doors in question meet the requirements of the Code for use at walk-in closets and are specifically designed and manufactured for that use. The doors consist of a steel frame into which is inserted a glass mirror backed with an adhesive sheet of fibre reinforced vinyl. A single sheet of 1/8" tempered hardboard is glued to the back of the glass after the frame/glass assembly is completed. The hardboard is attached using a hot melt glue for a fast set and a construction adhesive laid in a 6" grid for a lasting bond. The vinyl backing prevents pieces of glass from falling out if the mirror is broken and the hardboard backing prevents penetration of the glass.

Building Official's Position

The building official maintains that the doors in question are mirrored glass doors which the Code permits only at reach-in closets because the standard they are required to conform to does not intend them to be used at other than reach-in closets. The building official's interpretation of appeal decisions #1321 and #1360 are that mirrored glass doors are not permitted at walk-in closets, only wood or metal doors to which mirrored glass is attached. The building officials considers a new standard, revision to the standard or a revision to the Code is needed before these doors can be accepted.

Appeal Board Decision #1396

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. The Board considered the doors in question to be mirrored glass doors to which a wood backing is attached and their suitability for use at walk-in closets would need to be considered by the authority having jurisdiction under Section 2.5, Equivalents.

George R. Humphrey, Chair