Recommended
• The wall area above a tub or shower pan should be covered in a waterproof material extending at least 3 inches (76 mm) above the showerhead rough-in.
Code requirement
• The wall area above a tub or shower pan must be covered in a waterproof material to a height of not less than 72 inches (1829 mm) above the finished floor.
• (IRC R307.2)
access Standard
Recommended
• Bathroom Guideline recommendation meets Access Standard.
bathroom planning guideline 14 Grab Bars
Recommended:
• Plan grab bars to facilitate access to and maneuvering within the tub and shower areas.
• Tub and shower walls should be prepared (reinforced) at time of construction to allow for installation of grab bars to support a static load of 250 pounds (113 kg).
• Grab bars should be placed at 33 inches to 36 inches (838 mm to 914 mm) above the floor.
• Grab bars must be 1% inches to 2 inches (32 mm to 60 mm) in diameter and extend 1/ inches (38 mm) from the wall.
Access Standard
Recommended
• Walls throughout the bathroom should be prepared (reinforced) at time of construction to allow for installation of grab bars to support a minimum of 250 pounds (113 kg) of force in any direction.
• Grab bars should be placed according to the needs and height of the user, particularly near the tub/shower and the toilet.
ICC A117.1-2009 Reference
Grab bars should be installed at the tub, shower, and toilet according to the following:
• Bathtubs with permanent seats: Two horizontal grab bars should be provided on the back wall, one 33 inches to 36 inches (838 mm to 914 mm) above the floor and the other 8 inches to 10 inches (203 mm to 254 mm) above the rim of the bathtub. Each grab bar should be no more than 15 inches (381 mm) from the head end wall or 12 inches (305 mm) from the control end wall. A grab bar 24 inches (610 mm) long should be provided on the control end wall at the front edge of the bathtub. A vertical grab bar minimum 18 inches (457 mm) shall be placed 3 inches to 6 inches (76 mm to 152 mm) above and 4 inches (102 mm) maximum from the front edge of the horizontal bar.
• (607.4.1)
• Bathtubs without permanent seats: Two horizontal grab bars should be provided on the back wall, one 33 inches to 36 inches (838 mm to 914 mm) above the floor and the other 8 inches to 10 inches (203 mm to 254 mm) above the rim of the bathtub. Each grab bar should be at least 24 inches (610 mm) long and no more than 24 inches (610 mm) from the head end wall or 12 inches (305 mm) from the control end wall. A horizontal grab bar 24 inches (610 mm) long should be provided on the foot end wall at the front edge of the bathtub. On the control wall, a vertical grab bar minimum 18 inches (457 mm) shall be placed 3 inches to 6 inches (76 mm to 1 52 mm) above and 4 inches (102 mm) maximum from the front edge of the horizontal. • (607.4.2)
• Transfer-type showers: Grab bars should be mounted in a horizontal position, between 33 inches and 36 inches (838 mm and 914 mm) above the shower floor, across the control wall, and on the back wall to a point 18 inches (457 mm) from the seat wall. A vertical grab bar minimum 18 inches (457 mm) shall be placed 3 inches to 6 inches (76 mm to 152 mm) above the horizontal bar and 4 inches (102 mm) maximum from the front edge of the shower.
• (608.3)
• Roll-in type shower: Grab bars should be mounted in a horizontal position, between 33 inches and 36 inches (838 mm and 914 mm) above the floor, on all three walls of the shower. An exception is that there be no grab bar on the length of wall behind and for the length of the seat. Grab bars should be no more than 6 inches (152 mm) from each adjacent wall.
• (608.3.2)
• Toilet: Grab bars should be provided on the rear wall and on the side wall closest to the toilet 33 inches to 36 inches (838 mm to 914 mm) high. Side wall grab bars should be at least 42 inches (1067 mm) long, located between 12 inches (305 mm) and 54 inches (1372 mm) from the rear wall. In addition, a vertical grab bar, 18 inches (457 mm) minimum length, shall be mounted with the bottom of the bar 39 inches to 41 inches (991 mm to 1041 mm) AFF and centerlined between 39 inches and 41 inches (991 mm and 1041 mm) from the rear wall. The rear grab bar should be at least 24 inches (610 mm) long, centered on the toilet. Where space permits, the bar should be at least 36 inches (914 mm) long, with the additional length provided on the transfer side of the toilet.
• (604.5)
BATHROOM PLANNING GUIDELINE 15 Glazing
Recommended
• See Code Requirement
Code requirement
• Glass used in tub or shower enclosures (e. g., tub or shower door) or partitions must be tempered or an approved equal and must be permanently marked as such.
• (IRC R308.1)
• If the tub or shower surround has glass windows or walls, the glazing must be tempered glass or approved equal when the bottom edge of glazing is less than 60 inches (1524 mm) above any standing or walking surface.
• (IRC R308.4)
• Any glazing (e. g., windows or doors) whose bottom edge is less than 18 inches (457 mm) above the floor must be tempered glass or approved equal.
• (IRC R308.4)
access Standard
Recommended:
• Consider line of sight of user when planning height of bottom of glazing.
