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Building codes for windows.

Keeping your home on the right side of the law.

As always, before undertaking any home improvement of major remodeling project, check to see if you require a permit. The best place to start is your local building department. Some replacement window projects will not require a permit but many will, but consulting the building code official at your local department will probably reward you with a lot of useful information.

Local rules

Be aware that local codes for your windows will override national rules and that a general knowledge of national regulations does not guarantee that you can carry out your project as you wish. Always consult locally.

National regulations

At the time of writing the broad rules for windows are as follows. (The information given here aims to help. It is not definitive, it is subject to change, and your project is not my responsibility. Did I mention that you should consult your local building department first?)

For any room that is or aims to be habitable there are some minimum requirements. The window should be at least 24 inches high and 20 inches wide, and the maximum distance between the floor and the window opening should be no less than 44 inches. What's this rule for? This is a requirement for safety in the event of a fire. The window is sufficiently large for someone to escape through. Also glazing must be no less than 1/10 of the floor area and the area of windows that can be opened, i.e. ventilation, must be no less than 1/20 of the floor area.

There are regulations that oblige the use of safety glass in certain circumstances. Safety glass may be tempered glass, laminated glass with a plastic interlayer not less than 7/32 inch and some approved types of plastic. The regulations stipulate that safety glass must be used in all bath and shower enclosures, windows within 24 inches of a door, sidelights with in 12 inches of a door or any glass additions within 18 inches of a door. Additionally, safety glass must be used in any framed, frameless or sliding glass door.

In certain cases tempered glass is the only acceptable material. Where a window is within 36 inches of a walkway, the window area is greater than 9 sq ft., the top edge of the glazing is more than 36 inches above the floor (or ground) AND the lower edge is less than 18 inches from the floor, tempered glass is mandatory. Note that all conditions must apply.

Finally, you cannot put a window in a wall that is less than three feet from the property line of your home.

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