window egress for bedrooms

[Jeffrey S. Campbell]

I've seen some different numbers when in comes to egress size for bedroom windows... but does this include removing a sash? or both?... i have a newly constructed home with a bottom openning size of 38" wide by 14.5 high... of course double that if you count removing the sashes...

anyone have different take on this?

there is a casement window in same room that is taller but only about 18" wide...

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by jcampbell

I've seen some different numbers when in comes to egress size for bedroom windows... but does this include removing a sash? or both?... i have a newly constructed home with a bottom openning size of 38" wide by 14.5 high... of course double that if you count removing the sashes...

anyone have different take on this?

there is a casement window in same room that is taller but only about 18" wide...

20" min. wide 24" min high wilth total of no less that 5 sq. ft. clear space for ground floor. 5.7 sq ft. for others.

[Jeffrey S. Campbell]

do you interpret that as without removing the sashes? ex. double hung windows?

[rgrizzle]

yes that is clear opening, not tools or tools to operate. no removal

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by jcampbell

do you interpret that as without removing the sashes? ex. double hung windows?

Yes,

When you say remove the sashes, do you mean they come completely out?
The ones I have seen are attached to counterweight or some type of hardware.

They are for emergency escape.
Who's going to know to remove the sash in an emergency?

[Jeffrey S. Campbell]

yes these are simple anderson windows... the sashes pop right out... for cleaning...

that was my interpretation as well... someone may not know how to removed... but i wanted to be clear before i wrote it up... i showed my clients how they operate none the less...

[Jeffrey S. Campbell]

by the way that photo is not stretched.. .that is how they look...

[Michael Larson]

I right them up as questionable egress window not meeting current accepted building practices and to check with local fire and safety officials for current requirements.

[David P. Valley]

Jeff,

That window size appears to be fine.

"Click to Enlarge"

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by dvalley

Jeff,

That window size appears to be fine.

"Click to Enlarge"
Attachment 19871

David where is that from?

It 20" min height in my area and 5 sq ft. Neither of which his window meets.

[David P. Valley]

Someone do the math, I gotta go....

38" wide by 14.5 high

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by dvalley

Someone do the math, I gotta go....

38" wide by 14.5 high

I already did.
3.826 sq. ft. for Mr. Campbell's window and several of your's are less that 5 sq. ft. too.

[Christopher Currins]

Originally Posted by mlarson

20" min. wide 24" min high wilth total of no less that 5 sq. ft. clear space for ground floor. 5.7 sq ft. for others.

Also should have a total window area equaling at least 8 percent of floor area in the room.

[Marcel R. Cyr]

Hi. Jeff;

Here is my take,

Section R310

The net clear opening dimensions required by this section shall be obtained by the normal operation of the evergency escape and rescue opening from the inside.

R3010.1
Minimum opening Areas. All evergency escape and rescue openings shall have a minimum net clear opening of 5.7 square feet.

exception; Grade floor openings shall have a minimum net clear opening of 5 square feet.

R310.1.2 Minimum opening height. 24"

R310.1.3 Minimum opening width. 20"

And those are clear openings.

Window size of 38" x 14 & 1/2" = 3.83 sq. ft. in clear area.

So by the letter of the IRC it does not meet that code.

I believe these same requirements are listed under the NFPA 101.
I would check and see if the local jurisdiction enforces this or have their own requirements.

Marcel

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by ccurrins

Also should have a total window area equaling at least 8 percent of floor area in the room.

Very true.

I inspect in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The requirements I gave are for Minnesota.

Wisconsin is a bit different in that in only requires the 20" and 24" minimums irrespective of height and width for bedroom egress and does not requires 5 sq. ft. minimum clear space. The 8% natural light requirment is also required.
A typical 12 x 12 room would need 11.52 sq. ft. of window area. So if there is only a single window it would still likely meet the 5 sq.ft. clear area.