Window Height

dmacy · July 8, 2009, 12:00am

Home built in 2002. 2 windows in the 1st floor office room where only about 8-12 inches from floor. All the others were at the normal height of a window.
It just seemed strange to be so low.

Are the any codes that state the minimum height of the bottom of a window from the floor. Would this be an issue??

The pictures show the low windows and the normal windows.

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140909 012 (Small).jpg

dvalley · July 8, 2009, 12:02am

David,

I see low windows in new construction quite a bit.

I simply recommend safety rails for child safety.

mboyett · July 8, 2009, 12:14am

2006 IRC says:

R613.2Window sills. In dwelling units, where the opening of an operable window is located more than 72 inches (1829 mm) above the finished grade or surface below, the lowest part of the clear opening of the window shall be a minimum of 24 inches (610 mm) above the finished floor of the room in which the window is located. Glazing between the floor and 24 inches (610 mm) shall be fixed or have openings through which a 4-inch-diameter (102 mm) sphere cannot pass.

Exceptions:

Windows whose openings will not allow a 4-inch-diameter (102 mm) sphere to pass through the opening when the opening is in its largest opened position.

Openings that are provided with window guards that comply with ASTM F 2006 or F 2090.

Commentary: This section is not applicable to fixed or stationary windows. If any part of the clear opening area of an operable window is located more than 72 inches (1829 mm) above the finished grade, this section requires that the lowest part of the clear opening be at least 24 inches (610 mm) above the floor surface of the room in which it is located. Windows may be located less than 24 inches (610 mm)above the interior floor surface only if they meet any one of the following criteria: 1) are fixed, 2) are located 72 inches (1829 mm) or less above grade, 3) have openings which will not allow passage of a 4 inch (102 mm) diameter sphere, or 4) are equipped with guards in accordance with ASTM F 2006 or F 2090. ASTM F 2090 addresses window fall prevention devices specifically associated with emergency escape and rescue openings, while ASTM F 2006 addresses devices at non-emergency escape and rescue openings.

dmacy · July 8, 2009, 12:41am

Thanks guys.