(Windows - TotalConstructionHelp)

Windows

A Window not only provides light but allows viewing of the outdoors. It also provides ventilation, and/or provide for emergency escape as required by the Code. Windows come in a vast array of types and sizes.

Windows types are are available as either fixed or operable. Operable windows are provided for ventilation and their frames may rotate, slide either up, down or from side to side.

The most common window is the Single and Double-hung Windows. These windows can achieve a maximum of 50% ventilation when fully opened.

The Casement windows can be mounted as a single unit or several in series, thus providing the maximum in ventilation.

The Horizontal sliding windows are similar to the Single or Double Hung window, in that it will permit only 50% maximum opening to allow ventilation. These windows may also be installed in series (multiple units), along an opening.

The Awning window can provide to some degree, the rain from coming into the building and nearly 100% ventilation.

The Hopper window is basically an upside down Awning window. It provides similar ventilation as the of the Awning window. It does not protect well the building from rain. This type of window was often used in the past over interior doors (pre-air-conditioning).

Glass block is just that, a translucent glass block. The Glass block is a block of glass which is hollow. The 2 exposed surfaces are usually comprised of the same texture or finish. In years past, they were often used on the outside of buildings. Currently, you will most often find that they are used for accenting interior spaces, and often used in walkin showers without doors, in very imaginative configurations, although, they are still used on exterior surfaces.
The Glass Block may come fully transparent, smoked, glazed, etc..

Typical Glass Blocks may be obtained in 6, 8, and 12-inch squares in thicknesses of 4, 6 inches. Other sizes may be available, you will need to verify with your Supplier.

The Jalousie windows is not a very desirable window. They do not seal well. Vinyl seals have been manufactured to prevent air flow through these windows. In many States the Jalousie window is no longer permitted to be installed in air-conditioned spaces. Be sure to verify if your Building Code will permit the use of Jalousie Windows. In some areas, the Jalousie Windows are not permitted.

The Tilt-turn windows are attractive and can be cleaned easily due to the pivoting of the glass pane.

If the proper sizes are selected they provide good emergency exits, provided they comply to the Code requirements.

Round-top windows:
These windows are usually fixed glass. The are normally installed above regular (standard) windows.

Rectangular-top windows:
These windows are usually fixed glass. The are normally installed above regular (standard) windows.

Triangular-top windows:
These windows are usually fixed glass. The are normally installed above regular (standard) windows.

Bow windows:
These windows are usually comprised of 3 or more flat panel is such a way as to provide a curve projection out from the wall.
The illustration is made up of 5 panels.

The window can be made of a combination of fixed and/or operable windows.

Bay windows:
These windows are usually comprised of 3 or more flat panel is such a way as to provide a bay projection out from the wall.
The illustration is made up of 3 panels.

The window can be made of a combination of fixed and/or operable windows.

Seamless bent-glass corner windows:
These windows are butt joined, comprised of sheets of fixed glass. The material used at the butt joint is usually clear silicone or similar pliable joint compound. The material needs to be both flexible and durable.

These types of windows provide the largest clear opening. They may be install in a linear configuration, or as bay windows or bow windows, or in an 'L' shape, as shown in the illustration.

If you plan to replace Windows in a home, or commercial building the Owner needs to have each window measured. It is very unlikely that you will find a window that will fit your window opening exactly. The question always comes up; "Is the a standard window?". Each window manufacturer's windows may be slightly different in size, plus, over that years, window manufacturers may vary the "so called standard window size", due to the changes in window frames and Code changes. Therefore, double check the existing opening size before ordering your windows.

It is important to remember that when replacing Windows, you can get windows that can match your existing openings.

Architectural Windows
Double-Hung Windows
Single-Hung Windows
Awning Windows
Sliding Windows
Casement Windows
Bay Windows
Bow Windows
Picture Windows
Circle-top Windows
Garden Windows
Hopper Windows

You may consider European Type windows, such as, Balcony Windows, Potted Windows, Windows with Operable Exterior Locking Louvers, etc. There are many more types of windows. We have confined descriptions of windows that are typically used in the USA.

Window Size per Code ...

Window EMERGENCY ESCAPE AND RESCUE

General.

In addition to the means of egress required by this chapter, provisions shall be made for emergency escape and rescue in Group R as applicable in Section 101.2 and Group I-1 occupancies. Basements and sleeping rooms below the fourth story above grade plane shall have at least one exterior emergency escape and rescue opening in accordance with this section. Where basements contain one or more sleeping rooms, emergency egress and rescue openings shall be required in each sleeping room, but shall not be required in adjoining areas of the basement. Such opening shall open directly into a public street, public alley, yard or court. The emergency escape and rescue opening shall be permitted to open into a screen enclosure, open to the atmosphere, where a screen door is provided leading away from the residence. Such opening shall be operational from the inside without the use of special knowledge, keys or tools.

In other than Group R-3 occupancies as applicable in Section 101.2, buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.
In other than Group R-3 occupancies as applicable in Section 101.2, sleeping rooms provided with a door to a fire-resistance-rated corridor having access to two remote exits in opposite directions.
The emergency escape and rescue opening is permitted to open onto a balcony within an atrium in accordance with the requirements of Section 404, provided the balcony provides access to an exit and the dwelling unit or sleeping unit has a means of egress that is not open to the atrium.
Basements with a ceiling height of less than 80 inches (2032 mm) shall not be required to have emergency escape and rescue windows.
High-rise buildings in accordance with Section 403.
Emergency escape and rescue openings are not required from basements or sleeping rooms which have an exit door or exit access door that opens directly into a public street, public alley, yard, egress court or to an exterior exit balcony that opens to a public street, public alley, yard or egress court.
Basements without habitable spaces and having no more than 200 square feet (18.6 square meters) in floor area shall not be required to have emergency escape windows.
Security and hurricane devices installed in accordance with Section 1008.1.3.6.

Minimum size.

Emergency escape and rescue openings shall have a minimum net clear opening of 5.7 square feet (0.53 m2).
Exception: The minimum net clear opening for emergency escape and rescue grade-floor openings shall be 5 square feet (0.46 m2).

Minimum dimensions.

The minimum net clear opening height dimension shall be 24 inches (610 mm). The minimum net clear opening width dimension shall be 20 inches (508 mm). The net clear opening dimensions shall be the result of normal operation of the opening.

Maximum height from floor.

Emergency escape and rescue openings shall have the bottom of the clear opening not greater than 44 inches (1118 mm) measured from the floor. 1025.4 Operational constraints.
Emergency escape and rescue openings shall be operational from the inside of the room without the use of keys or tools. Bars, grilles, grates or similar devices are permitted to be placed over emergency escape and rescue openings provided the minimum net clear opening size complies with Section 1025.2 and such devices shall be releasable or removable from the inside without the use of a key, tool or force greater than that which is required for normal operation of the escape and rescue opening. See Section 1008.1.3.6 for provisions related to hurricane protection devices. Where such bars, grilles, grates or similar devices are installed in existing buildings, smoke alarms shall be installed in accordance with Section 907.2.10 regardless of the valuation of the alteration.

Every room or space greater than 250 square feet (23.2 m2) in educational occupancies used for classroom or other educational purposes or normally subject to student occupancy and every room or space normally subject to client occupancy, other than bathrooms, in Group D occupancies shall have not less than one outside window for emergency rescue that complies with the following:

Such windows shall be openable from the inside without the use of tools and shall provide a clear opening of not less than 20 inches (508 mm) in width, 24 inches (610 mm) in height, and 5.7 square feet (0.53 m2) in area.
The bottom of the opening shall be not more than 44 inches (1118 mm) above the floor, and any latching device shall be capable of being operated from not more than 54 inches (1372 mm) above the finished floor.

Window wells.

An emergency escape and rescue opening with a finished sill height below the adjacent ground level shall be provided with a window well in accordance with Sections 1025.5.1 and 1025.5.2.

Minimum size.

The minimum horizontal area of the window well shall be 9 square feet (0.84 m2), with a minimum dimension of 36 inches (914 mm). The area of the window well shall allow the emergency escape and rescue opening to be fully opened.

Ladders or steps.

Window wells with a vertical depth of more than 44 inches (1118 mm) shall be equipped with an approved permanently affixed ladder or steps. Ladders or rungs shall have an inside width of at least 12 inches (305 mm), shall project at least 3 inches (76 mm) from the wall and shall be spaced not more than 18 inches (457 mm) on center (o.c.) vertically for the full height of the window well. The ladder or steps shall not encroach into the required dimensions of the window well by more than 6 inches (152 mm). The ladder or steps shall not be obstructed by the emergency escape and rescue opening. Ladders or steps required by this section are exempt from the stairway requirements of Section 1009.

The one thing that inspectors never fail to check is the required emergency-egress window from a sleeping room. At least one window in each bedroom must be of sufficient size to permit the occupants to escape a fire and also to allow a fully outfitted firefighter to enter.

An egress window must satisfy all four Internatioinal Residential Code (IRC) criteria:

Minimum width of opening: 20 in.
Minimum height of opening: 24 in.
Minimum net clear opening: 5.7 sq. ft. (5.0 sq. ft. for ground floor).
Maximum sill height above floor: 44 in.
Note: These dimensions are net openings.

Frames choices include:

Wood
Aluminum
Composite
Steel
Vinyl
Fiberglass
Cellular PVC
Glass choices include
1. Clear
2. Reflective
3. Low-E
4. Heat absorbing

Single-hung windows are a popular window style that can be found in many homes regardless of age. Single-hung window sizes are often standard among window manufacturers which can make it easy to slide a replacement window into an existing single hung opening and many single-hung windows can also fit double-hung window openings of similar sizes.

If you have an unusual sized opening, many window manufacturers offer single-hung windows in custom sizes.