How Low to Floor can Windows be?

Fisher252

I bought some windows off craigslist for my sunroom, but now I am thinking they may be too tall. Once installed, they will be about 7" from the floor. Is this ok, or is there a minimum distance from floor that windows must be?

kwikfishron

It’s ok as long as their tempered glass.

If they are there will be a small etched stamp in one of the corners saying so.

If their not they need to be over 18" off the floor.

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rossfingal

Yes - what "kwikfishron" says -
However; we've run into situations, where we had to add railing on
the inside to get it passed!?!
(Those "pesky" inspectors!)
(Tempered, for sure!)

rossfingal

Windows on Wash

Tempered glass is probably a worthwhile investment but may not be required by code if the lower sash is not 9 sq/ft.

See link and downloadable pdf: http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...2nXffyks6teoPQ

Another link: http://www.southbaywindows.com/tempered_glass_inst.html


These are code minimums. If you think that anyone may ever break the glass, they can get seriously hurt and you will wish that you had spent the extra few bucks.

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Fisher252

The lower sash is smaller than 9 sq ft. But, I have another question, how are stairs defined? The sunroom is about 6" lower than the floor of the house, so you have to step up to get into the house. Would this be considered a stairway and require tempered glass anyway?

Windows on Wash

Yes.

Anywhere there is a tripping hazard or a step would probably be considered a stair.

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Marqed97

Yes. I just replaced a window on my stair landing. The sill is 38" off the floor and 48" from the last step but it was required to be tempered glass (glad i asked the local inspector about it). It ran about an extra $75 I believe.