The Inspector's Journal Forums
Username:
Password:
Save Password


Join TIJ Forums
Lost Password?
Subscribe to TIJ's Newsletter

All Forums > Technical Forums > Foundation Systems Forum >

basement window egress question

Previous Topic: Whats this stuff - Topic - Next Topic: House Remodel from 1899 New TopicReply to TopicShare Topic
Posted By  
Eagle River, Ak
Posts: 3
Joined: Mar, 2011
Currently offline offline
  
Thread Start First Page
[#1] Posted: 07/02/2012 - 12:52:46 PM
Reply with Quote
client wants to update older home windows and thus need to meet egress requirements. One of the windows is in a basement bedroom with brick foundation wall.

They can meet all egress requirements without changing the header or widening the rough opening but to get the bottom of the window opening to maximum code height would need to reduce the sill plate height at the window location to .5 inch. that gets the opening just below 44 inches from the floor and avoids cutting any bricks.

Anyone see any issues with this?

View Profile
Lafayette, Louisiana
Posts: 3857
Joined: Nov, 2009
Currently offline offline
  
basement window egress question
[#2] Posted: 07/02/2012 - 1:21:43 PM
Reply with Quote
I doubt the AHJ would make a fuss over 1/2 " but then if it's a brick foundation wall, how difficult would it be to remove only one course of brick?

Marc

"If Guam gets too overpopulated, it might tip over."
Congressman Hank Johnson (D) GA
Eagle River, Ak
Posts: 3
Joined: Mar, 2011
Currently offline offline
  
basement window egress question
[#3] Posted: 07/02/2012 - 1:30:47 PM
Reply with Quote
Quote: Originally posted by Marc

I doubt the AHJ would make a fuss over 1/2 " but then if it's a brick foundation wall, how difficult would it be to remove only one course of brick?

Marc


Thanks Marc, not too difficult for the brick but then it gets too close to grade outside and they would have to start moving and possibly retaining dirt too. The sill reduction gets them to code in all ways at the least cost

Matt

View Profile
Wyckoff, NJ
Posts: 433
Joined: Dec, 2010
Currently offline offline
  
basement window egress question
[#4] Posted: 07/02/2012 - 1:35:53 PM
Reply with Quote
What about a step installed under the window?
We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them
Albert Einstein
View Profile
Severna Park, Maryland
Posts: 3458
Joined: May, 2007
Currently offline offline
  
basement window egress question
[#5] Posted: 07/02/2012 - 2:20:37 PM
Reply with Quote
How about some thick carpet padding?
John Dirks Jr - Arundel Home Inspection LLC - MD license: 29827
Maryland Home Inspectors - Maryland Home Inspection - Maryland Radon Testing - Baltimore County Rental Inspection
Eagle River, Ak
Posts: 3
Joined: Mar, 2011
Currently offline offline
  
basement window egress question
[#6] Posted: 07/02/2012 - 3:30:19 PM
Reply with Quote
Quote: Originally posted by John Dirks Jr

How about some thick carpet padding?


roger that, another room downstairs has indoor outdoor with no pad and the scenario described would only work if we did as you suggest. luckily that room doesnt need egress.


Considered a step but its already a pretty small bedroom.


View Profile
Gaston, Oregon
Posts: 8090
Joined: Dec, 2003
Currently offline offline
  
basement window egress question
[#7] Posted: 07/02/2012 - 8:56:37 PM
Reply with Quote
I wouldn't do any of that nonsense just to get an extra 1/2". It's a trivial difference.
Jim Katen, Oregon
www.amipdx.com
Orange, california
Posts: 1
Joined: Dec, 2012
Currently offline offline
  
basement window egress question
[#8] Posted: 01/09/2013 - 7:26:58 PM
Reply with Quote
I guess it s not too difficult for the brick but then it gets too close to grade outside and would have to start moving and possibly retaining dirt too.

Ervin Burch
View Profile
Kenmore, WA
Posts: 15394
Joined: Dec, 2003
Currently offline offline
  
basement window egress question
[#9] Posted: 01/09/2013 - 7:45:47 PM
Reply with Quote
Nice try Ervin, your link is gone and now you are locked. New Jersey basement waterproofing company located in California? Yeeeaaaahhhh Riiiiiiiiiight.

Try to have a little class why dontcha.

ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!!

Mike

   
Previous Topic: Whats this stuff - Topic - Next Topic: House Remodel from 1899 New TopicReply to TopicShare Topic
Jump To:
The Inspector's Journal Forums © 2002-2013 all topics or replies that are posted on The Inspector's Journal
are copyrighted material of the original author that posted the topic or reply.
Go To Top Of Page 
 
Pick an RSS Feed

The views expressed on this website are the views of the authors and
do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the sponsors.
© 2002-2013 Copyright DevWave Software Inc.
Find a Home Inspector

Powered By: Snitz Forums 2000