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A good code change.

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[#1] Posted: 08/18/2008 - 1:09:19 PM
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Had these casement windows in a 2007 townhouse today.


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Height to sill and opening about 13" and almost a 20' drop to concrete outside. No tempered glass (not required because each was less than 9 sq ft). I could easily see a child running around the room and crashing through the screens and the open windows.

the 2006 IRC has a new segment in R613.2...
Quote: Window sills: In dwelling units, where the opening of an operable window is located more than 72" above the finished grade or surface below, the lowest part of the clear opening shall be a minimum of 24" above the finished floor of the room in which the window is located. etc... (my bold)


Frankly, I was a bit surprised to find that requirement only started in the 2006 version. I also can't find anything about a guard rail required in this situation (????). This is not a big deal for my client as he's a single adult, but I'm tossing in a "Safety Concern" anyway. Don't ask me how you would open the hinged screens to operate the windows with a rail in place. It's not my stupid design!

Other than common sense, is there any "official" requirement for guard rails for low-silled, opening windows?



Richard Moore
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A good code change.
[#2] Posted: 08/21/2008 - 07:24:09 AM
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Definitely an issue to be called out, even if the home is 100 years old.
Matthew Steger
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A good code change.
[#3] Posted: 08/22/2008 - 7:44:35 PM
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Richard,

the state of Georgia deleted that section before it ever hit the bookshelf.

"Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, for only ourselves can free our minds"-Bob Marley
   
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