mjg32 Posted September 7, 2012 Report Share Posted September 7, 2012 My wife and I bought a house about 18 months ago for a relative to live in. The person ended up ill and in a nursing home so after waiting 5 months to see if he would improve finally decided to rent it out. Trying to do the right thing I applied for a rental certificate. The inspector comes out and tells me that a window in each of the main floor bedrooms does not meet egress code. These windows were replaced in 2003 by the previous owner with new double-hung vinyl windows that are 36 inches wide but the clear opening is only 19.5 inches whereas minimum by code is 24. Really irks me to have to replace almost new windows Talked to an attorney who said I could file for a variance which costs $600 and he has never seen anyone win. I'm trying not to be angry about this while I try to figure out if there is some modification short of replacing the windows that can be done to meet code. Any ideas would be much appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc Posted September 7, 2012 Report Share Posted September 7, 2012 Michael, I think you're referring to 'Minimum opening height' R310.1.2 Do correct me if I'm wrong. Marc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjg32 Posted September 7, 2012 Author Report Share Posted September 7, 2012 Hi Marc, Sorry for the lack of clarity. Yes, that is exactly what I am talking about. Regards - Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjg32 Posted September 7, 2012 Author Report Share Posted September 7, 2012 PS -- I did find some casement windows with egress hinges that meet code using the Jeld-Wen calculator at http://www.jeld-wen.com/professional/to ... calculator but I would still rather not replace nearly new windows. Besides being expensive it seems really wasteful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Kogel Posted September 7, 2012 Report Share Posted September 7, 2012 Habitat for Humanity will take your old windows and they will get used. There are window frames which allow the entire window to swing out in an emergency, but you can't change what you've got into something it ain't. [] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjg32 Posted September 7, 2012 Author Report Share Posted September 7, 2012 Hi John, Excellent idea. I was hoping there might be a pocket replacement I could use but it appears that a pocket is not going to work in a vinyl frame like this and a pocket replacement would not leave much for Habitat for Humanity. I've replaced other older windows with pockets but I cannot for the life of me figure out how these newer vinyl windows can work with a pocket replacement. Regards, Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.