• Welcome to The Building Code Forum

    Your premier resource for building code knowledge.

    This forum remains free to the public thanks to the generous support of our Sawhorse Members and Corporate Sponsors. Their contributions help keep this community thriving and accessible.

    Want enhanced access to expert discussions and exclusive features? Learn more about the benefits here.

    Ready to upgrade? Log in and upgrade now.

Casement window protruding into stairway

M

MeasureTwice

REGISTERED
Joined
Apr 22, 2021
Messages
8
Location
Michigan
Our contractor is proposing building an addition with a sliding door leading outside. That door will have a landing and stairs leading down to the ground. Alongside the landing/stairs is an existing casement window that swings outward. Is there a code issue with having a casement window protrude into a landing/stair area?

The existing casement window is the blue rectangle on the right

stairdetail2.jpg


Thanks!
 
How far does the casement protrude when the window is fully open? And what is the width of the landing?
 
Make the stairs wider, add a handrail n front of the window that limits how far it can open. You could open it partially for fresh air, but not enough to interfere with the steps.
 
Thank you for your suggestion but if I can't point to a code issue I'm not sure I can convince the contractor to go to any extra trouble.
 
I'm not sure that the window protrusion is an issue.

That said, that window will definitely need to have safety glazing.
 
1005.2 Minimum Width Based on Component
The minimum width, in inches (mm), of any means of egress components shall be not less than that specified for such component, elsewhere in this code.

Section 202 Definitions
MEANS OF EGRESS. A continuous and unobstructed path of vertical and horizontal egress travel from any occupied portion of a building or structure to
a public way.
 
classicT said:
I'm not sure that the window protrusion is an issue.

That said, that window will definitely need to have safety glazing.
Click to expand...
Yeah that was my first thought. They do make a film that can be applied to existing windows, or maybe a built-in planter box could solve it.

My other thought is why is the landing/stairway so small? Why not make it as wide as the slider?
MeasureTwice said:
Thank you for your suggestion but if I can't point to a code issue I'm not sure I can convince the contractor to go to any extra trouble.
Click to expand...
You shouldn't have to "convince" the contractor, they work for you, not the other way around.
 
Fortunately, all of the glass in the casement window is tempered.

Yes, the contractor works for me but for the price we've agreed upon he only needs to supply a code compliant landing and stairs. I'm not trying to make him do extra work for free I just want what he does to be code compliant. The stairs lead to a patio so all we wanted was a way to get down (safely!).

The slider opening is near the house so the landing/stairs only needs to be in front of the opening (my understanding). Even if the landing/stairs are as wide as the slider (6') there is still an issue with someone tripping on the window if it is open.
 
This is not a means of egress if the door is a slider. A means of egress must have a swinging door. Make sure there is a door elsewhere (usually the front door) that complies as a means of egress.
If the slider opened on the other side and moved the stairway over in front of the opening or made it wider would take the problem away.
 
R311.7 requires stairways to have a minimum width of 36" above handrail height. You should be OK as long as there is 36" width with the window opened. It wouldn't hurt to put a second handrail to guide people away from the opened window.
 
Paul Sweet said:
R311.7 requires stairways to have a minimum width of 36" above handrail height. You should be OK as long as there is 36" width with the window opened. It wouldn't hurt to put a second handrail to guide people away from the opened window.
Click to expand...
I agree with this... I think that the handrail guiding people away from the window is a great idea, but not required by code IMHO.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top