Permits for Window Replacements

[ICE]

Our Existing Building Code found in the CRC has quirks that seemingly make no sense.

AJ102.4.3 Emergency escape and rescue openings.
Where windows are required to provide emergency escape and rescue openings, replacement windows shall be exempt from the maximum sill height requirements of Section R310.2.2 and the requirements of Sections R310.2.1 and R310.2.3 provided that the replacement window meets the following conditions:
1. The replacement window is the manufacturer’s largest standard size window that will fit within the existing frame or existing rough opening. The replacement window shall be permitted to be of the same operating style as the existing window or a style that provides for an equal or greater window opening area than the existing window.
2. The replacement window is not part of a change of occupancy.
3. Window opening control devices complying with ASTM F2090 shall be permitted for use on windows required to provide emergency escape and rescue openings.


If a retro-fit, block type, window is installed, an arguement can be made that fall protection is not required.

AJ102.4.4 Window control devices.
Where window fall prevention devices complying with ASTM F2090 are not provided, window opening control devices complying with ASTM F2090 shall be installed where an existing window is replaced and where all of the following apply to the replacement window:
1. The window is operable.
2. The window replacement includes replacement of the sash and the frame.
3. The top of the sill of the window opening is at a height less than 24 inches (610 mm) above the finished floor.
4. The window will permit openings that will allow passage of a 4-inch-diameter (102 mm) sphere where the window is in its largest opened position.
5. The vertical distance from the top of the sill of the window opening to the finished grade or other surface below, on the exterior of the building, is greater than 72 inches (1829 mm).
The window opening control device, after operation to release the control device allowing the window to fully open, shall not reduce the minimum net clear opening area of the window unit.

 

[tmurray]

It honestly is not that hard once we worked the kinks out. The supplier's quote sheet has the information on it, so we get it as part of the permit application. Even if most are not showing it now, it's usually just an option they need to turn on.

We had a local company that caries an international manufacturer of windows who did not have the functionality in their software, so the supplier had to submit the test results with every package. The manufacturer kept putting them off as to when the information was to be added to the quoting software, so the local company dropped the line.

 

[jar546]

So where are all of you verifying the wind pressure ratings of windows? Let's forget about replacement windows, and just talk about new construction. Rather than getting hung up on the U-Factor, the wind pressure rating is more important since it has to do with the membrane of the structure.