Natural Light and Ventilation, Safety Glazing for Concrete Basements

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Basic Definitions

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Sample Code Requirements

Show all new and existing window locations and indicate the overall glass size and ventilation area for each. For proposed bedrooms indicate the sill height, clear opening width, and clear opening height for the required emergency escape window. Glass area in habitable rooms shall not be less than 8% of floor area served. One-half of this area must be available for unobstructed ventilation with screens included. Artificial lights and/or mechanical ventilation (see ventilation section) may be used as an alternative if the existing windows are of inadequate size. Remaining unfinished rooms/areas shall have windows with unobstructed ventilation area equal to 1% of the floor area served or artificial ventilation in the amount of .05 CFM/s.f. of area. All bedrooms must have one window for emergency escape meeting the following minimums:

  • Maximum opening height - 44" Minimum clear opening width 20"Minimum clear opening height - 24" Minimum clear opening area 5.0 s.f.

  • The emergency escape window shall be operable from the inside without the use of special knowledge, tool, or extra force, beyond that required for normal window operation.

Glazing in doors intended for human passage, patio doors, windows within 24" of a door, and shower and bathtub enclosure walls, panels or doors, shall be fully tempered, laminated safety, approved wired glass or approved shatter-resistant plastic.

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