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RJT:
A window is designed to keep rain out on its own but if you want the added protection of a screen/storm and still maintain egress, you should be able to get screens (and sometimes storms) to match the window design, ie, casements w/ interior side pull-out screens.
Fire officials do not often enough concern themselves w/ storms blocking and egress windows since most storms can be kicked-out but, that is kicked-out by an adult – the reasoning doesn’t address children having to flee a fire. By strict interpretation of the code, nothing should obstruct the exiting.
You stated in your post that you have egress windows, what type of window are they, casement, dbl. hungs, or something else? That might help others address your desire for an attractive method of protecting the window.
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RJT:
A window is designed to keep rain out on its own but if you want the added protection of a screen/storm and still maintain egress, you should be able to get screens (and sometimes storms) to match the window design, ie, casements w/ interior side pull-out screens.
Fire officials do not often enough concern themselves w/ storms blocking and egress windows since most storms can be kicked-out but, that is kicked-out by an adult - the reasoning doesn't address children having to flee a fire. By strict interpretation of the code, nothing should obstruct the exiting.
You stated in your post that you have egress windows, what type of window are they, casement, dbl. hungs, or something else? That might help others address your desire for an attractive method of protecting the window.
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Also, is there a window well of some type involved here, depth?
*This is a common problem when you have egress windows. I've put in quite a few egress windows, and that is always a question that comes up. Technically you are not supposed to cover them. I ask the inspectors where is the greatest liability-in case of fire or when the neighbor kid falls in it and breaks his neck!! They don't have an answer. If you put a cover on it, it has to be able to support weight in case someone steps on it, but still light enough that it can be easily pushed off in an emergency. I had one customer locate a cover that would let light in and was rated to support weight. I think he found it at Menards. It seems like it cost a little over $200. I've seen polished aluminum grids made to order, but that wouldn't keep the weather out.Rmodeler
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RJT - have you considered some type of small roof structure above the well? Kind of an awning looking thing? - jb
*Jim: that is what I am considering, a small roof. What I am picturing is a framework, perhaps out of iron rod, that would hold up a plexiglass "roof". I don't know if it is legal, or if it would be a hindrance. I've solved the kid-drop problem by surrounding the house with rocks. That way they'll trip on the rocks and cut open their head instead of falling headfirst down the 4' deep shaft and cutting open their head. I asked the building inspector what to do and he said giving out building advice wasn't his job.
*I didn't think of plexiglass. That would be better yet. It would let way more light in than the shingled thing I envisioned. Are you thinkin', like, 1/2 way up the wall? - jb
*RJT, et al. These situations are ones a building official often faces. I don't see how the building official avoids dealing with the danger to a small child of an open window well. But the answer is in the code Section 1010.4 of the 1996 BOCA code. First note that the code doesn't say you have to have a window for emergency escape. What it says is that if a window is provided for emergency escape it must meet certain requirements:. A door leading to a balcony, for example is acceptable. If the stairs in the beasemtn are in opposite directions they arae acceptable.The answer to the open window well seesm to be in the 2nd paragraph: " Bars, grills or screens placed over emergency escape windows shall bne releasable or removable from the inside without the use of akey, tool or force greater thsan thaty which is required for normal operation of the window."The window well could be covered with some sort of grating, and as long as it is easily releasable or removeable it would be acceptable. In order to remove the grating one obviously must be in the window well. By the bye. Would you want to be in the building officials shoes when it comes to making a decision such as this? After all, he is not immune to prosecution. GeneL.
*Bilco (www.Bilco.com) makes a product called Scapewel. It's a terraced well exit system and might be what you are looking for.
*Gene: thanks for the info, I'm still looking for the photo.
*here's a pic of the egress window that needs a "roof"
*Here's a close up of a proble with the wood attached to the foundation via cement nails/screws being forced in towards the opening, eventually blocking the opening. Solutions please?
*RJT, man, can you show us the same picture from further back, so we can see the whole house? - jb
*...I opened the other one, no sweat. This one I can't seem to. That's about par though for me and these pictures, I can see about 1/2 of them. - jb
*a little farther back.
*RJT man, great place. I love those old houses that have been added on to as needs changed. OK, so now I see your challenge. One thing is the windows above the egress windows, right? What direction does that wall face? Looks like some reflection off that one window, so I'm guessin' not North. How about a kind of shed roof, supported by three "knees" goin' back against the house at 45 degrees . One on each end, one between windows (I'm suggesting this roof be above the windows that are above egress windows). - jb
*Jim: it won't work to have it above the 1st floor windows, ideally the top should be somewhat at the same height as the egress window.
*Won't that make it a bit tight to get out, in case of emergency that low? Or maybe you're thinkin' of a small gable over each one? - jb ps "woodies", that's a good one!
*legs: too tight, that's the problem. How about some sort of wrought iron framework with plex top?
*...yeh, ok, are you thinkin' gable or shed style?
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Um, maybe something like this?
*Oops. Maybe this?
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Lisa: excellent idea! I saved the drawing and am going to work on it. Thank you! I'll buy you a beer next time at the Tav!
*Nice job, Lisa! I thought about a window box, but I just couldn't take that next step with it.Nice drawing, too.Rich Beckman
*Hey RJT, could you try to post that drawing of Lisa's? I couldn't open it, drat! - jb
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Glad you all liked it. Nice to know those student loans weren't a waste after all...
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I'm still trying jim.
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The home I grew up in as a kid had transome windows and window wells. I think that if I were to keep the rodents from falling into them I'd use frosted sky lights. They would be safe and light.
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We have two egress windows in our basement and after figuring out how to keep small animals from falling in and getting trapped, I'm now wondering how I can cover them with something that keeps the rain and snow out, and yet still leaves them accessible... and attractive.
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Hey! A good samaratin sent me the drawings. Excellent! I really like that. Stayed with the flavor of the house and functions how you need it to. Great job, Lisa. - jb