AboutBill Rodgers Expertise I have years of experience dealing with water infiltration issues associated with windows and doors. I have been a certified EIFS installer and am familiar with all types of stucco and masonry veneers.
I can help you select the best windows and doors for any residence or multifamily building.
Experience I've been a building contractor since 1977. Prior to that time I was the building official for Frederick County Virginia. I'm currently licensed in six states including: Oregon, Arizona, California, Hawaii, New Jersey and Florida. My primary business is solving and correcting water infiltration problems in residential structures.
Education/Credentials Bachelor of Science from the University of Maryland, 1972. I am an accredited instructor for the Installation Masters Institute. I regularly teach window and door installers how to be Certified Master Installers of windows and doors. The Installation Masters Institute is currently licensed to and administered by Architectural Testing Inc. for the American Architectural Manufacturer's Association.
Question Dear Expert,
I am planning a Master Bathroom remodeling, possibly involving replacing a window. It is on the second floor above the bath tub. Currently it does not open, having a solid glass pane. I thought of replacing it with a normal single or double hung window that would open and provide natural ventilation. Why do they build a lot of bathroom windows like that? Is there a code prohibiting open windows? Are there different local codes? Should I contact my local architect or an engineer?
Thank you for the help.
Answer Hi Alex,
According to the International Building Code 2008 version any window above a tub or shower that has any portion of the exposed glass within 60' of the drain must be safety glazed ( usually tempered ). In an effort to avoid the safety glazing requirement many builders will be sure to elevate their windows above this 60 " requirement, which often causes the latching mechanism to be too high for the shortest of us to reach. In the case where the window is set just a few inches above a bathtub there's no way to avoid the tempering requirement. In these cases I would offer two reasons for choosing fixed glass windows: 1) Fixed glass windows are less expensive. 2) Fixed glass windows offer a better, unobstructed view.
Regarding your question about local codes. Yes, It's possible for there to be different local codes but most all municipalities today, subscribe to one of the model codes. There's a great convergence of building codes occurring, nationwide. Once the process is completed, my life will be simpler.
"Should I contact my local architect or an engineer?"
