Stuck Windows are deathtraps

In this blog, we’re going to go deeper into the world of windows and why we have this. Before we get too deep into this, we’re going to draw a line in the sand - We’re going to differentiate between windows in bedrooms and windows in bathrooms because they serve different purposes.

Bedroom Windows

Video I made about bedroom windows

One of the first and biggest misconceptions is that bedroom windows are made for distributing light and ventilation (fresh air, not air circulation) , and while that may have been solely true at one point, it’s simply not anymore. Here’s why.

The building code actually forces builders to install windows that are large enough for people to fit through.

“International Building Code advises that every bedroom must contain at least one egress window. The window must be at least 5.7 square feet, 20 inches wide by 24 inches high. It’s opening must be no higher than 44 inches from the floor.”

The scenario that code officials are worried about are fires the impede on the primary route of egress. Therefore, they’re creating a secondary path of egress that people can escape from with the help of a fire department. The reason it has these size requirements is because these are the minimum dimensions that people can fit through to escape.

It’s hard for people to imagine their silhouette dimensions being either smaller than 20” or 24”, it’s easier for people to grasp the fact that if a window is greater than 44” off the ground, it’s going to be hard for people to escape out of.

If this is hard to imagine, then imagine this scenario - when was the last time you walked into a bedroom that had nothing but a skylight? Skylights provide light, and some of them can even be opened to provide fresh air.

Now you could make the argument that newer IECC building standards have a focus on natural light, but, life safety is always the code’s first priority .

“But my bedroom doesn’t have window large enough to meet the building standard, therefore the building standard isn’t true”

No. The building standard is still true. I still know what i’m talking about. It’s just that your room isn’t built to the ICC codes and is out of compliance. Sometimes this happens when homeowners perform renovations and cover up windows. Other times this happens when owner’s perform “owner/builder” scenarios where they build on their own land without permits.

Bathroom Windows

Video I made about bathroom windows

Bathroom windows are a different beast. First and foremost, windows aren’t required in bathrooms anymore at all. They can be there for natural light, but they aren’t there as a way for people to escape in the case of a fire. The general thought process is likely to be “if someone’s in the bathroom, they’re likely awake and can escape during a fire”.

Bathroom windows could be there for ventilation. This is only true for bathrooms that don’t have exhaust fans. If a bathroom doesn’t have an exhaust fan, it needs a window that’s 3sf big to air-out some of the excess humidity that created during a shower.

If left unchecked, the humidity can condense on bathroom surfaces and create mold.

Conclusion

Bedroom windows and bathroom windows serve different purposes. Bedroom windows are for a secondary egress path while bathroom windows are there for airing out excess humidity.

Hope you found this useful.

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