Guidelines for Rough Opening Position
geoman
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
Hello all!
I removed an old double hung window from a master bathroom and will be installing a new Marvin Ultimate Clad Casemaster. The new window is a 2W1H “pair” of casements. My intention was to have the bottom of this new window, rough opening requirements are 33″ wide and 23 5/8″ high, at a higher level than the original bottom of the rough opening, giving us a little privacy while allowing in plenty of light and the ability to look out into the world. With nothing more than intuition, I went ahead and framed out the new casement window rough opening. The bottom of the opening is 57 1/2 ” from subfloor and will be approximately 56 1/2″ from finished floor, the top of the rough opening is 81 1/8″ from subfloor and will be approximately 80 1/8″ from finished floor. The top of the original RO was 83 1/4 from subfloor. The new window’s overall frame size is 2′ 8″ wide and 1′ 11″ high. When inspecting my work, my wife thought the opening was too high. Understanding the need to maintain uniformity with the “line” defining the top of the windows for the entire home, I tried to minimize any differential. So, with the rough opening as constructed that line will be disrupted by a drop of about two inches. Should I lower the opening? Are there established standards for such a thing? I don’t want the bathroom remodel to look werid because of the window placement. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Geoman
Replies
Well, I hate to rain on your project, but I'd say yes it does matter, but, since you put a casement in a house of double hungs, the style of window will probably stand out more than the drop in the header height.
I say go ahead and lower it, the "line" does not matter that much, unless there is a long row of windows on that side. Keep the wife happy and you will be happier!!
I'm anal and not married so violating the line would bother me and therefore I'd follow it. In your case I'd suggest you discuss with your wife what she'd be giving up by moving the window. Then, with her and you both having all the knowledge needed to make the decision, make it together.
You could get a taller window and satisfy both conditions.
Don't forget for privacy you could apply privacy film to the bottom portion of the window.
i'd have gotten the next size taller window or so, keeping fire egress in mind.
but violating the "line" at top is not important. I work on lots of very stylish homes that have several window heights that look fine. one of the reasons for that "rule" is that it makes theings easier for the modern framer to make and install headers
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The fire rule here is that the bottom of the finished open window can be no more than 42" above the floor, and the opening a minimum of 24" high. But that applies only to bedrooms. You can have high windows, small windows, or even none in a bathroom.
-- J.S.
Here in LA the opening must be no less than 5.7 sq ft with a minimum clear opening width of 20 inches and a minimum clear opening height of 24 inches. NOTE: A 24 x20 window does NOT satisfy the 5.7 sq ft minimum requirement. Adjust your measurements accordingly. Also, no more than 4 off the finished floor. There are some rules for outside the window as well.Additionally, these measurements only apply to the window required for secondary egress. If there are two doors, it can be any size or if another window exists that meets the egress requirements, then this window doesn't have to.Regardless, the headers of all mid wall windows and doors conventionally line up.
I was thinking in practical terms. It is always to provide more than the min the code requires
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