Let’s Go Window Shopping!

It’s time to test your window and door knowledge

We’re not talking about looking at department store displays here. We mean shopping for actual windows. And doors.

Before we do, though, let’s be sure we understand what we need to know first. Let’s assume you’re working with residential construction in Phoenix. There are local building codes that govern that, so let’s test your knowledge:

1. Do non-operable windows or windows that open less than 4 inches need to meet the IRC and IBC requirement that the lowest window openings be greater than 72” from the exterior finished grade or surface below?

2. How tall does the wall, fence or barrier around a swimming pool or other contained body of water need to be? Do you measure from the interior side or exterior of the enclosure?

3. Bedroom windows have a different standard than windows in kitchens. Yes or no?

4. What is the purpose of safety glazing?

5. You’re building a home that has an attached garage that lets into a mudroom. Can you use a hollow wooden door there?

Think you aced it? Scroll down for the answers:

1. No, since they cannot be used for emergency escape and rescue.

2. At least 5 feet, and you must measure from the exterior of the barrier.

3. Yes. Bedroom windows need to allow for emergency escape and have a specific code for that.

4. Preventing serious injury where a person could fall into the glass.

5. No. Code requires that a door connecting a garage or carport to a residence must be a solid wood door or a honeycomb-core steel one of at least 1-3/8” thickness.

How did you do?

If you didn’t get them all correct, it’s OK. We aren’t judging. We know it can be complicated. There are plenty of other codes governing residential construction and remodeling. And to make matters more complicated, these codes may vary from area to area.

Dealing with the complexities of window and door installation and replacement is our business at Anderson Professional Building Services. Our mission is to support you every step of the way, from selecting the right windows and doors for your residential construction project to ensuring they’re installed correctly and efficiently.

While you can always go to a regular building product supplier and pick out what you want, you need a level of experience and expertise that will help you avoid making a mistake that will cost time, money and permitting issues. Here at APBS, windows and doors are what we do every day, all day.

We can help you select exactly the right product, have it delivered to your jobsite, install it and support you with after-sales service. You won’t have to worry about the process — we’ve got this.

Remember — we’re here for you. You have plenty of other things to worry about. Come on out to our showroom, do some window shopping, then let us do the rest.