Low windows In older home


On this house from1909 all the windows on main floor are under 18 " from the floor.There are no labelsfor safety glass.Would one call this out in the report ?

Depends on what one means by “call it out”.

I would report on any potential safety hazard present.

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From an older thread…

Here are the criteria for safety glazing.

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Thank you,thats what I thought,write up all windows on the frist floor as safety hazard.Might cost alittle to fix :slight_smile: Leonard Clemens C.P.I.

There are treatments that can be added in front of the double hung window. Metal guardrail barrier up to the height of 18" inches. Window Safety Barrier Kit.
A film can be applied to the lower part of the double hung windows.
In case of egress openings. Window should not open more then 4" inches.
Place a couch in front of the widow opening. Furniture.

Thank You For the info

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I write that stuff up when I see it (safety recommendation) and wonder if anything is ever done. It’s most concerning when the buyers have or plan to have children. Agents dismiss a lot of this stuff faster than you can write!

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The two windows in the picture do not appear to meet the requirement for safety glass. The individual window in each sash does not appear to be greater than 9 square feet. The 9sf requirement is per individual pane of glass not the overall window. Without measuring, I cannot tell for sure. The 18 inches off of the floor is only an issue when the glass size is greater than 9sf. The illustration above from David Wigger states the safety glass requirements at the bottom. All four must be meet in order to require safety glass. Measure the glass size and if it is less than the 9sf, then its a no issue and move on. You might want to put it in your report as an improvement but not required.

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A 100+ year old Century home!
If anything goes in the report, it would be an ‘Upgrade’ informational narrative, as the current configuration is grandfathered.
NOTHING will ever be done about it. Potential Buyers will ‘walk’ before spending their money then destroying the home!

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As @ewisham said, the windows in your picture do not appear to meet the requirements for safety glass, based on their size (but you can measure to confirm). If there is a 2nd story and it has these same low sill heights, then you have something there to call out.

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I note it in my reports also.

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Thank You for the input.