Replacing basement window with egress window of same width, need header?
#1
06-23-09, 04:21 PM
Replacing basement window with egress window of same width, need header?
I have searched this forum extensively and I didn't come across any questions for this particular situation. All of the other topics seem to discuss creating a new window opening or widening an existing opening.
A bedroom is planned as part of my basement remodeling project. I met with a reviewer at the code enforcement office today and I was told that I need to install a header over the top of the window. They cited and showed me a portion of the code that refers headers when masonry is installed above the window. This does not apply to me.
The existing metal window frame is set in mortar and sits directly below the wood mud sill and the rest of the house above that is wood framing.
Here is a photo of the existing window:
I will be cutting the concrete block wall straight down the sides of the existing opening (33-1/2" wide) to create the opening for the egress window. Seeing as the window will be the same width as the existing window with no header, do I need to install one?
I plan to frame in the rough opening like this:
From this Popular Mechanics how-to
I want to avoid having to dig the window well any deeper than necessary. As it is now, I will have to dig approximately 50". Adding a 2x6 header will have me pushing close to a 5' window well.
Cheers!
A bedroom is planned as part of my basement remodeling project. I met with a reviewer at the code enforcement office today and I was told that I need to install a header over the top of the window. They cited and showed me a portion of the code that refers headers when masonry is installed above the window. This does not apply to me.
The existing metal window frame is set in mortar and sits directly below the wood mud sill and the rest of the house above that is wood framing.
Here is a photo of the existing window:
I will be cutting the concrete block wall straight down the sides of the existing opening (33-1/2" wide) to create the opening for the egress window. Seeing as the window will be the same width as the existing window with no header, do I need to install one?
I plan to frame in the rough opening like this:
From this Popular Mechanics how-to
I want to avoid having to dig the window well any deeper than necessary. As it is now, I will have to dig approximately 50". Adding a 2x6 header will have me pushing close to a 5' window well.
Cheers!
#2
06-23-09, 04:32 PM
Super Moderator
Not a Pro..but I doubt you need a header, but you may need some sort of support, maybe metal angle?
You don't want to fight with the bureaucrats.
You don't want to fight with the bureaucrats.
#3
06-23-09, 04:42 PM
Hi DA, not a pro, but here is a thought. If you could double or triple the rim joist that passes over the window now, then your header would be above the existing window. You may have to cut back the two floor joists shown over the window, say one foot, install the extra header boards, and then sister the floor joists back into place.
Cheers back to you,
Bud
Cheers back to you,
Bud
#4
06-23-09, 06:21 PM
You probably do not need a header. When I was framing we used to put a double ribbon board over the windows in the basement to carry the load. You can check this by measuring from the ribbon to the inside of the sill plate. If the distance is 1-1/2" less over the window you already have a header. If not I would add something.
Bill
Bill
#5
06-23-09, 08:00 PM
Thanks for the replies all.
Bill, I'm not familiar with the term "ribbon board." Is the the same as a rim joist as Bud said? A pieces a 2x dimensional lumber installed vertically above the mud sill?
After hearing some "peer validation" from you all, I will contact the code enforcement folks again, perhaps by email with this photo of the window and a copy of my window detail drawing to show exactly what I want to do. They also want a copy of the window well specifications, so I need to do some shopping and pick a window well, although I'm thinking of building one with treated 4x4 timbers. I guess that's another topic...
Bill, I'm not familiar with the term "ribbon board." Is the the same as a rim joist as Bud said? A pieces a 2x dimensional lumber installed vertically above the mud sill?
After hearing some "peer validation" from you all, I will contact the code enforcement folks again, perhaps by email with this photo of the window and a copy of my window detail drawing to show exactly what I want to do. They also want a copy of the window well specifications, so I need to do some shopping and pick a window well, although I'm thinking of building one with treated 4x4 timbers. I guess that's another topic...
#6
06-23-09, 08:14 PM
Hi DAwol,
Yes ribbon board, band board, rim joist, all the same thing. They want to see the well because it has to have certain things to make it egress rated. I know they sell them made of plastic but I do not know what the specific requirements are.
Bill
Yes ribbon board, band board, rim joist, all the same thing. They want to see the well because it has to have certain things to make it egress rated. I know they sell them made of plastic but I do not know what the specific requirements are.
Bill
#7
06-24-09, 05:34 AM
I'm not familiar with egress requirements, but have seen many window wells that look like fish tanks. As you dig out that space, be sure to account for proper drainage. Water can enter from below as well as above.
Bud
Bud
#8
06-24-09, 02:29 PM
That is a question for your local B.D. Inspector. Let me explain.
The codes, IRC and UBC, require a header over an exterior opening when supporting a roof, ceiling and one center bearing floor. Which you have?
2-2x4 will span 2'7" with a 20' building width and support a roof, ceiling and two center bearing floors. 28' span = 2'3" 36' span= 2'0"
But, when framing with floor joists around an opening (stairs, etc.), a single header and trimmer joists are OK to 4' header span. Over 4' requires double header and trimmer joists. IRC 502.10 UBC 2320.8.4 You may get by just putting hangers on the two floor joists.
So, you may try to reason with the inspector as you will be pulling out the metal window and replacing with another non-bearing one. The header is required to support everything above it, including the roof and the pigeon that lands there.
Some inspectors take into account the sheathing, size of wood, nails and everything. Others do not......... Some let you use the bedroom egress window also as the basement egress, best to ask rather than later more work.
Sill height 44"max. above finished floor- UBC 310.4 No windows closer than 3' to property line, security bars must have approved release hardware, 3' min. clearance in front of window in well, 9sq.ft. min. area, ladder required if >44" below grade, ladder may projeect 6" into required well space, Window- min. 20"wide--24" min. height- 5 square foot minimum if direct grade access, so your window- roughly a finished net opening of 30" wide x 27-1/2" high (min. 5sq.ft.) has to meet the 44" A.F.F. would probably be 40"-50" tall. Be safe, G
The codes, IRC and UBC, require a header over an exterior opening when supporting a roof, ceiling and one center bearing floor. Which you have?
2-2x4 will span 2'7" with a 20' building width and support a roof, ceiling and two center bearing floors. 28' span = 2'3" 36' span= 2'0"
But, when framing with floor joists around an opening (stairs, etc.), a single header and trimmer joists are OK to 4' header span. Over 4' requires double header and trimmer joists. IRC 502.10 UBC 2320.8.4 You may get by just putting hangers on the two floor joists.
So, you may try to reason with the inspector as you will be pulling out the metal window and replacing with another non-bearing one. The header is required to support everything above it, including the roof and the pigeon that lands there.
Some inspectors take into account the sheathing, size of wood, nails and everything. Others do not......... Some let you use the bedroom egress window also as the basement egress, best to ask rather than later more work.
Sill height 44"max. above finished floor- UBC 310.4 No windows closer than 3' to property line, security bars must have approved release hardware, 3' min. clearance in front of window in well, 9sq.ft. min. area, ladder required if >44" below grade, ladder may projeect 6" into required well space, Window- min. 20"wide--24" min. height- 5 square foot minimum if direct grade access, so your window- roughly a finished net opening of 30" wide x 27-1/2" high (min. 5sq.ft.) has to meet the 44" A.F.F. would probably be 40"-50" tall. Be safe, G
