window size for a new addition

[Unregistered-tanziepudding]

I would like to put an additional bedroom at the end of my house. The carpenter says that one of the windows for that room must be big enough for someone a the fire department to get through in case there is a fire. He says at least five foot. I live in the state of maryland. First of all does this sound correct? And second, can anyone suggest a website to go to to check this information out. Thanks.

[homebild]

Your builder is absolutely correct.

Maryland has adopted the International Residential Code as State Code. This Code can be locally modified in Maryland and is represented under Maryland’s Rehabilitation Codes.

You can see all of Maryland’s Building Code requirements here:

http://www.dhcd.state.md.us/nav_codes/index.asp

You can confirm what your builder has stated by also calling your town’s building code enforcement office.

But generally speaking, the International Building Code 2003 states:
———————–
“SECTION 310: EMERGENCY ESCAPE AND RESCUE OPENINGS.

…..every sleeping room shall have at least one openable (sic: to the outside) emergency escape and rescue opening. {homebild notes: that this emergency opening can be a door or a window.}

…..where emergency escape and rescue openings are provided, they shall have a sill height of not more than 44″ above the floor.

…..R301.1.1 MINIMUM OPENING AREA. All emergency escape and rescue openings shall have a minimum net clear opening of 5.7 square feet (0.532 sq meters){homebild notes: This 5.7 square feet only applies when the sill height is at 44 inches above the outside grade} EXCEPTION: Grade floor openings shall have a minimum net clear opening of 5 square feet (0.465 sq meters)”

{homebild notes: if the window sill on the outisde is less than 44″ above or below the grade [ground] level, the emergency escape and rescue opening can be 5.0 sq feet of net clear opening.)

Bottom line is your builder is correct and at you must have at least 1 window or door that conforms to the emergency egress and rescue requirements in any bedroom.

Hope this helps.

[Unregistered-cavy1]

I live in Florida and had to put in the same. They are called egress windows and they must open up to 5 sq/ft. I had to update all the bedroom windows in the existing house with these windows.
I put in horizontal rollers
There is a calculation at any window company that will tell you if they pass code.
Good luck

[Author]

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