Window sill height on second floor by code?

Question

Hi, I am renovating a unit in the city of Pittsburgh and I need to know how low the window sills can be on the upper level.

I am foregoing putting a balcony to save costs, but still would like a lot of the wall to be windows.

Do I need to put one of those Juliet balconies if I want a window that is lower to the floor on an upper level?

Thanks,

-Frinee

Jim K. · Answer

Account Closed

No clue, Frinee. Are you really sure you want to get into that level of remodeling?

Account Closed · Answer

@Theresa Harris yes, I’ve tried the online route.

Being I am so new at this, it reads difficult. Like legalese, I think, since I am so unfamiliar with the jargon.

Thank you though, for your input. I look forward to the day I am so versed that I can picture what the codes say with ease.

Account Closed · Answer

@Jim K. no I’m not sure. But i am sure I don’t want to order windows and having placed the order have the city tell me I can’t use them.

@Theresa Harris thanks. Yes, I will ask the city directly. I find myself looking for ways to not contact them because interacting with them has been such a chore in the past.

I’ll contact them before i place the order.

Thank you all for your attention

Account Closed · Answer

@Ryan Normand, upper level is second floor.

Thank you for the IRC referral.  I'll check it.

Frinée

Account Closed · Answer

Thank you @Chris Seveney, for responding.

Is your son's room window cloudy, or clear?

What does the 24" refer to?  Is that the height the window is from the floor?

This window can only open 4 inches in total?

I appreciate any clarifications.

Theresa Harris · Answer

You could also try finding the building codes online.

Theresa Harris · Answer

your best bet is to call the city and ask them.

Ryan Normand · Answer

Define "upper level". Is this the second floor or 5th? Go check out the IRC glazing and egress requirements. There are a lot of rules regarding windows - too many to summarize here. Most likely the city code will be based on IRC.

Chris Seveney · Answer

@Frinee Warren

Window is clear - cannot notice difference

24” is from finish floor to sill.

Send me a pm I can send you a picture

The window has a latch within it that stops it from opening more than 4”. We can override that if we want as well if we wanted to open it more, but honestly you rarely ever need to open a window more than 4”

Chris Seveney · Answer

@Frinee Warren

Typically if the sill is below a specific height you need to use tempered glass and limit the window to opening to no more than 4”

I believe it’s 24” but could be wrong on that

We have a window in our son’s room that is too low so it has tempered glass and limiter device