WINDOWS AND DOORS

WINDOW AND DOOR REPLACEMENT IN EXISTING OPENINGS

A building permit is required to replace a window or door in an existing opening in an exterior building wall unless only the glazing is being replaced and the opening is not in a hazardous location as identified in Section 2406 of the 2016 California Building Code (CBC) or in Section R308.4 of the 2016 California Residential Code (CRC). All other glazing in exterior windows and doors, including instances where only the glazing is being replaced in hazardous locations, must comply with the requirements in the CBC or CRC. Glazing in exterior doors and windows requiring a building permit must be multi pane insulated glass with at least one pane tempered and must have both exposed panes tempered when installed in hazardous locations. Window frames made of vinyl material must have “welded” corners and windows installed in vinyl frames must have metal reinforcing in the interlock area.

If the existing window is a required escape/rescue opening, the sill height and opening dimensions for the replacement window need not comply with the CBC or CRC if the sill height and opening dimensions of the existing window complied with the building code enforced at the time of the original window’s installation and the replacement window has a sill height that is not higher than what was allowed when the original window was installed and the opening dimensions of the replacement window are no smaller than what was allowed when the original window was installed.

Exterior doors including garage doors must comply with Chapter 7A of the CBC or Section 327 of the CRC. They must either be clad with noncombustible or ignition-resistant material or be solid wood that is 1 3/8” thick. Glazing in doors must comply with the requirements for exterior windows.

ADDING WINDOWS AND DOORS TO EXISTING BUILDINGS

A permit is required to add an exterior window or door to an existing building. The requirements noted above for replacements apply to new windows and doors. A new header must be specified on the plans and additional lateral bracing may be required in the plane of the new window or door opening. An analysis and design by a registered engineer may be required.

FOR BOTH REPLACING AND ADDING WINDOWS AND DOORS

Unless waived by the Building Official, a floor plan showing dimensions and use of each room where windows or exterior doors are to be added or replaced must be provided and approved. The plan must show overall dimensions of each window or door and the dimension of the opening when the window or door is in its fully open position. For required escape/rescue windows, the sill height must be called out. Each window or door frame must be properly flashed. Caulking is not normally approved in lieu of flashing and counter flashing. For all window and door replacement and addition, the requirements of the California Energy Commission apply.

505 FOREST AVE LAGUNA BEACH, CA 92651 TEL: (949) 497-0715 FAX: (949) 497-0759