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Window Sizes, Notes, Etc.

Window sizes vary throughout our plans and different notes are associated with different window sizes, types, etc. Below is a brief overview of some examples that are commonly seen on our plans and how to read / interpret them.

Window Sizing Rules / Examples:

  • Each window in plan will be associated with a specific size. For instance, the image below illustrates a 3050 SH Egress window with a header height of 7 feet. The window's width is always listed first, followed by its height. In this example, the first two digits, "30," indicate that the window's width is 3'-0", while the last two digits, "50," signify that the height is 5'-0". Therefore, the window tag denotes a 3' x 5' window. **Please advise, this is not the rough opening size for the window. The rough opening sizes for the windows on each project are available in Kova under the attachments for your respective job.**

After the window size, the type of window will be listed with the header height that it should be at.

  • Building on the previous example, the window is labeled as a "SH Egress" window. This designation indicates that it is a Single Hung Window, which is operable and serves as the designated egress window for the bedroom. According to the residential building code, at least one egress window is required in each bedroom to provide a safe means of escape in the event of an emergency, such as a fire. This requirement ensures that occupants have a safe exit option if needed.

Egress window requirements are as follows according to IRC (International Residential Code).

This means that the opening provided by the window must have a minimum width of 1'-8" and a minimum height of 2'-0" to comply with egress requirements. For example, in the image of the 3050 egress window below, the operable portion of the window measures 3'-0" in width and 2'-6" in height, thereby meeting and exceeding the necessary egress specifications.

Following the window type, the required header height for the window is specified.

This indicates that the top of the window should be positioned 7'-0" above the floor deck or ground level for that floor. Each window in plan has a specific header height associated with it. Since window header heights do vary, please refer to the window tags on the plan to ensure the correct height is used.