Window replacement question

[Weirdfish]

We're getting quotes for replacing most of our windows, we've had 4 different people so far and only one has mentioned safety regs concerning a couple of bedroom windows, basically they are not big enough as they are, so would have to be a different configuration, which we are not keen on.
The window opening is 970mmx970mm, with one fixed section, and one opening section measuring 400mm wide x 830 high, they said that this wasn't within regs now and we would have to have both sides as openers, a bit like a mini French door.
As far as I can find out the area of the opening window has to be at least 0.33sq mtrs, and at least 450mm in either height or width, have I got this right? if so, then by my basic maths we should be ok.

[Maysie]

Cut and paste below from the Planning Portal site:

Means of escape
When replacing any window, the opening should be sized to provide at least the same potential for escape as the window it replaces. If the original window that is being replaced was larger than necessary for the purpose of escape, then the new window opening could be reduced down to the minimum as specified in the criteria below.
The means of escape should be considered for any new window installed to an extension or existing dwelling. If an escape window is required then criteria set out below should be followed. It is also generally good practice to replace any window on the first floor that is not used as an escape window with an escape window.
See below for the general criteria for egress windows:

• Width and Height - Either of these are not to be any less than 450mm
• Clear Openable Area - No less than 0.33m²
• Cill height - The bottom of the openable area should be no more than 1100mm above the floor area.

Only one window per room is generally required.

[Weirdfish]

Cut and paste below from the Planning Portal site:

Means of escape
When replacing any window, the opening should be sized to provide at least the same potential for escape as the window it replaces. If the original window that is being replaced was larger than necessary for the purpose of escape, then the new window opening could be reduced down to the minimum as specified in the criteria below.
The means of escape should be considered for any new window installed to an extension or existing dwelling. If an escape window is required then criteria set out below should be followed. It is also generally good practice to replace any window on the first floor that is not used as an escape window with an escape window.
See below for the general criteria for egress windows:

• Width and Height - Either of these are not to be any less than 450mm
• Clear Openable Area - No less than 0.33m²
• Cill height - The bottom of the openable area should be no more than 1100mm above the floor area.

Only one window per room is generally required.

I did look at that myself, but when it says, "Either of these are not to be less than 450mm" does that mean one or the other, or both have to be no less than 450mm.

[Maysie]

I did look at that myself, but when it says, "Either of these are not to be less than 450mm" does that mean one or the other, or both have to be no less than 450mm.

If one of the dimensions is 450mm (min), the other must be 733mm to meet the min opening area size of 0.33m2, so has to be greater than 450mm by definition.

Does that now makes sense ?

[Weirdfish]

The actual opener we have currently is 400x830 which gives the minimum 0.33sq mtrs or is it because the 400mm measurement doesn't meet current regs.

[Maysie]

The actual opener we have currently is 400x830 which gives the minimum 0.33sq mtrs or is it because the 400mm measurement doesn't meet current regs.

400mm is less than 450mm therefore does not comply.

[Saint-Just]

The actual opener we have currently is 400x830 which gives the minimum 0.33sq mtrs or is it because the 400mm measurement doesn't meet current regs.

400mm is deemed unsafe as a means of evacuation. It may be frustrating to you now but as wolfie said those regs are there for a reason.

[Ivan Drago]

If you’re not looking on moving just get them replaced and don’t get a fends certificate


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